Exploration
Discover why Zell am See-Kaprun will leave you breathless
There are many reasons that Zell am See-Kaprun is an incredible place to hike and trail run – this guide reveals all about the fabulous Austrian destination.
The combination of glaciers, mountains and a lake makes the Zell am See-Kaprun region in Salzburger Land so unique. Nowhere else can the most beautiful aspects of Austria be found so close together.
Take in the wonder of Austria
© Lukas Pilz
Located in the heart of the High Tauern range, this natural playground is a true paradise for outdoor lovers. The amazing range of activities for everyone, from kids to the most experienced trail runners, makes it a world class destination. The picturesque town of Zell Am See welcomes visitors from all over the world, as the entry door to what seems like a never-ending hiking and trail running paradise.
A natural playground for outdoor fans
© Dominique Granger
Trail running
A perfect playground for any runner, the Zell Am See-Kaprun region offers everything in terms of trails. From leisurely, low altitude paths around Lake Zell to steeper single track that will raise your heartbeat. The area offers a dense network of routes, ideal for trail running trips of all lengths and intensities.
Guaranteed to get your heartbeat racing
© Dominique Granger
The summer season is filled with events like the Großglockner Ultra Trail, a unique trail running competition across high alpine terrain. Surrounded by around 300 summits, the runners pass 14 glaciers during their 110km.
Schmittenhöhe as a starting point
The views will leave you breathless
© Lukas Pilz
Train in higher altitude for an even better workout! From this starting point, two great trails lie in front of you: the 9.7km Hochsonnbergalm Trail and the shorter Panorama trail, with 6.7km of running fun. Another 2.6km can also be added to the Panorama trail, with the Alternative Breiteckalm trail. Get ready for some scenic paths with breathtaking views that will take your mind off the effort. However, do keep a bit of energy for the end, as all trails finish by going upwards for the last 2km.
Lake Zell
For a more leisurely run during your stay in Zell am See, why not go for a tour of the lake? The 11.1km Zeller See-Runde will take you around the whole lake, providing opportunities to feast your eyes on the beauty of the town and lake, or to dip your feet in the water at one of the beaches along the way.
Cool off by the lake
© Lukas Pilz
Guest book / Thumersbach
Need a bit more of a challenge? You can add a bit of elevation between the fifth and seventh kilometres, with the alternative high promenade route on the east side of the lake. This alternative will also bring elevation of the mind, as it merges with the Guest Book trail, which includes six stations, where you can learn about artists and important personalities who left their mark on the region.
A trail to suit every interest
© Dominique Granger
Still can’t decide? Take a look at the top 10 trail running routes in the region:
Hiking
Schmitten is a true hiking paradise. With its long hiking season from spring to autumn, Schmittenhöhe (the high Schmitten) is a true feast for the eyes with its ever-changing colours throughout the year. Famous for its high-altitude promenade, the Pinzgau stroll and the easier Sisi trail, the region has plenty to offer for the beginner and experienced hiker alike.
Welcome to hiking paradise
© Lukas Pilz
For a bit of a change in landscape, head to the famous Kitzsteinhorn glacier, to explore the world of the high Tauern mountain range. Don’t miss the view from the platform and if you're in good shape and well equipped (ideally with a guide in a Summit Tour), you can even reach the glacier’s summit at a height of 3,203m for a view you'll never forget.
Views you'll never forget
© Dominique Granger
If you're in need of a challenge, you can combine the Maiskogel and the Kitzsteinhorn during a single hiking tour, by walking along the famous Alexander Enzinger trail. Get the camera ready, as majestic views await.
Join in on guided hike
© Lukas Pilz
Both Kitzsteinhorn and Schmitten also offer many free, guided hikes. On the glacier, you can easily join an Explorer Tour for free, where a National Park Ranger will take you through four climate zones uphill to over 3,000m above sea level, in a tour suitable for the whole family. Schmitten also offers a different guided hike every day of the week, for free. Take a look at the calendar and pick the one that catches your eye.
Endless exploring
© Dominique Granger
Overall, the trails of the Zell am See-Kaprun region will make you want to come back and explore some more.
Tourism info
Summer card
If you want to get the most out of the region, make sure to get the Zell Am See summer card. It offers free lift tickets and lots more deals and discounts for activities. Available from May 15 to October 15, the card will be given to any guest of participating accommodation providers: the minute you check in, the door opens to a unique program of experiences for your time in the region – for free.
Also included is the mobility card which offers free of charge use of all public transport services throughout the Pinzgau region such as the train, postbus and local railway.
The summer card can take you to new heights
© Dominique Granger
This card can also take you to new heights – 3,029m to be exact. Indeed, it gives you the opportunity to visit the breathtaking panorama platform, easily accessible by cable car. Reach the top of Salzburg in a matter of minutes and fill your eyes with the surrounding beauty of the highest summits in Austria.
When to go
Mid-May until the end of September is the best time to visit
© Lukas Pilz
We recommend going from mid-May until the end of September. During this time most of the lifts of the Zell am See-Kaprun area are operating. The mountains are often at their most spectacular in early summer when there's still snow on the high peaks, but they are also stunning in the golden September light when the colours start to change.
Just remember these are big mountains: always be ready for conditions to change quickly.
Where to stay
Traditional Austrian cuisine awaits
© Lukas Pilz
No matter if you like to stay in a traditional or modern place, hotel or apartment, there's accommodations for all tastes. You can also easily find the accommodation that offers the Zell Am See Kaprun summer card, either by filtering the search results, or by looking at the card icon in the list.
Riding the lifts
Access the mountains
© Dominique Granger
Riding the lifts in the Zell Am See-Kaprun region is a true experience. Thanks to the network of cable cars, chairlifts and gondolas, you can reach your first 3,000m peak, access the panorama platform and enjoy even more of the mountains than if you were doing everything by foot.
Schmitten area lifts opening hours and prices. Kitzsteinhorn area lifts opening hours and prices.
Getting there
Get your bearings
© Dominique Granger
Zell am See is situated in the centre of Austria and has good transport connections. It is only 90km from Salzburg, around 170km from Munich and 400km from Vienna.
By car:
Main traffic routes and motorways take you from Salzburg and Munich to the Zell am See-Kaprun region. More info here
By plane
The Zell am See-Kaprun region is easily reachable from almost all European cities by plane in a very short time, being so close to Salzburg and Munich’s airports. More info about flight here and about airport transfers here
By train
Travelling by train is a grand and comfortable way of arriving at your holiday destination, right in the town centre. More info here
We would like to thank our partners at Zell am See-Kaprun.