Zell am See holidays

How to reach Zell am See

Flight time: The best way to get to Zell am See is by flights to Salzburg, the nearest major airport. Direct flights from London take about 2 hours, while flights from other major UK airports, like Manchester and Edinburgh, start from around 3.5 hours, including a stopover.

Transfer time: Zell am See is about 80km from Salzburg Airport. The most common transfer is by direct train, which takes 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, driving takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Price: Train tickets from Salzburg Airport to Zell am See cost around €15–€25 one-way.

Weather and best time to visit Zell am See

Zell am See is a year-round destination, offering diverse activities and experiences each season.

• December to February: Winter is Zell am See's high season. Snow is abundant, making it the perfect time for skiing and other winter sports. Expect temperatures ranging from -2 to 4°C and occasional snow showers.

• March to May: Spring brings milder weather, with temperatures rising from 5 to around 15°C and moderate rainfall. The snow melts, revealing lush green landscapes, and it’s an excellent time for hiking and exploring nature.

• June to August: Summer is another popular holiday season for Zell am See. Temperatures range from 18 to 25°C, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, swimming and cycling. While it’s generally sunny, occasional showers can occur.

• September to November: Autumn offers a quieter period, with temperatures gradually falling from 15 to around 5°C. The foliage turns beautiful shades of red and gold, making it ideal for scenic drives and hikes.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: German is the official language. English is widely understood in tourist areas, but learning a few basic German phrases can enhance your experience.

• Local habits and customs: Austrians appreciate punctuality and politeness. Greeting people with a friendly Grüss Gott (hello) and saying danke (thank you) are appreciated. Respect for local traditions and nature is important.

• Currency: Austria uses the Euro (€). ATMs are widely available. Most establishments accept major debit and credit cards.

• Getting around: Convenient ways to travel around Zell am See are buses and the Pinzgauer Lokalbahn railway, which heads up the Salzach Valley to Krimml. Tickets can be purchased on board or via local transport apps, costing around €2. Cycling is popular during the warmer months.

• Electricity and plug types: Austria's supply is 230V and uses the standard European plug types C and F. UK travellers will need a plug adaptor.

• Time zone: Austria is on Central European Time (CET), 1 hour ahead of GMT, and observes Daylight Saving Time.

Best things to do in Zell am See

Zell am See is an enchanting town that combines natural beauty with a variety of activities. Here’s a list of the best things to do on your holidays to Zell am See:

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Schmittenhöhe: This mountain offers stunning views over the town and Lake Zell. In summer, you can take the CityXpress cable car from the centre of Zell am See to the summit (2,000m), where hiking trails await. In winter, it transforms into a skiing paradise with pistes suitable for all levels.

• Gipfelwelt 3000: Located on the Kitzsteinhorn near Kaprun, this is the highest viewing platform in the region. On a clear day, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. The journey involves a series of cable cars, making it an adventure in itself.

The best districts

• Old Town (Altstadt): The narrow streets of Zell am See’s Old Town are lined with charming shops, cafés and restaurants. Highlights include the 11th-century St. Hippolyte's Church and the Grand Hotel Zell am See, a historic lakeside hotel.

• Thumersbach: Situated on the eastern shore of Lake Zell, this area offers a quieter, more residential feel with lovely lakeside promenades and views back across the water to Zell am See.

Historical monuments

• Kaprun Castle: Just a short drive from Zell am See, this medieval castle dates back to the 12th century. It hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, providing a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history.

• St. Hippolyte’s Church: One of the oldest buildings in Zell am See, this church is known for its Romanesque tower and beautiful frescoes.

Day trips in the area

• Krimml Waterfalls: The highest waterfalls in Austria – located about 1 hour by train or car from Zell am See – are part of the Hohe Tauern National Park and offer spectacular views and excellent hiking opportunities.

• Grossglockner High Alpine Road: This scenic drive takes you through some of Austria’s most breathtaking mountain scenery, ending at the base of the Grossglockner (3,798m), Austria’s highest peak. It’s a must-do for nature lovers and photographers.

Activities for families in Zell am See

Zell am See holidays offer a wealth of activities for families, ensuring both children and adults have a memorable holiday experience.

• Lake Zell: The lake offers various activities, such as boat trips, sailing, windsurfing and paddleboarding. The clear water is perfect for swimming during summer.

