In the middle of the imposing Hohe Tauern are two of the most impressive high mountain reservoirs in Austria – the waterfall floor and the MooserbodenThese gigantic post-war buildings are located at around 2,040 metres above sea level and are a popular destination for nature and technology enthusiasts alike.
From Kaprun, you can reach the reservoirs in about 12 minutes by car to the end of the street, where there is a free ten-story parking garage. A tip: park as high up as possible, because this is where the ticket office and exit are. Alternatively, you can also reach the reservoirs by public transport.
The entrance fee of 25 € includes a 15-minute bus ride to the dam of the upper lake, the Mooserboden. Whoever Kaprun Summer Card If you have a pass, which is often offered free of charge when staying overnight in the region, you can save on this entrance fee. A hike to the reservoir is also possible, but takes around four hours and is not recommended for those who are less experienced.
Once you reach the top, a fascinating panorama awaits you. The dam walls of the Mooserboden are impressive, and you can explore the area on numerous paths. We particularly recommend climbing the hill between the two reservoirs to enjoy a unique view of waterfall floor and Mooserboden to enjoy at the same time.
Anyone interested in the technical details can take a guided tour of the dam and learn more about the history and construction of the reservoirs. The tours offer exciting insights into the generation of energy from hydropower.
Instead of a guided tour, you can also take a hike from the upper to the lower reservoir. The well-signposted path starts at herbal trail and leads steadily downhill towards waterfall floorIn about 40 minutes you will reach the idyllic Ebmattenhütte (Fürthermoaralm), which is known for its regional specialties. The apple strudel and homemade buttermilk are particularly recommended. The trip is also ideal for children, as there is a children's playground with a breathtaking view next to the hut.
The buses also leave right outside the door. Unfortunately, we feel that the timetable is poorly organized. We are lucky and get a bus straight away, but we heard from others that they have been waiting for an hour.
The journey back to the valley can take a little longer as the road is single-lane and oncoming traffic keeps causing stops. Although the journey back to the valley can take around 45 minutes, a visit to the high mountain reservoirs is a unique experience that is particularly worthwhile when the weather is good. The impressive buildings and the untouched nature make the trip unforgettable.