Overview
Zell am See is a town on the shore of the lake of the same name, with an old centre, a promenade and a backdrop of mountains. Nearby Kaprun lies at the foot of the Kitzsteinhorn, a glacier-topped mountain of 3,203 m, with lifts that run to the top and year-round skiing on the glacier.
In summer, the lake is warm enough for swimming, and walkers and cyclists use the valley trails. The Grossglockner High Alpine Road lies about 50 km away, and the Hohe Tauern National Park surrounds the area. The Kaprun high mountain reservoirs, reached by a cable car and bus, give wide views of dams and peaks.
Highlights
- Swimming, boating and walks beside Lake Zell
- The Kitzsteinhorn glacier and its summit platform
- The Kaprun high mountain reservoirs
- Day trips to the Grossglockner High Alpine Road
Best time to visit
June to September is warm and best for lake activities and walking. December to April is ski season, and the glacier offers snow nearly all year. Spring and autumn can be quiet, with some services closed.
- JanJanuary: Not ideal
- FebFebruary: Not ideal
- MarMarch: Not ideal
- AprApril: Not ideal
- MayMay: Good
- JunJune: Best
- JulJuly: Best
- AugAugust: Best
- SepSeptember: Best
- OctOctober: Good
- NovNovember: Not ideal
- DecDecember: Not ideal
● Best · ○ Good · blank: not ideal. Conditions vary by year, so check local forecasts and access before you go.
Getting there
Fly to Salzburg (SZG), about 1.2 hours by road or train, or Munich (MUC), about 2.5 hours. The railway station at Zell am See has direct trains from Salzburg and Innsbruck. Local buses connect Zell, Kaprun and the Kitzsteinhorn lift.
What to expect
Easy to moderate. Lakeside walks are flat, and mountain paths vary. At the glacier, altitude and weather can be a factor even in summer, so take warm clothes.
Practical tips
- Check the weather and webcams before going up the Kitzsteinhorn.
- Take warm layers: the glacier is cold in all seasons.
- Look for a guest card, which can include lifts and local transport.
- Book lodging early for the winter holidays and August.
Frequently asked questions
Can I ski in summer in Kaprun?
Yes, on the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, in the early part of summer and in autumn, depending on snow.
How far is Zell am See from Salzburg?
About 90 km, around 1.5 hours.
Is the lake good for swimming?
Yes. It warms up in summer, and there are public beaches.
Official sources
Rules, fees, permits and conditions change. Check the official pages below before you travel.
Last reviewed October 2026. Details are for planning only and can change; confirm access, permits and conditions with official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us. Photography: Fl.schmitt (CC0) via Wikimedia Commons.
