TOP OF SALZBURG
The high-alpine adventure world at the Hohe Tauern National Park border
On 3,029 meters, the Kitzsteinhorn summit is within arm's reach. It's here where Salzburg's highest-situated attraction is located: TOP OF SALZBURG (Gipfelwelt 3000) is open year-round and directly borders the Hohe Tauern National Park, Alps' largest nature reserve. Reaching the high-alpine adventure world does not require any mountaineering skills – TOP OF SALZBURG is the highest point in the state of Salzburg that is easily reachable via cable cars. Speaking of cable cars, those offer guests first spectacular highlights already while ascending: From early December until mid-April as well as late June until mid-September, the 3K K-onnection is open. One of world's most modern and energy-efficient cable cars connects the close-to-town family mountain Maiskogel with the Kitzsteinhorn. Therefore, guests enter the MK Maiskogelbahn in the Kaprun town center and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic ride on the 3K K-onnection while floating towards the Kitzsteinhorn.
Attractions
- Panoramic platforms
Whether it's summer or winter, cloudy or clear, morning or afternoon: The view of the panoramic platforms "TOP OF SALZBURG" and "National Park Gallery" is breathtaking – from the glaciated flanks of the National Park's threethousanders over the rugged cirques of the Steinernes Meer ("Rocky Sea") and grassy slopes of the Kitzbuehel Alps all the way down to the Zell valley.
The panoramic platform "TOP OF SALZBURG" is accessible via the summit station. Overview boards and special telescopes inform guests about the surrounding mountain world. The photo point captures the memorable moment.
The panoramic platform "National Park Gallery" is reachable via the 360-m-long same-named info tunnel – going through it is a mystical experience for all senses. The platform protrudes from Kitzsteinhorn's southern flank directly into the untouched mountain world of the Hohe Tauern National Park. In the south, the summit of the Grossglockner can be seen – Austria's highest mountain with 3,798 meters. In the west, the glaciated summit of the Grossvenediger glitters in the sunlight. In July and August, a secured path leads down from the panoramic platform to the ICE ARENA – a unique adventure area in the glacier snow. - National Park Gallery
The 360-m-long info tunnel runs directly through the Kitzsteinhorn. Going through it is a mystical experience for all senses. There are six info stations on the way that reveal all kinds of interesting facts: How do mountain crystals form? What is permafrost? How was the summit station built in these great heights? and much more. At the end of the tunnel, the spectacular view of the same-named panoramic platform "National Park Gallery" offers a striking contrast to the magical world inside the Kitzsteinhorn. From here, the summit of the Grossglockner can be seen – Austria's highest mountain. - Cinema 3000
Austria's highest-situated cinema shows the movie "Kitzsteinhorn – THE NATURE". Viewers dive in the fascinating adventure, plant and animal life of the Kitzsteinhorn in front of the 8-m-broad screen. - ICE ARENA
Sliding in the snow, snowball fights and building snowmen in July and August? In the ICE ARENA on the glacier plateau on 3,000 meters, this dream becomes reality. Real glacier snow provides fun and cooling in summer. Sleds can be borrowed free of charge on site. After the slide, a moving carpet brings young and old back to the starting point. The ICE ARENA Snack Bar at the foot of the slope offers snacks and drinks as well as loungers on a snow beach to sunbathe and relax.
Guided National Park Ranger Tours
On the Kitzsteinhorn Explorer Tour, a National Park ranger guides participants via cable car rides and short hikes through four climate zones from the Kaprun town center all the way up to Salzburg's highest-situated attraction TOP OF SALZBURG on 3,029 m. The journey provides compelling stories about and fascinating insights into Kitzsteinhorn's flora and fauna as well as a unique highlight: the ride on the 3K K-onnection, one of world's most modern and energy-efficient cable cars. Special explorer gondolas offer a crystal clear panoramic view of the spectacular high-alpine landscape. The following National Park Gallery Tour leads through the attractions of TOP OF SALZBURG and the 360-m-long info tunnel in the Kitzsteinhorn – a mystical experience for all senses. At six info stations, the ranger narrates how mountain crystals form, what permafrost is and much more.
Summer tours
- Kitzsteinhorn Explorer Tour
daily from late June until mid-September, starting at 9 a.m.
meeting point at the Kaprun Center (in front of the cash desks)
duration approx. 3.5 h
sturdy shoes, warm jacket, sunglasses and sunscreen - National Park Gallery Tour (free of charge)
daily from mid-May until late June, starting at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
daily from late June until late Sept., starting at 1 p.m.
meeting point on the panoramic platform "TOP OF SALZBURG"
duration approx. 40 min.
closed shoes, long pants, warm jacket
Winter tours
- Kitzsteinhorn Explorer Tour
on Tuesdays from late December until early April, starting at 9:30 a.m.
meeting point at the Kaprun Center (in front of the cash desks)
duration approx. 2.5 h
sturdy shoes, warm jacket, sunglasses and sunscreen - National Park Gallery Tour (free of charge)
on Tuesdays from late December until early April, starting at 1 p.m.
meeting point on the panoramic platform "TOP OF SALZBURG"
duration approx. 40 min.
closed shoes, long pants, warm jacket
Culinary tip › Gipfel Restaurant: The summit station houses Salzburg's highest-situated restaurant. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious lunch while soaking up the 5* view from the floor-to-ceiling windows before joining the ranger on the National Park Gallery Tour.