{"id":791,"date":"2026-06-06T18:05:52","date_gmt":"2026-06-06T16:05:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zellamseekaprun.at\/?p=791"},"modified":"2026-07-27T18:42:36","modified_gmt":"2026-07-27T16:42:36","slug":"summer-in-zell-am-see-kaprun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zellamseekaprun.at\/en\/summer-in-zell-am-see-kaprun\/","title":{"rendered":"Summer in Zell am See &#038; Kaprun"},"content":{"rendered":"\\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>Zell am See summer<\/strong> unites two worlds that hardly anyone finds in a single place: a warm, crystal-clear mountain lake and high-alpine three-thousanders with a glacier. Anyone planning a summer holiday in Zell am See and Kaprun can swim in the turquoise Lake Zell in the morning and touch snow on the Kitzsteinhorn in the afternoon \u2013 both on a single day. This region in the Salzburg mountains is one of Austria\u2019s most versatile summer destinations, and that is exactly what makes it so appealing.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why visit Zell am See\u2013Kaprun in summer<\/h2>\\n\\n\\n\\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The region\u2019s greatest gift is Lake Zell itself. With water temperatures of up to 23 to 24 degrees in high summer, it ranks among the warmer bathing lakes of the Alps, and its drinking-water quality is outstanding. The deep-blue water is framed by the Schmittenh\u00f6he to the west and the mighty Glockner group to the south. This interplay of lake and mountains creates a pleasantly mild climate: the summers are warm but rarely oppressive, and on hot days the difference in altitude always brings a cool breeze from the glacier.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Add to that the unique range of altitudes. From the lakeshore at 750 metres up to over 3,000 metres on the Kitzsteinhorn lie entire climate zones. That means you simply choose your weather and your temperature according to elevation. This article is part of our complete <a href=\"https:\/\/zellamseekaprun.at\/en\/zell-am-see-kaprun-travel-guide\/\">Zell am See\u2013Kaprun travel guide<\/a> and takes you through the finest summer experiences.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">On the water: Lake Zell<\/h2>\\n\\n\\n\\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lake Zell is the pulsing heart of summer. Several lidos around the shore invite you for a swim. Especially popular is the lido in Thumersbach on the eastern shore, from where you enjoy the classic postcard view of Zell am See with the Kitzsteinhorn in the background. Families appreciate the gently sloping lawns, diving platforms and children\u2019s areas.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n<figure class=\\\"wp-block-image size-large\\\"><img src=\\\"https:\/\/zellamseekaprun.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/fun-in-the-water-at-the-lido-thumersbach.jpg\\\" alt=\\\"Swimming fun at the Thumersbach lido on Lake Zell\\\" class=\\\"wp-image-704\\\"\/><\/figure>\\n\\n\\n\\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you prefer something more active, rent a stand-up paddleboard and glide across the mirror-smooth water in the morning calm. Pedal and electric boats, sailing and surfing are all possible too. An absolute must is a round trip aboard the excursion boats of the Zell am See ferry service, which show you the lake and its mountains from an entirely new perspective.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Swimming at several lidos, including Thumersbach, Seespitz and Erlberg<\/li><li>Stand-up paddling, pedal boats, electric boats and sailing<\/li><li>Leisurely round trips aboard the excursion boats<\/li><li>An early-morning swim in the lake\u2019s crystal-clear drinking water<\/li><\/ul>\\n\\n\\n\\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hiking &#038; mountains<\/h2>\\n\\n\\n\\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Above Zell am See rises the Schmittenh\u00f6he, the region\u2019s local mountain. Easily reached by cable car, it opens up a panorama of more than thirty three-thousanders. The summit circular trail and the viewing platforms such as the Kaiserblick are among the finest vantage points in the Alps. Families will find pram-friendly paths and themed trails here.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n<figure class=\\\"wp-block-image size-large\\\"><img src=\\\"https:\/\/zellamseekaprun.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/panoramic-platform-kaiserblick-on-the-schmittenhohe.jpg\\\" alt=\\\"Kaiserblick panoramic platform on the Schmittenh\u00f6he\\\" class=\\\"wp-image-440\\\"\/><\/figure>\\n\\n\\n\\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Its counterpart is the Kitzsteinhorn, the region\u2019s glacier, known as the \u201cTOP OF SALZBURG\u201d with its summit station at 3,029 metres. Even in high summer there is snow here, and the viewing platform along with the Glacier World galleries bring the high-alpine landscape up close. If you prefer a quieter pace, the middle elevations offer countless panoramic paths and family-friendly alpine-pasture hikes with places to stop for refreshments.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kaprun in summer<\/h2>\\n\\n\\n\\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kaprun in summer is an experience in its own right and deserves special attention. Right on the edge of the village lies the Maiskogel, Kaprun\u2019s family mountain. The highlight is the Maisi Flitzer, a fast alpine-coaster summer toboggan run that winds its way down into the valley in tight curves \u2013 huge fun for young and old. The Maiskogel is easily reached via the MK Maiskogelbahn.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another natural wonder are the Kaprun high mountain reservoirs. A bus and the spectacular inclined lift take you up to the enormous dam walls at around 2,000 metres, embedded in a magnificent high-mountain setting with turquoise-blue water. Anyone travelling to Kaprun in summer should also visit the Sigmund Thun Gorge: safe walkways and bridges lead through a wildly romantic ravine where the meltwater thunders its way through.