Zell am See is a lively alpine resort on the shores of Lake Zeller See, surrounded by green peaks and packed with things to do year-round. In this guide, we share our 17 best things to do in Zell am See and the surrounding Hohe Tauern mountains.
We first visited Zell am See and the Hohe Tauern National Park a few years ago—and loved it so much we had to return. This part of Austria charms with unspoilt nature, friendly locals, and endless options for hikes, cable cars, swimming, and relaxing.
What will you find in this article?
To help you plan your holiday in Zell am See, we’ve included a downloadable map at the end of the article with all the main attractions and places worth visiting.
🏡 Accommodation in Zell am See – Kaprun area
The following hotels and apartments include the Zell am See-Kaprun Summer Card, which gives you free access to selected cable cars, public transport, and attractions in the region. The card is automatically provided to all guests on arrival and is valid from 15 May to 31 October 2025.
Things to do in Zell am See, Austria: Best places to visit
Note: Time and distance are calculated one-way unless stated otherwise.
1. Swimming in Lake Zeller See
Zell am See sits on the shores of Lake Zeller See, where the water can reach up to 26 °C in summer—perfect for swimming. You’ll find several grassy lakeside beaches around the shoreline, most with cafés, changing cabins, and basic facilities.
On the eastern shore, Strandbad Thumersbach offers a great view of the lake and includes an outdoor pool just by the water. Closer to the town centre, Strandbad Zell am See also has an outdoor pool, a waterslide, and good facilities for families with children.
You’ll find all the main beach locations marked on the map at the end of this article.
2. Elisabeth Park and Fountain in Zell am See
Elisabeth Park is the main town park in Zell am See, stretching along the western lakeside promenade. It’s a pleasant place to relax, with landscaped paths, benches, plenty of flowers, and a musical fountain that plays every hour. The fountain is especially pretty in the evening when it’s lit up.
3. Boat Cruise on Lake Zeller See
A boat cruise on Lake Zeller See is one of the most popular things to do in Zell am See. The round trip takes around 45 minutes, with boats departing several times a day during the season from the central lakeside promenade.
The route includes several stops around the lake. Follow this link for current prices and timetables.
If you prefer to explore at your own pace, you can rent a small boat, motorboat, or canoe and enjoy the lake independently.
4. Schmittenhöhe Peak (1,965 m)
- Distance from Zell am See: 5 minutes by car or bus
The Schmittenhöhe is a scenic mountain right above Zell am See, offering some of the best panoramic views of the lake and surrounding peaks. At the top, you’ll find several viewpoints, a small wooden chapel, and traditional mountain huts for food and drinks.
The area around Schmittenhöhe is ideal for a full-day trip. Families with children will enjoy Schmidolin’s World of Adventure – a small theme park focused on outdoor play and learning. There’s also a playground and even an e-motocross track.
Hiking options from the summit
From the top, you can continue along the Pinzgau Ridge Trail – a moderately challenging 6-hour hike with stunning views of the highest peaks of the Austrian Alps. The trail ends near Saalbach, from where you can return by local bus.
For an easier route, descend back to Zell am See via Speicher See – a peaceful walk that takes about 2 to 2.5 hours.
How to get to Schmittenhöhe, Zell am See
The easiest way to reach the summit is via the modern Schmittenhöhebahn cable car. The lower station is just a 5-minute drive from the centre and offers free parking. Alternatively, you can take bus no. 71, which connects the town centre with the cable car base station.
There are several other lifts in the area:
- areitXpress – ideal for families heading to Schmidolin’s World
- cityXpress – great for accessing Speicher See and nearby trails
Click here for an interactive map of the Schmittenhöhe area, lift prices, opening hours, and useful tips.
Looking for more ideas? Check out our full list of things to do in the Austrian Alps.
5. Enzianhütte and Ronachkopf Peak
- Distance from Zell am See: 5 minutes by car
On the eastern side of the lake, you’ll find an easy and rewarding trip to the Enzianhütte mountain hut and nearby Ronachkopf peak. A narrow paved road leads all the way to the hut, where free parking is available. The area is also popular with cyclists.
The Enzianhütte serves excellent traditional Austrian food and has a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. From the hut, you can continue on a short and easy walk through the surrounding forest with lovely views of Lake Zell. The path is stroller-accessible, making it a great option for families with children looking for a gentle walk close to town.
