The “Zell am See – Kaprun” tourist region is one of the most beloved areas for a trip in the Salzburg state. This region is home to charming villages and towns, the peaks of the immense Alps, and a variety of excellent attractions suitable for all ages. The main areas are, of course, the Zell am See area, which includes several villages along the Zell valley, as well as the town of Kaprun and the Kaprun valley. In the Zell valley, there are several excellent attractions that we will detail in this article. You can read about the best attractions in the Kaprun valley in a separate article. Zell am See and Kaprun function as one tourist area and have a single central tourist office.
Zell am See
The town of Zell am See is located in the Zell valley on the shore of the large Lake Zell. The town is north of Kaprun (where the impressive Kaprun dams are located) and 40 kilometers from the Grossglockner mountain. The closest mountain to Zell am See is called Schmittenhöhe, and it rises to a height of 1,965 meters above sea level. In winter, this mountain is used as a popular ski resort.
In the past, the small town served primarily as a destination for ski vacations, but over the years, tourism also began to develop during the summer. Visitors in the summer months come here for the clean air, clear water, and its proximity to popular attractions like the Kaprun dams, the Sigmund-Thun Gorge, and the glaciers on the mountain peaks of Kitzsteinhorn and Grossglockner.
For the past 20 years, Zell am See has become a popular destination for tourists from Arab countries, largely due to a marketing campaign comparing its clear waters, snow-capped peaks, and lush slopes to the paradise described in the Quran. Most visitors come from Saudi Arabia, especially in summer.
Because the town is so popular, it has many hotels and guesthouses. If you plan to stay here, you can find a list of all the most recommended accommodations in the Zell am See-Kaprun area at the end of this article. The town center is cute, although very touristy. In the center, there is a variety of restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops for warm days.
The region is extensive, so you don’t need to stay in the town itself – many charming villages around Zell Lake offer great accommodation options.
Lake Zell (Zeller See)
The large, clear lake located next to the town is a real attraction on hot summer days. The lake is 4 kilometers long and 1.5 kilometers wide, and in its center, it reaches a depth of 68 meters. Snowmelt and spring water from the mountains flow into the lake, and one stream flows out of it, connecting to the Salzbach River.
Along the lake, there are free bathing beaches and water pools. You can also rent a boat and sail on the lake or enjoy a variety of water sports activities such as windsurfing or kayaking. Around the lake, there are well-maintained and comfortable hiking and biking trails that allow you to circle the lake and enjoy the area’s scenery from every possible angle. The walk around the lake takes about 3 hours and is highly recommended!
In winter, the lake freezes completely, and you can freely skate on it.
This is what Lake Zell looks like
Schmittenhöhe Mountain
Mount Schmittenhöhe is the easiest go-to mountain when staying in Zell am See. The mountain adjacent to the town is easily accessible by a modern cable car. The cable car is used by visitors in the winter months for skiers and in the summer months for anyone who wants great views and hiking trails in nature. You can find more information here about the various possible hiking trails in this area.
South of Zell am See is the Kaprun area, with a luxurious spa, beautiful nature trails like the Sigmund-Thun Gorge, and, of course, the most impressive dams in Austria. Additionally, there is the peak of the Maiskogel mountain, at the foot of which is an exciting mountain slide, or the Kitzsteinhorn glacier where you can ski even in summer.
If you continue a bit further south, you can reach the high road of the amazing Grossglockner mountain. There is no doubt that this is the most impressive mountain in Austria and, of course, the highest in the country. At the peak of the mountain, there is a huge glacier that allows for skiing 365 days a year.
13 Things To Do in Zell am See
- Explore the town of Zell am See. Wander through the tiny streets, spot the nice and small handcraft shops and enjoy a coffee in the middle of the old town. Make sure you try out Austrian specialities, such as Käsespätzle (cheese noodles) in a tradtitional restaurant. There is a small fountain in the center, which is surrounded by benches, which is perfect for sitting down and practising people-watching. Trust us, there is plenty to see!
- Walk along the lake on the prommenade and ejoy the fantastic views from every angle. The prommenade is also accessible with strollers and offers enough space for kids to run around safely. There are benches along the way if you want to rest for a bit or simply to soak in the athomsphere to the fullest.
- If you are up for a longer walk, you can walk around the lake. It will take you about 3:45h. The walk is flat and leads you on calm streets around the lake. There is an option for drinks and a snack halfway around the lake in the town called Thumersbach.
- If you want to circle the lake a bit faster, you can rent a bike and cycle the same way as the walking path.
