Klammsee near Kaprun: trip, route, accommodation, and swimming
Klammsee is a small turquoise reservoir located above the Sigmund Thun Klamm gorge in Kaprun, Austria. For us, it’s an ideal trip for families with children, leisure hikers, and anyone who wants to combine a short walk around the lake with a visit to one of the most beautiful gorges in the Zell am See – Kaprun area.
The loop around Klammsee itself is short, easy, and takes about 45 minutes. For us, the best version of the trip starts at the lower entrance to the Sigmund Thun Klamm gorge. From there, you walk along wooden walkways over the wild Kapruner Ache river, climb up to the lake, and then you can walk all the way around it.
Accommodation near Klammsee
Klammsee is not a typical resort lake surrounded by hotels and apartments. Directly by the lake, you’ll mainly find the Klammseestüberl snack bar, a playground, relaxation areas, and toilets. Accommodation options in the immediate vicinity are therefore very limited.
Find accommodation in Kaprun directly on the map:
For most visitors, it’s most convenient to stay directly in Kaprun. The southern part of the village towards Kesselfallstraße is particularly practical, as you can easily reach not only the gorge and Klammsee but also the high-mountain reservoirs and cable cars to Kitzsteinhorn.
> 10 tips for verified accommodation in Zell am See – Kaprun
We recommend the center of Kaprun to those who want to be close to restaurants, shops, and bus stops. Staying in Zell am See is suitable if you plan Klammsee as just one of several trips and also want to spend more time by Lake Zell.
Where to start for Klammsee?
If you only want to take an easy walk around the lake, you can start directly at the Klammsee parking lot. The official circular route starts and ends near the dam and doesn’t require a visit to the gorge.
However, we consider the best option to be starting at the lower entrance to Sigmund Thun Klamm on Kesselfallstraße. There are several parking lots at the entrance, but their capacity can be quickly exhausted during the summer holidays.
A good alternative is bus number 660, which connects the Zell am See railway station with Kaprun and stops near the gorge. You can get off at the Sigmund Thun Klamm or Aubrücke stops, for example.
Description of the trip through Sigmund Thun Klamm
The Sigmund Thun Klamm gorge is approximately 320 meters long. The route leads along wooden walkways, bridges, and stairs attached to the rock walls above the Kapruner Ache river. You will climb a total of 263 steps during the passage.
The gorge is walked in one direction only, from bottom to top. The pure walking time is approximately between 15 and 30 minutes. However, we recommend not rushing, as there are several spots along the route suitable for photography, and small queues can form in narrower sections.
After exiting the gorge, the landscape opens up and Klammsee appears before you. From the lake, you can continue along a simple educational trail. Along the way, you’ll come across information boards, benches, a Kneipp spot, a playground, and the Klammseestüberl snack bar.
After walking around the lake, you return to the gorge entrance via a separate marked path. You cannot descend back through the wooden walkways in the gorge.
Length and difficulty of the trail around Klammsee
The official loop around Klammsee is approximately 1.7 kilometers long. Expect a walking time of around 45 minutes with only minimal elevation gain. The route is marked as easy and is suitable for families with children, seniors, and less experienced hikers.
The surface consists of comfortable footpaths and wide tracks. Sturdier shoes are still useful, especially after rain. If you combine the gorge passage, the lake loop, and the return to the parking lot, allow approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. With a longer stop for refreshments or the playground, you could even spend half a day here.
Our note: The gorge itself is not suitable for strollers or visitors with limited mobility. We recommend an ergonomic carrier for families with small children. With an outdoor stroller, you can use the return path to reach the lake without passing through the gorge.
You might also be interested in:
- Summer holiday in Zell am See – Kaprun: trip tips and accommodation
- Lake Zell: summer holiday guide
- Sigmund Thun Klamm: route, entrance fee, and opening hours
- Kitzsteinhorn Glacier, Kaprun: go skiing or to the wellness center
Can you swim in Klammsee?
Klammsee is not a typical swimming lake or an official lido with an official beach. It is a reservoir fed by cold mountain and glacier water from the Kapruner Ache. The water therefore remains very cold even during the summer.
Don’t rely on regular swimming in the lake and always respect the current information signs and any restrictions. The area is mainly suitable for relaxing by the water, cooling your feet, and using the Kneipp spot. For traditional swimming, it’s better to head to Lake Zell or the TAUERN SPA Kaprun wellness center.
Tauern Spa Kaprun
Our tip: Klammsee is one of the places in the Zell am See – Kaprun area where dogs can also cool off, provided local rules are followed. A leash and respect for other visitors are a must.
Practical recommendations before your trip
The best time to visit is from late spring to autumn, when both the gorge and the snack bar are open. In the peak summer season, we recommend coming in the morning or later in the afternoon, as the route tends to be busiest around midday.
Wear sturdy shoes and keep in mind that the wooden walkways and stairs can be slippery after rain. During heavy rainfall, storms, or increased water flow, the gorge may be temporarily closed.
For most visitors, this is the best route:
Entrance to Sigmund Thun Klamm, passage through the gorge, loop around Klammsee, and return via the marked path. The trip is short, easily accessible, and offers one of the most beautiful combinations of lake, rocks, and mountain nature around Kaprun.
