Zell am See, Austria in the summer

A stunning mountain lake set against a backdrop of mountains, Zell am See is a perfect summer paradise. Relax by the lakeside or take the cable car up for amazing mountain views.

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Zell am See, Austria in the Summer is a perfect place to relax on a summer Alpine adventure in the Austrian Tirol region. For a great guide to Austria to help plan your trip, I’d recommend this really useful travel guide to Austria (affiliate).

Where to stay in Zell am See

If you’re looking to treat yourself to a relaxing and luxurious stay, I recommend the Hotel Tirolerhof. This friendly hotel has an excellent spa with a wide range of different steam rooms and saunas, which is perfect to relax your muscles after a long day of hiking. The food at this hotel is amazing as well. The buffet breakfasts are plentiful, but it’s the gourmet dinners that are really outstanding. I took so many food photos on this trip.

Things to do in Zell am See

1. Take a boat trip on the lake, or cycle around it

There are many ways to enjoy the huge lake on a sunny day. You can hire bikes to cycle around the lake, or you can choose to walk along the lakeside path instead.

But my favourite way to see the lake is by hiring a boat. There’s a choice of different types of boats – you can hire an e-boat which you simply drive and enjoy the views.

Or alternatively you can hire a peddalo and peddle your way across the lake. There’s something really magical about floating in the middle of the lake, soaking up the sun, with no one else around.

2. Take the cable car up Schmittenhöhe

For some of the best mountain views in Austria, take the Schmittenhöhebahn cable car up to the top.

The views of the Hohe Tauern National Park are stunning, and there’s a lovely restaurant/cafe at the top as well where you can relax with a drink as you admire the scenery and the views down to the lake in Zell am See.

Or if you’re feeling a bit more energetic, there are a range of hiking trails for you to choose from.

3. Take a day trip to Krimml Waterfalls

Krimml Waterfalls is only an hour away by train and makes a perfect day trip from Zell am See. Austria’s biggest and most famous waterfall, it’s hugely impressive and with an immense amount of water pouring over. There are four separate waterfalls with a steep path leading to the best viewpoints. Be warned that you get very wet if you go too close to the waterfall!

You can check out the latest train times for the Pinzgauer local railway on the website.

4. Enjoy the evening street party and light show

The town of Zell am See comes alive in the summer evenings with a street party and light show on the lake. Throughout the town marquees appear with live Alpine music and plenty of drinks. On the lake, the ‘magic lake show’ every Tuesday and Thursday at 9pm is spectacular, with lights dancing to music along the dark lake. Visit the website for more information about the lake show.

5. Relax by the lake

After several days hiking, boating, watching waterfalls and eating great food, it’s always nice to have a more relaxing day in Zell am See, Austria in the summer. There are plenty of grassy areas next to the lake where you can relax in the sun with a book and enjoy the clear mountain air and views.

Enjoy your trip to Zell am See, Austria in the summer! Remember to check out this great guide to Austria to help plan your trip (affiliate).

If you’re looking to extend your adventure in the Austrian Alps, Kitzbuhel is a great area for hiking with stunning mountain views, or Alpbach is a pretty Alpine village. Or if you fancy heading to a city, Innsbruck is nearby, or you could try a Sound of Music tour of Salzburg. And don’t forget Austria’s enchanting capital city, Vienna.