Kauns

Altitude: 1,050 m a.s.l.

Kauns is located on a sunny terrace in the Kaunertal valley and extends from the Faggenbach river in the valley up to the mountain slopes of the Kaunergrat ridge. The protected area is the habitat for the "Braunelle", an old bee species perfectly adapted to the cold winters in the high mountains.

An interesting building in the village is the palace courtyard which features beautiful paintings from the time around 1650 AD. It represents a real rarity, as there were several devastating fires in the village that destroyed great parts of the local buildings. On the rock that falls sharply down into the Faggenbach, however, rises Berneck Castle, emperor Maximilian's fixed quarters for chamois and ibex hunting. The restored castle complex with its chapel can be visited in summertime.

Kauns is part of the Kaunergrat Nature Park. Numerous trails snake across this mountain landscape, taking you e.g. to the Aifner Mountain Hut, to the Pillerhöhe pass, to Falpaus, and to the Nature Park House on the Gachenblick. In winter, Kauns is an ideal starting point for those who love skiing and snowboarding: The Kaunertal Glacier - Fendels Skiing Area is located in the valley and offers, besides wonderful ski slopes, also several toboggan runs and cross-country ski trails.