If you are looking for unforgettable hiking experiences in Zell am See, you have come to the right place. Tucked between the shimmering Zeller See and the rugged peaks of the Kitzb\u00fcheler Alpen and the Hohe Tauern, this corner of the Salzburgerland is a dream for every hiker \u2014 whether you are after an easy stroll along the lakeshore, a demanding summit climb, or a fast trail run across the mountain meadows. I have spent a lot of time exploring these paths, and here I share the finest of them with you, along with everything you need to plan your tour.<\/p>\n
Zell am See sits at around 750 metres above sea level \u2014 which means you are already halfway up before you have even laced your hiking boots. The town itself is compact and easy to explore on foot, and the hiking infrastructure is excellent: well-marked trails, reliable cable cars, and mountain huts along every major route. The best hiking season runs from late May to October<\/strong>, with July and August offering the longest days and the warmest temperatures. September is arguably the ideal time: fewer crowds, golden light, and alpine meadows in full colour.<\/p>\n Difficulty:<\/strong> moderate | Duration:<\/strong> 3\u20134 hours uphill, 2.5 hours downhill | Elevation gain:<\/strong> approx. 1,100 m<\/p>\n The Schmittenh\u00f6he (1,965 m)<\/strong> is the mountain that defines the silhouette of Zell am See, and the climb to its summit is simply part of the experience. You can ride up with the Schmittenh\u00f6hebahn cable car and walk down \u2014 or, if you are ambitious, hike the whole route from the town itself. The trail begins near the valley station and leads through mountain forest before opening onto wide meadows with panoramic views of the Zeller See and the Gro\u00dfglockner massif to the south.<\/p>\n At the summit, the 360\u00b0 view is truly breathtaking: on a clear day you can count more than 30 peaks rising above 3,000 metres. The Pinzgauer Spaziergang, the famous high-altitude trail, also begins here \u2014 which makes the Schmittenh\u00f6he a natural starting point for longer tours. Treat yourself to a coffee at one of the summit restaurants before heading back down.<\/p>\n Difficulty:<\/strong> moderate | Duration:<\/strong> 4\u20135 hours (one way) | Distance:<\/strong> approx. 14 km traverse<\/p>\n This is the trail the locals rave about \u2014 and for good reason. The Pinzgauer Spaziergang<\/strong> is a high-altitude ridge trail that runs east from the Schmittenh\u00f6he along the mountain crest, with the Zeller See and the Salzach valley spread out below you the whole way. The path is beautifully maintained and follows a mostly comfortable ridgeline \u2014 so while it is long, it is not technically demanding.<\/p>\n Most hikers ride the cable car up to the Schmittenh\u00f6he, walk the high trail, and then descend to Saalbach-Hinterglemm or take a connection back. Pack provisions and water \u2014 the middle section is remote \u2014 and start early to make the most of the morning light over the peaks.<\/p>\n Difficulty:<\/strong> moderate to demanding | Duration:<\/strong> 3\u20134 hours | Best season:<\/strong> July\u2013September<\/p>\n Just 10 kilometres south of Zell am See, the Kaprun valley<\/strong> opens onto one of Austria’s most dramatic alpine landscapes. The route up through the Kitzlochklamm gorge and on to the Mooserboden reservoir is a real highlight \u2014 you walk alongside thundering waterfalls, through tunnels carved into the rock, and emerge into a high-alpine world of stone and ice.<\/p>\n The Mooserboden reservoir<\/strong> at 2,036 metres, flanked by the Schmiedingerkees glacier, is among the most impressive landscapes in the Alps \u2014 at once man-made and entirely natural. Take the shuttle buses up from Kaprun and walk between the two dam walls \u2014 a route that asks for little fitness but delivers maximum wow factor.<\/p>\n Difficulty:<\/strong> easy | Duration:<\/strong> 2\u20133 hours | Distance:<\/strong> approx. 13 km<\/p>\n Not every great hike has to include a summit. The loop around the Zeller See<\/strong> is one of those tours you do once and immediately want to repeat. The path is flat, well surfaced in places, and leads you through reed belts, past beaches, through the quiet village of Thumersbach on the eastern shore, and back into town across the northern meadows.<\/p>\n This is the ideal route for families, for days when the higher peaks are wrapped in cloud, or for your first morning in Zell am See, when you simply want to get your bearings. Sunrise over the lake \u2014 with the Schmittenh\u00f6he mirrored in the water \u2014 is genuinely one of the most peaceful moments you can experience in Austria.<\/p>\n Difficulty:<\/strong> demanding | Duration:<\/strong> 5\u20136 hours | Elevation gain:<\/strong> approx. 1,400 m from the valley<\/p>\n The Kitzsteinhorn (3,203 m)<\/strong> above Kaprun is best known as a glacier ski area, yet ambitious hikers can take on its lower flanks on foot in summer. Combine a gondola ride up with a descent on foot for a thoroughly manageable version of this tour. Sturdy footwear and layered clothing are essential \u2014 even in August, temperatures near the glacier can drop quickly.<\/p>\n Difficulty:<\/strong> moderate to demanding | Duration:<\/strong> 3.5\u20134.5 hours (round trip) | Summit altitude:<\/strong> 2,117 m<\/p>\n Drive east from Zell am See towards Maishofen<\/strong> and you will find the starting point for the Hundstein \u2014 one of the region’s underrated summit hikes. The mountain lies on the northern edge of the Pinzgau ridge and offers a slightly different perspective over the whole sweep of the Salzach valley and deep into the Hohe Tauern.<\/p>\n The trail climbs steadily through larch forest before opening onto open alpine pasture. At the top, the Hundsteinh\u00fctte<\/strong> serves cold drinks and warm meals \u2014 the Kaiserschmarrn here is legendary among locals. This trail is quieter than the routes up the Schmittenh\u00f6he and rarely feels crowded, even in high season.<\/p>\n For anyone who likes to experience their mountains at pace, the trail running in Zell am See<\/strong> is outstanding. The trail network of the Schmittenh\u00f6he is a particular favourite \u2014 the combination of well-kept paths, manageable gradients, and spectacular views makes it ideal for everything from a quick 45-minute tempo run to a full-day mountain ultra. The Pinzgauer Spaziergang is a popular route for strong trail runners after a point-to-point experience with proper distance. From late June to September is the best time, once the snow has cleared from the high routes and the ground is firm.<\/p>\n Hiking in Zell am See is just one facet of what makes this destination so special. Whether you are planning a summer adventure or combining the hiking trails with a jump into the lake \u2014 there is always more to discover. Take a look at our guides to the best activities in Zell am See<\/a>, to summer in Zell am See<\/a>, and to activities in Kaprun, to make your trip truly unforgettable.<\/p>\n\nThe 6 most beautiful hikes in Zell am See and Kaprun<\/h2>\n
1. Summit trail to the Schmittenh\u00f6he \u2014 the classic above the lake<\/h3>\n
2. Pinzgauer Spaziergang \u2014 the legendary high-altitude trail<\/h3>\n
3. Gletscherweg Kaprun \u2014 alpine drama in the Hohe Tauern<\/h3>\n
4. Loop around the Zeller See \u2014 easy and beautiful<\/h3>\n
5. Ascent to the Kitzsteinhorn \u2014 glacier-shaped grandeur<\/h3>\n
6. Summit of the Hundstein \u2014 the insider tip<\/h3>\n
Trail running in Zell am See<\/h2>\n
Practical tips for your tour<\/h2>\n
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Keen to discover more of the region?<\/h2>\n