13 things you've got to do in Zell am See

From memorable days in the mountains to splash-tastic lake activities and adventurous day trips, there are so many things to do in Zell am See in summer. Hugged between Lake Zell and the Hohe Tauern mountains in Austria’s Salzburgerland region, this is the perfect place to soak up mesmerising alpine scenery, try new things and get your exploring shoes on.

Top tip: check to see if your accommodation offers the Zell am See-Kaprun Summer Card. This will help with many highlights, keeping holiday costs down with free boat trips, lift tickets, attraction entries and more. All stays in Zell also come with the Salzburg Guest Mobility Ticket, giving you free public transport throughout the Salzburg region during your trip. Collect both when you check in to your accommodation, either as physical cards or digitally in the Zell Am See-Kaprun app.

• Lake activities
• Out in the mountains
• A taste of Austria
• Memorable day trips

What better way to kick off your trip than to head down to the famous lake and see what all the fuss is about (spoiler alert: it’s one of the best views in Austria).

To really get your bearings, you can walk around the whole lake on a flat, pushchair-friendly path – so even the youngest Zell visitors can be treated to its 360-degree views. It’s a 11km loop in total, with plenty of opportunities to stop along the way for coffee and strudel, or just sit on a bench and let your eyes wander over the landscape.

It also makes for a great run or cycle track too – so if you love to start your days with a bit of scenic exercise, you’re in the right place.

It doesn’t take long to be tempted out onto the water. From a boat, the views really open up – deep blue water set against the dramatic Hohe Tauern and Steinernes Meer ranges, with the highest peaks sometimes still flecked with snow. Whether you’re snapping photos, sipping a spritz or playing spot-the-peak, casting off for one of Austria's best boat trips is a must.

For a classic panoramic cruise, the MS Schmittenhöhe is your go-to – with its open decks that give you front row alpine views. After something with character? The 20-seater Libelle, built back in 1947, brings a true sense of vintage nostalgia (you’ll likely need to prebook this one). Or simply board the MS Grossglockner, a ferry service calling at a several spots around the lake, which goes roughly every 30 minutes. Some ferries run as shorter crossings, while others complete a bigger loop – so it’s dead easy to hop off for a stroll, swim or ice cream, then catch the same boat later on.

Keen to captain your own boat outing? Have fun hiring a canoe or pedal boat instead and enjoy a private paddle on your own watch.

When the sun’s high in the sky and the water’s at its most irresistible, a day at one of Zell’s lidos is a no-brainer.

Just a short walk from Zell’s old town, the Strandbad is one of the top lake beaches in Europe – and you’ll get free entry here (as well as the lake’s other lidos) if you have the Zell am See-Kaprun Summer Card. It’s set up for all ages and energy levels – test your balance on a paddleboard, practise your platform dives, or learn how to skim across the water on water-skis. Holidaying as a family? Splash with little ones in the toddlers’ pool while older kids can race down the waterslide – then dry off and see who can get a hole-in-one on the minigolf course.

Other lidos bring something different. Hop on a boat to Thumersbach lido for long, sun soaked afternoons and epic mountain views – it’s calmer, greener and made for slow swims and laidback lounging. Or down on the southern shore, Seespitz in Schüttdorf feels more stripped back and sporty, with easy lake access and space to swim, dive and cool off without the crowds.

On Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings, Lake Zell lights up with the Magic Lake Show – a free after dark spectacle. This 20-minute lakeside show brings together water fountains, lights, lasers and music in a choreographed display that plays out right on the lake.

Hosted near Elisabethpark, it’s an easy win for a memorable evening – no tickets, just turn up and find a spot by the water. Each show in the week runs to a different musical theme, so no two nights feel quite the same. Arrive a little early to grab a good viewing position, and if you’re strolling the promenade during the day, keep an eye out for the shorter fountain shows that run daily too.

In Zell, you can go from lakeshore to mountaintop in under half an hour. From the edge of town, a network of gondolas and chairlifts whisks you straight up the Schmittenhöhe – no long climbs required.

