The Austrian mountain lake resort Zell am See is the perfect summer holiday destination for nature lovers. On the shore of crystal-clear Lake Zell, the town is on the edge of the Hohe Tauern National Park with its 300+ mountain peaks of over 3,000 metres. This post is packed with ideas of things to do in Zell am See in summer.
Zell am See is just under 100 km from Salzburg in the Austrian province of Salzburgerland. Together with the neighbouring village of Kaprun, it forms the Zell am See-Kaprun holiday region. Although it’s a year-round holiday destination with skiing a big winter attraction, there are many things to do in Zell am See in summer. We’ve visited the region three times and are always amazed at the new things to discover during each stay.
Things to Do in Zell am See in Summer
Stroll Through the Old Town
The old town of Zell am See on the western shore of Lake Zell is small enough to easily explore in half an hour (if you’re not tempted to go into too many souvenir shops 😊). There are many pretty buildings featuring colourful wall paintings and balcony flowers.
The St Hippolyte’s Church and the Grand Hotel deserve special mention. The 36-metre high church tower dominates the skyline on the market square while the hotel dominates the shoreline in front of the town.
Look out for 10 multimedia stations in the old town of Zell am See where you can use your smartphone to listen to local guides sharing their expertise.
Hike or Cycle Around Lake Zell
One of the best things to do in Zell am See in summer is to hike or cycle around the lake. The circular route is just over 11 km long and passes close to the lake in many parts. We’ve cycled around the lake from our campsite in neighbouring Bruck an der Großglocknerstraße twice by joining the Tauern Cycle Trail which connects to the lake trail.
While 11 km sounds long, the terrain is mostly flat. There are only one or two small hills on the eastern shore. Also, there are many opportunities to rest along the way. You can stop for a swim, a drink, or simply to enjoy the views.
Note: Parts of the eastern shore does not have a dedicated cycle track, which means you have to ride on the road for short stretches.
Go Swimming
There are several opportunities for swimming during your Zell am See summer holidays. Around Lake Zell, the most popular swimming areas are called Lidos.
There are three Lidos, with the biggest one close to the Grand Hotel near the old town. It has heated pools, a dive tower, waterslide, showers, and toilet facilities. For this, you pay an entrance fee of around €10.80 per adult per day (2026 price).
Generally, there is no charge to take a dip in Lake Zell. There is a nice public swimming area near the Seecamp campsite on the northern shore. In summer, the water temperature is around 23 °C. As for the water quality, some locals insist it’s fit for drinking.
We have only dipped our toes in Lake Zell, but M had a great time with his cousins in the (warmer) swimming lake at Sportcamp Woferlgut. There is no entrance fee and enough sun loungers. The campsite is a 10-minute drive away in Bruck an der Großglocknerstraße.
Visit Kaprun
For a small Alpine village, Kaprun has an amazing array of attractions to satisfy all tastes. The biggest of them all is no doubt the Kitzsteinhorn glacier in the shadow of the like-named summit. At 3,200 metres, it’s easily recognizable from Zell am See. While the mountains no doubt attract more hikers in summer, the glacier area offers stunning alpine views throughout the year.
Close to town, the Maiskogel alpine coaster is a family hit. On a rainy day, the Vötter’s Oldtimer-Museum is filled with a shiny collection of old cars to cheer up the boys in your company. We discovered it by chance on an afternoon drive to randomly find something to do on a cool temperature day. A stroll through Kaprun also led us to the pretty village church on the hill.
Go Up a Mountain
If you still don’t know what to do in Zell am See in summer, look at the surrounding mountains to find your answer. The town’s “hausberg” or house mountain is called Schmittenhöhe. A cable car will take you to the top in minutes. Among the attractions for an unforgettable mountain summer in Zell am See, are a mystical forest, adventure world, high altitude promenade, e-motocross park, and the newer Art on the Mountain sculpture hike with views over four lakes.
In nearby Kaprun, the cable car network will take you to the Top of Salzburg summit station of the Kitzsteinhorn, Salzburgerland’s highest point at 3,029 metres above sea level. From here, you’ll enjoy amazing views over Alpine peaks from different viewing platforms. You can even play in the summer snow. A round-trip ticket costs around €61 per adult (2026 price).
Take a Boat Ride
During summer in Zell am See, boats take visitors on different cruises on the lake. The MS Schmittenhöhe undertakes panorama cruises, while the MS Großglockner is responsible for lake crossings. In July and August, you can also experience a nostalgic boat ride on the Empress Elisabeth steamboat. The fleet has since grown to include the nostalgic Libelle boat and a modern electric boat, giving visitors even more ways to enjoy the lake.
