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Kaprun High Mountain Reservoirs: Alpine Engineering Marvel

Discover the stunning alpine scenery and innovative hydroelectric engineering of the Kaprun High Mountain Reservoirs in the Austrian Alps.

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Nestled in the Austrian Alps, the Kaprun High Mountain Reservoirs showcase a blend of natural beauty and engineering. Constructed in the mid-20th century, these reservoirs serve as a vital hydroelectric power source and offer stunning panoramic views and hiking trails.

A brief summary to Kaprun Hochgebirgsstauseen

Local tips

  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography.
  • Wear comfortable hiking shoes, as trails can be steep and uneven.
  • Check the weather forecast before your visit, as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.
  • Bring a water bottle and snacks, as there are limited facilities along the trails.
  • Consider taking a guided tour for an in-depth understanding of the hydroelectric power system.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Kaprun bus station (Bahnhof Kaprun), take bus line 660 towards Kesselfallstraße. The journey takes about 15 minutes. Get off at the 'Kesselfallstraße' stop, a short walk from the entrance of the Hochgebirgsstauseen. A single ticket costs around €3. From the ticket office, transfer buses and the Lärchwand inclined lift will take you to the Mooserboden reservoir. This transfer is included in the entrance fee.

  • Car

    From the center of Kaprun, head southwest on Kitzsteinhornstraße toward Kesselfallstraße. Continue on Kitzsteinhornstraße for about 1 km, then turn right onto Kesselfallstraße. After approximately 1.5 km, you will arrive at Kaprun Hochgebirgsstauseen, located at Kesselfallstraße 98. Parking is available in a multi-story car park, and it's free. Electric car charging stations are also available. From the parking area, transfer buses and the Lärchwand inclined lift will take you to the Mooserboden reservoir. This transfer is included in the entrance fee. Note that direct access to the reservoirs by car is not possible.

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Discover more about Kaprun Hochgebirgsstauseen

The Kaprun High Mountain Reservoirs, located in Kaprun, Austria, represent a remarkable feat of engineering harmoniously integrated within a breathtaking alpine landscape. These reservoirs, Wasserfallboden and Mooserboden, are nestled between the peaks of the Alps, bordering the Hohe Tauern National Park. The area offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and insight into sustainable energy production. Constructed in the post-World War II era, with initial plans dating back to the 1920s, the reservoirs stand as a testament to human ingenuity and Austria's post-war reconstruction. The construction involved thousands of workers, including forced laborers during the Nazi regime, a history that is commemorated with a plaque at the Pagan Church. The power plant quickly became a symbol of Austrian reconstruction. Today, guided tours provide insights into the challenges faced during construction and the importance of preserving the environment while harnessing its resources. Visitors can explore the reservoirs by taking a combination of buses and the Lärchwand inclined lift from the Kesselfall ticket office to the Mooserboden reservoir, ascending to an elevation of 2,040 meters. Once at the top, hiking trails cater to various skill levels, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The Mooserboden dam towers 107 meters high and stretches 494 meters across, providing a stunning backdrop for exploration. The area also features interactive exhibitions and a visitor center where visitors can learn about the history of the dams, the technology behind hydroelectric power, and the region's ecology. For adventurous visitors, there's a via ferrata (MOBO 107) that runs along the flank of the Mooserboden dam wall. Families can enjoy the Power Trail, an interactive path with playful stations exploring hydropower and energy themes. The reservoirs are generally accessible from late May or early June to mid-October, with operating hours varying depending on the season.

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