Up top, knockout views await – and there are loads of walks to do. The high-altitude promenade over to Sonnkogel’s a gentle option starting near the top of the Schmittenhöhebahn gondola, winding through open alpine meadows and viewpoint terraces. It’s one of the best easy walks in Austria and can be comfortably done in under two hours. If you’re into your hiking and feeling more ambitious, the Pinzgauer Spaziergang route traces the ridgeline towards nearby Saalbach. At around 17km, it’s a full day outing (5–6 hours, plus a bus ride back from Saalbach) – but you’re well rewarded for your efforts.

The Schmittenhöhe is also brilliantly set up for families. From town, head up the cityXpress or areitXpress gondolas to discover the mountain’s playful side at Schmidolin’s Adventure World. Here, themed trails are dotted with place to climb, crawl, slide and swing – so kids will be lost in their own world from one viewpoint to the next while grown-ups lap up the scenery.

If you’re chasing that ‘I can’t believe how high I am’ feeling, the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier delivers in spectacular fashion. Rising to over 3,000m, this is full alpine drama – with vast snowfields and views that stretch on endlessly across the Hohe Tauern National Park.

After a thrilling series of lifts from Kaprun (taking approx. 50-70 minutes), you’ll come to the summit station – Gipfelwelt 3000. Step out onto the ‘Top of Salzburg’ platform for a true above-the-clouds moment, before moving through the National Park Gallery to learn how this dramatic landscape was formed. Quickly catch the short glacier film that plays at the station’s Cinema 3000 screen to put you in the mood for the Ice Arena – where you can go sledding on real glacier snow (yes, even in the height of summer).

From Zell, it’s a simple journey to Kaprun by bus or train, then up to the glacier via the lift network. The standout route is the Maiskogelbahn and 3K K-onnection, linking the valley directly to the glacier in one smooth ride. Just keep in mind that the 3K K-onnection isn’t included in the Summer Card.

Remember to pack warm layers – the temps can be totally different way up in the mountains. And final tip: don’t leave before you’ve ridden the Maisi Flitzer alpine coaster. Starting at the Maiskogelbahn valley station, you climb back up the hillside before zooming downhill at up to 40km/h – a fast-paced end to your glacier adventure that the kids will love.

From crispy Wiener schnitzel to fluffy kaiserschmarrn dusted with icing sugar, Zell delivers all the Austrian classics. Menus also feature regional Pinzgau specialities, like Pinzgauer Kasnocken – hearty dumplings tossed with local alpine cheese and onions. It’s ideal food for refuelling after long days outdoors.

But more than what’s on the plate, it’s about the foodie experiences. Coffee and cake is a classic Austrian ritual, from succulent strudel enjoyed lakeside to a chocolatey post-walk pick-me-up on a pavement café. Mountain huts also await with their picturesque terraces and rustic hospitality – think sharing plates of Tiroler Gröstl and platters of meats and cheese (known here as Brettljause) in front of a postcard backdrop.

In Zell’s compact centre, you’ll find a real mix of everything – from cosy wine bars and stylish restaurants to livelier spots where you might grab a burger while a band plays. Prefer keeping mealtimes fuss-free? Many hotels offer half board (breakfast and evening meals included), so you can round off each day with authentic Austrian fare served in the comfort of your stay.

A brilliant way to see Zell at its liveliest is to catch one of the summer festivals, when the lakefront and old town really come alive. The signature event in town is the Summernight Festival, held Wednesday evenings throughout July and August. Spread across the pedestrian zone, the centre bursts into life with brass bands, street performers, market stalls and food stands. It’s a super fun and sociable atmosphere – and works just as well for all ages.

Nearby, the Lake Zell Seefest celebrations bring the action down to the waterfront. Usually held on one or two specific dates each summer, these feature more live music, cultural performances, family entertainment and epic firework displays, all set against the eye-catching mountain backdrop.

For something a little different, you have the Line Dance AlpFestival, usually held in June. It brings a burst of country-western energy into the mountains – think boots, hats and denim mixing with fresh alpine air and panoramic views. Whether you stumble across a festival like this by chance or plan your trip around one, these celebrations are sure to add energy and a real sense of local life to your getaway.

Waterfalls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and the Krimml Waterfalls – tumbling a whopping 380m in tiered cascades – are the highest in Austria and up there with the most dramatic in Europe. Set within the Hohe Tauern National Park, the falls thunder down rocky cliffs surrounded by pine forest, creating clouds of mist that add a welcome refresher on a warm summer’s day.

