First time in Zell am See-Kaprun? Then one of the most beautiful corners of the Austrian Alps is waiting for you: a deep-blue lake, a glacier with snow all year round and mountains rising in every direction. To help you find your feet from the very first moment, we have gathered the unmissable Zell am See Kaprun highlights into a relaxed three-day plan – perfect for getting to know the region on a first visit, in summer as well as in winter.

At a glance

• Best season: July to September for the lake and hiking, December to March for snow and skiing.
• Base: Zell am See (the lakeside town) or Kaprun (the glacier village) – just a few kilometres apart.
• Getting around: the regional bus and your guest card (often including the bus) connect every highlight with ease.
• Top highlight: the Kitzsteinhorn glacier with the TOP OF SALZBURG viewing platform.

Orientation for newcomers

The region is made up of two places that belong together. Zell am See sits right on the shore of the Zeller See and is the lively, urban part, with its old town, lakeside promenade and the local mountain Schmittenhöhe. Kaprun lies about seven kilometres to the south, a quieter mountain village at the foot of the Kitzsteinhorn glacier and the family-friendly Maiskogel. The two are linked by a frequent regional bus, and by car you are from one to the other in around ten minutes. Many places to stay hand you a guest card on arrival that usually includes those bus rides – so you won’t need your own car on site. The best time depends on your plan: if you love the lake and the mountains, come in high summer; if you are chasing snow, between December and early spring.

Day 1: Zell am See and the Zeller See

Begin where the region gets its name – by the water. Stroll along the Seepromenade, past boats and cafes, and dive into the car-free Zell am See Altstadt with its narrow lanes and medieval church. The heart of a summer day is a round trip on the MS Schmittenhöhe across the crystal-clear Zeller See – from the water the surrounding three-thousand-metre peaks look their most impressive. If you fancy a swim, spend the afternoon at the Strandbad, the lakeside lido with its lawns and diving tower.

Winter alternative: In winter the promenade becomes a snowy backdrop. In cold winters the Zeller See partly freezes over, and skating near the shore lets you experience the mountains in wintry stillness – a calm, atmospheric first day.

Day 2: The Kitzsteinhorn – the region’s signature

Today you head for the heights. The Kitzsteinhorn is the region’s undisputed flagship and a must on any first visit. Since the opening of the 3K K-onnection, you can glide comfortably from the Maiskogel in Kaprun almost all the way up to the glacier. At the top you reach TOP OF SALZBURG at around 3,000 metres – with a panoramic platform and a breathtaking view over the peaks of the Nationalpark Hohe Tauern. In the Nationalpark Gallery, a tunnel deep inside the mountain, you’ll learn more about glaciers, nature and the high-alpine world all around.

Winter alternative: In winter the Kitzsteinhorn is the perfect place for your first day on skis – thanks to the glacier, snow here is especially reliable. If you plan to clip into your skis, our skiing guide for Kaprun and the Kitzsteinhorn will help you get started.

Day 3: Schmittenhöhe and the Sigmund-Thun-Klamm

On day three you explore Zell am See’s local mountain, the Schmittenhöhe. The cable car carries you up to one of the finest panoramas in the Eastern Alps – peaks all around and the blue Zeller See below. At the top, easy high-altitude trails invite you for a gentle walk. In the afternoon you switch elements and visit the Sigmund-Thun-Klamm near Kaprun: wooden walkways lead through a wildly roaring gorge that glacier water has carved over thousands of years.

Winter alternative: In winter the Schmittenhöhe is a varied ski area with slopes for every level. If you prefer to travel on foot, enjoy a winter walk along the groomed high trails with sweeping views over the snow-covered landscape.

More itineraries

Have more or less time? Then these routes are for you: the compact 2-day route through Zell am See-Kaprun for a short weekend, or the detailed 4-day route if you’d like to dive deeper. For your whole trip we also recommend our big Zell am See-Kaprun travel guide as well as the themed guides for summer and winter.

Ready for your first visit? Grab your guest card, plan your three days and discover the highlights of Zell am See-Kaprun with your own eyes. We wish you an unforgettable first trip!