6. Berggasthof Mitterberg
- Distance from Zell am See: 5 minutes by car
Not far from Ronachkopf, the Berggasthof Mitterberg is a mountain restaurant with a panoramic terrace overlooking Lake Zell. It’s a great place to enjoy a meal with a view.
You can get here on foot from Zell am See via a gentle uphill walk along a narrow paved road, or by car (parking available for €3). From the restaurant, you can continue walking further into the hills.
Next to the restaurant, you’ll find a small wooden chapel and a playground—making it another nice family-friendly stop near Zell am See.
7. Kitzsteinhorn Glacier
- Distance from Zell am See: 15 minutes by car or 30 minutes by bus (line 660)
Head up to the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier, one of the top attractions near Zell am See. At 3,202 metres above sea level, it offers skiing nearly year-round, making it a favourite for winter sports fans—even in summer.
But Kitzsteinhorn isn’t just about skiing. From the Gipfelwelt 3000 viewing platform, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Hohe Tauern range. There are also several hiking trails and mountain bike routes for summer visitors. More information about visiting the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier.
How to Get to Kitzsteinhorn
The base station of the Kitzsteinhorn cable car is located just outside Kaprun. From Zell am See, take bus no. 660, which stops in Kaprun and at the cable car station. The same bus also continues to the Kaprun high mountain reservoirs if you want to extend your trip. If you’re driving, there’s plenty of free parking.
8. Sigmund Thun Klamm Gorge
- Distance from Zell am See: 10 minutes by car or 25 minutes by bus (line 660)
The dramatic Sigmund Thun Klamm is a narrow gorge carved over thousands of years by glacial meltwater. It’s located near Kaprun and is easy to reach by car or by bus no. 660 from Zell am See. Free parking is available near the entrance.
The walk through the gorge is about 320 metres long and follows a series of wooden footbridges and paths clinging to the rock walls. Along the way, you’ll see small waterfalls, turquoise pools, and steep rock formations.
Check the official website for current opening hours and ticket prices.
🏡 Accommodation in Zell am See – Kaprun
These hotels include the Zell am See-Kaprun Summer Card, which gives guests free access to selected cable cars, local buses, and regional attractions. The card is automatically provided on arrival and is valid from 15 May to 31 October 2025.
9. Kaprun Dams – Wasserfallboden and Mooserboden
- Distance by car from Zell am See: 20 minutes by car or 35 minutes by bus (line 660)
High in the Hohe Tauern mountains lie the Kaprun dams, Wasserfallboden (1,672 m) and Mooserboden (2,036 m)—two impressive reservoirs set in dramatic alpine surroundings. When we first saw them, it was one of those unforgettable moments that made us fall in love with the Alps.
But Mooserboden Dam is more than just a scenic viewpoint. At the visitor centre, you can learn about hydroelectric power and even join a guided tour inside the dam, offering a unique look at how energy is produced from mountain water.
Travelling with kids? Don’t miss the Stromi Children’s Nature Trail, which explains the connection between nature and technology in a fun, engaging way.
There are also several great hiking trails around the dams. If you’re after more adventure, try MOBO 107, the highest via ferrata in the world on a dam wall. After your hike or tour, you can relax in one of the nearby mountain huts.
How to Get to the Mooserboden Dam
The trip starts at the Kesselfall ticket office, reachable by car or by bus no. 660, which runs from Zell am See via Kaprun to the station. Free parking is available in a parking garage next to the ticket office.
From there, a series of special transfer buses take you past the Wasserfallboden reservoir to the base of the incline lift—Europe’s largest open funicular. After that, you continue by shuttle bus through tunnels to the Mooserboden Dam.
All of this is included in one ticket: bus, lift, and final shuttle to the top. Check the official website for current prices, timetables, and opening times. The Kaprun dams are open from early June to mid-October.
Want to hike all the way up? You can reach Mooserboden Dam on foot from Kesselfall in about 4–5 hours, gaining over 1,100 metres in elevation. In high season, early-morning buses are available for hikers – advance booking is mandatory.
10. Kitzlochklamm Gorge
- Distance from Zell am See: 15 minutes by car
One of the most scenic gorges in the Austrian Alps, Kitzlochklamm winds through a narrow canyon carved by the Rauriser Ache mountain stream. A series of wooden bridges, tunnels, and viewpoints offer stunning views of the crystal-clear water and surrounding cliffs.
