A Zell am See summer brings together two worlds you rarely find in one place: a warm, crystal-clear alpine lake and high mountains crowned by a year-round glacier. Plan a summer holiday in Zell am See and Kaprun and you can swim in the turquoise Lake Zell in the morning and touch glacier snow on the Kitzsteinhorn in the afternoon – all in a single day. Set in the Salzburg mountains of Austria, this is one of the country’s most versatile summer destinations, and that contrast is exactly what makes it special.

Why Visit Zell am See–Kaprun in Summer

The region’s greatest gift is Lake Zell itself. Reaching water temperatures of up to 23 to 24 degrees Celsius in high summer, it ranks among the warmer bathing lakes in the Alps, and its drinking-water quality is outstanding. The deep-blue water is framed by the Schmittenhöhe to the west and the mighty Glockner range to the south. This interplay of lake and mountains creates a pleasantly mild climate: summers are warm but rarely oppressive, and on hot days the altitude always sends a cool breeze down from the glacier.

Then there is the remarkable range in altitude. From the lakeshore at 750 metres up to more than 3,000 metres on the Kitzsteinhorn, you pass through entire climate zones. In practice, that means you can choose your weather and your temperature simply by changing elevation. This article is part of our complete Zell am See–Kaprun travel guide and walks you through the finest summer experiences.

On the Water: Lake Zell

Lake Zell is the beating heart of summer. Several lidos (Strandbäder) line the shore and invite you to swim. One of the most popular is the lido in Thumersbach on the eastern shore, where you enjoy the classic postcard view of Zell am See with the Kitzsteinhorn rising behind it. Families love the gently sloping lawns, diving platforms and dedicated children’s areas.

If you prefer something more active, rent a stand-up paddle board and glide across the mirror-calm surface in the morning stillness. Pedal boats, electric boats, sailing and surfing are all on offer too. A real highlight is a cruise with the Lake Zell excursion boats, which reveal the lake and its surrounding peaks from an entirely new perspective.

• Swimming at several lidos, including Thumersbach, Seespitz and Erlberg
• Stand-up paddling, pedal boats, electric boats and sailing
• Relaxed cruises aboard the excursion boats
• Early-morning swims in the lake’s crystal-clear drinking water

Hiking & Mountains

Towering above Zell am See is the Schmittenhöhe, the region’s local mountain. Easily reached by cable car, the summit opens up a panorama of more than thirty three-thousand-metre peaks. The summit circular trail and viewing platforms such as the Kaiserblick rank among the finest viewpoints in the Alps. Families will find stroller-friendly paths and themed trails up here too.

Its counterpart is the Kitzsteinhorn, the region’s glacier, whose top station at 3,029 metres is famously known as the “TOP OF SALZBURG”. Even at the height of summer there is snow up here, and the viewing platform and Glacier World galleries bring the high-alpine landscape within touching distance. If you prefer a gentler pace, the mid-altitude slopes offer countless panorama trails and family-friendly alpine-pasture walks with mountain huts for a rest stop.

Kaprun in Summer

Kaprun in summer is an experience all of its own and deserves special attention. Right at the edge of the village rises the Maiskogel, Kaprun’s family mountain. The highlight is the Maisiflitzer, a fast alpine coaster that winds its way down into the valley in long, looping curves – huge fun for young and old alike. The Maiskogel is comfortably reached via the MK Maiskogelbahn.

Another natural wonder are the Kaprun High Mountain Reservoirs (Hochgebirgsstauseen). A bus ride followed by a spectacular inclined lift carries you up to the colossal dam walls at around 2,000 metres, set within a grand high-alpine backdrop of turquoise water. Anyone travelling to Kaprun in summer should also visit the Sigmund-Thun-Klamm gorge, where secure walkways and bridges lead through a wildly romantic ravine as meltwater thunders through it.

The crowning experience is the glacier tour up to the Kitzsteinhorn, which belongs to Kaprun. Modern cable cars float you straight from Kaprun up to the eternal ice. All of this makes Kaprun in summer the ideal base for adventures spanning gorge, reservoir and glacier.

Biking & Adventure

The region is a paradise for cyclists. From the easy-going Tauern Cycle Path along the Salzach river to gravel tours around the lake and demanding mountain-bike trails, there is something for everyone. E-bikes make even the climbs up to the alpine pastures effortless, and numerous rental stations keep the right bike ready for you.

Craving adrenaline? Paragliding from the Schmittenhöhe lets you soar silently above the lake. White-water fans get their fix rafting and canyoning in the surrounding rivers and gorges. This is how summer in Zell am See and Kaprun turns into one big adventure playground.

Family Summer & Practical Tips

Families adore the region because mountain and lake lie so close together. The biggest money-saver is the Zell am See-Kaprun Sommerkarte (summer card): guests at many accommodations receive it free of charge, and it includes free use of the most important cable cars along with many other inclusive benefits – from the Schmittenhöhe cable car to the Maiskogel.

The best time to visit in summer runs from June to September. June brings blooming alpine meadows and quieter trails, July and August offer the warmest bathing temperatures, and September rewards you with crystal-clear views and mild days. By the way, if you would also like to experience the region in the cold season, you will find everything in our winter in Zell am See–Kaprun guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you swim in Lake Zell?

Yes. Lake Zell has drinking-water quality and warms up to 23 to 24 degrees Celsius in high summer. Several well-kept lidos line the shore, for example in Thumersbach, with lawns, jetties and children’s areas.

What is there to do in Kaprun in summer?

Kaprun in summer offers the Maisiflitzer alpine coaster on the Maiskogel, the Kaprun High Mountain Reservoirs, the Sigmund-Thun-Klamm gorge and glacier tours up to the Kitzsteinhorn – ideal for families and active travellers.

Is the Kitzsteinhorn open in summer?

Yes. As a glacier, the Kitzsteinhorn is open year-round. In summer the cable cars take you to the “TOP OF SALZBURG” at 3,029 metres, where snow and ice remain even in July and August.

Whether it’s swimming in Lake Zell, hiking in the mountains or the big adventures around Kaprun in summer, this region combines everything that makes a perfect alpine summer. Pack your swimsuit and your hiking boots: your summer in Zell am See and Kaprun is waiting.