Zell am See is one of those enchanting destinations in Austria that never fails to captivate, regardless of the season. While its snow-covered landscapes attract winter enthusiasts for five months of the year, let’s shift our focus to the summer season, where endless possibilities await!
Zell am See: Your Summer Sanctuary
Begin your summer escapade by checking into a hotel offering the coveted “Zell am See – Kaprun Sommer Karte,” ensuring a week filled with boundless entertainment. While these hotels may lean towards the pricier side, there are also budget-friendly options available. Our stay in Kaprun at —– was delightful and worth every penny.
The card is valid from 3pm on the day of arrival and although some activities will have to wait until the next day, there are many things you can do right away. You can read the details about the card here. But in general, you don’t need to book anything in advance. You just come and beep the Sommer Karte straight away and take the cable car, for example. You don’t even have to wait in line at the counter.
DAY 1 Exploring Kaprun’s Natural Wonders
Sigmund Thus Gorge
Start your adventure with a leisurely stroll through the Sigmund Thun Gorge, a captivating 300-meter-long canyon adorned with wooden bridges leading to the picturesque Klammsee, around which you can continue your walk even further. If you want to postpone it until the next day and it happens to be Thursday, Consider combining this experience with a scenic breakfast by Lake Klamm, adding an extra touch of magic to your morning. (here you can finde more about it)
Zell am See Lido: A Day of Refreshing Fun
Cool off from the summer heat at the Zell am See Lido, one of three spacious lakeside pools accessible with the Sommer Karte. Whether you prefer lounging by the warm poolside or taking a refreshing dip in the lake, there’s something for everyone.
Embrace the thrill of jumping from the diving platform, bouncing on the water trampoline, or simply relishing in the serenity of swimming with breathtaking mountain views.
DAY 2: A Journey to New Heights
Kitzsteinhorn, Top of Salzburg
Leave early, pack a hoodie and enjoy the spectacular view from the top of the Kitzsteinhorn. It’s exceptional. Try to catch one of the first cable cars that open at 8:15. Then you will have the view from 3000m all to yourself. Don’t forget to take a photo at the top. There is a machine and you can download the photo from the Internet later.
If you want to add a little more adventure, you can go all the way to the very top, where the via ferrata leads. But you won’t need any special equipment. Just good shoes. You can see the High altitude reservoirs, where you can go afterwards.
On the way down, have some fun at the Ice arena, which will probably be the only place with snow in the summer, which you can actually touch. And if you don’t want to stop for a coffee and strudel with the view in one of the restaurants, go back down to the valley.
At the parking lot, stop at the memorial to the disaster of 2000, when the original cable car caught fire in the tunnel and most of the passengers died. Take it as a reminder to be grateful for your life, for every day and everything nice that you have.
Kaprun high mountain reservoirs: A Spectacle of Blue
If you decide for this trip, devote the whole afternoon or even the whole day to it and combin it with a track up there. We only went for a short time and actually spent most of the time traveling on the bus or waiting for the cable car. But the view of those beautiful blue dams is worth it.
Even one of the via ferratas leads directly on the dam wall. But you’ll need equipment for that.
Boat trip on Zeller See
Ending the day with a boat trip on the lake is just my thing. The tour on the Zellersee takes less than an hour and you can top it off with aperol spriz on board 😉
Planning Your Next Adventure
While Zell am See offers a plethora of summer activities, including hiking, biking, and more, our journey continues to the Italian lakes of Como, Maggiore, and d’Orta. Rest assured, we’ve only scratched the surface of what Zell am See has to offer, leaving plenty of adventures for our return.
So, what do you say? Is Zell am See worth the visit? With its breathtaking landscapes, boundless activities, and warm hospitality, we think the answer is crystal clear. Let the adventures begin!