- See the magic lake show! Between May and October you can see a 20-minute long free water fountain show directly on the lake. It takes place every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. The program always alternates. Read more about it here.
- Around the lake you will find free bathing beaches and water pools. Grab your swim suit and enjoy the day surrounded by the amazing views.
- Try out different water sports activities such as windsurfing, kayaking or SUP. You can rent the equipment directly ar the bathing beaches or maybe your hotel offers a rental.
- Rent a boat and sail on the lake or hop on the lake cruise and change the perspective. The boat ride takes about 45 minutes and leaves every hour (starting at 10am, last cruise at 5pm) from the main port in Zell am See. You can read more about it here.
- Pack your hiking shoes and chose from one of the 400km marked hiking trails, some of which start directly from the town. You will for sure enjoy the area’s scenery from every possible angle!
- Take the cable car up the mountains and hike on an elevated level or just enjoy the view from on of the beautiful mountain huts.
- In winter: Go skiing! Mount Schmittenhöhe (more details about it in this article) or the Kitzsteinhorn glacier leave nothing to be desired.
- In winter: Every winter, the lake freezes completely at one point, making it safe to ice-skate on it. Please always respect and check the local news before hitting the ice in order to be on the safe side.
- Explore the surrounding of Zell am See. There are extremely many things to do in the near distance. They range from hiking, cables cars to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, Sigmund-Thun-Canyon and other canyons, the Gastein valley, the Großglockner high alpine road up to the Gastein spa. Read all about these attractions and more at the end of this article. We have prepared dedicated articles about all these places and attractions.
The Zell am See – Kaprun Benefits Card
From mid-May to the end of October, an exclusive benefits card is given to those staying in the Zell am See-Kaprun area. This card is not for sale and is available only to guests staying in selected hotels or apartments that partner with the local tourism office. The card is valid only for the duration of your stay in the area and cannot be transferred to others, as the name of the guest who can use it is written on each card. The attractions that can be entered for free with the card are: Kaprun dams, Kitzsteinhorn glacier, Schmittenhöhe mountain in Zell am See, Maiskogel mountain in Kaprun, Sigmund-Thun Gorge, Kitzloch Gorge, boat trip on Zell am See lake, and many more attractions in the area. More information on the summer card.
Recommended Accommodations Near Zell am See
Although Zell am See is the largest town in the area, you don’t need to stay there. The region is dotted with charming, quiet villages near the lake and local attractions. Some accommodations include the regional benefits card, which we’ll explain later. Below is a list of recommended stays in villages around the lake, including options near Kaprun, just a short drive away.
- Schloss Prielau Hotel & Restaurants A charming and luxurious hotel in an ancient 15th-century castle. The hotel has a spa complex and an excellent breakfast.
- Landhaus Schmittenblick A rustic apartment house with a great view of the lake.
- Der Erlhof Restaurant & Landhotel An elegant and romantic hotel right on the lake. There is a spa for guests and the hotel has direct access to the lake.
- Alpenhof Grafleiten A rustic guesthouse with apartments suitable for families. It is located on a hilltop overlooking the area and is designed in a simple, rustic style.
- Superior Sport und Familienresort Alpenblick A luxurious and pampering hotel that includes swimming pools and a spa complex. Suitable for families. Includes the summer benefits card.
- Dahoam by Sarina – Village Appartements An apartment house in a convenient and central location. Suitable for families.
- See 58 A modern and luxurious vacation apartment house, right on the lake.
- Appartements Haus Sonnenschein A simple and rustic vacation apartment house. Convenient location in the village near the lake.
- PEOPLE’S Hotel includes the summer benefits card.
- Boutique Hotel Pinzgauerhof A chain of budget hotels with simple and practical rooms. Includes the summer benefits card.
- Familienappartements Eder
- Art Apart Nomay Includes the summer benefits card.
- Aparthotel Waidmannsheil includes the summer benefit card.
- VÖTTER’S Hotel Includes the summer benefits card.
- Apartmán Fürth
- Pension Baranekhof B&B
- Tauern Spa Hotel & Therme
- Hartweger House
- JUFA Hotel Kaprun
Additional Essential Information for Your Visit
Official Website
Address: 5700 Zell am See
Map:
Other Recommended Attractions in the Zell am See Area
- Tauern Spa
- Kaprun Dams
- Sigmund-Thun Gorge
- Kitzsteinhorn
- Kitzloch Gorge
- Saalachtal Valley
- Sensory Park in Leogang
- Saalbach – Hinterglemm
- Gastein Valley
- The High Road of the Grossglockner Mountain
- The 10 Slides Trail in Wildkogel
- Krimml Waterfalls
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