Travel Plan
Lake Zell (Zeller See)

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ATTRACTION GUIDE · ZELL AM SEE & KAPRUN

Lake Zell (Zeller See)

A crystal-clear Alpine lake ringed by mountains, beloved by families from around the world.

Tickets & tours Open in Google Maps
Time needed
Half a day
Entry
Free (boats paid)
Best time
June–September
Area
Zell am See

A clear alpine lake with a lakeside promenade and grand hotels.

Where it is & how to get there

Address: Esplanade, 5700 Zell am See

  • By train: About 1.5 hours from Salzburg to Zell am See station, beside the lake.
  • Boats: Round-trip cruises and electric boat rentals on the lake.
  • Summer Card: Many hotels include a summer card with free lifts and boats.

The story of Lake Zell

Lake Zell is about 4 kilometres long, with the town of Zell am See on its western shore and the snowy peaks of the Hohe Tauern rising to the south. The water is so clean you can drink it in many places.

In summer the town is especially popular with visitors from the Gulf, drawn by the cool climate, green scenery and family-friendly activities.

Best time to visit

Best season

June to September; December–March for snow.

Best time of day

Morning on the water; evenings on the promenade.

Summer

Book hotels early for July and August.

Tips before you go

  • Walk the promenade at sunset.
  • Rent an electric boat to explore the lake.
  • Ride the Schmittenhöhe cable car for views over the lake.

Best hotels near Lake Zell

Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.

Grand Hotel Zell am See

Historic hotel on a lakeside peninsula.

See prices

Mavida Balance Hotel & Spa

Spa hotel near the lake.

See prices

Hotel Salzburgerhof

Family-run luxury hotel with a large spa.

See prices
All hotels near Lake Zell

What's around Lake Zell

  • SchmittenhöheMountain above the town.
  • Zell am See old townLakeside centre.
  • ThumersbachQuieter shore across the lake.
  • Kaprun10 minutes away.

Questions travellers ask

Is Zell am See good for families?

Yes, very.

Can I swim in the lake?

Yes, in summer at lake baths.

How far is it from Salzburg?

About 1.5 hours by train.

More in Zell am See & Kaprun

Kitzsteinhorn Glacier

Kitzsteinhorn Glacier

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Kaprun High Mountain Reservoirs

Kaprun High Mountain Reservoirs

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Grossglockner High Alpine Road

Grossglockner High Alpine Road

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Krimml Waterfalls

Krimml Waterfalls

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Back to the Zell am See & Kaprun guide
Travel Plan · Lake Zell (Zeller See) Travel times, prices and opening hours change. Check official sites before you go. Photos: Unsplash. Privacy & disclosure