What will you find in this article?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n To help you plan your holiday in Zell am See, we\u2019ve included a downloadable map at the end of the article with all the main attractions and places worth visiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n Modern apartments with an outdoor pool, on-site restaurant, fitness centre, and generous breakfast included.<\/p> Traditional alpine hotel at the foot of the Kitzsteinhorn, offering half board, excellent wellness facilities, and an indoor pool.<\/p> Note: Time and distance are calculated one-way unless stated otherwise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Zell am See sits on the shores of Lake Zeller See, where the water can reach up to 26\u202f\u00b0C in summer\u2014perfect for swimming. You\u2019ll find several grassy lakeside beaches around the shoreline, most with caf\u00e9s, changing cabins, and basic facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll find all the main beach locations marked on the map at the end of this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Elisabeth Park is the main town park in Zell am See, stretching along the western lakeside promenade. It\u2019s 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\u2019s lit up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The route includes several stops around the lake. Follow this link<\/a> for current prices and timetables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you prefer to explore at your own pace, you can rent a small boat, motorboat, or canoe and enjoy the lake independently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Schmittenh\u00f6he 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\u2019ll find several viewpoints, a small wooden chapel, and traditional mountain huts for food and drinks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The area around Schmittenh\u00f6he is ideal for a full-day trip. Families with children will enjoy Schmidolin\u2019s World of Adventure \u2013 a small theme park focused on outdoor play and learning. There\u2019s also a playground and even an e-motocross track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From the top, you can continue along the Pinzgau Ridge Trail \u2013 a moderately challenging 6-hour hike with stunning views of the highest peaks of the Austrian Alps<\/a>. The trail ends near Saalbach, from where you can return by local bus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For an easier route, descend back to Zell am See via Speicher See \u2013 a peaceful walk that takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The easiest way to reach the summit is via the modern Schmittenh\u00f6hebahn 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are several other lifts in the area:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Click here<\/a> for an interactive map of the Schmittenh\u00f6he area, lift prices, opening hours, and useful tips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Looking for more ideas? Check out our full list of things to do in the Austrian Alps<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n On the eastern side of the lake, you\u2019ll find an easy and rewarding trip to the Enzianh\u00fctte 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Enzianh\u00fctte 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not far from Ronachkopf, the Berggasthof Mitterberg is a mountain restaurant with a panoramic terrace overlooking Lake Zell. It\u2019s a great place to enjoy a meal with a view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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 \u20ac3). From the restaurant, you can continue walking further into the hills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Next to the restaurant, you\u2019ll find a small wooden chapel and a playground\u2014making it another nice family-friendly stop near Zell am See.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2014even in summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But Kitzsteinhorn isn\u2019t just about skiing. From the Gipfelwelt 3000 viewing platform, you\u2019ll enjoy panoramic views of the Hohe Tauern range. There are also several hiking trails and mountain bike routes for summer visitors. More information<\/a> about visiting the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019re driving, there\u2019s plenty of free parking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The dramatic Sigmund Thun Klamm is a narrow gorge carved over thousands of years by glacial meltwater. It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019ll see small waterfalls, turquoise pools, and steep rock formations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Check the official website<\/a> for current opening hours and ticket prices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n A stylish, fully equipped aparthotel in a quiet part of Zell am See<\/p> Traditional hotel with a restaurant and optional half board<\/p> High in the Hohe Tauern mountains lie the Kaprun dams, Wasserfallboden (1,672 m) and Mooserboden (2,036 m)\u2014two 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Travelling with kids? Don\u2019t miss the Stromi Children\u2019s Nature Trail, which explains the connection between nature and technology in a fun, engaging way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From there, a series of special transfer buses take you past the Wasserfallboden reservoir to the base of the incline lift\u2014Europe\u2019s largest open funicular. After that, you continue by shuttle bus through tunnels to the Mooserboden Dam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All of this is included in one ticket: bus, lift, and final shuttle to the top. Check the official website<\/a> for current prices, timetables, and opening times. The Kaprun dams are open from early June to mid-October.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Want to hike all the way up? You can reach Mooserboden Dam on foot from Kesselfall in about 4\u20135 hours, gaining over 1,100 metres in elevation. In high season, early-morning buses are available for hikers – advance booking<\/a> is mandatory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the entrance, you\u2019ll be given a safety helmet before starting the walk. The route is manageable and suitable for children. There\u2019s also free parking available at the gorge entrance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Kitzlochklamm Gorge is open from late May to late October. Visit the official website<\/a> for up-to-date info on opening hours and ticket prices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n More inspiration:<\/strong> Here are the most beautiful places in Austria<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/a>. This 48\u202fkm scenic route leads through more than 30 hairpin bends and climbs 1,748 metres in elevation, offering constant views of glaciers, peaks and valleys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Along the way, you\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A highlight is the detour to Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-H\u00f6he, where you\u2019ll find spectacular views of Grossglockner (Austria\u2019s highest mountain) and the Pasterze Glacier, the longest in the Eastern Alps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Grossglockner Alpine Road is open from May to early November, depending on weather conditions. You\u2019ll also find several long-distance trails nearby, including the Glocknerrunde, Venediger High Trail, and Alpe-Adria Trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Check the official website<\/a> for opening hours, current road conditions, and ticket prices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s a popular ski resort, but in summer the valley is calm and quiet\u2014perfect if you want to escape the crowds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019t just for kids\u2014it\u2019s a unique way to experience a bit of alpine history, when people really searched for gold in these mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From the upper station, you can also follow a scenic ridge trail with more stunning views of the Rauristal Valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Click here<\/a> for opening times and ticket prices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Near the Enzingerboden power station, close to Uttendorf, you\u2019ll find two beautiful high-altitude reservoirs\u2014Wei\u00dfsee and Tauernmoossee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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 Wei\u00dfsee glacier is possible for much of the year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n More inspiration:<\/strong> Planning a trip to the Austrian lakes? Take a look at our guide to the most beautiful lakes in Austria<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Start your trip at the Enzingerboden power station, where you can park for free. From there, take the cable car to Wei\u00dfsee. If you like, you can get off at the intermediate station near Gr\u00fcnsee, a smaller lake, and continue on foot through breathtaking mountain scenery to Wei\u00dfsee. Or ride all the way to the top and enjoy a walk around the reservoir.