Overview
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About the Sigmund Thun Gorge
The Sigmund Thun Gorge, also known as the Sigmund Thun-Klamm, is a beautiful and narrow gorge located near Kaprun in the Salzburg region of Austria. It is named after Sigmund Thun, a local mayor who played a significant role in making the gorge accessible to the public.
Sigmund Thun Gorge first opened to the public at the end of the 19th century. However, access was restricted in 1938 due to the construction of a nearby hydroelectric power plant. The gorge was reopened in the early 1990s and quickly became one of the region’s top tourist attractions.
The gorge is 320 meters long and up to 32 meters deep. It may not be the biggest gorge, but it is a very beautiful and unique one to see. It was created by the eroding forces of the Kapruner Ache river that rushes through the gorge. The river’s water comes from the melting glaciers nearby.
You can explore the Sigmund Thun-Klamm by the man-made wooden pathways and bridges through the narrow passages above the rushing water. The gorge and the pathway eventually end at the Klammsee.
During the summer months, events such as night visits and light shows are often organized.
Practical
Adults: €7,5
You can buy your tickets online.
15 May to June: 08:30 am - 05:30 pm
July and August: 08:30 am - 07:00 pm
September: 08:30 am - 05:30 pm
October - 15 November: 09:00 am - 03:30 pm
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Visiting the Sigmund Thun-Klamm
From one of the four parking lots or the bus station, you can follow the signposts to the Sigmund Thun-Klamm. At the entrance, you will find an information center and a cash register, where you can buy your tickets. It is also possible to purchase your tickets online in advance.
From the entrance, you first walk along the river towards the first bridge over the rushing water. From here, you will get the first spectacular view of the gorge.
Here you follow the wooden walking path against the walls of the gorge, above the swirling water with waterfalls and rapids. Along the way, you will pass several photo spots to capture this beautiful natural phenomenon. Below you, you will see, feel, and hear the water rushing through the sometimes very narrow openings of the gorge.
With a little imagination, you can also see the gorge ghost and the gorge witch in the dramatic rock formations at the end of the gorge.
At the end of the path, you leave the gorge through a metal gate, where you arrive at the artificial Klamm waterfall. Since the path through the gorge is only one-way, you have to take one of the circular trails back to the entrance. Before returning you can also take a look at the Klammsee. The trail to the right is the easiest way back. If you take the trail on your left, you have to hike over the hill back to the entrance and parking lots, with quite a steep climb.
The whole hike through the Sigmund Thun Gorge and back to the entrance usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.
How to get there
By car
The Sigmund Thun Gorge is located at the edge of Kaprun. From Zell am See it is a 15-minute drive to the gorge.
There are 4 free parking lots close to the entrance to the gorge – two right in front of the entrance and two a bit further down the road for larger vehicles.
By Public Transport
You can take the regional bus line 660, which operates between Zell am See and Kaprun with a stop at the Sigmund Thun gorge. From the bus station, it is only a short walk to the entrance. The bus runs regularly. Here you find the current bus schedule!
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Best time to visit
The Sigmund Thun Gorge is usually open daily from mid May until mid November.
From mid May to June and in September, the gorge is open from 08:30 am to 05:30 am. During the summer months, July and August, the opening hours are extended until 07:00 pm. From October to mid November the gorge is open from 09:00 am to 03:30 pm. During winter the gorge is closed. You can check all current opening hours on the official website.
The Sigmund Thun Klamm is a popular place to visit, especially during high season and on the weekend. This means it can get quite crowded. We therefore recommend that you go as early as possible and avoid visiting during the weekend.
Where to stay near Sigmund Thun Gorge
Camping
The nearest campsite, Camping Zur Mühle, is located just a few hundred meters from the entrance to the gorge, on the edge of Kaprun. More campsites can be found in and around Zell am See.
In the area north and east of Zell am See, you find several farms where you can stay for free in exchange for purchasing something in the farm shop via the Schau aufs Land app.
Accommodation
In Kaprun, you will find numerous accommodations to stay such as hotels, resorts, and lodges. A little further, you also have a wide choice of places to stay in Zell am See.
Hotels
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Other Things to do near Sigmund Thun Gorge
Not far from the Sigmund Thun Gorge, you find Hochkönig and Maria Alm where you can take many beautiful mountain hikes. At Hochkönig we can recommend the hike to Hochkeil and the mirror lake.
If you want to visit another beautiful gorge, you can also visit the Liechtenstein Klamm, one of the deepest gorgeous in Austria.
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Win-Win for everyone
Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?
However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
