Well hidden among the Alps of Austria and not as famous as Innsbruck or Hallstatt, there is Zell am See, a picturesque village with only 10,000 inhabitants and charming landscapes.
A destination that you can visit together with Salzburg, located just an hour and a half away. Or even Vienna on a road trip for a few days.
Although its size is relatively small, Zell am See is a highly complex place, suitable for leisure travelers and those who seeking both peace and adrenaline. It’s one of those rare places that balances serene landscapes with action-packed adventures.
I admit I didn’t have high expectations before coming here, but it was a pleasant surprise. So lovely that I now recommend it to anyone who has plans to travel to Austria. It’s the kind of place where you perfectly understand the notion of a hidden gem.
How to get to Zell am See:
- By plane: The closest airport is Salzburg Airport (W. A. Mozart Airport), just about 80 km away from Zell am See. From there, you can rent a car, grab a shuttle, or hop on a direct train that will get you into town in under two hours. If you’re flying from further away, Vienna or Munich are also decent options, although both are a bit farther (about 4 and 2.5 hours away by car, respectively).
- By car: Zell am See is super accessible if you’re doing a road trip through Austria. It’s just 1 hour and a half from Salzburg, 2 hours from Munich, and about 4 hours from Vienna. When I went, I was coming from Slovenia, drove in from Lake Bled, spent a couple of nights in Zell am See, then continued on to Hallstatt and Vienna. The road trip vibes were on point.
- By train: Trains in Austria are clean, comfy, and pretty punctual. Zell am See has a small but very efficient train station. Trains leave every hour from Salzburg, and also connect to cities like Kitzbühel or Innsbruck. The ride is under 2 hours in most cases, and prices range between 12 and 32 euros depending on the route and how early you book.
Best things to do in Zell Am See, Austria
Stay at a cottage overlooking the lake
The lake with the same name as the village, Zeller See, has an area of about 5 square kilometers and is surrounded by chic chalets and the high peaks of the Alps. The view is always fabulous, so it would be a shame not to enjoy it right from your room window.
So, look for accommodation at the lake’s base or above. We stayed at a cabin for children’s camps called Junges Hotel Zell am See, but despite this detail, we liked it immensely, especially as we had a view of the lake.
Other great places to stay in Zell Am See, Austria, depending on your budget:
Zell am See has a surprisingly wide range of accommodation options considering how small the city is. Whether you’re on a tight budget, traveling with family, or treating yourself to a luxury getaway, there’s something for everyone. Here are a few options that stood out to me:
- budget: Gästehaus Haffner– free parking, free Wifi, very close to City Xpress cable car
- mid-range: Hotel zum Hirschen – very close to Zell Am See lake, panoramic views, pet friendly, free Wifi, family rooms
- luxury: Schloss Prielau Hotel & Restaurants – spa, close to the lake, private beach area, delicious breakfast
Explore the lake on a boat or water bike
5 km of water, swans, boats, colorful cabins, greenery, and the snowy ridges of the mountains. That’s what the beautiful lake near the village of Zell am See, the one you can explore long and wide, both on the shore and the water, looks like.
There are also regular tours or even cruises on the lake. More details you can find here.
I was talking at the beginning of the article about adrenaline. Well, not even a ski session will give you the intense feelings you will feel when riding the roller coaster in Kaprun, the village neighboring Zell am See.
In figures, it would translate to 730 meters to the top, 1300 meters back to the base, and 40 km/h maximum speed. The good part is that the speed depends entirely on you, as you will have a lever to control it throughout the route.
If you arrive in Zell am See, you shouldn’t miss the Alpine Coaster! I assure you that you will love it! It’s fun, unique, and one of the best attractions in Zell am See Austria for thrill-seekers.
Go hiking | Things to do in Zell am See Austria
Winter sports remain the favorite activity in the Austrian Alps, and Zell am See is no exception. Approximately 138 kilometers of ski slopes await you.
The most appreciated are Schmittenhöhe (1965m) and Kitzsteinhorn Glacier (3203m). The most convenient way to get there is to take the CityXpress gondola, which departs from the center of the village of Zell am See.
Being a very well-known destination for winter sports, prices can be 50% higher than in the hot season. So, if you are not a fan of these sports, I recommend you go here during spring or summer when temperatures and prices are more acceptable.
Explore the city | What to do in Zell am See
The city of Zell am See is so small that you won’t need transportation to explore it, but only a few hours at your disposal and maybe a bike. Stroll the narrow streets, admire the old St. Hippolyte, walk along the esplanade by the lake and test the cuisine at the restaurants in the city.
In many of them, you will find Arabic cuisine due to the wave of tourists coming from that region, but you will also have other varied options and top restaurants. Exploring the Zell am See old town is definitely worth including in your itinerary.
Look at the light show on the lake
On the opposite side of our accommodation, residents and tourists of Zell am See enjoy the dance and colors offered by the fountain on the lake.
It works a few times a week, and the show lasts for about 20 minutes. It is the ideal method of relaxing by the lake at the end of a full day in this beautiful mountain resort. Another calm yet memorable addition to your list of things to do in Zell am See.
Admire the city from the top
Things to know before visiting Zell am See
How do you get around in Zell am See ?
Honestly, Zell am See is tiny. Like, “walk-from-one-end-to-the-other-in-your-slippers” tiny. I barely used the car once I arrived. You can walk, rent a bike, or just follow the swans by the lake, they seem to know all the scenic routes. Unless you’re venturing out to Kaprun or up a mountain, forget the car. You’re better off with comfy shoes and a camera.
Is Zell am See just a winter destination?
Nope. Zell am See shines in all seasons. I went during summer and it blew my mind. The lake was a mirror, the trails were green and full of life, and the vibe? Dreamy. Sure, skiing in Zell am See is legendary in winter, but summer in Zell am See is perfect for hiking, boat rides, and guilt-free strudel-eating on sunny terraces.
Do I need one of those fancy tourist cards?
Yes! If your hotel offers the Zell am See-Kaprun Summer Card, just accept it. You get free cable cars, buses, and even access to some local attractions. It can save you a lot of money.
What is the best time to visit Zell Am See?
Zell am See weather can be all over the place. It was sunny and hot when I arrived, then I got rained on mid-hike two days later. Always bring a rain jacket and something warm, even in August. Trust me, the mountains have their own rules. To answer this question, any season is perfect here.
Should I book activities before I go?
If you’re visiting Zell am See in peak season, book ahead. Paragliding, boat tours, ski passes, all of them can fill up quickly. I nearly missed the Alpine coaster because I thought I was being spontaneous. Don’t be like me. Be prepared.
What’s the deal with money in Zell am See?
It’s Austria, so you’ll need euros. Most places take cards, but always have some cash on you. Especially for mountain huts or little shops where the only thing contactless is the cowbell.
Where to eat in Zell Am See?
Zell am See is packed with cute restaurants and cafés. Even some Arabic spots (surprising, right?) thanks to the diverse visitors.
Basically, Zell am See is charming, easy-going, and full of surprises. These little tips will save you time, money, and possibly a very soggy hike.
