Zell am See Travel Guide: Lake, Mountains & Year-Round Adventure in Austria

Nestled between the sparkling waters of Lake Zell and the towering peaks of the Austrian Alps, Zell am See is one of Austria’s most iconic destinations. Whether blanketed in snow or bathed in summer sunshine, this picturesque town offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, relaxation, and cultural charm.
 

As your local travel guide, let me take you through everything you need to know—from top attractions and activities to tips on dining, staying, and making the most of every season.

📍 Where Is Zell am See?

Location: State of Salzburg, Austria

Region: Pinzgau district in the Austrian Alps

Nearby Highlights: Kaprun, Kitzsteinhorn Glacier, Grossglockner Road

🚆 How to Get to Zell am See

✈️ By Air:

Salzburg Airport (SZG): ~1.5 hours by car

Munich Airport (MUC): ~2.5 hours by train or car

Innsbruck Airport: 2.5–3 hours by car

🚂 By Train:

Direct connections from Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Vienna

Zell am See has its own train station, just 5 minutes from the lakefront

🚗 By Car:

Access via the B311 highway

Scenic mountain drives via the Grossglockner High Alpine Road

🌟 Top Things to Do in Zell am See

1. Lake Zell (Zeller See)

One of Austria’s cleanest and most beautiful lakes

Activities include swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing

Summer cruises offer panoramic views of the Alps and town

2. Schmittenhöhe Mountain

Take the cable car up for breathtaking 360° views

Great for hiking in summer and skiing in winter

Family-friendly trails and alpine huts with traditional food

3. Kitzsteinhorn Glacier (Kaprun)

Skiing and snowboarding year-round, even in summer

Take the Gletscherjet cable car to the top at over 3,000 meters

Visit Gipfelwelt 3000, a viewing platform above the clouds

4. Old Town Zell am See

Charming medieval alleys and traditional Austrian architecture

Highlights include St. Hippolyt Parish Church and the Vogtturm Tower

Plenty of boutiques, cafés, and souvenir shops

5. Grossglockner High Alpine Road

One of Europe’s most scenic drives, leading to Austria’s highest peak

Open seasonally (May–October), with panoramic viewpoints and wildlife

A must-do road trip for nature lovers and photographers

🎿 Winter Activities in Zell am See

Zell am See is a true winter wonderland, offering everything from world-class skiing to snowshoeing and Christmas markets.

Zell am See-Kaprun Ski Area

138 km of ski slopes for all skill levels

Snow parks, ski schools, and après-ski huts

Access to the Ski ALPIN CARD, which connects you to Saalbach Hinterglemm and Leogang

Other Winter Highlights:

Ice skating on the frozen lake

Horse-drawn sleigh rides through snowy landscapes

Wellness spas and thermal baths in nearby Tauern Spa Kaprun

🌄 Summer Adventures in Zell am See

Summer in Zell am See offers lush green meadows, warm lake days, and endless adventure.

Hiking & Nature Walks

Over 400 km of marked hiking trails

Popular trails: Schwalbenwand, Pinzgauer Spaziergang, and Lake Promenade Walk

Stop at mountain huts for local cheese, schnapps, and alpine food

Mountain Biking

Epic alpine trails and bike parks for adrenaline junkies

Electric bike rentals available for all skill levels

Routes connecting Zell am See, Kaprun, and even Saalbach

Water Sports & Beach Clubs

Stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, and wakeboarding

Several beach areas: Thumersbach, Seespitz, and Ebenberg

Clean and warm enough to swim from June to September

🛶 Other Attractions Nearby

1. Kaprun Castle

12th-century fortress with guided tours and events

Great spot for medieval festivals and summer concerts

2. Sigmund Thun Gorge

Dramatic wooden walkways through rushing water and cliffs

Family-friendly nature walk near Kaprun

3. Maiskogel Family Mountain

Adventure park for kids with alpine coaster, playgrounds, and more

Connected to the glacier via 3K K-onnection gondola

🍽️ Best Places to Eat in Zell am See

Traditional Austrian Restaurants

Brasserie Traube: Local cuisine with rustic ambiance

Kupferkessel: Cozy, wood-paneled interiors and hearty meals

Deins & Meins: Contemporary Austrian food and great service

International & Modern Dining

Seehotel Bellevue: Gourmet lakeside dining

Beachclub Zell am See: Laid-back summer vibe with drinks and views

Steinerwirt 1493: Mix of art gallery, restaurant, and hotel

Desserts to Try

Kaiserschmarrn (fluffy shredded pancake)

Marillenknödel (apricot dumplings)

Zeller Seetorte (local cake specialty)

🏨 Where to Stay in Zell am See

Luxury Hotels

Grand Hotel Zell am See: Historic 4-star resort right on the lake

Seehotel Bellevue: Stylish design hotel with spa and private beach

TAUERN SPA Hotel (Kaprun): Luxury thermal spa resort nearby

Mid-Range

Hotel Lebzelter: Centrally located with alpine character

Hotel Steinerwirt 1493: Culture meets comfort

Budget Options

Cella Central Historic Boutique Hotel

Youth Hostel Zell am See

Holiday apartments and guesthouses around the lake

📅 Best Time to Visit Zell am See

📸 Best Instagram Spots in Zell am See

From the top of Schmittenhöhe with the lake below

Reflections at sunrise on Lake Zell

Glacier views from Gipfelwelt 3000

Old Town’s colorful facades and the Lindner fountain

Sunset from a boat cruise or beach club

💡 Travel Tips

Currency: Euro (€)

Language: German (English widely understood in tourist areas)

Zell am See Summer Card offers free access to cable cars, lake cruises, and more

Bring layered clothing—weather can change fast in the Alps

Public transport is reliable; Zell am See-Kaprun Mobility Card is useful

🧭 Suggested 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Explore the Town & Lake

Walk the lake promenade

Visit Zell am See’s Old Town

Evening dinner with lake views

Day 2 – Mountain Adventure

Cable car to Schmittenhöhe

Hike or relax at mountaintop café

Sunset cruise on the lake

Day 3 – Glacier & Gorge

Morning trip to Kitzsteinhorn Glacier

Afternoon visit to Sigmund Thun Gorge

Spa treatment or alpine dinner in Kaprun

🌍 Why Visit Zell am See?

Zell am See is a rare destination where you can ski in the morning, sail in the afternoon, and dine lakeside at sunset. Whether you're an adventure-seeker, a couple on a romantic retreat, or a family looking for variety, this alpine haven delivers the perfect mix of thrill, tranquility, and timeless Austrian hospitality.

It’s not just a stop—it’s an experience.