Zell Am See: Austria's Alpine Gem

Zell am See is a charming town in the Austrian state of Salzburg, surrounded by the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier, Lake Zell, and the Alps. The town is a popular tourist destination, offering year-round activities such as skiing, hiking, and water sports. With its picturesque scenery, lively après-ski scene, and quaint cafes, Zell am See is the perfect mix of pleasure, activity, and relaxation. The town also boasts a rich history, having been a resort for European aristocracy in the 19th century. Today, it attracts visitors from all over the world, including wealthy Russians and Arabs during the summer months.

Zell am See's history

Zell am See, a town in west-central Austria, has a rich history dating back to the 8th century. Founded by monks in the year 740 AD, it was originally called "Cella in Bisoncio" or "Cella in Bisonzia". The town's name comes from the German "Zell am See", meaning "Zell by the lake", as it is located on the west shore of Lake Zell.

In the centuries that followed its founding, Zell am See remained a small village. It received the rights of a market town in 1357 and continued to develop slowly. By the 19th century, it was still a market town, known as "Zelle im Pinzgau", and it had spread out along the shores of Lake Zell. The construction of the railway line through Zell am See in 1875 marked the beginning of its transformation into a popular holiday destination. With improved transport connections, the town became known as a pearl of recreation between mountain and lake.

The town's status and name changed again in 1810, when it became known as "Zell am See". It finally achieved town status in 1927 and received its city rights on January 24, 1928. Today, Zell am See is a popular winter and summer resort, renowned for its skiing and other winter sports, as well as its clear air and crystal-clear lake water. It has also become a transportation hub for the region, with a population of approximately 10,000 inhabitants, which swells during the tourist seasons.

The Grand Hotel, originally called the "Hotel Krone", is one of the notable landmarks in Zell am See's history. Founded in 1876 by Josef Schwaiger, the hotel flourished and became a meeting point for royalty, the rich, and famous guests, including princes, ministers, politicians, and industrialists. However, with the outbreak of the First World War, this era came to an end, and the hotel changed hands several times, enduring troubled times, including American occupation and fires, before being restored in the 1950s.

The town's ski resorts

Zell am See is a popular ski resort town in the Austrian state of Salzburg. Located in the Kitzbühel Alps, the town is a tourist destination due to its ski resorts and shoreline on Lake Zell. The town has a rich history, dating back to the 19th century when it was a favoured winter and summer resort for European aristocracy. Today, it is known as a hub for international travellers seeking luxury vacations and winter sports.

The ski resorts in Zell am See offer a range of experiences for skiers of all levels. The town's local mountain, Schmittenhöhe, is a family-friendly and panoramic ski resort. It offers wide, perfectly groomed family pistes for beginners and junior skiers, as well as the challenging "Trass" run with gradients of up to 70% for more ambitious skiers. The resort also boasts unique views of over 30 three-thousand-metre-high peaks and a fantastic panorama of Lake Zell. With the Ski ALPIN CARD, visitors can access three premium ski regions, including Schmittenhöhe, with just one ski pass.

In addition to the slopes at Schmittenhöhe, skiers in Zell am See can also take advantage of the nearby Kitzsteinhorn glacier, which offers high-alpine experiences and diverse pistes. The glacier provides snow-sure skiing and a long ski season, often starting as early as October and lasting until May. The neighbouring town of Kaprun is also famed for its glacier skiing, with 61 kilometres of pistes suitable for all levels of difficulty.

Zell am See also offers a vibrant nightlife and culinary scene. The town's restaurants serve a variety of cuisines, from traditional Austrian dishes to internationally inspired meals. The town's bars and mountain huts provide a cosy atmosphere to relax and socialise after a day on the slopes.

With its stunning views, diverse ski options, and lively town, Zell am See is a popular choice for skiers and non-skiers alike. The size of the town and its proximity to Salzburg make it a convenient and enjoyable destination for travellers seeking a combination of winter sports and cultural experiences.

Local cuisine

Zell am See is a popular Austrian resort town situated on the shore of the beautiful Zeller See. The town boasts a plethora of dining options, ranging from traditional Austrian cuisine to exotic oriental dishes. Here is a list of some of the local specialties and notable restaurants in Zell am See:

Local Specialties:

• Pinzgau Kasnocken: small cheesy pasta.
• Pinzgau Bladln: fried turnovers filled with potatoes and bacon.
• Kaspress soup: soup with dumplings of fresh cheese.
• Bauerngröstl: Farmer’s fry-up made of potatoes, onions, meat, mushrooms, and egg.
• Fluffy Kaiserschmarren.
• Salzburger Nockerl: souffle.
• Sweet Moosbeernocken: small blueberry pancakes.

