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Höhenburg Stauseen Kaprun: Alpine Reservoirs of Power and Beauty

Discover alpine beauty and engineering marvels at Kaprun's high mountain reservoirs, offering stunning views, hiking, and a glimpse into sustainable energy.

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Nestled high in the Austrian Alps, the Höhenburg Stauseen Kaprun (Kaprun High Mountain Reservoirs) are a stunning testament to engineering and natural beauty. The Mooserboden and Wasserfallboden reservoirs offer breathtaking views, hiking trails, and a glimpse into Austria's sustainable energy efforts, making it a unique destination for nature and technology enthusiasts alike.

A brief summary to Höhenburg Stauseen Kaprun

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy hiking shoes if you plan to explore the trails around the reservoir.
  • Check the weather forecast before your visit, as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.
  • Consider purchasing the Zell am See-Kaprun Summer Card for free access to the reservoirs and other attractions.
  • Take a guided tour of the dam wall to learn about the history and technology behind the hydroelectric power plant.
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy by the reservoir, or stop at one of the mountain restaurants for traditional Austrian cuisine.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Zell am See or Kaprun, take Bus 660 to the Kaprun Kesselfall/Alpenhaus stop. This is the main ticket office for the reservoirs. From there, access to the Mooserboden Reservoir is via a combination of transfer buses and the Lärchwand inclined lift. The transfer buses run continuously, depending on visitor numbers. The Lärchwand inclined lift, Europe's largest open inclined lift, takes you up a steep ascent. Cost: Bus 660 from Zell am See to Kaprun Kesselfall/Alpenhaus is approximately €3.60 per person each way. A round-trip ticket for the transfer buses and Lärchwand inclined lift to the Mooserboden Reservoir costs €38.00 for adults and €21.00 for children (ages 6-15). A family ticket (2 adults and max. 3 children) is available for €97.00.

  • Car

    From Kaprun, drive southeast on Kitzbüheler Straße (B168). Turn left onto Mooserbodenstraße and continue for approximately 7 km to the Kesselfall Alpenhaus. This is where you'll find the ticket office and parking garage. From there, access to the Mooserboden Reservoir is via a combination of transfer buses and the Lärchwand inclined lift. Cost: There is a free ten-story parking garage at the Kesselfall Alpenhaus. A round-trip ticket for the transfer buses and Lärchwand inclined lift to the Mooserboden Reservoir costs €38.00 for adults and €21.00 for children (ages 6-15). A family ticket (2 adults and max. 3 children) is available for €97.00.

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Discover more about Höhenburg Stauseen Kaprun

The Höhenburg Stauseen Kaprun, also known as the Kaprun High Mountain Reservoirs, are two impressive reservoirs, the Wasserfallboden and Mooserboden, located high in the Hohe Tauern National Park. Situated at an altitude of approximately 2,040 meters (6,690 feet), these reservoirs are not only vital for hydroelectric power generation but also a major tourist attraction. The reservoirs showcase a remarkable blend of natural forces and brilliant technical achievements. Construction of the Kaprun reservoirs began in the late 1930s and continued after World War II, with significant support from the Marshall Plan. The project aimed to secure a stable and renewable energy supply for Austria's post-war recovery. However, the construction also has a dark history, as forced laborers and prisoners of war were used under harsh conditions during the Nazi regime. Today, the complex generates a significant percentage of Austria's electricity needs, demonstrating the country's commitment to sustainable energy. Visitors can explore the reservoirs through guided tours of the dam walls, gaining insights into the history, construction, and operation of the power plant. The "Electricity Adventure World" offers an interactive exhibition for all ages to learn about hydroelectric power. For adventure seekers, there are via ferrata routes on the Höhenburg via ferrata arena and the MoBO107 on the Mooserboden dam wall. Hiking trails around the reservoirs offer stunning views of the alpine landscape, with options for leisurely strolls or challenging ascents. The Mooserboden reservoir, the higher of the two, is particularly dramatic, with its massive dam holding back an enormous volume of turquoise water. The surrounding peaks of the Hohe Tauern provide a breathtaking backdrop. The area is also home to diverse wildlife, including marmots, and offers various dining options, including the Mooserboden mountain restaurant and the Fürthermoar Alm.

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