Holidays in Zell am See

On an Inghams walking holiday, you have the freedom to explore the area at your own pace. Each day, a new adventure, with as much or as little walking as your like. 

Why we love walking in Zell am See

With around 400 kilometres of marked walking trails and routes that cater for all abilities, there's a lot to explore and the scenery is spectacular. With its location on the shore of lake Zell, it’s easy to combine relaxation with stunning walking, whether that’s along the lakeside promenade or high in the mountains. There’s great lift access on the Schmittenhöhe (Zell am See’s “home” mountain), with beautiful panoramic walks, and exploring further afield is easy too. In nearby Kaprun, there are further lifts into the mountains, and two impressive high mountain reservoirs.

In your down time, there's plenty of other activities to enjoy too, plus many of our hotels offer amazing spas, perfect for rest and rejuvenation.

Inghams Guided Walks

Don't forget, you have the option to join two included Inghams guided walks per week, with a local, professional guide. Get to know our favourite walking trails with insider knowledge and the company of other guests. Pre-booking is essential - scroll down for more information.

Getting around Zell am See and the surrounding Pinzgau region is easy thanks to the Mobility Card which is given to you by your hotel (if you’re in a hotel that offers the Zell am See Summer Card, then the mobility card is included as part of that). With the mobility card, you can travel free of charge on the public transport network, including Postbus, trains and the Pinzgau local railway – the only exceptions are the steam trains, special trails, night bus and mountain lifts/cable cars.

Buses

A great network of Postbuses link Zell am See to neighbouring villages like Kaprun, exciting day trip locations like the Sigmund Thun Gorge and mountain destinations like Saalbach Hinterglemm. Route maps and timetables are available locally.

Trains

Zell am See train station really put the town on the map, and makes it easy to connect to other larger places like Kitzbühel and Salzburg and you can also visit Krimml waterfalls.

Mountain lifts

There’s a range of lifts on the Schmittenhöhe (Zell am See’s “home” mountain) and on the Kitzsteinhorn mountain in Kaprun that make accessing great walking routes, viewpoints and attractions really easy. Opening dates of summer lifts vary, please find the latest update for the summer:

• Schmittenhöhebahn (normally open from 9 May - 6 Oct)
• Sonnenalmbahn & Sonnkogelbahn (normally open from 18 May - 3 Nov)
• TrassXpress (normally open from 18 May – 2 Jun and 29 Jun – 15 Sept)
• cityXpress (normally open from 18 May - 2 Jun and 15 Jun - 15 Sep)
• Maiskogelbahn, Kaprun (normally open from 18 May)
• Gletscherjet, Kaprun (normally open year round)
• 3K-Konnection, Kaprun (normally open all summer)

(Please note these dates are approximate and subject to change)

Some lifts are included if you have the Zell am See Summer Card which is available from selected hotels – see the "Cards & Passes" tab for further information.

Inghams Guided Walks are included on your holiday to Zell am See

We’ve included up to two full-day walks per week in Zell am See, just for Inghams guests. Join a small group and be led by a professional walking guide on some of their favourite trails. It’s a great way to get to know the area. The walks in Zell am See are run by Petra Bleimschein.

In Summer 25, walks are available from 26 May - 11 Sep. There are 4 walks to choose from each week, and each walk has a limited number of spaces. You can choose up to two per person, per week. Most walks require the use of public buses and/or mountain lifts which may be payable locally. You can add the walks onto your holiday by calling us.

The Summer 25 walking program is shown below:

The high-altitude promenade

A unique and exciting experience in nature, this route starts at the top of the Sonnkogel lift (1,832m) ascending to the summit of the Sonnkogel viewpoint (1,856m) follows the Höhenpromenade (high-altitude promenade) trail below the ridge to the Schmittenhöhe (1,965m)– along the way the views are incredible and far reaching, and the scenic view telescopes help you identify the peaks that you’re looking at. To the north - Kalkalpen range including Wilder Kaiser, the Steinernen Meer range and the Hochkönig. To the south - the Hohe Tauren range including glaciers of Grossglockner, the Kitzsteinhorn and the Grossvenediger. The descent from Schmittenhöhe back to Zell am See is via the Schmittenhöhenbahn or TrassXpress cable car.

• Grade: easy (basic fitness and sure-footedness required)
• Distance: 3km
• Walking time: approx. 2.5 hours
• Ascent/descent: 140m ascent and 25m descent
• Terrain: mainly mountain path or forest/gravel trail (can be uneven and steep in places)
• Useful information: there will be a lunch stop at Schmittenhöhe (payable locally). This walk requires the use of a chair lift and cable car (included for guests with the Zell am See Summer Card and payable locally for others).

