Sigmund Thun Gorge: Kaprun's Canyon at the Klammsee
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The Sigmund Thun Gorge is Kaprun's small natural wonder: 320 metres of wooden walkway lead through a canyon that the Kapruner Ache has carved out of the rock over thousands of years, with the quiet Klammsee lake waiting at the top. Entry is included with the Zell am See Summer Card, and from Chalet Kaprun the gorge entrance is just a few minutes away.
320 metres of water power: the gorge of the Kapruner Ache
Potholes, scoured basins, rock walls polished smooth: in the gorge, the Kapruner Ache shows what water does over millennia. The canyon is named after Count Sigmund Thun and was first opened up at the end of the 19th century, when the first wooden walkways made the passage possible.
Today it's one of Kaprun's favourite outings, and one of the most refreshing: on hot summer days the temperature between the wet rock walls sits noticeably below the valley's.
Sigmund Thun Gorge: opening times & prices 2026
The gorge is open from 8 May to 2 November 2026 (as of August 2026, source: operator and Summer Card booklet):
| May & June | 9 am to 5:30 pm |
|---|---|
| July & August | 9 am to 7 pm |
| September | 9 am to 5:30 pm |
| October & November | 9 am to 3:30 pm |
| Adults | €8.50 (guest card €7.70) |
| Children 6 to 15 | €6 (guest card €5) |
| Seniors & students | €7 |
| Family ticket (2 adults + children) | €20 (guest card €18) |
Good to know
With the Zell am See Summer Card entry is included (2026 booklet). Chalet Kaprun guests receive the card automatically at check-in. Tickets are also sold in the operator's online shop.
The trail: through the gorge to the Klammsee
The walkway runs 320 metres through the canyon on secured wooden planks, always alongside the roaring water. Allow about 20 minutes up, more with photo stops, and roughly 40 minutes there and back.
At the top the gorge opens onto the Klammsee, a calm reservoir with a nature trail looping once around the shore. If you fancy more, extend the loop and return to the valley on the hiking path instead of the walkway.
The gorge at night
Every Friday from 19 June to 23 October 2026 the gorge opens once more in the evening: on the illuminated night walks you follow the canyon at dusk for around two hours. Start times move with the sunset, from about 9:30 pm in June to about 6 pm in October.
Tickets cost €20 for adults and €10 for children, with timed booking and no discounts, the Summer Card doesn't apply here. Thunderstorms or heavy rain cancel the walk (as of August 2026). Hard to beat as an evening for two, with the chalet's own sauna waiting afterwards.
Good to know for your visit
- Sturdy shoes: the walkways are often wet from spray, sandals without grip are a poor idea.
- With children: the secured walkway is an adventure for kids. Prams stay below, a carrier works better.
- With a dog: the operator doesn't state a rule online, so ask briefly at the ticket desk. More on our holidays with dog page.
- Combine: the gorge sits on the way into the Kaprun valley; gorge in the morning and reservoirs in the afternoon make a fine day.
- Quiet hours: right after opening. Hot afternoons draw the crowds into the cool canyon.
Short ways from the chalet to the gorge
From Chalet Kaprun you're at the gorge entrance in a few minutes, on foot or by bike without touching the car. As an official Summer Card partner, gorge entry is already settled for chalet guests, the card lies ready at check-in. And after the Friday night walk, the Finnish sauna heats up at home: 6 bedrooms, room for 10, 1,000 m² of grounds, dogs welcome.
Frequently asked questions
What does the gorge cost?
€8.50 for adults, €6 for children aged 6 to 15, family ticket €20 (2026 season). With the Zell am See Summer Card entry is included.
How long does the walk take?
About 20 minutes up, roughly 40 minutes there and back. With the Klammsee loop it becomes a good hour.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, the walkway is secured throughout and a real adventure. Prams stay below, a carrier is the better pick.
Can dogs come along?
The operator doesn't state a rule online. Ask at the ticket desk before you set off with your dog.
Is the gorge in the Summer Card?
Yes, fully included as a premium service (2026 booklet). Only the night walks are a special event without discounts.
What are the night walks?
Illuminated evening openings, every Friday from 19 June to 23 October 2026, around two hours, €20 for adults and €10 for children, with timed booking.
When is it least busy?
First thing in the morning. On hot afternoons the cool canyon fills up and the walkway gets tight.
Friday night walk, then your own sauna: plan your Kaprun stay.
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