Hike in the Sigmund Thun Gorge
The highlight of our last summer in Zell am See was a hike through the spectacular Sigmund Thun Gorge outside Kaprun. The narrow gorge is only 320 metres long, which makes it great for families. Entry costs around €8.50 per adult (2026 price).
Once at the top of the gorge, continue on the circular route around the Klammsee (gorge lake). You can dip your feet in the clear water and have something to eat at the little restaurant while the kids are having fun in the playground.
The hike is short and easy, with the full excursion through the gorge and around the lake taking between two and three hours depending on how many times you stop.
Day Trips from Zell am See in Summer
Visit the Werfen Ice Caves
The world’s largest ice caves are only 60 km away from Zell am See. The Werfen Ice Caves or Eisriesenwelt are a natural wonder you shouldn’t miss when in the area.
Just getting to the mouth of the caves via two short hikes and Austria’s steepest cable car ride is an adventure. The temperature of zero degrees celsius inside the caves makes it one of the best things to do near Zell am See in summer.
See the Krimml Waterfalls
Another way to spend the day during summer in Zell am See, is to drive just under 60 km to Europe’s highest waterfalls. The Krimml Waterfalls has a total height of 380 metres which makes them the 5th highest falls in the world.
You don’t see the falls as one unit as they snake their way down the Krimml Ache (stream). You’ll see parts or everything depending on how fit you are. The hike from the bottom to the top waterfall is around 4 km long, with lots of places to rest along the way.
Take the Train to Salzburg
The city of Mozart (or The Sound of Music depending on which music you like best) is about 90 km from Zell am See. You can drive there or take the train and avoid the hassle of finding parking. The train passes amazing natural scenery and takes just over 1,5 hours.
Drive the Großglockner High Alpine Road
Possibly the most scenic road in Austria, the Großglockner High Alpine Road takes you straight through the High Tauern National Park. The Großglockner is Austria’s highest mountain and you’ll get quite close to it on the 48 km long drive. The start of the mountain pass is about 40 km from Zell am See, making it easy to put this drive on your list of things to do. A day ticket costs around €46.50 per car (2026 price).
Where to Stay in Zell am See in Summer
Zell am See offers accommodation to suit every budget and travel style, from lakeside luxury hotels with wellness spas to cosy family-run pensions and self-catering apartments. Most options are within easy walking distance of the lake and old town, and many hotels include half-board dining or complimentary access to the local cable cars via the Zell am See-Kaprun Summer Card.
Whether you’re after a special five-star treat, a wallet-friendly base for exploring, or the flexibility of cooking your own meals, here are two recommendations in each category to help you start your search.
Top Hotels
Hotel Salzburgerhof is a 5-star superior address in the heart of Zell am See, known for its award-winning cuisine and an extensive wellness and spa area, making it a great choice for a special mountain getaway.
Sportresort Alpenblick is a 4-star superior family and sport hotel just minutes from the lake and cable car stations, with a large wellness area, pool, and dedicated children’s programme.
Budget Hotels
Hotel Lebzelter is a family-run 3-star hotel right in the centre of Zell am See, just a few minutes’ walk from the lake and the CityXpress cable car, with a traditional alpine atmosphere.
Hotel Seehof is a small, charming 3-star hotel just steps from the lake promenade, offering simple, comfortable rooms at a friendly price.
Self-Catering
Cella Central offers well-equipped apartments right in the old town, with the flexibility of self-catering plus the bonus of an on-site restaurant and spa.
Schwaiger Appartements is a family-run property with bright, fully-equipped apartments and lovely views of the lake and surrounding mountains, an easy walk from the centre of town.
Frequently Asked Questions about Zell am See in Summer
What is the best time to visit Zell am See in summer?
The warmest, driest weather usually runs from June through September, with long daylight hours perfect for swimming in Lake Zell, hiking the surrounding trails, and enjoying the outdoor cafes around town.
How do I get to Zell am See?
Zell am See is easily reached by train from Salzburg or Innsbruck, with regular direct connections throughout the day. Drivers can also arrive via the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road, which is only open in the warmer months.
What are the top things to do in Zell am See in summer?
Popular summer activities include swimming or paddleboarding on Lake Zell, cycling or hiking the lakeside path, riding the cable car up the Schmittenhöhe for mountain views, and taking a day trip to the Krimml Waterfalls.
Where is the best place to stay in Zell am See?
Staying centrally near the lake promenade puts you within walking distance of the cable car and old town, while self-catering apartments and budget hotels are good options for longer stays or travelling on a budget.
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What a great post!!! This is exactly what I needed right now, since we are going to ZeIIl am See for a few days next week. The waterfall looks amazing and we definitely need to do the gorge hike. Thank you for all this great information.