22.01.2019.
Zell am See is an iconic Austrian town and symbol of the winter vacation, sounds familiar? The little lake which is embraced by a lovely promenade and mountains lead to the pretty town or vice versa. Schmittenhöhe is a mountain with the view that can be reached by cable-car from the central Zell am See. It’s City-express, though another cable-car Areitexpressis available from the shopping area of the town.
Zell am See is a fantastic retreat from the fairy-tale vibes of Salzburg, easily accessible by train in 1,5h. The region of Zell am See-Kaprun offers the pure feast to the eyes.
See also: Austria’s nature- 8 great hiking areas you need to know
See also: The 15 Most Beautiful Lakes in Austria
The Old town Zell am See & its promenade
The most obvious focus of your interest will be the lovely lake, its promenade and the town itself. Straight from the train station, lake is just around the corner or after the underpass. The lake is just small and comprehensive to the eye view. You’ll be amazed even more with the view from the above.
Lake Promenade is decorated with sculptures (of eagle, some kind of bird made of grass etc) so take a moment to relax at many of its benches. Here you can admire a unique view to the Grand hotel and Zell am See town with the church tower. Also, princess Sissi and her story unveils the traces in pretty Zell am See so can see a table that follows her trail.
The church tower dominates the town as well as the painted houses in its original style which is very sweet. With many souvenir shops here’s also a museum about native land (Heimatmuseum).
The mountain Schmittenhöhe
Mountain Schmittenhöhe is one of the three mountains surrounding the area which are: Kitzsteinhorn, Maiskogel and Schmittenhöhe. Above all, the national park Hohe Tauern rules the area as the oldest national park in Austria. Covering the states of Salzburg, Carinthia and East Tirol with its 1800 m2 it’s an an imoressive site to explore. Here you can find the vast panorama of plants and animal species.
Let’s turn to the mountain Schmittenhöhe. Conqueering its peak with 1965m you’ll need almost 4h to hike. Imperatrice Elisabeth i.e. Sissi crossed it in recording 2h. The chapel of imperatrice Elisabeth takes place in the close proximity of the summit.
About the summit & how to reach
About 15 restaurants which are almost always full enrich the summit of mountain Schmittenhöhe. The full number of cable-cars to the summit are 28. The ski-pistes are rather short, but not too demanding considering that the cable-car is very near. It’s advisable to go with Areitexpress from Schüttdorf which is near to the shopping area of Zell am See. The very convenient about this cable-car is that it will take you directly to the summit.
Zell am See through the year
Zell am See offers a treasure of events throughout the year.
The most impressive are:
Winter Baloon Week in February (which is happening since 2014) offering also the night experiences; Magic Lake Show in summer three times a week (from May till October);
Zell Edelweisen in June which consists of folk dance in Elisabeth Park at the lake;
Line Dance Alpfestival in June with live and dj music;
Summer festival in July and August with street performers, music and culinary events;
Grossglockner Ultra Trail- a marathon that happens at the end of July;
Which one would be your favourite?
What to visit around Zell am See
The sightseeing is not limited to Zell am See, there’s so much to see and do here besides seeing a view of the lake. Prepare to the enchanting sights from Kaprun and its castle to the alpine road Grossglockner and Sigmund Thon Canyons in Kaprun. Kaprun is the town next to Zell am See, only 7 km away. Before Kaprun your attention can be caught in Tauern Spa.
The highest peak of the region can be found at the mountain Kitzsteinhorn, close to Kaprun. Together with the glacier and the viewpoint, the height of 3203m is the point of admiration. Aerial tramway is going all the way up together with the cable car.
Kaprun castle
Kaprun castle is the place to see a fabulous view of the whole Kaprun (mountains, river and ski roads), as well as the cultural treasure. Originating in 12th century and renovated over time, the castle now stays proudly inside and outside. It’s even an ambiance for weddings.
You can visit the castle only on Mondays from 16h with the price of 5 euro.
Sigmund Thon Canyons
Sigmund Thon Canyons is an easy hike into the waterfalls and colours of nature, into the life of water with the thousands of shapes. Throughout the whole summer the stunning gorge covers the special kind of enlightment in the event called Gorgeous Lights. Adventurous bridges unveil the unique kind of experience in the region Zell am See-Kaprun.
Final thoughts
Zell am See is a typical austrian town with painted arhitecture and a lake that brings sweetness. Covering everyone’s taste, it’s a perfect blend between nature and town. With hundreds of wonders Zell am See-Kaprun is definitely worth exploring.
The vacation in family hotels like Amiamo will bring you exposure to the similar people. If you’re doubting between Zell am See and Hallstatt, I would say that Hallstatt ismore about nature, more romantic and peaceful. So if you’re looking for the wonder of the soul, choose Hallstatt. If you’re into hiking and exploring, in easy family relax, choose Zell am See.
It’s specially powerful in the spring and summer when so much choice comes in hand. Cable-car is an experience of itself, especially with so many varieties that lead to the fascinating views.
PIN IT FOR LATER:
This looks like an interesting adventure! I’d love to visit someday. Really cool!
thnx
Kendra🌸