Zell am See is one of Austria’s most versatile destinations — a sparkling alpine lake town ringed by soaring mountains, where every season brings its own brand of adventure. Whether you’re planning a summer escape, a ski holiday, or a shoulder-season city break, the range of things to do in Zell am See is genuinely impressive. This complete guide covers 25 of the best activities across every season, so you can plan your trip with confidence and make the most of every single day.
Water & Lake Activities
The Zeller See is the beating heart of the town, and it deserves to be more than just a scenic backdrop. Get on it, in it, or around it — preferably all three.
1. Swim at the Zeller See
The lake heats up to a very swimmable 22–24°C in July and August, making it one of the most inviting spots in the Alps. The main public beach at Strandbad Zell am See has clean facilities, shallow entry perfect for children, and a waterslide for good measure. Admission is inexpensive and the views of the Schmittenhöhe are extraordinary. Swimming in the lake is genuinely one of the top free things to do in Zell am See in summer.
2. Take a Boat Trip on the Lake
The Zell am See-Kaprun boat service runs scheduled cruises between May and October, connecting the town with Thumersbach across the water. Rent a pedal boat or electric boat by the hour from the harbour, or simply hop on the panoramic ferry for a relaxed 45-minute loop. Sunset departures are particularly popular — book ahead in peak season.
3. Stand-Up Paddleboarding & Kayaking
Several rental outfits along the lakefront offer stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes by the hour. The lake is calm in the mornings and the reflections of the surrounding peaks on the still water are something you will not forget. No experience is needed — short beginner sessions are available for both adults and children.
4. Wakeboarding & Water-Skiing
For an adrenaline hit on the water, the local water-ski and wakeboard cable park operates on the southern shore of the lake. It’s suitable for all levels and is one of the more unusual Zell am See activities that visitors often overlook in favour of the mountain pursuits.
5. Walk the Lakeside Promenade
The flat, fully paved path that circles the entire Zeller See is roughly 13 km and doable in three hours on foot or under an hour by bike. It passes through the villages of Thumersbach and Prielau, offering shifting perspectives of the surrounding peaks and easy access to waterside cafés. This is the perfect what to do in Zell am See answer for a relaxed morning.
Mountain & Hiking Activities
Two major mountain experiences define the region: the Schmittenhöhe directly above the town and the Kitzsteinhorn glacier above Kaprun. Both are accessible by cable car and reward you with multi-hour hiking itineraries in summer.
6. Ride the Schmittenhöhe Cable Car
The Schmittenhöhe (1,965 m) is the local mountain and it’s accessible year-round by gondola from the town centre. At the top, the 360° panoramic restaurant delivers one of the finest alpine views in Austria — on clear days you can see over 30 peaks above 3,000 metres. The mountain is the base for both summer hiking and winter skiing.
7. Hike the Höhenweg Panorama Trail
The Pinzgauer Höhenweg is a legendary multi-day ridge trail but its opening section from the Schmittenhöhe is a perfect day hike for competent walkers. Expect sweeping ridge views, wildflower meadows in June and July, and very little traffic if you set off early. The trail is clearly marked and the gondola ride down eliminates the knee-punishing descent.
8. Explore the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier
The Kitzsteinhorn (3,029 m) above Kaprun is Austria’s longest-running glacier ski resort and one of the few places in the Alps where you can walk on a glacier in summer. The ‘Top of Salzburg’ viewing platform at the summit is accessible by cable car and the surrounding ice provides a surreal contrast with the green valleys below. Dress warmly regardless of season — temperatures at the top can be 15°C colder than in the valley.
9. Family Hiking on the Schmittenhöhe Nature Trail
The mountain’s network of themed nature trails is ideal for families with younger children. Short, well-signed loops depart from the mid-station and the summit plateau, with information boards about alpine flora and fauna at every turn. Combine with a mountain restaurant lunch and you have a full half-day out.
10. Mountain Biking
The Zell am See-Kaprun region has invested heavily in trail infrastructure over the past decade. Gondolas carry bikes to the high-altitude starting points on both the Schmittenhöhe and the Maiskogel, from where gravity-assisted trails suit everyone from beginners to expert enduro riders. Bike rental with full protective gear is available in the town centre.
11. Sigmund Thun Gorge (Klamm)
The Sigmund Thun Gorge near Kaprun is one of the most dramatic short walks in the region — a narrow ravine carved by a glacial torrent, with wooden walkways bolted directly to the cliff face. The gorge is open from late April to October, takes about 45 minutes to walk through, and is spectacular after heavy rain when the water thunders below your feet. It’s an outstanding rainy-day option and one of the best-value things to do in Zell am See and Kaprun.
Winter Activities
Winter is when the region truly earns its reputation. Two interconnected ski areas, a glacier, and a long calendar of snow activities make Zell am See-Kaprun one of Austria’s most reliable winter sports destinations.
12. Ski the Schmittenhöhe
The Schmittenhöhe ski area offers 77 km of pistes ranging from gentle blues perfect for beginners to demanding black runs under the summit. The snow reliability is excellent from December to April and the ski-in/ski-out access from the town centre is genuinely convenient. Après-ski on the mountain terraces is lively without being overwhelming.
