Key facts at a glance
September is the best hiking month in the region. Once the summer holidays end it becomes markedly quieter, early-autumn weather is often more settled than in high summer, and the clear air brings the best long-distance visibility of the year. The lake is still pleasantly warm, the huts run until the cattle drive, and prices fall. The only limitation: the days shorten noticeably and the nights turn cold.
Ask people who know Zell am See-Kaprun well for their favourite month and the answer is strikingly often September. The reason is a rare combination: early-autumn weather is frequently more settled than the thundery high summer, the air is clear, the trails are empty, and prices have fallen. If you want to walk, September gives you the best conditions of the year.
Weather: settled and clear
On average, valley highs reach around 18 degrees, cooling to about 7 degrees at night. That is ideal walking temperature: warm enough for long days out, cool enough that the ascent is not punishing. But the decisive factor is the weather pattern. Early autumn is frequently dominated by settled high-pressure phases with far fewer afternoon thunderstorms than July and August.
Then there is the visibility. The cooler, drier September air delivers the best long-distance views of the year. From the Gipfelwelt 3000 and the Schmittenhöhe the view reaches far into the Hohe Tauern on clear days. For photographers this is the month, see the best photo spots.
Hiking on empty trails
With the end of the summer holidays the region empties noticeably while the offering still largely runs. Every high-level path is snow-free, the huts are staffed, and on routes that were busy in August you will meet only a handful of people in September.
- High-level paths: see hiking in Zell am See-Kaprun and the Hohe Tauern Panorama Trail.
- Easy walks: easy routes on the Schmittenhöhe.
- Alpine huts: safe alpine pastures, generally staffed until the end of September.
- Trail running: ideal conditions, see trail running and jogging.
- National park: Hohe Tauern National Park, with good chances of spotting wildlife.
The cattle drive and autumn customs
Towards the end of summer the livestock comes down from the high pastures. The Almabtrieb is a celebration in many villages of the Pinzgau, with decorated cattle, music and a market. Dates depend on the pasture, the weather and the farm, and fall in September or early October depending on the year. Current dates are published in the regional events calendar.
Swimming: a question of the first half
Lake Zell releases the summer’s warmth slowly. In early September it is often still around 18 degrees and comfortable for many; by the end of the month it turns distinctly fresh. If you want swimming in the plan, come in the first half of September. Details in water temperature.
Cycling in September
As with walking, September delivers the best conditions for cycling: agreeable temperatures, little traffic, clear air. Starting points in road cycling, mountain biking and e-biking and gravel biking. The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is also far more relaxed to drive in September than in high summer.
Who September suits
September is the best choice for walkers, cyclists, photographers, couples and anyone without school-holiday constraints. You get almost the full summer offering with far more quiet and lower prices. It is less suitable if a swimming holiday is the priority or if you need long light evenings, because the days shorten noticeably in September. Suitable trip lengths are in 5 days or 7 days in Zell am See-Kaprun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is September good for hiking?
Because several factors coincide: more settled high-pressure spells than in high summer, far fewer afternoon thunderstorms, comfortable walking temperatures, clear air with long views, and trails on which you meet hardly anyone.
Can you still swim in Lake Zell in September?
In early September often yes; the lake holds the summer's warmth for a while and frequently sits around 18 degrees. It cools noticeably as the month goes on, so swimming is really a question of the first half.
What is the cattle drive?
The traditional Almabtrieb is the descent of livestock from the high pastures to the valley at the end of summer, usually decorated and accompanied by a celebration. Dates fall in September or early October depending on the pasture, weather and farm.
Are all the lifts still open in September?
Most still run summer operation in September, but individual installations and huts close towards the end of the month. Check current operating times if you are coming late in the month.
