Zell am See

Lake Zell

The clear and calm water offers different options to enjoy the stunning lake.

• Walk or run around the lake and enjoy the stunning views
• Get out on a paddle board, paddle boat or just in the water for a swim
• Take a 1 hour boat tour around Lake Zell with the Summer card

Top of Salzburg

From the town of Zell am See, those without a car can take the 660 bus from Postplatz to Kitzsteinhorn. The bus journey takes 40 minutes and has about 25 stops along the way so if not staying in Zell am See, this bus may still have stops near your location. Check the bus schedule to be sure of times. The bus takes you right to the base of the Panoramabahn gondola. This is the first of 3 gondolas which take you to the top of the Kitzsteinhorn at 3029 meters, also known as the "Top of Salzburg". The entire journey is covered with the Zell am See Summercard if you take the noted route. There is another gondola which can be taken from the base at a slightly different location, but this gondola is not fully covered by the Summercard and requires an additional cost. 

For those taking the gondola from Kitzsteinhorn, the first gondola is about 12 minutes where you then get off and transfer to a second that is another 10 - 15 minutes, and finally the last gondola to Gipfelwelt 3000. There is a transition station between 3 & 4 which is connected and you do not need to leave the gondola. For those interested in hiking, there are hiking trails you can take at any of the gondola stations instead. The highest point is at 3029 meters, approximately 9937 feet. It will be chillier up here so bring a jacket!

The total journey takes about 40 minutes to reach the top on the gondolas. Once at the top, there are different areas to explore. For those who would like to avoid a climb, head left at the top of the gondola and enter the tunnel towards the funicular. The funicular will then take you to a higher point. From here, you can enjoy the views over the area. This stop also has a restaurant and a cinema. Once satisfied with this stop, head through 360m the tunnel through the mountain which takes you to another spectacular viewpoint. Fortunately, if visiting this direction, the walk through the tunnel is downhill. Take some time at the next viewpoint if you have a clear day and admire the view of the surrounding peaks. Then head down along the outside path. There's a little area where you can borrow a sled and take it down a small hill or head back to the gondola and make your trek down. If you don’t mind a bit of a climb, complete the visit in the opposite direction so you end with the funicular rather than start. Keep in mind you are at elevation where air is thinner so take it slow and listen to your body! You may need to stop more for air to catch your breath.

CityXpress gondola

Covered in the Summer Pass, take the gondola up for a gorgeous view over the Lake on the way up. At the top, hike around the area or relax with a snack.

Rent Bikes

Zell am see is in the mountains; what better way to explore than to get out for a nice cycle. Normal and electric bike rentals are available in town and provides you the opportunity to explore the area on two wheels. There are endless options to explore. 

One stunning, but challenging route to try is the 90km cycle route used during the Zell am See half ironman.

Hiking 

In an outdoor paradise, there are tons of mountains around with short and long hiking trails around.

Half Ironman (70.3)

A crazier reason to visit, but one for the adventurous and highly active group. Every year, Ironman puts on a half ironman event in Zell am See & Kaprun on a Sunday in the late summer. This event includes a 1900 meter swim in Lake Zell, followed by a 90km cycle through the Austrian Alps, and ends with a 22.1 km run (half marathon) along Lake Zell. The course is spectacular and a fun race for triathletes. 

Skiing

The winter months bring visitors from all over to Zell am See to hit the slopes and experience a ski holiday.

Paragliding 

The mountains often bring out paragliders. If you're intrigued by the idea of getting a bird's eye view of the area, look into booking a paragliding flight to get some adrenaline pumping and take-in some spectacular views .