Headwall of the Kaprunertal, seen from the Mooserboden dam
| Start | Kaprun (Mooserboden: 2036m) |
| Distance | 5km (one way) |
| Height gain | 39m |
| Grade | 1 |
| Time | 1½hrs (+1½hrs return) |
| Location | South of Kaprun |
The Austriaweg is an easy and very popular trail which goes along the east side of the Mooserboden reservoir, eventually crossing the Kapruner Törl col in the valley’s headwall and continuing to the Rudolfs Hut. So far as this walk is concerned, though, we will go only as far as the southern end of the lake. It’s an undemanding but scenically rewarding outing, especially for flower lovers.
From the bus terminal by the Heidnische Kirch restaurant, cross the two-section Mooserboden dam, and at the eastern end keep to the main path which aims south below cliffs and soon brings you to the mouth of a hanging valley topped by the 3419m Klockerin, a peak formerly known as the Glockerin for its distinctive bell-shaped summit. Old snow patches often cover the path at this point, but the way soon begins to rise in order to cross an alder-covered bluff at 2075m; the highest part of the walk.
On the other side of the bluff a fixed cable offers support on a brief section then, skirting above the lake, you cross several glacial streams either on stepping stones or simple plank footbridges, while ice cliffs of the Bärenkopfkees and Schwarzköpflkees glaciers can be seen above to the left.
Headwall of the Kaprunertal, seen from the Mooserboden dam
In a little under 1½hrs from the start, path no 717 breaks away to the left, heading for the Riffeltor, a high glacier pass over which climbers make their way to the Oberwalder Hut by the Pasterzen Kees. And shortly after passing this junction the hanging Karlinger Kees glacier appears directly ahead. The path then slopes down to a footbridge spanning the glacial torrent, on the far side of which an area of grassland, with alder scrub and scattered rocks, makes this as good a place as any to stop and absorb the wild beauty of the scene. If you sit quietly it’s quite possible that you could see marmot and chamois here.