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Sigmund Thun Gorge: A Natural Alpine Wonder

Explore the stunning Sigmund Thun Gorge in Kaprun: a natural wonder carved by glacial waters, featuring dramatic rock formations and cascading waterfalls.

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The Sigmund Thun Gorge, located near Kaprun, Austria, is a stunning natural gorge carved by the Kapruner Ache river over thousands of years. Visitors can explore its depths via a series of wooden walkways and bridges, experiencing the raw power and beauty of the cascading waters and unique rock formations.

A brief summary to Sigmund Thun Gorge

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds, especially during peak season.
  • Wear sturdy shoes, as the wooden walkways can be slippery due to the mist and spray from the waterfalls.
  • Bring a light jacket or sweater, as the gorge is typically cooler than the surrounding area.
  • Consider visiting during the summer evenings for the 'Gorgeous Lights' event, where the gorge is illuminated with colorful lights.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Kaprun town center, take the regional bus line 660 towards the Sigmund Thun Gorge. The bus stop is a short walk from the gorge entrance. The bus ride is approximately 5-9 minutes and costs between €1-€2. Check the current bus schedule for accurate timings.

  • Walking

    From the center of Kaprun, the Sigmund Thun Gorge is approximately 2.5 km away, a walk of around 25-30 minutes. Follow the signs towards Kesselfallstraße. The walk is relatively easy and offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape.

  • Car

    From Zell am See, follow the B168 towards Kaprun. Once in Kaprun, take Kesselfallstraße towards the Kaprun-Hauptstufe power plant. Free parking is available near the entrance to the gorge. The drive from Zell am See is approximately 15 minutes.

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Discover more about Sigmund Thun Gorge

The Sigmund Thun Gorge, or Sigmund Thun Klamm, is a spectacular natural attraction near Kaprun in the Austrian state of Salzburg. Over millennia, the Kapruner Ache river, originating from the glaciers high in the Kaprun Valley, has shaped this dramatic landscape. The result is a 320-meter-long and up to 32-meter-deep gorge with towering rock formations, cascading waterfalls, and lush vegetation. Inhabited as early as 4,000 years ago, the area was chosen for its ore-rich countryside and natural defenses. The gorge was made accessible to the public in 1893 thanks to Nikolaus Gassner, a local tourism pioneer, who constructed wooden pathways. The gorge is named after Sigmund Count von Thun-Hohenstein, the governor of Salzburg at the time, who was captivated by its beauty. Although declared a natural monument in 1934, the gorge closed in 1938 due to hydroelectric power plans. It reopened in 1992 and has since become a popular attraction. Visitors can explore the gorge via well-maintained wooden walkways and bridges suspended above the churning waters. The experience is unforgettable, with the deafening sound of rushing water and the refreshing mist from the waterfalls. Information boards provide insights into the geology, history, and ecology of the gorge. At the end of the path, visitors can admire the artificial Klamm waterfall and Klammsee reservoir.

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