Zell am See–Kaprun is one of Austria’s most versatile holiday regions – a twin destination that pairs the glittering Zeller See with the eternal ice of the Kitzsteinhorn glacier. Anyone who has been here quickly understands why this corner of SalzburgerLand draws visitors from all over the world in every season: here Mediterranean lakeside flair and a high-alpine mountain world meet in the smallest of spaces.

The two towns complement each other perfectly. Zell am See is the lively lakeside town on the shore of the Zeller See, with lidos, a promenade and its local mountain, the Schmittenhöhe. Kaprun is the cosier mountain village at the foot of the Kitzsteinhorn – Austria’s first glacier ski area. Together they form a holiday region where you can wake up by the lake in the morning and stand in the snow at 3,000 metres by midday.

Where is Zell am See–Kaprun?

Zell am See–Kaprun lies in the heart of SalzburgerLand, in the Pinzgau region, nestled between the Hohe Tauern to the south and the Kitzbühel Alps to the north. The two towns are only about seven kilometres apart and are connected in just a few minutes.

Getting here couldn’t be easier: the nearest airport is Salzburg (around 80 kilometres away), from where you can reach the region in about an hour by car or train. Zell am See station is an important junction on the Salzburg–Tyrol railway and even the starting point of the nostalgic Pinzgau local railway. Munich, too, is within comfortable reach at a good two hours’ drive.

Zell am See: The town by the lake

The heart of Zell am See is the Zeller See – a crystal-clear mountain lake that reaches pleasant bathing temperatures in summer and becomes an atmospheric backdrop in winter. The roughly four-kilometre lakeside promenade invites relaxed strolls, while boats, stand-up paddlers and, in winter, even ice skaters define the scene.

The historic old town, with its lanes, the late-Gothic parish church and the medieval Vogtturm tower, has a charm all of its own. Directly above the town rises the Schmittenhöhe (around 2,000 metres), the popular local and panoramic mountain. Several cable cars carry you comfortably to the top, where a magnificent panorama with more than thirty three-thousand-metre peaks opens up.

Kaprun: Glacier & mountains

Kaprun is the gateway to the high-mountain world. The Kitzsteinhorn is the only glacier in SalzburgerLand and guarantees reliable snow from autumn well into late spring. You reach the summit world at over 3,000 metres by modern cable car – up top, the “Top of Salzburg” viewing platform and the glacier itself await you.

The family-friendly Maiskogel is linked directly to the village centre via the MK Maiskogelbahn and, since the opening of the 3K K-onnection, to the Kitzsteinhorn as well – a seamless mountain experience from village to glacier. Another highlight are the Kaprun high-mountain reservoirs (Mooserboden and Wasserfallboden), whose immense dam walls rank among the most impressive excursion destinations in the Alps. The medieval Kaprun Castle is also well worth a visit.

The best activities – season by season

Zell am See–Kaprun is a true year-round destination. In summer in Zell am See–Kaprun, swimming in the lake, hiking on the Schmittenhöhe, mountain biking, golf and boat trips beckon. Families find countless excursion options, and those who love to savour the moment can enjoy balmy summer evenings on the promenade.

In winter holidays in Zell am See–Kaprun, the region transforms into a white winter fairy tale with perfectly groomed slopes, toboggan runs, winter hiking trails and ice-skating options. Snow-sports enthusiasts find everything from glacier slopes to sunny family runs in the extensive Kaprun & Kitzsteinhorn ski area – with an especially long season thanks to the glacier.

• Summer: swimming, hiking, biking, boat trips, high-mountain reservoirs
• Autumn: golden hikes, first glacier-ski days, quiet days by the lake
• Winter: skiing on the glacier, tobogganing, ice skating, winter hiking
• Spring: skiing on the Kitzsteinhorn in mild weather and springtime awakening by the lake

Eating & staying

Culinarily, the region has something for every taste: from rustic mountain huts serving Kaspressknödel and Kaiserschmarrn, to cosy lakeside restaurants, to fine award-winning cuisine. Right by the water you savour regional specialities with a lake view, while hearty alpine platters await you up on the mountains.

When it comes to accommodation, the choice ranges from charming guesthouses and apartments to family-run four-star hotels and on to luxurious wellness resorts and chalets. Zell am See is ideal if you’re after town and lakeside life; Kaprun is the quieter, mountain-close alternative – and both towns are perfectly connected through the guest-card system.

Getting around the region (Ski ALPIN CARD & summer card)

A major advantage of the region is its well-thought-out mobility and card system. In winter, the Ski ALPIN CARD opens up the slopes of the Kitzsteinhorn, the Schmittenhöhe and the neighbouring Maiskogel with a single ticket. In summer, many accommodations provide the Zell am See-Kaprun summer card, which includes numerous mountain lifts, pools and attractions free of charge or at a reduced rate.

Once you’re here, you get around easily even without your own car: free ski buses and hiking buses connect the towns and valley stations, and Zell am See station makes day trips into the surroundings – for example to the Großglockner High Alpine Road or the Krimml Waterfalls – wonderfully straightforward.

Frequently asked questions

Is Zell am See worth visiting?

Absolutely. The combination of a bathing lake, an old town and a high-alpine mountain world is unique in Austria. Whether an active outdoor holiday, a family getaway or a restful break – Zell am See–Kaprun offers a varied programme in every season.

How many days should you plan for?

For a first impression, three to four days are enough to experience the lake, the Schmittenhöhe and the Kitzsteinhorn. If you want to combine hikes, excursions to the reservoirs and relaxed days by the lake, a full week is your best bet.

Is Zell am See nicer in summer or winter?

Both have their appeal. Summer means swimming, hiking and lakeside flair; winter means skiing on the glacier and snowy romance. Thanks to the Kitzsteinhorn, the region is even a rewarding destination in spring and autumn – the best time depends entirely on your preferences.

Whether you’re after summer on the Zeller See, winter on the slopes or simply the fresh mountain air: Zell am See–Kaprun unites lake and glacier into an unforgettable holiday experience in SalzburgerLand. Browse through our themed guides and plan your trip to one of Austria’s most beautiful regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Zell am See-Kaprun?

In the Pinzgau region of the Salzburger Land (Austria), around 80 km south of the city of Salzburg. Zell am See lies on the Zeller See, with Kaprun a few kilometres south at the foot of the Kitzsteinhorn.

How do you get to Zell am See-Kaprun?

By car via the A10 and B311, by train to Zell am See station, or via the airports of Salzburg (around 1 hour) and Munich (around 2 hours).

What is the difference between Zell am See and Kaprun?

Zell am See is the lively main town on the lake, with its old town and lakeside promenade. Kaprun is the quieter mountain village by the Kitzsteinhorn, with the Tauern Spa and the reservoirs. Together they form the holiday region.

When is the best time to visit Zell am See-Kaprun?

June to September for the lake, hiking and cableways; December to March for a ski holiday. Thanks to the glacier, skiing on the Kitzsteinhorn is often possible as early as autumn.

Is the Zell am See-Kaprun summer or winter card worth it?

Yes, usually well worth it if you visit several cableways and attractions. Many accommodations issue the card, which includes numerous lifts and attractions.