13. Glacier Skiing on the Kitzsteinhorn
Snow-guaranteed from October to June, the Kitzsteinhorn glacier adds another 40 km of pistes to the region’s offering. Early-season skiing here while the valley is still autumn-green is one of those unique Austrian experiences. The glacier is also home to the Gletscherwelt 3000 experience, which combines skiing with glacier exploration.
14. Cross-Country Skiing
The valley floor around Zell am See hosts a well-maintained network of cross-country ski tracks (Loipen) totalling over 60 km. The flat terrain around the lake is perfect for beginners and recreational skiers who prefer the meditative rhythm of classic Nordic technique to the speed of downhill.
15. Tobogganing (Rodeln)
Tobogganing is a serious recreational pursuit in Austria and the floodlit run on the Schmittenhöhe is one of the best in the Salzburg region. Evening toboggan runs with a fondue dinner at the mountain restaurant are bookable as a package and make for one of the most memorable things to do in Zell am See with friends or family in winter.
16. Ice Skating on the Zeller See
In cold winters when the lake freezes — typically for a few weeks in January and February — the natural ice rink on the Zeller See becomes one of the largest in Europe and an unmissable spectacle. Even in mild winters, a maintained rink near the town centre is open throughout the season.
17. Snowshoe Hiking
Several guided snowshoe tours operate weekly from the town, ranging from gentle valley walks to moonlit ascents under the stars. Snowshoe rental is available from sports shops and the experience requires no prior skill — just waterproof trousers and a head torch for evening excursions.
Food & Culture
Beyond the outdoor activities, Zell am See has a well-preserved historic centre and a food scene that punches well above its size.
18. Walk the Old Town (Altstadt)
The compact Altstadt of Zell am See is one of the most attractive small-town centres in the Austrian Alps. The medieval parish church of St. Hippolyt dates to the 8th century, and the surrounding pedestrian streets are lined with painted facades, independent boutiques, and traditional Gasthäuser. Allow an hour for a leisurely self-guided walk — the tourist office provides a free town map with key historic stops.
19. Visit the Vogtturm Tower & Local Museum
The distinctive Vogtturm, a 12th-century tower that once formed part of the town’s fortifications, now houses the local history museum. Exhibits cover the region’s Roman past, medieval salt trade, and early tourism history. It’s an ideal rainy day option in Zell am See and entry is affordable.
20. Eat Local — Schnitzel, Kasnocken & Salzburger Nockerl
Austrian alpine cooking is hearty, honest, and deeply satisfying. Must-order dishes in the region include Wiener Schnitzel (ideally with Preiselbeeren/lingonberry jam), Käsespätzle or Kasnocken (cheese noodles), and for dessert the cloud-light soufflé Salzburger Nockerl. The best Wirtshäuser (traditional inns) in the town centre and on the mountain terraces are the places to eat these rather than the tourist-facing restaurants near the gondola stations.
21. Explore Kaprun Village
Just 8 km from Zell am See, Kaprun is a charming alpine village built around its famous reservoir and is well worth a dedicated half-day. The Kaprun Castle (Burg Kaprun) above the village is one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Salzburg province and hosts cultural events throughout summer. The village itself has excellent independent restaurants and a noticeably more relaxed pace than Zell am See town.
Day Trips & Excursions
The location of Zell am See at the heart of the Salzburg State makes it an outstanding base for day trips in every direction.
22. Kaprun High Mountain Reservoirs
The Kaprun High Mountain Reservoirs (Speicher Mooserboden and Wasserfallboden) are an extraordinary feat of post-war Austrian engineering, built between 1938 and 1955 at altitudes above 2,000 metres. A series of cable cars and tunnels carries visitors to the dams from May to October, where dramatic mountain scenery and a walk along the dam crests await. This is one of the most unique Zell am See activities and day-trip experiences in the entire region — not to be missed.
23. Day Trip to Salzburg City
The birthplace of Mozart is just 80 km north-west by car or a comfortable 1.5-hour train journey. Salzburg’s Baroque old town, Hohensalzburg Fortress, and Getreidegasse make it one of Europe’s finest city day trips. Consider combining the drive with a stop at the picturesque town of Hallstatt en route.
24. The Salzach Valley & Krimml Waterfalls
Head west along the Salzach River valley and within an hour you reach the Krimml Waterfalls — at 380 metres, the highest in Europe and one of Austria’s most visited natural attractions. The hiking trail alongside the falls involves around 500 metres of ascent but is suitable for most fit walkers and the reward is sensational.
25. Romantic Spots & Sunset Views
For couples or anyone who simply wants to slow down, the region delivers on romance effortlessly. The view from the Rundweg Thumersbach lakeside path at golden hour, a private boat on the lake at dusk, or dinner at a mountain restaurant as the sun sets behind the Kitzsteinhorn — these are the moments that bring visitors back year after year. The Hohe Tauern National Park, which begins just south of Kaprun, offers pristine wilderness and genuine solitude for those prepared to drive a little further.
Plan Your Zell am See Visit
With 25 activities spanning water sports, mountain adventures, winter skiing, cultural sights, and memorable day trips, Zell am See genuinely offers something for every type of traveller in every season. Whether you have a long weekend or a full fortnight, you will not run short of things to do. Browse our other guides for more detail on winter activities, summer adventures, and the best food in Zell am See to build your perfect itinerary — and if you have questions about the region, reach out and we’ll help you plan the trip of a lifetime.