The Salzburger region and mainly Zell am See region is a unique destination you must visit as it presents exquisite attractions. Therefore, you should add this destination to your must-visit locations in Austria. If you scroll through a list of places you must visit while in Austria, then Zell am See should be on top of your list.
There are a lot of things that you can do in this region. The little place is unique, and it is an Austrian postcard town. Located halfway between Salzburg and Innsbruck, the city has recently gained traction as many people visit it. Over the recent past, it has become famous for winter sports, and at the height of over 2000 meters above sea level, Zell am See is a popular place for snowboarders, skiers, and hikers.
Zell am See is an exquisite holiday location with all the features you have been looking for in an Austrian holiday destination. The town is considered a top summer and winter destination for tourists with the magnificent mountains with idyllic crystal-clear lakes and amazing landscape.
The Zeller lake presents endless activities that you can do and enjoy during your vacation. During the summer period, you will see amazing sights, excursions, and exciting attractions that you should visit. Numerous activities will keep you busy, whether it is cycling, hiking, swimming, or going to this destination to relax Zell am See is the right location for you.
In this post, we will review some of the best places and activities that you must do in Zell am See during your visit.
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How do I get to Zell am See?
There are various ways that you can get to this beautiful destination. If you are traveling by car Zell am See is one and a half away from Salzburg. However, if you are from another European country such as Germany Zell am See is two and a half hours by car. You will arrive from Innsbruck, and you should plan about two hours of travel time. On the other hand, if you are traveling from Vienna, the town is a four and a half hours drive.
You can also access Zell am See via train, there is a train connection to many Austrian cities, and you should take your time to choose the most convenient one. There is a city train station, and you are sure that when traveling to this destination, you will arrive at the city center and embark on your trip with ease. Nevertheless, if you are flying to the destination, the nearest airport will be in Salzburg or choose the largest in Munich. This means that the area is easily accessible, and you should visit the destination during your vacation. There are numerous places that you can stay upon visiting the site, and you can choose based on your taste and preference. Here are some of the top things to do in Zell am See.
Visit the viewing platform in Kitzsteinhorn
One of the most exquisite things you can do is take a cable car to the top of the mountain, where there is a viewing platform. When you are at this destination, you will see what the valley below has to offer. There is plenty of opportunities to take photos as well as mesmerize in the unique and breathtaking environment.
Once you are at the top in Kitzsteinhorn, you will have numerous viewing platforms that you can use to see what nature below has to offer. The primary medium is 3029 meters above sea level, and you will have a perfect view of the ski slopes down. There is also a restaurant that offers panoramic views of the area below and the mountains around the region.
Try out Austrian meal Käsespätzle
When you are high up in the mountains and enjoying the scenery, it is recommended that you can take a break and enjoy one of the local cuisines. A popular food item around this region is Käsespätzle, which is the Austrian version of mac and cheese. Who does not love mac and cheese? If you are looking forward to taking your tastebuds to a whole new level of tasting, then this is the proper meal you should try.
Further reading: 8 places to try Wiener Schnitzel
Enjoy the fantastic outdoor environment
If you want to get a feel of the alps, then taking a cable car to the surrounding mountains should be an item on your to-do list. You will have a chance to enjoy a stroll in the gorgeous alpine paths and see what the national parks have to offer. Even in the summer period, the mountain will have snow. How cool is that? The Zell am See the mountain is a local destination where hikers go and have fun discussing nature and surroundings. You can choose from several walks the best for your fitness levels. From the walks, you will have an amazing view of Lake Zell.
Enjoy watersports on lake Zell
Lake Zell has gained a huge reputation for being a destination for water sports. You can enjoy numerous activities such as waterskiing in the summer period as well as other activities during the winter. The winter period sees a rise in activities such as snowboarding, skiing, and ice-skating. Besides, you are limited to these watersports, but you can also go swimming during the summer since the water has a favorable temperature.
Explore Zell am See the town
What would your trip be like if you had not visited the town itself? Zell am See town presents a unique opportunity to check out what the locals call home. The Zell am See town is traffic-free, and you can go to the old town for some coffee. Besides, the old town is just two hundred meters from the lake. While you are sipping your tea or coffee, you can see the oldest building in the town, the Kasternerturm.
This building was built around 1000 AD, and the tower has now been converted into a museum. You can visit the museum and learn more about the town, the country and the culture itself. There is also St. Hypolith’s Church in the vicinity, and this church dates back to the 11th century.
Zell am See is a unique place because it has ancient buildings that have stood the test of time, and you can enjoy a meal in one of the restaurants in the area. The Stadtplatz is a hotel, and during the summer period, there is a traditional market in the area. You can purchase some of the local produce and enjoy the local cuisine.
Stay in one of the cottages overlooking the lake
The lake has the name of the village town, and it measures about five square kilometers. This lake is surrounded by high peaks of the alps and chic chalets. The view from the cottage overlooking the lake is exceptional, and you do not want to miss the view from this platform. The Austrians are hospitable people, and they will ensure that every detail is finessed to ensure that your stay in the cottages is impressive.
Enjoy a ride on the alpine coaster
If you want to pump your adrenaline higher, you should indulge in this activity. The roller coaster in Kaprun is the best thing that can happen to anyone. This is a perfect destination, and you can enjoy your trip in the alpine world by riding the coaster.
The coaster can peak at a speed of up to 40 kilometers per hour, and it is 730 meters to rise to the top and 1300 meters to get back to the beginning. What is good about this coaster is that you can control the coaster’s speed throughout the route.
Go for a hike
There are numerous hiking and walking tours in the region, and you should not be left behind. Hike in one of the most exquisite locations in Austria. The trail in the area is 19 kilometers long, and it begins in Zell am See before ending in Saalbach. However, it is important to note that you can hike a trail that you prefer and do not have to hike the entire trail. You can choose a part of the trail and hike it as per your liking.
Go skiing in the lake and the surrounding area
Winter sports are the Austrian Alps‘ main activity, and Zell am See is not left behind. There are over 135 kilometers of skiing trails that you can explore and push your adrenaline high. The most common is the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier which stands at around 3200 meters above sea level. It is the best way that you can take your winter sports to a new limit. Besides, the trail is linked to a city express gondola, and you can get the gondola and head back to town from the village quickly.
In conclusion, there are so many things to do in Zell am See, and you are not limited to these activities listed. You can explore more. Be adventurous and have the time of your life in this beautiful destination.
