Exploring Am See, Austria: A Lakeside Paradise

Zell am See is a picturesque lakeside town in the Austrian state of Salzburg, surrounded by the Kitzbühel Alps. It is a popular tourist destination, particularly for skiing in winter and hiking and biking in summer. The town offers about 80 miles of ski slopes, with runs for beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers, as well as 125 miles of cross-country trails. The neighbouring town of Kaprun is also famed for its glacier skiing. In addition to winter sports, Zell am See provides a variety of summer activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing in Lake Zell, as well as exploring the historic Old Town, which includes St. Hippolyte's Church, the oldest building in the region.

Schmittenhöhe Mountain

From the summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of over 30 three-thousanders (mountains over 3,000 metres high), as well as Lake Zell, the river basin, and the Saalach Valley. The mountain also offers a unique panoramic platform called "Kaiserblick", which opened in the summer.

The area is also popular for paragliding, with numerous long-distance flights possible into the Pinzgau region.

For accommodation, the Berghotel Schmittenhöhe, located 2,000 metres above sea level, offers ski-to-door access and panoramic views of the surrounding Alpine landscape. The hotel can only be reached by cable car and is a 20-minute walk from the Zell am See city centre.

Lake Zell

The town of Zell am See, from which the lake takes its name, is located on a small delta protruding into the lake. The town is the administrative capital of the Zell am See District in the Austrian state of Salzburg. It has a population of about 10,000, but the number of residents increases during the tourist seasons in summer and winter.

Zell am See has been a popular holiday destination for the European aristocracy since the 19th century and is known as a hub of the international jet set today. The town is located at the foot of the Schmittenhöhe mountain and offers a wide range of activities for visitors, including:

• Swimming
• Boating
• Water skiing
• Paddleboarding
• River cruises
• Paragliding
• Hiking
• Cycling
• Skiing
• Snowshoe hiking
• Cross-country skiing
• Ice skating
• Ice hockey

The lake is known for its crystal-clear water and drinking water quality. It is surrounded by mountains and ski resorts, offering magnificent views of the landscape. Boat trips are available on the lake, providing a relaxing way to take in the scenery.

The historic centre of Zell am See is located on the western shore of the lake, with the villages of Thumersbach to the east, Erlberg to the southeast, and Schüttdorf to the south. The lake is peanut-shaped and has an area of 4.7 square kilometres. The mountains in the area form a horseshoe shape, and the Hausberg ("home mountain") of Zell am See is the Schmittenhöhe, which, at 1,965 metres, is a popular centre for skiing and other winter sports.

Zell am See Town Market

Zell am See is a town in the Austrian state of Salzburg, and the administrative capital of the Zell am See District. It is a popular tourist destination, particularly for skiing and other winter sports. The town is located on a peninsula, formed by the Schmittenbach stream, on the western shore of Lake Zell.

The town has a rich history, dating back to the 8th century when it was founded by monks and named Cella in Bisoncia. Over the centuries, it grew from a small village into a market town and popular holiday destination. Today, Zell am See offers a range of shopping and culinary experiences, from elegant boutiques to traditional souvenir shops and restaurants serving local specialities.

The Zell am See Town Market, or 'Old Town', is located right on the lakefront and is a great place to start exploring the town. The historic centre of Zell am See, with its charming old houses, is a delightful place to stroll and browse the shops. The market offers a mix of modern and traditional goods, with something to suit all tastes. Visitors can find anything from trendy fashion to local crafts and souvenirs. The market is also a great place to sample some of the region's famous culinary delights, with many restaurants, cafes and food stalls serving local specialities and traditional dishes.

In addition to the market, Zell am See also has a range of other attractions, including the Renaissance Schloss Rosenberg castle and the Old Parish Church, which features a mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. The town is also known for its ski resorts and beautiful natural surroundings, with the lake and the Schmittenhöhe mountain providing a stunning backdrop to the town.

Whether you're looking for unique souvenirs, delicious food, or just a taste of local culture, the Zell am See Town Market is definitely worth a visit.

Kitzsteinhorn Glacier

The Kitzsteinhorn Glacier is a popular ski area in the High Tauern range of the Central Eastern Alps in Austria. It is part of the Glockner Group and reaches a height of 3,203 m (10,509 ft) AA. The Kitzsteinhorn Glaciers have been a site for skiing since the early 20th century, with the German and Austrian Alpine Club erecting a mountain hut in 1907-09.

The Kitzsteinhorn is the prominent peak that shapes the appearance of the Zell am See-Kaprun region. It offers a unique view of the sea of peaks from the "Top of Salzburg" panorama platform, which is the highest point in SalzburgerLand that is accessible to everyone. The glacier ski resort has diverse pistes, designated freeride routes, and clearly marked hiking routes. It also has three mountain bike freeride trails, quaint huts, and various mountain restaurants.

The Kitzsteinhorn Glacier is easily accessible using the Glacier Aerial Tramway from the valley station at 911 m (2,989 ft). The cable car includes the highest cable car pylon in the world, standing at 113.6 m (373 ft) tall with a diameter of 2.2 m (7 ft 3 in). The upper station, at 3,029 m (9,938 ft) above sea level, features a restaurant and a panoramic terrace.

The ski season at the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier typically lasts from autumn to early summer, offering 100% snow reliability and perfect piste conditions. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the glacier is also a great destination for hiking and biking during the summer months.

Hohe Tauern National Park

The Grossglockner, Austria's highest peak at 3,798 metres above sea level, is found in the park, alongside 200 other peaks over 3,000 metres. The altitudinal belts from the valleys to these summits represent an exceptional biodiversity, with many plants and wildlife species originating from the Central Asian tundra, the Arctic, and Southern Europe. Over 10,000 animal species and 1,800 plants call the park home, and it is a place of sanctuary, relaxation, and wonder for humans too.

The National Park House in Matrei, East Tirol, offers an excellent overview of the nature reserve, and the park's landscapes can be explored with a National Park Ranger during a guided tour. The park has several interactive exhibitions located in Mittersill, Mallnitz, and Matrei, where visitors can learn about the unique ecosystem of the area.

The Hohe Tauern National Park holiday region offers diverse skiing experiences with eight ski resorts and 870 kilometres of slopes. The region is also known for its excellent ski areas suitable for beginners and advanced skiers, as well as numerous off-slope activities like toboggan rides, snowshoe hikes, and ice skating.

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