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The crowning finale is the glacier tour up to the Kitzsteinhorn, which belongs to Kaprun in terms of access. Modern cable cars carry you from Kaprun straight up to the eternal ice. This makes Kaprun in summer the ideal starting point for adventures between gorge, reservoir and glacier.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Biking &#038; adventure<\/h2>\\n\\n\\n\\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The region is a paradise for cyclists. From the leisurely Tauern cycle path along the Salzach and gravel tours around the lake to 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 have the right bikes ready.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n<figure class=\\\"wp-block-image size-large\\\"><img src=\\\"https:\/\/zellamseekaprun.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/gravel-bike-tour-in-the-natural-surroundings-of-lake-zell.jpg\\\" alt=\\\"Gravel bike tour in the natural surroundings of Lake Zell\\\" class=\\\"wp-image-693\\\"\/><\/figure>\\n\\n\\n\\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Craving adrenaline? Paragliding from the Schmittenh\u00f6he lets you glide silently over the lake. White-water fans will get their money\u2019s worth rafting and canyoning in the surrounding rivers and gorges. That is how summer in Zell am See and Kaprun turns into an adventure playground.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Family summer &#038; practical tips<\/h2>\\n\\n\\n\\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Families love the region because mountain and lake lie so close together. The biggest money-saver is the Zell am See-Kaprun Sommerkarte (summer card): guests of many accommodations receive it free of charge, and it includes free use of the most important mountain lifts as well as many other inclusive benefits \u2013 from the Schmittenh\u00f6hebahn to the Maiskogel.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n<figure class=\\\"wp-block-image size-large\\\"><img src=\\\"https:\/\/zellamseekaprun.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/family-fun-at-lake-zell-in-summer.jpg\\\" alt=\\\"Family fun at Lake Zell in summer\\\" class=\\\"wp-image-705\\\"\/><\/figure>\\n\\n\\n\\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The best time to travel for summer runs from June to September. In June the alpine meadows are in bloom and it is quieter; July and August offer the warmest bathing temperatures; and September rewards you with clear long-distance views and mild days. By the way: anyone who would like to experience the region in the cold season too will find all the information in our <a href=\"https:\/\/zellamseekaprun.at\/en\/winter-in-zell-am-see-kaprun\/\">Zell am See\u2013Kaprun winter holiday guide<\/a>.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\\n\\n\\n\\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can you swim in Lake Zell?<\/h3>\\n\\n\\n\\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, Lake Zell has drinking-water quality and reaches up to 23 to 24 degrees in high summer. Around the lake there are several well-kept lidos, for example in Thumersbach, with lawns, jetties and children\u2019s areas.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What can you do in Kaprun in summer?<\/h3>\\n\\n\\n\\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kaprun in summer offers the Maisi Flitzer summer toboggan run on the Maiskogel, the Kaprun high mountain reservoirs, the Sigmund Thun Gorge and glacier tours up to the Kitzsteinhorn \u2013 ideal for families and active travellers.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is the Kitzsteinhorn open in summer?<\/h3>\\n\\n\\n\\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, as a glacier the Kitzsteinhorn is open year-round. In summer the cable cars take you to the \u201cTOP OF SALZBURG\u201d at 3,029 metres, where snow and ice remain even in July and August.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether swimming in Lake Zell, hiking in the mountains or the great adventures around Kaprun in summer \u2013 this region combines everything that makes a perfect mountain summer. Pack your swimsuit and your hiking boots: your summer in Zell am See and Kaprun is waiting.<\/p>\\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Your guide to summer in Zell am See &#038; Kaprun: swim in the crystal-clear Zeller See, hike in the mountains and explore Kaprun with glacier, gorge and reservoirs.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7152,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[109,251,110],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-791","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-kaprun-en","category-sommer-en","category-zell-am-see-en"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/zellamseekaprun.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/791","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/zellamseekaprun.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/zellamseekaprun.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zellamseekaprun.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zellamseekaprun.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=791"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/zellamseekaprun.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/791\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25792,"href":"https:\/\/zellamseekaprun.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/791\/revisions\/25792"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zellamseekaprun.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7152"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/zellamseekaprun.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=791"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zellamseekaprun.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=791"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zellamseekaprun.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=791"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}