Kaprun Castle & Museums in Kaprun: Tours, Entry & Events
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Kaprun Castle has watched over the village since the 12th century, and it's very much alive: summer tours, the castle festival with its medieval market in July, a starlit Advent market in December. On top of that, Kaprun has more museums than you'd expect from a village this size, from local history to classic cars. Ideal for the days when the mountains take a break.
Kaprun Castle: 900 years of history
The castle was built in the 12th century by the lords of Falkenstein and appears in the records in 1280 as the "tower at Chaprunne". After centuries of decay, the Kaprun castle association took over in 1984 and rebuilt it piece by piece, complete with its own order of castle knights since 1993.
The newest addition sits at the very top: since 2021 a staircase leads up the keep, with a panorama across the Kaprun valley to the Kitzsteinhorn.
Tours: how to get inside the castle
The castle isn't freely accessible; visits run from early July to mid-September each year and during events. The key dates of the 2026 season (as of August 2026, source: castle association):
| Visiting season 2026 | 2 July to 20 September |
|---|---|
| Monday | 5 pm to 7 pm (5 pm guided tour) |
| Sunday & Thursday | 10 am to 12 noon |
| Adults | €8 |
| Children 7 to 14 | €4 (under 7 free) |
| Dogs | Allowed on a lead |
Inside you'll find the keep, the dungeon and an exhibition on the castle's history, last entry 20 minutes before closing. Outside the season the walk still pays off: it's about 15 minutes on foot from the village centre, and the castle photographs beautifully from outside all year.
Events at the castle
The castle is Kaprun's festival stage. The highlight is the castle festival in July, three days of medieval market, knights' shows, fire shows and concerts. Concerts by the regional philharmonic follow through the year, and in December the starlit Advent market brings over 30 stalls at free entry, traditionally on the third Advent weekend (2026 date not yet confirmed, as of August 2026).
The region's kids' programme also stops by, from children's cinema to knights' games.
Museums in Kaprun
Kaprun Museum
The local history museum in the 300-year-old Steiner farmhouse on the church square tells Kaprun's whole story: farming life, the building of the power plants, ski and tourism history. Open April to October Tue to Thu and Sun 1 pm to 5 pm, Fri 10 am to 5 pm; entry €4.50, free with the Zell am See Summer Card (as of August 2026).
Vötter's classic car museum
Over a hundred vehicles on two floors, open all year, daily in summer. Half-price entry with the Summer Card.
Power & ice exhibition
The exhibitions on the power plant era sit up at the Moosersperre dam and are free; more on our Kaprun reservoirs page.
Around the castle: winter & walks
In winter, the Schlossloipe cross-country track loops right past the castle, one of the prettiest beginner tracks in the region. And if you want to keep going after your visit, the Sigmund Thun Gorge lies just a few minutes away on the road into the Kaprun valley.
Culture after the mountain day: Chalet Kaprun
From Chalet Kaprun it's only a few minutes to the castle, on foot through the village or by bike. Dogs may join the castle tour on a lead, and they're welcome at the chalet too. Afterwards comes what no museum offers: your own Finnish sauna, 6 bedrooms for up to 10 guests and a quiet evening on the terrace. The Summer Card for museum and cable cars lies ready at check-in.
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit Kaprun Castle?
Yes, from early July to mid-September each year (2026: 2 July to 20 September), Mondays 5 pm to 7 pm plus Sunday and Thursday mornings, and during events.
What does entry cost?
€8 for adults, €4 for children aged 7 to 14, free under 7 (2026 season).
When is the castle festival?
Traditionally on a July weekend, three days of medieval market, knights' shows and fire shows. The next date appears on burg-kaprun.at.
How old is the castle?
Around 900 years: built in the 12th century, first recorded in 1280, revived by the castle association since 1984.
When is the Kaprun Museum open?
April to October Tue to Thu and Sun 1 pm to 5 pm, Fri 10 am to 5 pm; in winter Wed, Fri and Sun afternoons. Entry €4.50, free with the Summer Card.
Is the castle worth it in the rain?
The tour itself is compact; combined with the Kaprun Museum and Vötter's car museum it makes a solid bad-weather programme.
Rainy day? Castle and museums around the corner, sauna at home.
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