Six days is the sweet spot for a holiday in Zell am See-Kaprun: enough time for the lake, the glacier high country, a panorama mountain and a relaxed final day, without ever feeling rushed. This in-depth itinerary for 6 days in Zell am See-Kaprun walks you through the region at the foot of the Hohe Tauern National Park, day by day. Each day comes with a clear summer programme and a short winter alternative, so the plan works all year round.
At a glance
- Day 1: Zell am See & Lake Zell – lakeside promenade, old town, boat trip
- Day 2: Kitzsteinhorn – 3K K-onnection to the TOP OF SALZBURG
- Day 3: Schmittenhöhe – summit panorama and ridge trails
- Day 4: Kaprun – Sigmund-Thun gorge & high-mountain reservoirs
- Day 5: Active day – e-bike, hiking loop or National Park day
- Day 6: Relax & culture – TAUERN SPA, Kaprun Castle, the lake
Day 1 – Zell am See and Lake Zell
Ease into it. In the morning, stroll along the lakeside promenade and through the Zell am See old town, with its lanes, cafes and views across Lake Zell to the mountains. In the afternoon, the MS Schmittenhöhe takes you on a boat trip across the lake – the loveliest way to get to know the region from the water. Round off the evening at the Strandbad lido or with a walk along the shore.
Winter alternative: A walk along the snowy lakeside path and ice skating by the frozen shore replace the boat trip – and the old town makes a lovely wintry opener too.
Day 2 – Kitzsteinhorn: TOP OF SALZBURG
Today you head for the heights. Via the 3K K-onnection – the spectacular gondola link from the Maiskogel over to the glacier – you reach the Kitzsteinhorn. At the top, the TOP OF SALZBURG viewing platform at 3,029 m offers a panorama across the Hohe Tauern. In the afternoon, there is time for the National Park Gallery and Cinema 3000, which bring the high mountains and their nature to life.
Winter alternative: In winter the Kitzsteinhorn is a first-class ski area with snow guaranteed well into spring. For how to make the most of a day on the slopes, see our skiing guide for Kaprun & the Kitzsteinhorn.
Day 3 – Schmittenhöhe
Today belongs to Zell am See’s home mountain. The cable car floats you up to the Schmittenhöhe, where the morning brings the famous summit panorama across Lake Zell and the three-thousand-metre peaks. In the afternoon, hike the scenic high-altitude and ridge trails, past mountain pastures and viewpoints. Stop in at a mountain hut if you like.
Winter alternative: In winter the Schmitten is one of the region’s most varied ski areas – wide pistes, panoramic views and ski-in huts right by the slopes.
Day 4 – Kaprun: gorge and reservoirs
Today centres on the nature around Kaprun. In the morning, walk through the Sigmund-Thun gorge, a dramatic ravine of rushing water and wooden walkways. In the afternoon, head up to the high-mountain reservoirs – a funicular and buses bring you to the mighty dam walls at around 2,000 m, where turquoise water meets a high-alpine backdrop.
Winter alternative: Tobogganing on the Maiskogel adds the thrills, then unwind at the TAUERN SPA Kaprun with its sauna world and mountain views.
Day 5 – Active day and excursion
The fifth day is all about getting moving. Active types take an e-bike or hiking loop around Lake Zell or up into the side valleys. To go deeper into nature, book a guided day in the Hohe Tauern National Park – out with rangers to waterfalls, alpine pastures and perhaps a glimpse of marmots and ibex.
Winter alternative: Cross-country skiing on groomed trails and winter hiking on cleared paths take you out into the snowy landscape in the cold season too.
Day 6 – Relax and culture
Finish at an easy pace. The morning belongs to the TAUERN SPA Kaprun with its pools and saunas. Then visit Kaprun Castle, the medieval fortress above the village, and wander through Kaprun itself. Spend your last evening back at Lake Zell – a sunset over the water is the perfect close to your six days.
Winter alternative: Spa in the morning, then the festive atmosphere of the region’s Advent and Christmas markets in the evening – an atmospheric finale.
More time?
Planned more or less time? Take a look at our other itineraries: the compact 5-day itinerary or the fuller 7-day version. For more background, see the comprehensive Zell am See-Kaprun travel guide as well as the themed guides for summer and winter.
Ready for your six days in Zell am See-Kaprun? Build your own route from this plan and look forward to lake, glacier and mountains.