Things To Do
in Zell am See
Zell am See sits on the shore of the crystal clear Lake Zell surrounded by the Hohe Tauern mountains. The town blends a charming historic center with a scenic lakefront and easy access to ski and hiking areas. It serves as a compact base for day trips to Kaprun, the glacier region, and nearby trails.
Year round the scenery and outdoor activities make it a versatile alpine escape.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Zell am See and check into your cozy lakeside hotel. Take a leisurely walk around the picturesque lake, soaking in the serene views and fresh mountain air. Enjoy a traditional Austrian breakfast at a local café to fuel your adventures ahead.
Dive into the vibrant local culture by exploring the charming streets and shops of the town center. Don't miss the beautiful St. Hippolyte's Church, known for its stunning architecture and history. Stop for lunch at a traditional eatery and savor local specialties like schnitzel or strudel.
As the sun sets over the lake, find a cozy spot for dinner with a view. Opt for a lakeside restaurant where you can enjoy fresh fish dishes paired with local wine. After dinner, take a relaxing stroll along the promenade to unwind.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before ascending the Schmittenhöhe via the cable car. Once at the top, indulge in breathtaking panoramic views of the Alps and Lake Zell. Take time to capture stunning photographs and embrace the crisp mountain air.
Hike one of the many marked trails that lead through picturesque mountain scenery and lush meadows. Stop for a picnic lunch that you packed earlier, surrounded by nature's beauty. Enjoy the serenity as you soak up the sun and picturesque alpine surroundings.
Return to Zell am See and enjoy a delicious dinner at a mountain hut that offers authentic Tyrolean cuisine. As night falls, consider participating in local festivities if they are happening or relax at your hotel with a glass of Austrian wine. Reflect on a day full of unforgettable sights and experiences.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee/tea | $3-5 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $40-70 |
| 🏨Hotel (1 night) | $120-180 |
| 🚆Local transit day pass | $8-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Picturesque scenery with lake and mountains
- Excellent access to outdoor activities year round
- Wide range of hotels and dining options
- Efficient public transport and walkable town center
- Can be crowded in peak summer and ski seasons
- Prices can be higher than in other Austrian towns
- Nightlife options are more subdued than in big cities
- "Guten Tag" - Good day / Hello
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
- "Danke schön" - Thank you
- "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
Places to Visit in Zell am See
Visit one of these nice places.
Calm lake reflections with the surrounding mountains, best at sunrise and golden hour.
Colorful town square framed by alpine scenery, ideal for street photography and architecture shots.
High altitude vantage with sweeping views over the lake and peaks, great for wide landscapes.
Quiet lake setting with reflections and pine forest backdrop, excellent for tranquil compositions.
Nearby reservoirs and dam areas offer dramatic alpine water and glacier views.
Food in Zell am See
Zell am See Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Cheesy egg noodles topped with crispy onions, a classic alpine comfort dish.
Must-Try!
Cheese-filled dumplings from the Pinzgau region, often served with sautéed onions.
Pan fried trout from local streams, prepared in a simple, hearty style.
Pan fried potatoes with meat and onions, a filling staple after a day outdoors.
A thin breaded cutlet commonly found in Austrian menus, often served with a potato salad.
Warm apple strudel with vanilla sauce or cream, a beloved dessert.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly farmers market with local cheeses, breads, sausages, honey and seasonal produce.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet others with Gruss Gott and address strangers with Sie until invited to use first names.
Respect quiet hours in evenings and Sunday mornings; avoid loud activity in residential areas.
Safety
Tipping in Zell am See
Ensure a smooth experience
Rounding up or leaving 5-10% in restaurants is common if service is good; not always included in the bill.
Cash and cards are widely accepted; contactless payments common; some smaller venues prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with long daylight hours; highs in the low to upper 20s Celsius. Ideal for hiking, boating, and outdoor dining, with occasional afternoon thunderstorms.
Snow covered slopes with reliable skiing; cold temperatures and shorter days. Dress in layers and be prepared for fast-changing mountain weather.
Meltwater and fresh greens; variable weather with shifting temperatures. Great for early hikes and fewer crowds.
Crisp air and autumn colors around the lake and mountains; pleasant hiking conditions and fewer tourists.
Zell am See at Night
Hiking in Zell am See
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic hike with panoramic views across the lake and peaks.
Glacier hike with reliable snow conditions and stunning alpine scenery.
Forest and river valley hike offering easy to moderate routes near Zell am See.
Airports
How to reach Zell am See by plane.
Approximately 80-90 minutes by car or train; good international and seasonal flight options.
Approximately 2.5-3 hours by train or car; extensive international connections.
About 2-3 hours by road or train; primarily European destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Seasonal visitors from nearby countries and beyond.
Popular destination for family holidays and romantic getaways.
Hiking, skiing, and water sports attract active travelers.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Reliable snow and long runs on Schmittenhoehe and nearby glaciers.
Calm waters ideal for water sports and leisurely cruising.
Scenic Zell am See Kaprun Golf Club with lake and mountain views.
Road routes around the lake and technical trails in the surrounding mountains.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Zell am See.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants offer vegetarian options; ask for plant-based dishes or customize plates with market vegetables.