In Summer 25, this walk will run: every Monday

Kaprun Valley – Sigmund Thun Klamm, Klammsee Lake and Kesserfall Gorge

The Sigmund-Thun Gorge is a natural wonder just outside Kaprun. We start with a walk through the gorge, up 263 steps along well secured wooden walkways that cling to the rock walls. The narrow gorge opens up and we come to the crystal-clear, turquoise glimmering water of Klammsee. This is one of the most beautiful lakes with its mountain backdrop. After break at the Klammseestüberl we continue along the river Kapruner Ache to the impressive Kessefall gorge.

• Grade: easy (basic fitness and sure-footedness required)
• Distance: 7km
• Walking time: approx. 4 hours
• Ascent/descent: 250m ascent
• Terrain: mainly mountain path, wooden path/steps (can be quite uneven and steep in places)
• Useful information: there will be a lunch stop at the Klamseestüberl (payable locally). This walk requires the use of bus number 660 (free for everyone), then entry to the Sigmund Thun Klamm (included for guests with the Zell am See Summer Card, payable locally for others).

In Summer 25, this walk will run: every Tuesday

Kaprun High Mountain Reservoirs Hike

An unforgettable trip to the two high mountain reservoirs Wasserfallboden and Mooserboden at 2,000m – a marvel of engineering surrounded by impressive 3,000m snow-covered peaks and hanging glaciers. There’s also the chance to spot marmots and lots of Alpine flowers.

Part of the route walks on the dam walls to the Electricity & Ice Adventure Centre at the 2,000m, where we discover interesting facts about the interaction between glacier, power plant construction and electricity generation.

• Grade: easy - moderate (basic fitness and sure-footedness required)
• Distance: 7km
• Walking time: approx. 4 hours
• Ascent/descent: 100m ascent and 300m descent
• Terrain: mainly mountain path, forest/gravel trail or road (can be quite uneven and steep in places)
• Useful information: there will be a lunch stop at the Mooserboden or Fürthermoaralm (payable locally). This walk requires the use of bus number 660 from Zell am See train station to Kaprun Kesserfall (free for everyone), then the bus from there to the reservoirs (included for guests with the Zell am See Summer Card, payable locally for others).

In Summer 25, this walk will run: every Wednesday

Plettsau Reservoir and Ebenbergalm

Our walk starts at the top station of the CityXpress (1,326m) on an easy accessible hiking trail (No.55) taking us to the reservoir of Plettsau (1,295m). From there we continue towards valley to the cozy mountain hut of Ebenbergalm (994m) with most beautiful view of Zell am See and the surrounding mountains. After little stop there we return on the trail to Zell am See.

• Grade: moderate (good fitness and sure-footedness required)
• Distance: 8km
• Walking time: approx. 3.5 hours
• Ascent/descent: 450m descent
• Terrain: mainly mountain path or forest trail (can be uneven and steep in places)
• Useful information: there will be a lunch stop at Ebenbergalm (payable locally). This walk requires the use of a cable car (included for guests with the Zell am See Summer Card and payable locally for others).

In Summer 25, this walk will run: every Thursday

For every walk you will need: suitable walking shoes/boots with good grip, appropriate walking clothing, sun cream, insect repellent, sunglasses, rain jacket, a warmer layer, rucksack, at least a litre of water, a snack, cash for mountain huts and your Zell am See Summer Card or Mobility Card. You may find walking poles useful.

Early booking is strongly recommended as spaces are limited. All walks are subject to availability of local guides, weather conditions and maximum numbers. Planned routes are subject to change. Any times, distances and ascents/descents stated are approximate. Full details of the walks with the meeting points and routes will be provided to you on arrival. In some instances there may be a small charge for local transport that is payable locally. Where we cannot confirm your preferred option in resort, we will endeavour to offer an alternative subject to the above conditions.

Please ensure you are comfortable with the grade of walk, planned distance covered and terrain before booking. The decision of the guide on the suitability of the walk for you is final and no compensation will be paid where the guide believes, in their professional opinion, that it is not suitable. Please ensure you are well-equipped for the walk and have suitable clothing and footwear. Walks are not recommended for guests under 12 years. Any guests under 18 years will need to be accompanied by an adult.

Maiskogel hut circuit

• Easy walk
• 4km with 130m height gain

Hop on the bus to Kaprun where you can take the MK Maiskogelbahn up to the mountain station at 1,570 metres. Suitable for everyone including families, you can stroll along the gentle path to Unterbergalm, where the slight uphill journey starts. You will then reach the incredible Alpengasthof Glocknerblick viewpoint, perfect for a quick picture before heading down the valley to the Maiskogel Alm Ranch. Enjoy some of the local snacks and traditional cuisine as you explore the four huts on route.

