Key facts at a glance
The finest sights in Zell am See include the Zeller See with its lakeside promenade, the historic old town with the St. Hippolyt church, the Schmittenhöhe and the nearby Kitzsteinhorn. Most highlights sit close together and are easy to reach on foot or by mountain cableway.
Part of our complete guide: Zell am See–Kaprun: The Complete Travel Guide
Zell am See packs a wide range of attractions into a small area – from the Zeller See lake to the surrounding mountains and the historic old town. These ten destinations are among the highlights of any visit to the region.
- Zeller See: The lake at the heart of the town is a summer hub for swimming, boating and stand-up paddling, and partly freezes over in cold winters.
- Schmittenhöhe: Zell am See’s local mountain offers panoramic views of more than 30 peaks, with ski slopes in winter and hiking as well as paragliding in summer.
- Old Town of Zell am See: The historic town centre with the parish church of St. Hippolyt and the lanes around the main square invites you to stroll.
- Pinzgauer Lokalbahn: The historic narrow-gauge railway runs from Zell am See through the Salzach valley all the way to Krimml.
- Kaprun High Mountain Reservoirs: The Wasserfallboden and Mooserboden reservoirs at around 2,000 metres are a technical and scenic highlight above Kaprun.
- Kitzsteinhorn Glacier: The year-round glacier ski area lies above Kaprun; the “Top of Salzburg” viewing platform at 3,029 metres offers a sweeping view across the Hohe Tauern.
- Maisi Flitzer in Kaprun: The alpine coaster summer toboggan run at the Maiskogel valley station is a great experience for families.
- Lakeside Promenade: The shoreline path along the Zeller See, past the Grandhotel, is perfect for a walk with mountain views.
- Vogtturm Town Museum: Housed in the medieval Vogtturm tower in the town centre, the museum tells the history of Zell am See.
- Boat Trips on the Zeller See: Round trips with the boats of the Zeller Seeschifffahrt offer views of the town and mountains from the water.
Many of these destinations lie close together and are easy to combine on foot or using the region’s public transport.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you not miss in Zell am See?
The Zeller See and lakeside promenade, the old town with the St. Hippolyt church, the Schmittenhöhe with its panoramic views, and the Kitzsteinhorn with the Gipfelwelt 3000.
Can you explore the sights on foot?
The highlights in town – the lake, promenade and old town – are all within easy walking distance. For the mountains you simply hop on the cableways.
How much time should you allow for the sights?
A day is enough for the lake and old town, with another half to full day each for the mountain experiences on the Schmittenhöhe and Kitzsteinhorn.
Are the sights accessible in winter too?
Yes, many can be enjoyed year-round – and in winter you can add ice skating on the lake and the festively lit old town.