Zell am See is an enviably lucky town — set between a turquoise lake and snow-capped peaks, so every season has a beauty of its own. Summer is for swimming in the lake and cycling around the mountains; winter is for skiing at a world-renowned resort. Whenever you come, this little town of just over ten thousand people will surprise you with how beautiful it is.
#1 Lake Zell
A 4.3-kilometre natural lake that is the heart of Zell am See. The clear turquoise water comes from Alpine glaciers and stays cool and refreshing in summer — ideal for swimming, paddleboarding and rowing. A 21-kilometre cycle path runs around the lake, linking several waterside villages. In winter the lake turns into a scene of pure white snow, and at sunset the water glows orange and gold in a way you won't forget.
- The public beach, Strandbad Zell am See, opens in summer; entry is around 5-7 euros and it has full facilities.
- Rent a rowing boat or paddleboard at the dock behind the Stadtpfarrkirche for roughly 12-15 euros per hour.
- At sunset, 7-8 pm, golden light pours over the lake and the Schmittenhöhe peak — the most beautiful window for photos.
#2 Schmittenhöhe
The signature peak of Zell am See, reachable by both cable car and on foot. The 360-degree panorama from the top takes in more than 30 Alpine peaks, including Grossglockner, the highest mountain in Austria. In winter it's a world-class ski area within the Skicircus Saalbach-Hinterglemm region; in summer there are hiking trails at several difficulty levels. The restaurant at the top is open year-round with the best view in the state.
- The Schmittenbahn cable car leaves from the centre of town; a return ticket is around 28-35 euros / a weekly pass is far better value if you're staying several days.
- Arrive before 9 am to avoid the long lines during ski season and peak travel periods.
- The Pinzgauer Spazierweg hiking trail runs along the ridge from the top and takes 2-3 hours, with beautiful views the whole way.
#3 Kitzsteinhorn Glacier
A 3,029-metre glacier where you can ski for almost the whole year. Unlike other ski resorts, Kitzsteinhorn opens its slopes from October through June on real glacier snow. In summer the cable car carries you up to see what remains of the glacier, and on a clear day the view from the top reaches peaks in Italy and Switzerland. Come soon, because the glacier shrinks a little every year from global warming.
- The temperature at the top is always 15-20 degrees colder than in town — even in summer you'll need a heavy jacket.
- A ticket up the Kitzsteinhorn is around 43-55 euros / you get a discount with a Salzburg Card.
- For skiers who want firm snow in summer (May-June), this is one of the few places in Europe where it's still possible.
#4 Grossglockner High Alpine Road
One of the most beautiful drives in the world, open only in summer (May-October). The road winds up to 2,504 metres through Alpine meadows, mountain lakes and the Pasterze glacier viewpoint — the Pasterze being the longest glacier in Austria. From the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe you get a close-up view of Grossglockner, Austria's highest peak at 3,798 metres. It's an experience you won't find anywhere else.
- The Grossglockner toll is around 38-41 euros per car / buy the ticket online in advance for a discount.
- Open only May-October, depending on snow conditions — check grossglockner.at before you go.
- Fill up the tank in Zell am See before you set off; there are no petrol stations on this road, and plan at least half a day to stop at every viewpoint.
#5 Hohe Tauern National Park
The largest national park in the Alps, covering more than 1,800 square kilometres and home to marmots, golden eagles and ibex. There are over 300 hiking trails to choose from, ranging from easy routes around mountain lakes to peak climbs for the experienced. The Krimml Falls inside the park are the highest waterfall in Austria (380 metres) and the largest in Central Europe — a stop you have to make.
- You can reach the Krimml Falls by Pinzgauer Lokalbahn train from Zell am See in about 1.5 hours; the trail to view the falls takes 2-3 hours round trip.
- The Kapruner Törl trail near Kitzsteinhorn is good for beginners, with lovely glacier and lake views.
- Don't go into the park during the rainy season (May-June) — the trails are slippery and fog is a risk, and the views aren't worth the trip.
#6 Zell am See Old Town and Vogtturm
The compact old town of Zell am See is easy to explore in half a day on foot. The Vogtturm tower, more than 900 years old, is the symbol of the town — you can climb it for free and look out over the lake below. The Romanesque-Gothic Stadtpfarrkirche church is nearby, with frescoes that are hundreds of years old. Stadtgasse street has Austrian cafes, local sweet shops and folk souvenirs, and the quiet mood is a world apart from the winter resort.
- Visit the Stadtpfarrkirche church in the morning, 8-10 am; the early light through the stained glass is beautiful and there are still few people.
- The farmers' market (Bauernmarkt) runs every Thursday morning in the town's central square from June to September — the local sweets and fresh Pinzgau cheese are worth a try.
- Walk along the lake from the old town heading north to the 2-kilometre Promenade for a panoramic view of the Schmittenhöhe peak.
Where to stay in Zell am See for this trip
A well-located hotel means less commuting and more sightseeing. Here are real, top-rated stays in Zell am See — compare Agoda · Booking · Trip.com in one click.
Hotel Berner Zell am See
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Superior Hotel Tirolerhof - Zell am See
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Grand Hotel Zell am See
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Sportresort Alpenblick
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Tours, tickets & activities in Zell am See
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Before You Pack
Zell am See is at its most beautiful in July-August, when the lake is emerald green and the mountains lush, and in December-March for skiing and snow. Plan at least 3-4 days to cover the lake, the peaks and the Grossglockner road.