Sisi Trail on the Schmittenhöhe

• Easy walk
• 2km with 48m height gain

Starting at the Elisabeth Chapel at the top of the Schmittenhöhe you can go on a short walk before enjoying the views and some lunch at either the Schmitten Café or Franzl restaurant. This is a great walk to take the kids on too, as well as other trails on this mountain like the Schmidolin’s Baptism of Fire which is a kid's paradise.

Pinzgauer Spaziergang Trail

• Moderate walk
• 17km
• Expect to take around six hours

Take a trip up the Schmittenhöhe where the first part of your journey heads towards the Kettingtörl. With varied terrain and a mixture of views along the way, a solid pair of hiking boots are sure to rack up the steps and support you along the way. You will pass the picturesque Hacklberger lakes before reaching the top of the Schattberg. Take a ride down the gondola and enjoy a pit stop in Saalbach to refuel, before catching the bus back to Zell am See.

Recommended equipment

Comfy walking boots, sun cream, insect repellent, waterproofs, rucksacks and walking poles are useful for hiking around Zell am See and the surrounding area. There's plenty of places in Zell am See to buy walking equipment.

Walking maps

We recommend Mayr Map 574 for Zell am See and the surrounding area, which has a scale of 1:25,000. The maps show the hiking routes which are numbered and match the yellow signposts around the area. They will have a key which will help you understand the nature of the hiking trail before you set out on your walk.

Walking guidelines

The mountains are a natural paradise, with lots to explore and discover. To help it stay that way, and remain an enjoyable and safe place for everyone, we recommend following our little list of do's and don'ts:

• Plan your route well and don't overestimate yourself
• Check the weather forecast
• Tell someone where you're planning to walk and what time you're expecting to be back
• Take all the recommended equipment
• Make a note of emergency numbers:
• Austrian Emergency Services: 112
• Mountain Rescue: 140
• Don't leave the marked trails or go onto a glacier without a guide
• Let nature stay wild by not picking alpine flowers (it's illegal in some places) or getting close to/making contact with wild animals
• Always leave gates as you found them
• Leave no trace

The mobility card is available for all guests and is given to you by your hotel reception. If you have the Zell am See Summer Card, then your mobility card is included as part of this.

With the mobility card, you can travel free of charge on the public transport network, including Postbus, trains and the Pinzgau local railway – the only exceptions are the steam trains, special trails, night bus and mountain lifts/cable cars.

Zell am See-Kaprun Summer Card 

Selected hotels  (Hotel Romantik, Fish'Inn Zell and Hotel Berner) include the Zell am See Summer Card for guests.

It's valid from approx. mid May and is given to you by your hotel. It includes:

• Free use of lifts in Zell am See
• Free use of most Kaprun lifts up to 3,029m Top of Salzburg (lifts included are the Maiskogel and all lifts on the Talstation side, but not the connection 3K K-onnection that connects the two sides – there’s a surcharge of approx. €21 for this)
• Free weekly round trip boat ride on Lake Zell
• Free entrance to Krimml Waterfalls and Sigmund Thun Klamm
• Entry to Kaprun high mountain reservoirs
• Free entrance to lakeside lidos and swimming pools
• Travel on public transport to many other local attractions (exc. steam/special trains and night bus)
• and much more

Subject to change.

Guests staying in hotels that don't include the summer card will need to pay locally for lifts and attractions. You will have a mobility card given to you by your hotel.

Things to do in Zell Am See

Water based activities

Rent a boat on the lake and keep dry, or how about stand-up paddle boarding for a refreshing experience to cool off. Lake Zell has a wide selection of on-water activities and rentals to keep you busy during those warm summer days. Make your way around the lake to discover new activities every day.

Summer skiing or take to the skies

Have you ever thought of skiing in the summer? On the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier you can do just this. Got a good head for heights? On a tandem paraglide, you get to see the area from an amazing new point of view - perfect for the adrenaline junkies.

Gipfelwelt 3000

Bordering the Hohe Tauern National Park, Gipfelwelt 3000 offers a unique view of the glaciated peaks. Watch the scenery change as you go by cable car from green meadows to snow-covered peaks in under an hour. Have your camera at the ready, there is a thrilling viewing platform at the top, right over the edge of the mountain.

Amazing cycling opportunities

The cycling in the Zell am See Kaprun region is extensive. E-biking, gravel biking, freeriding and mountain biking - there's so many routes and marked trails, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The bike maps display a range of tours with everything from beginner trails to longer and more challenging routes for eager cyclists.

