The Bürgkogel – a hillside at the end of the valley of Kaprun – is protected by the Sigmund-Thun-Gorge. First settlers used this save place about 4.000 years ago. They came into the area because of the rich copper deposits. The hilltop site was used with interruption for a long period. From the Celtic time an earthwork exist.
From the late antiquity ramparts were excavated. In the middle Ages a fortress was build. It was a previous building to the Castle of Kaprun. Afterwards the hill was an agriculture site. The gorge was also used to raft wood. Signs and figures hewed into the rocks are from this period.
Beside the agriculture the wooden wealth of the valley was important. Hence, the Sigumund Thun gorge was already used during the past centuries to the raft. In the gorge rock hewed signs and annual figures point to the work of the wooden farm-hands.
Already in 1893 the Sigmund-Thun-Gorge was opened to tourism. Nikolaus Gassner, a tourism pioneer in the area, built among other things as hotels a wooden path through the Gorge. The Salzburg nobleman, Sigmund Earl of Thun, was deeply impressed by the site: „Blustering and incredibly the Fluthen rush toward us.“
In 1934 the gorge was declared as a natural monument.
Due to the power-plant-building the gorge was closed in 1938.
The VSF – Kaprun. In 1991 the VSF – Kaprun (association for the creation of special leisure facilities in Kaprun – Zell am See) decided to rebuild a way through the Sigmund Thun Klamm. The new path was built along to old route.
In spring 1992 the rebuilding started with the two companies Holzbau Riedelsperger and Schlosserei Jäger.
Already in August 1992 the gorge was opened for visitors again.
Who was Sigmund von Thun und Hohenstein, that a gorge was named after him? And why does the water of the Kapruner Ache shimmer in the gemstone colors of emerald green and turquoise blue? A hike through the Sigmund Thun Gorge is not only a refreshing excursion for the whole family, but also an exciting journey through time and knowledge, where all these questions are answered.
Over 263 steps, the 320-meter-long, well-secured wooden structure leads uphill through the Sigmund Thun Gorge, crossing the roaring torrent. Spray splashes onto the wooden walkways and bizarre rock formations tell the wondrous story of the gorge witch and gorge ghost. The water has carved its way into the rock to a depth of up to 32 meters: the sky sometimes narrows to a narrow strip, while the thundering masses of water can be felt all over your body.
For thousands of years, the waters of the Kapruner Ache have been carving their way through the rock: especially in summer, the spray is a welcome cooling effect. The aerosols created by the impact of the water on the rock are beneficial for the respiratory tract: taking a deep breath is highly recommended!
If you hurry through the cool gorge at a brisk pace, you can explore it in just over fifteen minutes. However, this is not recommended: instead, you should savor every new perspective and every view into the depths. The nature trail that leads through the gorge and the information stations on its history enrich the hike. At the top, visitors will find the idyllic natural paradise of Klammsee with a children’s playground and refreshments, as well as the Bürgkogel, the oldest settlement in the Kaprun Valley.
During the summer months, the mystical evening events “Mystical Night of Water” and “Gorge Lights” take place in the Sigmund Thun Gorge every Monday and Friday.
A heartfelt thank you to all visitors for the many unforgettable moments and exhilarating experiences surrounded by the power of nature.
Now peace and quiet returns—ice, snow, and silence take center stage as the gorge recovers and prepares for a new awakening of nature.
In winter, however, our small winter circular trail to the photo point is free of charge and can be used at your own risk.
The rest of the gorge is expected to reopen at the beginning of May 2026.
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A heartfelt thank you to all our visitors for the many unforgettable moments and the wonderful, thrilling experiences shared in the midst of nature’s power.
Now it’s time for peace and quiet – ice, snow, and silence take the stage as the gorge rests and prepares for nature’s renewal.
We look forward to welcoming you again around the beginning of May 2026!
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