At the entrance, you’ll be given a safety helmet before starting the walk. The route is manageable and suitable for children. There’s also free parking available at the gorge entrance.
The Kitzlochklamm Gorge is open from late May to late October. Visit the official website for up-to-date info on opening hours and ticket prices.
More inspiration: Here are the most beautiful places in Austria.
11. The Grossglockner High Alpine Road
- Distance from Zell am See: 15 minutes by car to the start in Fusch
A classic alpine experience and one of the top things to do near Zell am See, the Grossglockner High Alpine Road takes you deep into the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park. This 48 km scenic route leads through more than 30 hairpin bends and climbs 1,748 metres in elevation, offering constant views of glaciers, peaks and valleys.
Along the way, you’ll pass waterfalls, alpine lakes, and have the chance to spot marmots. The road connects Fusch an der Grossglocknerstrasse in the north with Heiligenblut in the south.
A highlight is the detour to Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe, where you’ll find spectacular views of Grossglockner (Austria’s highest mountain) and the Pasterze Glacier, the longest in the Eastern Alps.
The Grossglockner Alpine Road is open from May to early November, depending on weather conditions. You’ll also find several long-distance trails nearby, including the Glocknerrunde, Venediger High Trail, and Alpe-Adria Trail.
Check the official website for opening hours, current road conditions, and ticket prices.
12. Rauristal Valley
- Distance from Zell am See: 25 minutes by car
Just half an hour from Zell am See lies Rauris, a peaceful alpine town surrounded by green pastures and forested slopes. Even though it’s so close, it feels like entering a different world. In winter, it’s a popular ski resort, but in summer the valley is calm and quiet—perfect if you want to escape the crowds.
You can simply enjoy a relaxing walk through the valley, taking in the scenery and watching cows graze in the meadows. Or take the Hochalmbahnen cable car, which brings you up to panoramic viewpoints and a fun gold panning site. This activity isn’t just for kids—it’s a unique way to experience a bit of alpine history, when people really searched for gold in these mountains.
From the upper station, you can also follow a scenic ridge trail with more stunning views of the Rauristal Valley.
Click here for opening times and ticket prices.
13. Weißsee and Tauernmoossee Dams
- Distance from Zell am See: 30 minutes by car
Near the Enzingerboden power station, close to Uttendorf, you’ll find two beautiful high-altitude reservoirs—Weißsee and Tauernmoossee.
The area is a paradise for outdoor lovers. A network of hiking trails criss-crosses the mountains, and you can even cycle to the Tauernmoossee Dam. In addition, skiing on the Weißsee glacier is possible for much of the year.
More inspiration: Planning a trip to the Austrian lakes? Take a look at our guide to the most beautiful lakes in Austria.
How to Get to Weißsee and Tauernmoossee
Start your trip at the Enzingerboden power station, where you can park for free. From there, take the cable car to Weißsee. If you like, you can get off at the intermediate station near Grünsee, a smaller lake, and continue on foot through breathtaking mountain scenery to Weißsee. Or ride all the way to the top and enjoy a walk around the reservoir.
At the top station, there’s also a mountain hotel where you can take a break or stay overnight.
Visit the official website for current lift prices and timetables.
Hiking to Weißsee
- Difficulty: medium
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Distance: 6 km
- Elevation gain: 800 m
- Starting point: Enzingerboden parking lot
If you prefer to hike, follow trail no. 715 from Enzingerboden to the Weißsee Dam. The first part of the route is steeper, but the second half opens up into wide alpine panoramas.
You can make a detour to the Tauernmoossee Dam about halfway, which adds another 30–60 minutes to the hike. Alternatively, stop there on the way back down.
There are also many other trails in the Weißsee area – some easier, others more demanding – making it a great destination for both casual hikers and experienced mountain trekkers.
🏡 Accommodation in Zell am See – Kaprun
The following places include the Zell am See-Kaprun Summer Card, which gives you free access to selected cable cars, public transport, and attractions. The card is included automatically when you stay at these hotels and is valid from 15 May to 31 October 2025.
14. Felbertal Valley
- Distance from Zell am See: 30 minutes by car
Located near Mittersill, the Felbertal Valley is a peaceful spot that’s ideal if you’re looking for something quiet, off the beaten track, or you’re visiting Zell am See with children.