Panoramic lake cruises

Enjoy 360-degree views from the boat deck as you glide across Lake Zell, glass of wine (or coffee) in-hand - you can get lunch on board too. There's four boats on the lake, offering leisurely round-trip cruises, or direct crossings to villages across the lake where you can explore further.

36-hole golf

If you're a keen golfer then Zell am See is great - with two 18-hole golf courses and a driving range the range of facilities is incredible. The Schmittenhohe and Kitzsteinhorn courses present picture-perfect maintained chipping greens, allowing you to get the perfect shot.

Family activities in Zell Am See

Playgrounds

There's a few parks dotted around Zell Am See - the highlight is bound to be on the family mountain Schmittenhöhe, home to Schmidolin, a spectacular dragon and his fire themed playground. Here children can swing, slide, crawl, climb and release all their built-up energy. For parents, there are also reclining benches for you to rest while the kids are playing.

Themed trails

There's a world of daring adventures on the Schmittenhöhe mountain. Schmidolin’s baptism of fire trail includes an adventure workbook to keep the children amused while they solve tricky tasks and pass tests of courage along the way. Complete the booklet for a surprise at the end.

Schmidolin’s Hot Wheels

Take the children to top of the areitXpress where Schmidolin has created a real-life hot-wheels adventure; for ages six and above. Ride the electric bikes around the circuit after gearing up with safety helmets, knee pads and themed clothing. Children do not have to have any previous experience as complete beginners will have on-site instructions provided.

Cool Kids Fun Programme

On selected dates during the summer season children aged five to fifteen can take part in the Tourist Office's children's programme. Activities can include gemstone searches, castle visits, cinema trips, baking classes and climbing towers. On some dates parents can even get involved, too (direct booking via the Tourist Office is required for children and parents).

Zell Am See Lidos

The three lidos on Lake Zell are hotspots for water babies. The closest lido is on the lake front in Zell am See, and the others are in Thumersbach and Schüttdorf - great for breaking up a lake-side walk. Grab a paddleboard and float on the calm lake waters, or zip down the slide into the pool. You can also enjoy the sectioned off toddler pool at the lido, great for the little ones to have some fun too. 

Water activities on the lake

The lake isn't just for swimming. You can take the kids on a rented kayak, stand-up paddle boards, water trampolines and so much more. One of our favourite family water adventures is hiring a pedalo. Children love the little slide off the back and there's a chance to spot the fish too.

Pre-book your excursions online or give us a call

Berchtesgaden from £47/30 per adult/child (full day)

There's a few options for you to choose from on this interesting trip to Berchtesgaden. Spend the day discovering the pretty Bavarian town of Berchtesgaden itself, or choose one of the optional extras that you can add on to your day.

The most famous is the Kehlsteinhaus (Eagle's Nest). Explore the historic building and surrounding area, with spectacular views on a clear day over the King's Lake. The house is famous for being Nazi-constructed and was used for government and social meetings by Hitler and the Nazi Party. Alternatively, head underground to see the Salt Mines. A network of tunnels and slides take you on an underground adventure discovering this once very important industry (optional add-ons are payable locally - Eagle's Nest approx. €31.90 per person, Salt Mines approx. €25.50 per person).

Departs: Tuesdays

Salzburg from £47/30 per adult/child (full day)

Salzburg is a city full of culture, history and music. Visit Mozart’s birthplace, enjoy the view from the Hohensalzburg Fortress, or wander the famous Getreidegasse shopping street. Immerse yourself in history as you explore the medieval Old Town, discover museums and Baroque churches or visit the Salzburg Residenz Palace - the DomQuartier. There is an optional guided walking tour which is a great way to see more of the city (payable locally, approx. €12 per person).

Departs: Wednesdays

Grossglockner from £47/32 per adult/child (full day)

This spectacular journey takes you over the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, an incredible feat of engineering with stunning views. From the Franz-Josef's Höhe you'll see the Pasterze glacier and maybe catch a glimpse of 3,798-metre summit of the Grossglockner. Keep a look out for the wild marmots and Ibex too - they love the high alpine conditions. You can visit the free museums and exhibitions to learn about the National Park or enjoy a walk round the area and a tasty Austrian mountain meal.

Departs: Thursdays

Bookable Locally

Taste of Tyrol from approx. €50/30 per adult/child

Discover some of the area's best kept secrets on this trip which combines three unique destinations. Our first 'treasure' is Kufstein, located on the banks of the River Inn. You'll have time to explore and admire this border town with its dominating Fortress. Next, you're off to the beautiful Thiersee lake, surrounded by forests and steeped in folklore. Our final destination is Rattenberg, rich in history and famous for Kisslinger glass - watch a glass-blowing demonstration and explore the picturesque streets of this tiny city.

Departs: Fridays

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.