• Maiskogel Family Mountain: This area features family-friendly rides, slides and activities, such as the exciting alpine coaster, plus trails for hiking and biking. In winter, it’s ideal for beginner skiing and snowboarding.

• Wildpark Ferleiten: Just a short drive from Zell am See, this wildlife park offers an educational experience with native alpine animals, a playground and a petting zoo.

• Tauern Spa: This large spa and water park in Kaprun features indoor and outdoor pools, water slides and a dedicated children’s area.

Free things to do in Zell am See

There are plenty of free activities to enjoy in Zell am See, making it an excellent destination for budget-conscious travellers.

• Walking and hiking: Zell am See offers numerous trails with stunning views of the lake and mountains. The circuit around Lake Zell is a particular favourite, offering beautiful scenery, fresh air and plenty of picnic spots.

• Swimming: During the summer, the beaches around Lake Zell are free to access. Thumersbach Beach, in particular, is a lovely spot to swim, relax and enjoy the views.

• Historical Walks: Strolling through Zell am See’s Old Town and visiting landmarks like St. Hippolyte’s Church can be a delightful way to spend a day without money.

• Public Events: Zell am See often hosts free public events such as concerts, festivals and markets, especially during the summer and holiday seasons. Check the local event calendar for what’s on during your visit.

Wellness in Zell am See

• Spas and thermal baths: Tauern Spa in Kaprun is one of the best wellness centres near Zell am See. It offers numerous saunas, steam baths, relaxation areas, and indoor and outdoor thermal pools with stunning mountain views. Local hotels, such as the Grand Hotel Zell am See, often have their own spa facilities.

• Traditional body care: Many local spas incorporate traditional Austrian treatments, such as hay baths and herbal massages, which use locally sourced herbs and plants to provide a unique and therapeutic experience.

• Yoga and meditation centres: Practising yoga with a view of the Alps or meditating by the serene Lake Zell can add an extra layer of relaxation to your holiday.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking: Zell am See offers trails for all levels, from gentle lakeside walks to challenging mountain hikes. The Schmittenhöhe and Kitzsteinhorn are popular hiking areas with well-marked trails.

• Cycling and mountain biking: Numerous cycling routes exist, including family-friendly paths and challenging mountain biking trails. Bikes can be rented locally, and guided tours are available.

• Watersports: Lake Zell is perfect for water activities such as swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking and sailing. Equipment can be rented from various spots around the lake.

• Paragliding: For an unforgettable experience, consider a tandem paragliding flight over Zell am See. The views of the lake and mountains from above are breathtaking.

• Skiing and snowboarding: In winter, Zell am See turns into a ski resort town. The Schmittenhöhe and Kitzsteinhorn offer slopes for all skill levels, and snowboarding and other winter sports are also popular here.

• Golf: Golfclub Zell am See Kaprun offers a beautiful setting for a round of golf, with views of the surrounding mountains and the lake.

• Fishing: Lake Zell and the nearby rivers offer excellent fishing opportunities, with a variety of fish species to catch. Permits can be obtained locally.

Local dishes in Zell am See

One of the great delights of holidays to Zell am See is indulging in an array of traditional dishes, drinks and desserts. Here's what to look out for:

Some typical dishes

• Wienerschnitzel: Though it originated in Vienna, this breaded and fried veal (or pork) cutlet is now a favourite across Austria.

• Käsespätzle: This is the Austrian version of macaroni and cheese, featuring soft egg noodles mixed with melted cheese and topped with crispy onions. It's a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect after a day of skiing or hiking.

• Tiroler Gröstl: A traditional dish from the Tyrol region, it’s a rustic mix of potatoes, beef or pork and onions, all fried together and often topped with a fried egg.

Sweets and desserts

• Apfelstrudel: A classic Austrian dessert, apple strudel is a pastry filled with spiced apples, raisins and a hint of cinnamon. It’s often served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

• Kaiserschmarrn: This fluffy, shredded pancake is a light treat, served with powdered sugar and a side of fruit compote, typically made with plums or apples.

Local drinks

• Schnapps: A traditional Austrian spirit, often flavoured with fruits like apricots, pears or apples. It’s a perfect way to warm up after a chilly day on the slopes.

• Glühwein: Especially popular during the winter months, this warm mulled wine is infused with spices and citrus, making it a festive drink to enjoy at Christmas markets or après-ski.