Only a weekend to spare but still want to experience the best of the region? These 2 days in Zell am See-Kaprun are exactly the right plan for anyone after a compact short break with big impact: one day on the turquoise Zeller See, one day high up on the glacier. Whether you travel as a couple, a family or a group of friends, this route blends relaxed lakeside moments with the alpine highlight of the Kitzsteinhorn – and it works just as well in summer as in winter.

At a glance

• Best season: June to September for the lake and summer activities, December to April for snow and skiing – the glacier is worth it all year round.
• Base town: Zell am See (lake, old town, great connections), with Kaprun just a few minutes away.
• Getting around: much is walkable; for the trips between Zell am See and Kaprun a car or the frequent regional bus works best.
• Budget note: cable-car and boat tickets are the biggest items – a guest card and combination tickets help you save.

Day 1 – Zell am See & the lake

Begin your morning at a gentle pace along the Seepromenade. The lakeside stroll beside the Zeller See, with the mountains as a backdrop, is the loveliest way to ease into your short break. Wander on into the Zell am See Altstadt, where narrow lanes, the historic town square and small boutiques invite you to browse. A cappuccino at one of the waterside cafés, and your holiday has truly begun.

In the afternoon, take to the water: a cruise aboard the MS Schmittenhöhe across the Zeller See reveals the region from its most beautiful angle, with the Schmittenhöhe behind you and the panorama of the Hohe Tauern ahead. If you prefer something more active, rent a SUP board at the Strandbad or simply dive into the refreshing lake. Round off the evening with dinner by the water as the sun slips behind the peaks.

Winter alternative: in winter the lake becomes a quiet picture-postcard scene. A winter walk along the snowy shore, a turn on the ice rink and then warming up with a hot chocolate in one of the cosy old-town cafés – a wintry, contemplative way to close the first day.

Day 2 – Kaprun & the glacier

The second day belongs to the region’s crowning highlight: the Kitzsteinhorn, the TOP OF SALZBURG at around 3,000 m. Set off from Kaprun in the morning and take the 3K K-onnection, the spectacular link from the Maiskogel all the way up to the glacier. The ascent itself – in a gondola gliding freely across the valley – is an experience in its own right.

At the top, the world of eternal snow awaits in the afternoon. In the Nationalpark Gallery you walk through a 360-metre tunnel right inside the mountain and discover fascinating insights into the Nationalpark Hohe Tauern. The Cinema 3000 brings the mountain world closer in grand format, and from the panorama platform your gaze sweeps across more than thirty three-thousand-metre peaks. Take your time, breathe the crisp alpine air and savour the glacier panorama before heading back down in the late afternoon.

Winter alternative: in winter the second day turns into a ski day. The snow-sure glacier ski area on the Kitzsteinhorn offers superb pistes with panoramic views from autumn well into late spring. For the best way to plan your day on the slopes, read our skiing guide for Kaprun & the Kitzsteinhorn.

More time?

If you can stay an extra day, it is well worth a detour to the Sigmund-Thun-Klamm, a relaxing day at the TAUERN SPA Kaprun or a visit to Burg Kaprun. Planning to stay longer from the start? Then take a look at our 3-day itinerary or the detailed 4-day itinerary. For the full picture see our Zell am See-Kaprun travel guide, and for each season our summer guide and winter guide point the way.

Two days are enough to fall in love with Zell am See-Kaprun – and to know you will want to come back. Pack your swimwear or your skis, book your weekend and experience lake and glacier in one perfect short break.