Kaprun holidays

Kaprun’s nearest beaches are on Lake Zell – one of the most beautiful lakes in Europe – at Thumersbach, Seespitz and Zell am See. They can be reached by car, bike or bus. Each beach has its own personality and offers different facilities.

Seespitz Lido sits on the southern bank of Lake Zell, and is generally quiet but great for families. There’s a small stretch of sand, a diving board, playground, waterslide, fountains, tennis court and watersports.

Zell am See Lido is the biggest on the lake. It comes with a minigolf course, boat hire, café, waterslide and diving platform. Thumerbach Lido sits on the eastern bank of the lake and is easily accessible by car. It has a stunning natural beach skirting an idyllic cove, and a host of fun watersports.

From June to September, Kaprun holds a Genuss market at Salzburger Platz from 5pm until 10pm. It's the perfect place to nab a bargain souvenir, and you can sample regional produce like bacon, honey, cheese and schnapps.

Kaprun has a small collection of shops to browse, like a traditional Austrian dress shop and a big fashion and sports shop that sells casual clothing and activewear.

Take an evening stroll and soak up Kaprun’s chocolate-box scenery.

For a livelier evening pop into the centre of town and have a couple of tasty cocktails at Cantina Bar Zucchini. Or if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, head over to nearby Zell am See.

Kaprun, like Zell am See, has everything from traditional pubs to modern Austrian coffee houses, all with top-class hospitality – especially in the rustic inns in the mountains. Restaurants, bars and cafés are dotted around, with lots by the river so you can relax and listen to the gurgling water, as well as a good few in the centre of town too.

Up the mountain is Alpengasthaus Glocknerblick, a homely hut with extremely friendly owners and staff. There are amazing views of the mountains and the valley from here and the strudel is highly recommended.

Located in the centre of town is Kitsch & Bitter, a moose-themed restaurant and bar which holds numerous themed nights with live music, BBQs and karaoke. Look out for the elk as you walk down the stairs to the toilets.

A short walk away is Hilberger’s Beisl – look out for the bright green sign that ribbons the building. Inside, the décor is warming and traditional and they serve appetising Italian and Austrian dishes.

The local service is excellent and runs regularly to Zell am See and the Kitzsteinhorn glacier.

From neighbouring Zell am See, you can take leisurely boat rides out over the lake. A back-and-forth crossing service runs to Thummersbach, or there’s a round trip service that stops at six locations on the way.

Nearby lifts run throughout the summer to whisk you up to Maiskogel and the Kitzsteinhorn glacier. And you can get free access to lots of them with a Zell am See-Kaprun summer card.

The nearest station is in Zell am See, where you can hop on a train to Kitzbühel (55 minutes), Salzburg (1 hour 40 minutes) or Bad Gastein (1 hour 30 minutes). If it’s beautiful views you want, the Pingzau Bahn train to Mittersil is a very scenic journey.

The town is ideal for exploring on foot, so you can take your time and admire the beautiful medieval architecture. Outside town, you can explore trails all over the Hohe Tauern National Park.

Given its location, nestled in the Hohe Tauern National Park, Kaprun was bound to become a haven for walkers and hikers. There are ample riverside paths and meadow trails, all with incredible views of the park and mountains. If you want to see even more of the area, you can catch the bus to Zell am See and stroll all the way around it’s sparkling lake. Or walk halfway and take a boat back.

This gentle route is good for all ages and abilities, including families. Hop on the hiking bus to the Maiskogel Alm and look for signs for the Unterberg Alm. A 30-minute walk will bring you around the back of the Maiskogel to a small mountain hut where you can buy homemade cheeses and local meats. Stop here to take in the wonderful views of Kaprun and Lake Zell, and then follow the same path back.

Visit the Hohe Tauern National Park and explore the Emerald Path. Branching off from the wide road just after the Habachtal car park in Bramberg, the trail leads alongside the splashing waters of the Habach. At the Grüner Boden, you'll find lots of information about the different types of minerals found in Habachtal, as well as about a local folklore figure known as the Venedigermandl. Across the bridge over the stream, the Emerald Path ambles past natural springs.