Zell am See is a picturesque town located in the state of Salzburg, Austria. Surrounded by mountains and a stunning lake, this town offers something for everyone, no matter the time of year. Whether you're a winter sports enthusiast or a summer lover, Zell am See has plenty to offer.

Winter Activities

Zell am See is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. With its proximity to the Alps, the town offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding opportunities in Austria. Here are some of the top winter activities to enjoy in Zell am See:

1. Skiing: Zell am See offers more than 77 km of ski runs and 25 modern ski lifts. The Schmittenhöhe mountain is a popular skiing destination, with a variety of slopes for all levels of skiers.

2. Snowboarding: Snowboarders can enjoy the snow parks and freeriding areas in Zell am See. The Maiskogel mountain offers a great freeriding area for snowboarders.

3. Ice Skating: If you're not a fan of skiing or snowboarding, you can enjoy ice skating on the frozen Zell am See lake. The lake is transformed into a skating rink during the winter months, and you can rent skates on site.

4. Sleigh Rides: Take a romantic ride through the snowy landscape of Zell am See on a horse-drawn sleigh. This is a great activity for couples or families with children.

Summer Activities

Zell am See is not just a winter destination. The town is equally beautiful in the summer months, with its stunning lake and mountain scenery. Here are some of the top summer activities to enjoy in Zell am See:

1. Hiking: Zell am See offers more than 400 km of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging mountain hikes. The views of the lake and the surrounding mountains are breathtaking.

2. Golf: Zell am See is home to two golf courses: the Schmittenhöhe golf course and the Zell am See-Kaprun golf course. Both courses offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

3. Swimming: The Zell am See lake is the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day. You can swim in the crystal-clear waters of the lake, rent a paddleboat, or simply relax on the beach.

4. Cycling: Zell am See has plenty of cycling routes for all levels of cyclists. You can rent a bike and explore the town and its surroundings on two wheels.

Food and Drink

Zell am See is home to a variety of restaurants, serving traditional Austrian cuisine as well as international dishes. Here are some of the dishes you must try when in Zell am See:

1. Wiener Schnitzel: This traditional Austrian dish is made from chicken or veal, breaded and fried, and served with potato salad and lemon wedges.

2. Käsespätzle: This traditional dish is made from noodles, cheese, onions, and fried onions. It's a hearty and satisfying meal.

3. Strudel: This famous Austrian dessert is made from a pastry filled with apples or cherries and dusted with powdered sugar.

4. Sacher Torte: This Viennese dessert is made from chocolate cake and apricot jam, covered in chocolate.

Zell am See also has plenty of bars and nightclubs. Some of the bars on Schmittenhöhe are a great place for a drink with a view. The bars and clubs in the town center offer a lively nightlife.

Accommodation

There are plenty of accommodation options in Zell am See, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Here are some of the best places to stay in Zell am See:

1. Hotel Salzburgerhof: This luxury hotel offers stunning views of the lake and the mountains. It has an award-winning spa and wellness center, as well as several restaurants and bars.

2. Hotel Der Schmittenhof: This family-friendly hotel is located on the slopes of Schmittenhöhe mountain. It offers easy access to the ski runs and hiking trails, as well as a spa and wellness center.

3. Grand Hotel Zell am See: This historic hotel is located in the heart of Zell am See. It has a private beach on the lake, as well as several restaurants and bars.

4. Jugendgästehaus Zell am See: This budget-friendly hostel is located near the town center. It's a great option for backpackers and budget-conscious travelers.

Getting There

By Air: The nearest airport to Zell am See is Salzburg Airport, which is located approximately 80 kilometers away. Salzburg Airport is served by many airlines, including budget airlines such as Ryanair and EasyJet, as well as major carriers such as Lufthansa and British Airways. The average cost of a round-trip ticket to Salzburg from major European cities such as London, Paris, and Berlin is around €100-€200, depending on the time of year and how far in advance you book.

If you're coming from further afield, you may need to connect in a major European city. For example, if you're coming from North America, you might connect in a major hub such as Frankfurt, Munich, or London. The average cost of a round-trip ticket from New York to Salzburg is around $800-$1,000, depending on the time of year and how far in advance you book.

Once you arrive at Salzburg Airport, you can take a shuttle bus or a train to Zell am See. The journey takes about an hour and costs around €10-€20, depending on the mode of transportation and whether you book in advance.

By Train: Zell am See is well-connected by rail, with daily train services from major European cities such as Vienna, Munich, and Zurich. If you're traveling from further afield, you can take a high-speed train to one of these cities and then transfer to a local train to Zell am See.

Once you arrive at Zell am See train station, you can easily reach your accommodation by foot, bike, or public transportation.

By Car: Zell am See is easily accessible by car, with major highways connecting the town to cities throughout Europe. If you're coming from the north, you can take the A8 highway from Munich and then follow the signs to Zell am See. If you're coming from the south, you can take the A10 highway from Salzburg and then follow the signs to Zell am See.

Once you arrive in Zell am See, you can easily get around by foot, bike, or public transportation. The town is small enough to explore on foot, and there are plenty of bike rental shops if you want to explore further afield. The local bus system, known as the Pinzgau Local Railway, connects Zell am See to nearby towns and attractions, making it easy to get around without a car. Taxis are also available if you need to travel outside of the town center.

Conclusion

Zell am See is a year-round destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you're a winter sports enthusiast or a summer lover, you'll find plenty to do in this picturesque town. From skiing and snowboarding to hiking and swimming, there are endless opportunities to explore the natural beauty of Zell am See. So why not plan your next vacation in Zell am See?