There’s a free parking lot at the entrance to the valley. Just 5 minutes away is the Schösswendklamm Gorge – a short, easy walk that takes around 30 minutes to complete.
From the same parking area, you can either hike to Lake Hintersee (about 1 hour on foot), or drive directly to the car park by the lake (€3 fee in 2024), which is a more popular option.
Lake Hintersee is surrounded by alpine peaks, where long waterfalls tumble into the valley. A wide gravel path circles the lake and is suitable for all fitness levels, including families with strollers. Along the way you’ll find educational signs, benches, and a few mountain huts where you can stop for refreshments.
15. Krimml Waterfalls
- Distance from Zell am See: 50 minutes by car or 1.5 hours by bus
One of the absolute highlights of the Austrian Alps, the Krimml Waterfalls are the tallest waterfalls in Europe, cascading 380 metres down in three dramatic tiers.
Even before you arrive, you’ll spot the falls from the Gerlos Alpine Road (Gerlos Strasse). Once there, a 4 km paved trail with 11 viewing platforms guides you up the entire waterfall. You’ll get so close to the water that getting wet is practically guaranteed.
The higher you go, the quieter the trail becomes. At the top, you’ll reach a peaceful valley with hiking trails along the Krimmler Ache river and views of alpine meadows. The path is well maintained and suitable for strollers.
How to Get to Krimml Waterfalls
The waterfalls are located just outside the village of Krimml, along the Gerlos Strasse panoramic road. The road is open year-round, with a toll fee of €12.50 (motorbikes €9) in 2025.
At the entrance, you’ll find a large car park, visitor centre, and several small stalls. Entry to the Krimml Waterfalls is also paid – you’ll find the current prices and opening hours on the official website.
From Zell am See, take bus no. 670. The journey takes about 1.5 hours. Get off at the Krimml Wasserfälle stop, right by the entrance.
16. Gschlösstal Valley and Schlatenkees Glacier
- Distance from Zell am See: 45 minutes by car towards Matrei in Osttirol
This trip takes you a bit further from Zell am See, but it’s well worth it. The Gschlösstal Valley is often called the Royal Valley of the Eastern Alps – and once you see it, you’ll understand why.
The valley is lined with traditional alpine huts and surrounded by towering peaks, including the Großvenediger, the highest summit in the Venediger range. The most striking feature is the Schlatenkees Glacier, which flows down between the peaks into the valley – a stunning sight, although sadly shrinking due to climate change.
There are several hiking trails in the area, from easy valley walks to more demanding glacier loops. One of the most popular is the Gletscherlehrweg Innergschlöss, a circular trail around the glacier that takes about 4–4.5 hours.
How to get to the Gschlösstal Valley
The starting point is the paid car park at Matreier Tauernhaus (€9 per 24 hours in 2024).
From here, you can either walk or take a shuttle taxi to Innergschlöss, the main access point to the valley. The walk takes about 1.5 hours, or you can ride a local taxi shuttle that runs every 20 minutes between 8:40 and 17:00 in the high season. The fare is €6 per person (2024 prices).
From Innergschlöss, continue on foot towards Venedigerhaus, the trailhead for most hikes into the upper part of the valley and around the glacier.
17. Bad Gastein and the Stubnerkogel
- Distance from Zell am See: 40 minutes by car
Bad Gastein is a historic spa town on the eastern edge of the Hohe Tauern. Its most iconic feature is the Gastein Waterfall, which plunges 341 metres through the centre of town, cascading down cliffs and forested slopes.
From Bad Gastein, you can hike or take a cable car to the top of Stubnerkogel (2,246 m), a panoramic peak above the valley. More information about the Stubnerkogel cable car here.
The main attraction at the summit is the suspension bridge, which leads to the Glocknerblick viewing platform. As the name suggests, it offers a stunning view of Grossglockner, Austria’s highest mountain.
Where to Stay in Zell am See – And Why the Summer Card Matters
Our tip: If you plan to use cable cars, buses or visit regional attractions, make sure your accommodation includes the Zell am See–Kaprun Summer Card. It’s valid from 15 May to 31 October and can save you a significant amount of money.
The card cannot be purchased separately – it’s available exclusively to guests who stay at participating hotels or apartments in the Zell am See–Kaprun area. It’s included automatically when you check in and gives you free access to selected cable cars, public transport, and sights in the region.
