If you’re looking for unforgettable hiking in Zell am See, you’ve landed in the right place. Nestled between the shimmering Zeller See and the jagged peaks of the Kitzbüheler Alps and Hohe Tauern, this corner of Salzburgerland is a hiker’s dream — whether you’re after a gentle lakeside stroll, a challenging alpine summit, or a fast-paced trail run through mountain meadows. I’ve spent plenty of time exploring these trails and I’m here to share the best of them, along with everything you need to plan your trip.
Why Zell am See Is One of Austria’s Best Hiking Destinations
Zell am See sits at around 750 metres above sea level, which means you’re already halfway up before you’ve even laced your boots. The town itself is compact and walkable, and the hiking infrastructure is excellent — well-marked trails, reliable cable cars, and mountain huts (Almhütten) dotted along every major route. The best hiking season runs from late May through October, with July and August offering the longest daylight and warmest temperatures. September is arguably the sweet spot: fewer crowds, golden light, and the alpine meadows still in full colour.
The 6 Best Hikes in Zell am See and Kaprun
1. Schmittenhöhe Summit Trail — The Classic Above the Lake
Difficulty: Moderate | Duration: 3–4 hours up, 2.5 hours down | Elevation gain: ~1,100m
The Schmittenhöhe (1,965m) is the mountain that defines Zell am See’s skyline, and hiking to the top is a rite of passage. You can take the Schmittenhöhebahn cable car up and walk down, or — if you’re feeling ambitious — hike the full route from town. The trail starts near the valley station and winds through alpine forest before opening up onto wide meadows with panoramic views of the Zeller See below and the Grossglockner massif to the south.
At the summit, the 360° view is genuinely breathtaking: on a clear day you can count over 30 peaks above 3,000 metres. The Pinzgauer Spaziergang ridge trail also begins here, making the Schmittenhöhe a natural hub for longer adventures. Grab a coffee at one of the summit restaurants before heading back down.
2. Pinzgauer Spaziergang — The Legendary Ridge Walk
Difficulty: Moderate | Duration: 4–5 hours one way | Distance: ~14 km ridge traverse
This is the trail that locals rave about — and for good reason. The Pinzgauer Spaziergang is a high-altitude ridge walk that runs from the Schmittenhöhe eastward along the mountain spine, with the Zeller See and Salzach valley laid out beneath you the whole way. The path is well-maintained and mostly follows a comfortable ridge line, so while it’s long, it’s not technically demanding.
Most hikers take the cable car up to the Schmittenhöhe, walk the ridge, and then descend to Saalbach-Hinterglemm or catch a connection back. Pack lunch and water — the middle section is remote — and start early to make the most of the morning light over the peaks.
3. Kaprun Glacier Trail — Alpine Drama in the Hohe Tauern
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging | Duration: 3–4 hours | Best season: July–September
Just 10 kilometres south of Zell am See, the Kaprun valley opens into one of Austria’s most dramatic alpine landscapes. The trail up through the Kaprun Gorge (Kitzlochklamm) and toward the Mooserboden reservoir is a standout — you walk alongside thundering waterfalls, through carved rock tunnels, and emerge into a high-alpine world of stone and ice.
The Mooserboden reservoir at 2,036 metres, flanked by the Schmiedingerkees glacier, is one of the most impressive man-made and natural landscapes in the Alps. Take the shuttle buses up from Kaprun village and hike between the two dams for a route that requires minimal fitness but delivers maximum wow factor.
4. Zeller See Lakeside Loop — Easy and Beautiful
Difficulty: Easy | Duration: 2–3 hours | Distance: ~13 km
Not every great hike has to involve a summit. The circumnavigation of the Zeller See is one of those walks you do once and then immediately want to repeat. The path is flat, well-paved in sections, and takes you through reeds, past beaches, through the quiet village of Thumersbach on the eastern shore, and back into town via the northern meadows.
This is the ideal route for families, for days when the higher peaks are in cloud, or for your first morning in Zell am See when you want to get your bearings. Sunrise on the lake — with the Schmittenhöhe reflected in the water — is genuinely one of the most peaceful moments you’ll have in Austria.
5. Kitzsteinhorn Approach Hike — Glacial Grandeur
Difficulty: Challenging | Duration: 5–6 hours | Elevation gain: ~1,400m from valley
The Kitzsteinhorn (3,203m) above Kaprun is best known as a glacier ski area, but serious hikers can approach the lower flanks on foot during summer. Combine a gondola ride up with a hiking descent for a manageable version of this route. Sturdy footwear and layered clothing are essential — even in August, temperatures near the glacier can drop quickly.
6. Hundstein Summit — The Hidden Gem
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging | Duration: 3.5–4.5 hours return | Summit elevation: 2,117m
Head east from Zell am See toward Maishofen and you’ll find the trailhead for the Hundstein — one of the region’s underrated summit hikes. The mountain sits on the northern edge of the Pinzgau ridge and offers a slightly different perspective on the full sweep of the Salzach valley and deep into the Hohe Tauern.
The trail climbs steadily through larch forest before breaking into open alpine terrain. At the top, the Hundsteinhütte serves cold drinks and hot food — the Kaiserschmarrn here is legendary among locals. This is a quieter trail than the Schmittenhöhe routes and rarely feels crowded even in peak season.
Trail Running in Zell am See
For those who prefer their mountains at pace, trail running in Zell am See is exceptional. The Schmittenhöhe trail network is a particular favourite — the combination of groomed 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 ridge is a popular route for strong trail runners who want a point-to-point experience with serious distance. Late June through September is the prime window, when snow has cleared from the high routes and the ground is firm.
Practical Tips Before You Go
- What to wear: Even in summer, bring a waterproof layer and a mid-layer fleece. Weather in the Alps changes fast. Proper hiking boots with ankle support are essential for anything above the lake level.
- Where to start: Most trails are accessed directly from Zell am See town centre, or with a short drive/bus ride to Kaprun (10 minutes). The Schmittenhöhebahn valley station is a 10-minute walk from the main square.
- Cable cars: The Schmittenhöhebahn and Kaprun shuttles operate from late May to late October. Check current timetables at the Zell am See–Kaprun tourist office website.
- Maps and navigation: The Kompass hiking map No. 30 covers the entire region in detail. Download offline maps on your phone as a backup.
- Mountain huts: Most huts along these trails serve food and drink from late June to early October. No reservation needed for lunch — just show up hungry.
Ready to Explore More of the Region?
Hiking in Zell am See is just one layer of what makes this destination so special. Whether you’re planning a summer adventure or combining trails with a dip in the lake, there’s always more to discover. Check out our guides on the best things to do in Zell am See, Zell am See in summer, and things to do in Kaprun to make your trip truly unforgettable.