Gipfelwelt 3000 is a panoramic platform on the Kitzsteinhorn in Austria. From the ‘Top of Salzburg’ you have an amazing view of the alps.
At 3,029 meters above sea level, Gipfelwelt 3000 is high in the sky. It is the highest excursion area in Austria. From here you can also see the highest mountain in the country, the Grossglockner. The four glacier jets and the glacier shuttle will take you comfortably to the top and offer stunning (snowy) views of Hohe Tauern National Park.
Gipfelwelt 3000 in October
Although the location of the snowline will not be the same every year, all levels except the ground station parking lot will likely be covered in snow in mid-October. This means that you will see the world turn white as you take the glacier jet that will take you to the first station.
Stations
On the first level, you’ll find a store that sells alpine gear, in case you forgot your gloves. Other than visiting the store, there is not much to do on this level. The second gletscherjet takes you to the first ski area. Already in October, many people enjoy the snow on the Kitzsteinhorn. To get to the third gletscherjet, you have to go through a few hundred meters of snow (at least ankle to knee-deep), so make sure you wear the right shoes.
At the stations of the third and fourth gletscherjet, you will also find ski areas. At the fourth station, you’ll transfer to the gletscher shuttle, a train-like structure that will take you to the Top of Salzburg viewing platform and restaurant.
If you’re waiting for the shuttle, it may seem like the shuttle isn’t coming. If it’s snowing outside, you won’t be able to see the shuttle when it’s at the top. Just wait patiently for the shuttle to arrive: if you are within the opening hours, it will come.
Top of Salzburg
There are two viewing platforms at the summit. Of these two, the Top of Salzburg is the highest at 3,029 meters. From here you can either have a beautiful view of the surrounding area or just a view of a “white wall” when it is cloudy and snow is falling. You can experience the second if you visit Gipfelwelt 3000 in October. In that case, the trip itself is what matters, and the fact that you know that you are this high up in the mountains. Either way, it’s fun to take a picture with the sign.
National Park Gallery
Enter the tunnel to learn more about alpine nature. At the end of the tunnel, you will reach a second viewpoint. This little museum will give you an alpine breathing challenge on the way back up (it’s not a circular walk).
Gipfel Restaurant
After sightseeing in the snow, it’s nice to get warm again with a cup of hot chocolate and a meal. October is considered the low season, so you can only use the buffet option here. As always, meals on top of a mountain are not very fancy, but they are invigorating.
Worth it?
Although I prefer green mountain scenery, I think a trip to Gipfelwelt 3000 in the snow is also worthwhile if the weather is good. Especially since it was the only mountain (of the ones I visited) that was covered in snow in mid-October. I would recommend going on a day with clear(er) skies to get more out of the view because you can’t see much when it’s snowing heavily. As you can see from the photos I took, I didn’t have much of a view.
A round trip to the top, including lunch at the restaurant, will probably keep you entertained for about four hours.
If you like skiing or snowboarding, you can also opt for a more active visit to the Kitzsteinhorn. Since October is the low season, the ski slopes will not be crowded.
How do I get to Gipfelwelt 3000?
The valley station is ten minutes south of Kaprun. From Zell am See, you can get there in twenty minutes. You can park your car in one of the many parking lots near the entrance. Nearby you can also visit the Sigmund Thun Klamm.
Location: Kesselfallstraße 60, 5710 Kaprun, Austria
