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Kitzsteinhorn
The Kitzsteinhorn is a prominent peak in the Hohe Tauern range, soaring to 3,203 meters and famous for establishing Austria's first glacier ski resort in 1965. Situated above the town of Kaprun in the Salzburg region, it provides a year-round alpine experience centered around the 'Gipfelwelt 3000' visitor complex at 3,029 meters. This high-altitude station features the 'Top of Salzburg' viewing platform, offering spectacular vistas of the surrounding Hohe Tauern National Park and Austria's highest mountains, including the Grossglockner. Geologically, the Kitzsteinhorn is composed of calcareous mica schist, giving it a distinct, dark appearance that contrasts sharply with the perennial ice of the Schmiedingerkees glacier. One of its unique attractions is the National Park Gallery, a 360-meter-long tunnel cut through the mountain's core, housing informational displays on alpine minerals and glaciology. The ski area is renowned for its reliable snow conditions and expansive runs, catering to all skill levels from professional athletes to casual tourists seeking autumn or spring skiing. In recent years, the resort has emphasized sustainability, integrating its cable car systems into the '3K K-onnection' to reduce regional traffic and utilizing renewable energy sources. Beyond skiing, the peak is a magnet for mountaineers and hikers who come to explore the high-alpine trails and learn about the delicate mountain ecosystem through guided ranger tours. The panoramic restaurant and state-of-the-art cinema at the summit provide a luxury experience that complements the raw, majestic power of the surrounding ice fields.
- Location: Salzburg, Austria
- Top sights: Erlebniswelt Strom & Eis · Kitzsteinhorn · Großer Schmiedinger
- Nearby: Kaprun (11 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -8 | -8 | -4 | 2 | 6 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 8 | 4 | -1 | -7 |
| Rain mm | 62 | 55 | 72 | 83 | 128 | 151 | 167 | 171 | 119 | 101 | 87 | 69 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- Austria's first glacier ski area (opened 1965)
- The mountain summit reaches 3,203 meters
- Observation deck 'Top of Salzburg' at 3,029m
- Part of the Glockner Group in the Hohe Tauern
- Glacier ice thickness up to 40 meters at some points
- National Park Gallery tunnel measures 360 meters
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Kitzsteinhorn (4)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can you ski on Kitzsteinhorn all year round?
What is 'Gipfelwelt 3000'?
How do you get to the glacier?
Are there restaurants up there?
Is the visit suitable for children?
Kitzsteinhorn: where is it located?
Kitzsteinhorn: what is there to see?
Kitzsteinhorn: when is the best time to visit?
Kitzsteinhorn: why is it worth visiting?
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