Even from the bottom, the views are special – but if you want to feel the full force of the falls, follow the trail steadily uphill alongside the cascades. You can climb the full height of the falls in around 1.5-2 hours – but there are frequent viewpoints where you can stop, catch your breath and take snaps of the spectacle (bonus points if you capture one of the ‘spraybows’ that commonly appear).

Getting there is simple. Bus 670 runs hourly from the main terminal in the town centre and takes around 1.5 hours. Entry to the waterfalls is free with a Summer Card.

After a few active days exploring in the mountains, switching to bathrobe mode might be what you’re after. Good news: the region is home to one of the most impressive spas in Europe's lakes and mountains.

This sprawling, 20,000m² complex has everything you could need. Make your way around 12 different pools, featuring grottos, waterfalls and fun slides for kids, not to mention the oh-so Insta-worthy glass-sided infinity pool on the rooftop for adults. Wander between 10 saunas and steam rooms, or indulge in one of the many massages and treatments on offer. And whether you spend most of your time inside or out, prepare your eyes to be constantly drawn to Kaprun’s epic mountain scenery – which surrounds the spa on all sides.

Getting to the spa from Zell is a doddle – just hop on the 660 bus from the town centre and you’ll be there within 20 minutes.

One of the most memorable day trips from Zell am See, the Kaprun high mountain reservoirs reveal the region’s drama on a monumental scale. Sitting at over 2,000m, the Mooserboden and Wasserfallboden reservoirs are a striking mix of wild alpine scenery and jaw dropping human engineering – where enormous concrete dam walls hold back turquoise water beneath glaciers and rugged peaks. It feels remote, powerful and almost surreal – and is well worth the journey from Zell.

There’s plenty to do once you arrive. Feed your curiosity with a guided dam tour to explore the inside of the structure and learn how it generates hydroelectric power – or simply walk along the top for unbeatable views. Several easy walking trails circle the reservoirs – or to go for something truly James Bond-esque, try the short but thrilling via ferrata route that scales the Mooserboden dam wall.

Getting there is straightforward and part of the fun. Hop on a bus to Kaprun, then use the dedicated reservoir transport system – a combination of shuttle buses and the inclined lift – to reach the dams. Allow at least half a day and, as with a trip to the glacier, bring layers: this is true high mountain terrain.

Just outside Kaprun, this narrow canyon was carved over thousands of years by powerful meltwater from the Kapruner Ache river, creating a dramatic passage of steep rock walls, foaming water and swirling pools. The highlight is the wooden walkway fixed to the gorge walls, which lets you climb right through it. The trail’s around 320m long, with a series of bridges, platforms and steps that wind steadily upwards. Allow around 30 minutes to pass through at a relaxed pace, longer if you stop often for photos (you probably will).

Once you reach the top, don’t just turn around. To make this a proper half-day or full-day outing, continue to Klammsee, the peaceful lake just a few minutes’ walk from the exit of the gorge. A gentle circular walk around the water is a lovely contrast after the roar of the canyon, with mountain views, forest paths and plenty of picnic-worthy spots. Or if you’d rather pack more into the day, combine the gorge with a visit to the reservoirs.

No trip to the Salzburgerland region would be complete without visiting its capital, Salzburg.

Catch a train from Zell – for free, with your Salzburg Mobility Guest Card – to spend a day moseying around the Old Town, gazing out over the city from the hilltop fortress, visiting the Mozart Museum and enjoying the sights and scents of the Mirabell Palace and Gardens. Here you step into the Von Trapp family’s shoes to do-re-mi your way around the Pegasus fountain, just like they did in The Sound of Music.

Check out our full round up of what to do when you visit Salzburg. Or if you want to be guided round the best bits of the city, why not book the Salzburg sightseeing tour? It includes a scenic journey through the Salzkammergut lake district to Mondsee village, where The Sound of Music wedding scene was filmed, plus you'll have the ease of getting picked up and dropped off at your hotel too.

Can't wait to see and do it all? Get planning your trip to Zell am See. And if you fancy getting two day trips included in your holiday, why not book one of our Explore More bundles? 

Head to our Lakes & Mountains homepage to discover more about our favourite holidays.

Author: Marty Fraser-Turner

Main image courtesy of: © Zell am See-Kaprun Tourismus

Last updated: 04.05.2026