Four days is exactly the right length to really get to know Zell am See-Kaprun – unhurried, but with every highlight along the way. Between the turquoise Zeller See and the eternal ice of the Kitzsteinhorn lies one of the most varied holiday regions in the Alps. This itinerary for 4 days in Zell am See-Kaprun takes you to the lake, up to the glacier, onto the local mountain Schmittenhöhe and into the wild nature around Kaprun. Each day comes with a summer programme and a short winter alternative, so the plan works in any season.
At a glance
- Best season: June to September for mountain summer and lake swimming, December to March for snow and glacier.
- Base: Zell am See or Kaprun – both make ideal starting points and are only minutes apart.
- Getting around: With the guest card you ride local buses for free; cable cars and the Zeller See are easy to reach.
- Budget: Mid-range – factor in entry fees for cable cars, the boat trip and wellness.
Day 1 – Zell am See & the Zeller See
Morning: Start gently in Zell am See Altstadt. Stroll along the lakeside promenade past the historic church and small cafes. The Seepromenade right at the water’s edge is the perfect spot for a first coffee with a mountain view.
Afternoon: Step aboard the MS Schmittenhöhe and cruise across the Zeller See – the loveliest way to enjoy the mountain panorama from the water. If you prefer something active, rent a SUP board at the Strandbad or simply jump into the refreshing lake.
Evening: Round off the day with dinner overlooking the lake. Winter alternative: A wintry walk along the frozen shore and a turn of ice skating on the Zeller See get the day off to a brisk start.
Day 2 – the Kitzsteinhorn glacier
Morning: Today you head for the heights. The 3K K-onnection carries you from the Maiskogel across the valley up to the glacier – a spectacular link with dizzying views below.
Afternoon: On the Kitzsteinhorn you reach TOP OF SALZBURG at over 3,000 metres. The viewing platform, the Nationalpark Gallery and Cinema 3000 tell the story of the Nationalpark Hohe Tauern and serve up breathtaking views of Austria’s highest peaks.
Evening: Back in the valley, enjoy a well-earned dinner in Kaprun. Winter alternative: Swap the viewpoint for the slopes and spend a ski day on the Kitzsteinhorn – read more in our skiing guide for Kaprun and the Kitzsteinhorn.
Day 3 – Schmittenhöhe
Morning: The Schmittenhöhe is the panoramic home mountain of Zell am See. Glide up by cable car and within minutes you stand amid one of the finest all-round views in the Eastern Alps.
Afternoon: Hike the scenic summit and ridge trails. On a clear day the view stretches from the Hohe Tauern to the Steinernes Meer – more than 30 three-thousand-metre peaks at your feet.
Evening: Stop at a mountain hut before heading back down. Winter alternative: In winter the Schmittenhöhe becomes a ski paradise with broad, sunny pistes – ideal for a relaxed ski day with a panorama.
Day 4 – nature around Kaprun
Morning: Devote the last day to the nature around Kaprun. The Sigmund-Thun-Klamm leads you along wooden walkways through a wildly romantic gorge where the water thunders down to the valley.
Afternoon: Next comes the excursion to the Kaprun Hochgebirgsstauseen, the high-mountain reservoirs. An inclined lift and bus take you up to the imposing dam walls high above the valley – a blend of engineering and alpine wilderness, with a view of Burg Kaprun in the valley.
Evening: To finish, raise a glass to four wonderful days. Winter alternative: Race down the toboggan run on the Maiskogel and then unwind for an afternoon at the TAUERN SPA Kaprun.
More time?
Have less or more time? Simply adjust your stay: our 3-day plan for Zell am See-Kaprun covers the highlights compactly, while the 5-day plan leaves room for extra excursions and relaxation.
For more inspiration, see our complete Zell am See-Kaprun travel guide, the summer guide and the winter guide.
Ready for your short holiday? Plan your 4 days in Zell am See-Kaprun now and book your stay for unforgettable days between lake and glacier.