Gipfelwelt 3000
At 3,029 metres above sea level, Kitzsteinhorn mountain station is the highest point of Salzburg County, Austria, that can be reached without any alpine knowledge. “Gipfelwelt 3000” leads visitors into the mystic world of Kitzsteinhorn and Hohe Tauern National Park, both located near Zell am See-Kaprun. With Nationalpark Gallery hidden in a 360-metre gallery, two panoramic platforms and a wide-screen cinema, it offers unforgettable insights into the world of Austria’s highest mountains.
“Gipfelwelt 3000” with panoramic platform “Top of Salzburg“, Nationalpark Gallery, Cinema 3000 and Gipfel Restaurant appeals to all senses. This extraordinary high-alpine experience already starts with the journey: from Alpincenter, you take the cable car to the mountain station, which sits beneath Kitzsteinhorn peak like an eagle’s nest. The Gipfelwelt 3000 is opened all-year-round and with a valid lift pass, it’s accessible for free.
“Top of Salzburg“: flying high
First stop at Gipfelwelt 3000 is the panoramic platform “Top of Salzburg“ that seems to levitate 50 metres above the glacier. The fresh mountain breeze and the unique panoramic view give refreshment for eyes, ears and nose. Only at Kitzsteinhorn, you can enjoy this impressive view over the Hohe Tauern and some of the highest peaks of the Alps, including Zugspitze, Wilder Kaiser, Watzmann and Großvenediger.
Nationalpark Gallery: through the mountain to the panoramic platform
Another highlight of Gipfelwelt 3000 is the Nationalpark Gallery. It is installed in a 360-metre gallery that leads from the mountain station through the mountain to the panoramic platform at the South face of Kitzsteinhorn. This high-alpine experience was designed in cooperation with well-respected Haus der Natur Salzburg and Hohe Tauern National Park. At the walkable arches of the mystically illuminated gallery, fascinating information stations provide information on issues like engineering, crystals and gold of the Tauern mountains, formation of the Alps and permafrost. At the end of the gallery, the Nationalpark Gallery panoramic platform projects beyond the nearly vertical South face of Kitzsteinhorn opening extraordinary views into the world of the Hohe Tauern National Park. No other point in this altitude is so easily accessible and offers such great views on the biggest nature reserve of the Alps (1,800 square metres) and the highest peaks of Austria, such as Großglockner (3,798 m), Großvenediger (3,662 m), and Hocheiser (3,206 m).
“Cinema 3000”: impressive wide-screen nature pictures
Additionally, “Cinema 3000” offers a special cinematic highlight: The breathtaking 10-minute nature film “Kitzsteinhorn: THE NATURE”, produced by nature filmmaker and Romy Award winner Michael Schlamberger and shown on an 8-metre screen, takes the viewer off to the magic nature of Hohe Tauern National Park.
Guided tours with National Park rangers
During a free guided tour with a National Park ranger you can experience fascinating insights of the Hohe Tauern National Park: starting at Salzburg's highest panoramic platform “Top of Salzburg”, the tour continues through the Nationalpark Gallery. A highlight of the guided tour is the visit to the panoramic platform of the Nationalpark Gallery.
Gipfel Restaurant: delicacies on 3,029 metres above sea level
If you’re not yet sated by the varied impressions of Gipfelwelt 3000, you can delight the palate with a meal at the Gipfel Restaurant designed by famous Viennese architect Arkan Zeytinoglu. At the highest restaurant of Salzburg County with its 150 seats and huge panoramic windows high above the glacier, the wide view opens heart and soul whilst the first-class cuisine delights the gourmets. Two times a year, even famous cooks will rattle the pots and pans at the “HOCHGENUSS” events.
Experience the thrill of snow in summer as well
Due to its location in the middle of a glacial region, the Gipfelwelt 3000 is also an unforgettable snow experience in summer. The skiing area is open nearly all year round – from the end of September until mid June. However, snow-hungry visitors can also enjoy the glittering white Kitzsteinhorn in the middle of summer: the ICE ARENA, with its slippery dips of snow and snow beach, is an unique adventure world for the whole family!
Hohe Tauern National Park – the largest national park of the Alps
Kitzsteinhorn is located right at the border to Hohe Tauern National Park. With more than 1,800 km², it’s the largest national park of the Alps. Its highest point is Austria’s highest peak, Großglockner (3.798 m). A hike from the valley up to the glacier and the peak is like a travel from the European summer into the coldness of the Arctic, with all climes between Central Europe and the pole area. Hohe Tauern National Park is Europe’s “Noah’s Ark“ for flora, fauna, and rock. It was approved by IUCN in 2006. Kitzsteinhorn works together closely with Hohe Tauern National Park. In 2011, this cooperation and the exemplary sustainable, innovative management was rewarded with a high award: at the XI. Alpine Convention, Gletscherbahnen Kaprun received the “pro natura – pro ski AWARD“.