Kaprun high mountain reservoirs Marvel of engineering at 2,000 metres above sea level

Like fjords, the two high mountain reservoirs Wasserfallboden and Mooserboden lie embedded in the alpine landscape at 2,036 metres above sea level. They bear witness to one of the region’s greatest marvels of engineering. The turbines are hidden in the mighty dam walls that keep the turquoise water in check: this is how electricity is generated all year round. You can visit this interplay of nature and technology in summer on a guided tour of the dam walls or use the high mountain reservoirs as a starting point for hikes. And if you are brave enough, you can even climb the dam wall using a via ferrata.

Kaprun high mountain reservoirs at a glance:
  • Accessible from beginning of June until mid of October
  • Located at approx. 2,040 metres above sea level
  • Access to the Mooserboden reservoir by transfer bus and Lärchwand inclined lift
  • Direct access to the reservoirs by car or bicycle is not possible
  • Daily tours of the dam wall from 10am to 3:15pm every 45 minutes
  • The Electricity Adventure World is included in the admission fee to the high mountain reservoirs
  • Via ferrata routes in the Höhenburg via ferrata arena and MOBO 107 at the Mooserboden dam wall
  • Starting point for hikes
  • Several huts and alpine pastures as well as the Mooserboden mountain restaurant

Wonderful excursion destination in Zell am See-Kaprun | © VERBUND
How do I get to the Kaprun high mountain reservoirs?

You can get to this excursion destination by transfer buses and the inclined lift. The mighty, 107-metre-high and 500-metre-long dam wall at Mooserboden is visible from afar as you travel by bus towards the high mountain reservoirs. Another highlight on the trip to the high mountains is the Lärchwand inclined lift. It is Europe's largest open inclined lift and takes you comfortably 431 altitude metres uphill over a steep step before a higher-situated road takes you further to the reservoirs.

On the way to the high mountain reservoirs | © VERBUND
Tour of the dam wall and the Electricity Adventure World 

At over 2,000 metres above sea level and in the middle of the high mountains, you have reached your destination: the Mooserboden reservoir and the Wasserfallboden reservoir lie before you. Exciting tours of the dam walls await daily, taking you inside the impressive structures. The admission fee also includes access to the Electricity Adventure World, where you can learn interesting facts about the interaction between glacier, power plant construction and electricity generation.

Children's attractions at the reservoir | © VERBUND
Can I hike at the high mountain reservoirs?

The educational Electricity Trail is suitable for prams and made for the youngest visitors: here children learn interesting facts about nature, technology and hydropower at six stations before they can play to their hearts' content at the water playground. The herb trail starts from the Mooserboden mountain restaurant in direction Fürthermoar Alm. It takes you through a high alpine herb paradise in just under 45 minutes. The easy hike to the panoramic top of Höhenburg also offers a fascinating view, while the tours to the surrounding peaks - such as the Grießkogel or the Große Wiesbachhorn - require more alpine experience and climbing skills.

Hike in the mountains in Zell am See-Kaprun | © Zell am See-Kaprun Tourismus
Höhenburg via ferrata arena and climbing at the dam wall

Climbing plays a particularly important role around the high mountain reservoirs: here numerous vertical challenges have been created in the Höhenburg via ferrata arena. Three vie ferrate of varying degrees of difficulty await beginners and pros alike. For the brave, there is a special attraction at the Kaprun high mountain reservoirs: the via ferrata MOBO 107 leads directly along the flank of the Mooserboden dam wall. This via ferrata on the 107-metre-high dam wall is just perfect if you are looking for an adrenaline kick!

MORE ABOUT MOBO 107