Press release Fascination Water Power: Hiking along Deep Gorges and Mountain Reservoirs in Zell am See-Kaprun Pure glacial water, roaring streams and the idyllic Lake Zell impress hikers with natural variety Zell am See-Kaprun (w&p), 1 July 2013 – Water power and natural phenomena: In summer Zell am See-Kaprun attracts visitors with a varied route network of hiking trails stretching over 400 kilometers at all altitudes – from the glacier to Lake Zell. The water, which blazes its trail through the mountains when the snow melts, provides for a gorgeous setting with crystal-clear lakes and rivers. Hikers have the opportunity to experience the fascination of water during tours for beginners, intermediates and advanced hikers in the region: looking down to the impressive depth of the gorge Sigmund-Thun-Klamm, ascending to the mountain reservoirs of Kaprun or hiking leisurely along the scenic lake promenade of Lake Zell. From mid-May to mid-October 2013 visitors can look forward to the imposing water-light-music-laser show “Magic Lake Show” taking place at the redesigned esplanade every Thursday and Sunday. Water fountains as high as 39 meters present the multi-faceted region with spectacular pictures and projections accompanied by classic or rock and pop music. Natural spectacle Sigmund-Thun-Klamm For several thousand years already the melting water of different glaciers of the national park Hohe Tauern has been flowing through the valley Kaprunertal. The mountain river Kapruner Ache has carved itself up to 32 meters in depth into the hard rocks of the Sigmund-Thun-Klamm over a distance of 320 meters und created an extraordinary natural spectacle. On the footbridge through the gorge hikers free from giddiness can admire this phenomenon from a height. From there nature enthusiasts have the opportunity to hike to the crystal-clear reservoir Klammsee and learn about nature on the educational trail and its featuring charts. Hikers can easily access the Sigmund-Thun-Klamm from the town center of Kaprun along the Kapruner Ache in roughly 45 minutes. Every Monday in July and August 2013 guides show the mystical side of the gorge in the dark during the torchlight walk “Mystical Night of Water”. Tremendous water power and breathtaking landscape Below the Kitzsteinhorn bordering on the national park Hohe Tauern a technical master piece presents itself to visitors at an altitude of 2,000 meters, which uses the tremendous power of water effectively and transforms it into electricity: the mountain reservoirs of Kaprun “Mooserboden” and “Wasserfallboden”. During a dam tour and in the adventure exhibition, interested visitors learn about exciting details about power generation by water power. The reservoirs are accessible on foot in roughly four hours during a diversified hike from the Hotel Kesselfall via a steep path and the idyllic alp Fürthermoaralm. From the alp to the destination – the mountain restaurant Mooserboden – a “Herbs and Flowers Educational Path” offers an interesting insight into the natural variety of the mountain meadows and alps. The fascinating reservoirs are also conveniently accessible by shuttle bus in an ascend of 30 minutes. From 2014 the ascend can be done in the renovated inclined lift “Lärchwand” – the biggest of its kind in Europe. Press release Crystal-clear lake, unspoiled nature und spectacular water shows The heart of the region – Lake Zell measuring 3.8 kilometers in length and 1.5 kilometers in width – is not only the perfect place for numerous sporting activities in and on the water but also invites leisure hikers to walk comfortably around the lake. In roughly three hours excursionists can admire the surrounding mountains with to local mountain Schmittenhöhe, the Kitzsteinhorn and the Maiskogel on a distance of eleven kilometres. The wildlife sanctuary with its interesting flora and fauna such as reeds and bedding meadows, which is situated south of Lake Zell, provides for relaxation in untouched nature during this tour. Many restaurants with lake view invite hikers to have a rest along the trail. The local mountain Schmittenhöhe, which offers a gorgeous view to the numerous 3,000-meter peaks and a picturesque route along three beautifully situated reservoirs, is also perfect to experience relaxed hiking pleasures. From midMay to mid-October 2013 Lake Zell is also the setting of the spectacular water-lightmusic-laser show “Magic Lake Show”, which takes place every Thursday and Sunday in summer. Water shows that take place at the top of the hour between 1 and 5 pm are new this summer. Further information about the region Zell am See-Kaprun and the hiking routes are available at www.zellamsee-kaprun.com. About Zell am See-Kaprun: Glacier, mountains, lake – the Austrian year-round holiday destination Zell am See-Kaprun combines the entire diversity of the Alps. In the unique natural paradise situated in the immediate vicinity of the national park Hohe Tauern, sports people, active holidaymakers, families and people looking for relaxation alike find a diversified choice of activities and adventures both in summer and in winter. Among these are the “Peakworld 3.000” on the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, the only glacial ski region in the Salzburger Land, the family region Maiskogel, the local mountain Schmittenhöhe as well as the crystal clear Lake Zell and the multiple award winning 36-hole championship golf course. Tradition and authenticity are mirrored in the events and culinary specialties of the region. Guests find relaxation in the newly opened wellness oasis TAUERN SPA as well as in many further spa and wellness hotels in Zell am See-Kaprun. For further information and printable footage please contact: w&p Wilde & Partner Public Relations GmbH Katharina Sickora/Stephanie Stöver Tel. +49 (0)89 - 17 91 90 - 0 info@wilde.de www.wilde.de Zell am See-Kaprun Tourismus GmbH Mag. Marina Latini Phone +43 (0)6542 - 770 welcome@zellamsee-kaprun.com www.zellamsee-kaprun.com www.facebook.com/zellamseekaprun www.twitter.com/ZellKaprun