🏡 Accommodation in Zell am See – Kaprun
The following places include the Zell am See-Kaprun Summer Card, which gives you free access to selected cable cars, public transport, and attractions. The card is included automatically when you stay at these hotels and is valid from 15 May to 31 October 2025.
Zell am See-Kaprun Summer Card – What’s Included
With the Zell am See–Kaprun Summer Card, you get free access to many of the area’s top attractions, including:
- the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier
- Sigmund Thun Gorge
- the Schmittenhöhe cable car
- the outdoor pool in Zell am See
- boat cruises on Lake Zell
- local buses
- the Kaprun high mountain reservoirs
The card is included free of charge at participating hotels and guesthouses. You’ll receive it automatically when you check in. It’s valid from 15 May to 31 October 2025 and can save you a significant amount on transport and activities.
All of the accommodations below include the Zell am See–Kaprun Summer Card:
- Elements Resort Zell am See: Four-star resort with modern apartments, outdoor pool, restaurant, and fitness centre
- The House Zell am See: A stylish, fully equipped aparthotel in a quiet part of Zell am See.
- Hotel Latini: Comfortable four-star hotel with swimming pool, spa, and in-house restaurants
- Pension Margarete: Cosy alpine-style guesthouse at the foot of Schmittenhöhe – great value for money
- Alpenhotel Tauernstüberl: Traditional three-star hotel with a restaurant and half board option
- Aparthotel Nikolaus by AvenidA: Modern, newly furnished and fully equipped apartments with saunaNewly furnished and fully equipped apartments with sauna – ideal for longer stays
🏡 Accommodation in Zell am See – Kaprun
These hotels include the Zell am See-Kaprun Summer Card, which gives guests free access to selected cable cars, local buses, and regional attractions. The card is automatically provided on arrival and is valid from 15 May to 31 October 2025.
Map of Zell am See, Austria
HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above, you’ll find a detailed map of Zell am See and its surroundings. Click the icon in the top left corner to open the list of locations by category (e.g. attractions, hikes, accommodation). You can toggle layers on or off and click icons to see the name and details of each place mentioned in this guide. If you’d like to save the map for later, just click the star to add it to your Google Maps. For a full-screen version, click the icon in the top right corner of the map.
Practical notes for driving in Austria
Most Austrian motorways are toll roads, and you need a vignette, which costs €12.40 for 10 days. You can buy it online here – a digital version is valid immediately if purchased from the official site.
Some motorways and tunnels also have additional tolls. If you’re driving from Prague towards Graz, you’ll most likely pass through the Bosruck Tunnel on the A9, where the one-way toll is €18.50. You can also pay for this in advance at the same link.
However, if you’re heading towards Salzburg and Zell am See, you’ll avoid the Bosruck Tunnel altogether. To plan your journey, you can check this map of toll sections in Austria.
Speed limits in Austria are 130 km/h on motorways, 100 km/h on regular roads, and 50 km/h in towns and cities. But be aware – speed limits often change depending on weather and environmental zones.
That was our guide to Zell am See and the best things to do in the area.
Do you have a question or want to share your own experience from Zell am See? Let us know in the comments – we’d love to hear from you. And wherever you’re headed – safe travels!
More inspiration from the Alps
AUSTRIAN ALPS: Check out the best things to do in the Austrian Alps, including walking routes, scenic lakes, and beautiful alpine valleys. Looking for ideas specifically in the Hohe Tauern National Park? We’ve got a separate article just for that.
Or dive into:
- The alpine lakes of Tyrol or the serene Wolfgangsee
- The wild beauty of the Dachstein Mountains
- Or the turquoise waters of Lake Achensee
CARINTHIA: Prefer a more relaxed pace? Explore the south of Austria with our tips for Carinthia and its most beautiful lakes, including a full guide to Lake Wörthersee.
AUSTRIA: Planning a road trip or summer getaway? Don’t miss our article on the most beautiful places in Austria or our big guide to the best lakes in Austria.
BAVARIAN ALPS: Just across the border – discover attractions and hiking tips for the Bavarian Alps.
DOLOMITES: And if you’re heading further south, we’ve prepared a comprehensive guide to the Dolomites, including the best hiking routes and mountain passes.
