Holiday in Zell am See
City in Austria — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇦🇹
Country
Austria
Type
City
Best time to travel
Jun–Sep (summer), Dec–Mar (ski)
Budget/day
95–160 €
Getting there from Germany
By train to Zell am See (1.5h from Salzburg, 2.5h from Munich). Car via the Tauern motorway A10.
Deals for Zell am See:
What makes Zell am See special as a destination?
Zell am See is picturesque, located on the emerald green Zeller See, nestled between the gentle slopes of Schmittenhöhe and the glaciated peaks of the Hohe Tauern in the Salzburg Pinzgau. The unique combination of lake and high mountains makes the place one of the most versatile year-round destinations in the Alps — a summer bathing paradise and a winter snow sports mecca. In winter, the Schmittenhöhe-Zell am See ski area connects 77 kilometers of slopes with magnificent panoramic descents and views of the lake. Just a few minutes away, the Kitzsteinhorn near Kaprun, as the only glacier ski area in Salzburg, offers skiing fun up to 3,029 meters — from October to June. The Ice Arena at the summit, a panoramic platform above the eternal ice, provides an overwhelming view of over 30 three-thousanders. Together, Schmittenhöhe and Kitzsteinhorn form the Zell am See-Kaprun ski area with over 140 kilometers of slopes. In summer, the crystal-clear Zeller See invites swimming, sailing, and stand-up paddling, while the Grossglockner High Alpine Road and the Hohe Tauern National Park are just a short drive away. The Sigmund-Thun-Klamm, the Kaprun reservoirs, and the hike to Schmittenhöhe with views of Grossglockner and Kitzsteinhorn are popular summer excursions. The historic town center of Zell am See impresses with the Kastnerturm, the parish church, and cozy restaurants along the lakeshore.
What are the top highlights in Zell am See?
The top highlights in Zell am See include Zeller See, Schmittenhöhe, Kitzsteinhorn, Elisabeth-Promenade, Sigmund-Thun-Klamm.
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Zeller See
The crystal-clear mountain lake offers swimming, sailing, and boating with a breathtaking mountain panorama.
Schmittenhöhe
The local mountain (2,000m) offers 77 km of slopes in winter and panoramic hikes with lake views in summer.
Kitzsteinhorn
Salzburg's only glacier with the highest viewing platform in the country (3,029m) and year-round skiing.
Elisabeth-Promenade
The elegant lakeside promenade with Belle Époque flair, cafés, and views of the surrounding mountains.
Sigmund-Thun-Klamm
The impressive gorge with wooden walkways over roaring waters — a natural experience for the whole family.
Hotels in Zell am See
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Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
When is the best time to visit Zell am See?
The best time to visit Zell am See is Jun–Sep (summer), Dec–Mar (ski). 18–26 °C In winter: -5–3 °C, snow reliable
Recommended travel time
Jun–Sep (summer), Dec–Mar (ski)
Summer
18–26 °C
Winter
-5–3 °C, snow reliable
How much does a holiday in Zell am See cost?
Budget travellers: 55–85 €/day, mid-range: 95–160 €/day, luxury: 180–350 €/day.
Average costs per person per day
Budget
55–85 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
95–160 €
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
180–350 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
How do I get from Germany to Zell am See?
By train to Zell am See (1.5h from Salzburg, 2.5h from Munich). Car via the Tauern motorway A10.
Book a package holiday to Zell am See
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Compare package holidays nowWhat travel tips are there for Zell am See?
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Kitzsteinhorn National Park Gallery: 360m long tunnel through the rock with a viewing platform.
SalzburgerLand Card for free admission to many attractions including mountain lifts.
Lakeside promenade in the evening: sunset over the lake with mountain backdrop.
Day trip to the Grossglockner High Alpine Road (1h away).
In winter: Ski-Circus Saalbach-Hinterglemm is only 20 minutes away.
What should you eat in Zell am See?
Typical specialities in Zell am See: Pinzgauer Kasnocken, Pinzgauer Bladl, Kaspressknödel, Trout from the lake, Kaiserschmarrn, Salzburg beer meat.
These specialties you must try!
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