Notable Restaurants:

• MAYER's Restaurant auf Schloss Prielau: A fine dining restaurant located in a 19th-century castle, led by top chef Andreas Mayer. The restaurant is renowned for its exceptional cuisine with strong flavors and combinations.
• Seensucht - Restaurant am Zeller See: A popular dining spot known for its delicious food and excellent service. It offers a diverse menu featuring global dishes and is situated close to the Zeller See lake.
• Restaurant Cella Central: A cozy and welcoming restaurant with friendly staff and great food.
• Seecamp Restaurant by Rudi Eder: A highly recommended restaurant located close to Hapimag resort and the lake pier. It offers tasty traditional Austrian meals, including creamy onion soup and pinzgauer kasnock'n.
• Speisenmeisterei: A restaurant known for its incredible food and great service. The menu offers unique and delicious dishes, with friendly and comfortable English-speaking staff.
• Piazza Quattro: A popular spot in the city center offering a mix of dining experiences, including halal food and Mediterranean cuisine.
• Hongmei Asia Restaurant: A popular spot for Asian cuisine, offering a wide variety of options, including duck and sushi.
• La Locanda Pizzeria & Restaurant: A family-friendly restaurant with attentive servers and delicious food.
• Restaurant & Pizzeria Aydin: An Italian eatery situated close to the Zeller See lake, offering a diverse menu featuring Turkish and global cuisines.
• Restaurant Ali Baba: A small and busy Middle Eastern restaurant with friendly staff and generous portions of tasty food.
• Berghotel Jaga Alm: A rustic restaurant with stunning views of Lake Zell, serving traditional Austrian cuisine made with products from the hotel's own farm.

Transport options

Zell am See is located in the Austrian state of Salzburg. It is a popular tourist destination, especially for skiing and other winter sports.

By Plane

Zell am See is conveniently located within 200km of three international airports: Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Munich. The closest is Salzburg Airport, which is 80-98km away. Munich Airport is 200km away, and Innsbruck Airport is 152km away.

From the airports, you can take a shuttle, taxi, or public transport to reach Zell am See. The journey from Salzburg Airport takes about 1.5 hours, while Munich Airport is about a 2.5-hour drive away.

By Train

Zell am See has excellent train connections from all over Austria, as well as from Germany and Switzerland. The town's train station is located directly in the town centre, providing easy access to hotels and restaurants.

Direct train services are available from several European cities, including Salzburg, Munich, and Innsbruck. The train journey is a comfortable and environmentally friendly option and is recommended if you want to avoid potential traffic jams or roadworks.

By Car

If you choose to drive to Zell am See, you can reach the town via well-developed main traffic routes and motorways from Salzburg and Munich. The journey takes about 1.5 hours from Salzburg and about 2.5 hours from Munich.

However, it is important to note that to use the Austrian motorways, you will need an Austrian motorway vignette. Additionally, due to extensive repair work until June 2025, there may be obstructions and delays on the A10 Tauern motorway.

Within Zell am See

Once you're in Zell am See, you can easily get around on foot. The town has a pedestrian zone, and the lakeside promenade is also accessible by foot.

For longer distances or to explore the surrounding areas, you can make use of the local bus network or the Pinzgau local railway.

Things to do in Zell am See

Zell am See is a picturesque lakeside town in the Austrian state of Salzburg. It is a popular tourist destination, known for its ski resorts, stunning scenery, and clear lakeside waters. Here are some of the top things to do when visiting Zell am See:

Skiing and Winter Sports

Zell am See offers excellent skiing and winter sports opportunities. The town is located at the foot of the Schmittenhöhe mountain, which has a variety of pistes catering to beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers. The ski area covers around 138 kilometres, including the pistes on the Kitzsteinhorn and Kaprun Maiskogel. The neighbouring town of Kaprun is also renowned for its glacier skiing.

Summer Activities

During the summer months, Zell am See offers a range of outdoor activities. The town is situated on the shores of Lake Zell, providing opportunities for swimming, boating, and water sports. The lake is known for its crystal-clear water and drinking water quality. The surrounding area also offers hiking and cycling trails, with stunning views of the lake and mountains.

Dining and Culinary Experiences

Zell am See boasts a diverse food scene, with a variety of cuisines available, including Austrian, Indian, Lebanese, and Italian. You can find quaint cafes, elegant boutiques, and traditional souvenir shops in the town centre. The town also offers excellent dining options, such as the Gipfel restaurant, which is the highest restaurant in the land of Salzburg.

Historical and Cultural Attractions

The town has a rich history, with well-maintained old houses and churches, such as St. Hippolyte's Church, which dates back to the 11th century. You can also visit the Kaprun Museum, which showcases the village's 4,000 years of history, or take a trip to the Mozart City of Salzburg, which is easily accessible from Zell am See.

Relaxation and Wellness

For those seeking relaxation, the Tauern SPA in Kaprun offers a tranquil escape with 20,000 square metres of wellness and spa facilities. Zell am See also has a leisure centre with an indoor pool and sauna.

Frequently asked questions