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the top station, there\u2019s also a mountain hotel where you can take a break or stay overnight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Visit the official website<\/a> for current lift prices and timetables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you prefer to hike, follow trail no. 715 from Enzingerboden to the Wei\u00dfsee Dam. The first part of the route is steeper, but the second half opens up into wide alpine panoramas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can make a detour to the Tauernmoossee Dam about halfway, which adds another 30\u201360 minutes to the hike. Alternatively, stop there on the way back down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are also many other trails in the Wei\u00dfsee area \u2013 some easier, others more demanding \u2013 making it a great destination for both casual hikers and experienced mountain trekkers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
\ud83c\udfe1 Accommodation in Zell am See \u2013 Kaprun area<\/h4>
![\"ubytov\u00e1n\u00ed](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ubytovani-Zell-am-See-2.jpg\")
<\/div>Elements Resort Apartments<\/h5><\/div>
![\"ubytov\u00e1n\u00ed](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ubytovani-Dachstein-2.jpg\")
<\/div>Das Alpenhaus Kaprun<\/h5><\/div>
<\/a>Things to do in Zell am See, Austria: Best places to visit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Swimming in Lake Zeller See<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Zell](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Zell-am-See-pristaviste.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Zell](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Zell-am-See-lod.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n2. Elisabeth Park and Fountain in Zell am See<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Elizabeth-park-4.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Park-Zell-am-See.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Zell](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/fontana.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n3. Boat Cruise on Lake Zeller See<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Zell](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Zell-am-See-plavba.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Zell](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Zell-am-See-plavba-lodi.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Zell](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Zell-am-See-plavba-lodi-2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n4. Schmittenh\u00f6he Peak (1,965 m)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
![\"View](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Schmittenhohe.jpg\")
<\/a>Hiking options from the summit<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"View](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Vyhled-ze-Schmittenhohe.jpg\")
<\/a>How to get to Schmittenh\u00f6he, Zell am See<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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5. Enzianh\u00fctte and Ronachkopf Peak<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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6. Berggasthof Mitterberg<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
![\"Zell](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Ronachkopf-2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Zell](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Ronachkopf-3.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n7. Kitzsteinhorn Glacier<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
![\"Kitzsteinhorn](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Kitzsteinhorn-6-2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Kitzsteinhorn](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Kitzsteinhorn-4.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Kitzsteinhorn](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Kitzsteinhorn-3.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow to Get to Kitzsteinhorn<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
8. Sigmund Thun Klamm Gorge<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
![\"Sigmund](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Sigmund-Thun-Klamm.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\ud83c\udfe1 Accommodation in Zell am See \u2013 Kaprun<\/h4>
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/zell-am-see-ubytovani-4.jpeg\")
<\/div>The House Zell am See<\/h5><\/div>
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/zell-am-see-ubytovani-2-2.jpeg\")
<\/div>Alpenhotel Tauernst\u00fcberl<\/h5><\/div>
9. Kaprun Dams \u2013 Wasserfallboden and Mooserboden<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
![\"Kaprun](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Wasserfallboden.jpg\")
<\/a>![\"Kaprun](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/mooserboden.jpg\")
<\/a>How to Get to the Mooserboden Dam<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Dams](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/mooserboden-zell-am-see.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n10. Kitzlochklamm Gorge<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
![\"Kitzlochklamm](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Kitzlochklamm.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n11. The Grossglockner High Alpine Road<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
![\"grossglockner](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/grossglockner-silnice-2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"grossglockner](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Grossglockner.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Grossglockner](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Grossglockner-1.jpg\")
<\/a>12. Rauristal Valley <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
![\"Rauristal](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Rauris-udoli-2.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n13. Wei\u00dfsee and Tauernmoossee Dams
<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
![\"Wei\u00dfsee](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Weissee.jpeg\")
<\/a>How to Get to Wei\u00dfsee and Tauernmoossee<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Tauernmoossee](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Tauernmoossee.jpeg\")
<\/a>Hiking to Wei\u00dfsee<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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\ud83c\udfe1 Accommodation in Zell am See \u2013 Kaprun<\/h4>
![\"ubytov\u00e1n\u00ed](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/ubytovani-Zell-am-See.jpg\")
<\/div>![\"ubytov\u00e1n\u00ed](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/ubytovani-Zell-am-See-2.jpg\")
<\/div>![](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Felber.jpg\"){kind=link}