Geography Of Zell am See
Zell am See, situated in the heart of the Alps, boasts a strategic location north of the Salzach valley, approximately 60 kilometers south-southwest of Salzburg, 100 kilometers east of Innsbruck, and 30 kilometers north of the Grossglockner. The town lies within the Zeller basin, connecting the Saalach river to the Salzach valley. Lake Zell, a prominent feature, stretches approximately four kilometers in length, one kilometer in width, and reaches depths of 68 meters, serving as a central point bordering the old town center and surrounding districts.
The Zeller basin, merging with the Salzach valley to the south, forms a significant inner-Alpine valley region. Bounded by the Hundstein Group of the Dienten Mountains to the east and the Schmittenhöhe to the west, the valley showcases the Pinzgauer Grasberge, characterized by gently ridged, forested mountains. The imposing Hohe Tauern to the south and the rugged Steinernes Meer and Leoganger Steinberge to the north complete the picturesque landscape.
Historically, Lake Zell extended further north and south to the Salzach, resulting in extensive marsh regions, particularly in the south. Ongoing drainage efforts since the late 18th century have reshaped the lake, now resembling a peanut shape with an area of approximately 4.7 km2.
Zell am See’s local peaks include the well-known Schmittenhöhe at 1,965 meters above sea level and the Hundstein, rising 2,117 meters above sea level—a notable summit in the Salzburg Slate Alps. These mountains, featuring woodland and agricultural grazing lands, offer recreational opportunities for tourists through lodges, ski areas, and hiking paths.
A significant flood prevention project, commencing on October 30, 2017, marks the province of Salzburg’s largest endeavor in this regard. With a minimum three-year construction timeline, the federal government, alongside state and municipalities, will cover the estimated 20 million euros in expenses. Over 60 property owners have endorsed the project, which involves the creation of alternative water areas within the Zell basin and the enlargement of the Salzach riverbed between Bruck ad Glocknerstraße and the Zell borough of Schüttdorf. This initiative aims to enhance flood resilience and safeguard the region against potential natural disasters.
Location
Zell am See is situated in the Pinzgau region of Salzburg, in the western part of Austria. It lies at an elevation of 750 meters above sea level, and covers an area of 55.17 square kilometers. The city has a population of about 10,000 people, and is the administrative center of the Zell am See district.
Zell am See is located in the Eastern Alps, at the junction of the Kitzbühel Alps, the Hohe Tauern, and the Salzburg Slate Alps. It is part of the Alpine Foreland, a transitional zone between the high mountains and the lowlands. The city is situated on a peninsula that extends into Lake Zell, the largest natural lake in Salzburg. The lake is fed by several streams, and drains into the Salzach river, which flows northward to join the Inn and the Danube.
Zell am See is bordered by several municipalities and districts, both within and outside Salzburg. To the north, it is adjacent to Maishofen and Saalfelden am Steinernen Meer. To the east, it is neighboring Piesendorf and Niedernsill. To the south, it is bordering Kaprun and Fusch an der Großglocknerstraße. To the west, it is adjoining Bruck an der Großglocknerstraße and Taxenbach. Zell am See also shares a border with the state of Tyrol, specifically with the Kitzbühel district.
Zell am See is easily accessible by various modes of transportation, such as road, rail, air, and water. The city is connected to the national and international road network by the A10 motorway, which runs from Salzburg to Villach, and the B311 road, which links Zell am See to Saalfelden, Lofer, and Kitzbühel. The city also has a railway station, which is served by regional and long-distance trains, as well as the Pinzgau local railway, which connects Zell am See to Krimml. The nearest airport is the Salzburg Airport, which is about 80 kilometers away. Zell am See also has a landing stage for boats and ferries, which operate on Lake Zell.
Terrain and Topography
Zell am See has a diverse and varied terrain, ranging from flat and fertile plains to steep and rugged mountains. The city is located on a glacial moraine, which was formed by the retreat of the ice sheet during the last ice age. The moraine forms a natural barrier between the lake and the Salzach valley, creating a narrow and elongated peninsula. The peninsula has a gentle slope towards the lake, and a steeper slope towards the valley. The highest point of the city is the Schmittenhöhe, which is 1,965 meters high, and the lowest point is the lake surface, which is 750 meters high.
Mountain Ranges
Zell am See is surrounded by several mountain ranges, which belong to different geological and climatic zones. To the north and east, the city is flanked by the Kitzbühel Alps, which are part of the Northern Limestone Alps. These mountains are characterized by their rounded and grassy summits, and their moderate height and precipitation. To the south and west, the city is enclosed by the Hohe Tauern, which are part of the Central Eastern Alps. These mountains are characterized by their jagged and rocky peaks, and their high altitude and snowfall. The Hohe Tauern include some of the highest and most famous mountains in Austria, such as the Großglockner, the Großvenediger, and the Kitzsteinhorn.
Key Mountain Peaks
Zell am See has a number of prominent and notable mountain peaks, which offer spectacular views and challenging routes for hikers, climbers, and skiers. Some of the key mountain peaks are:
- Schmittenhöhe: This is the local mountain of Zell am See, and the highest point of the city. It is 1,965 meters high, and has a panoramic view of the lake, the valley, and the surrounding mountains. It is also a popular ski resort, with 77 kilometers of slopes and 25 lifts.
- Kitzsteinhorn: This is the highest mountain in the vicinity of Zell am See, and the only glacier ski area in Salzburg. It is 3,203 meters high, and has a year-round snow cover and a diverse terrain. It is also a natural reserve, with a rich flora and fauna, and a geological museum.
- Großglockner: This is the highest mountain in Austria, and the second-highest in the Eastern Alps. It is 3,798 meters high, and has a distinctive pyramidal shape and a massive ice cap. It is also a national park, with a scenic road, a visitor center, and a wildlife park.
- Großvenediger: This is the fourth-highest mountain in Austria, and the main peak of the Venediger Group. It is 3,666 meters high, and has a broad and symmetrical dome and a vast glacier. It is also a biosphere reserve, with a diverse ecosystem and a cultural heritage.
Notable Summits
Zell am See also has some other remarkable and noteworthy summits, which are worth visiting and exploring. Some of the notable summits are:
- Hundstein: This is the highest grass mountain in Europe, and a popular destination for hikers and bikers. It is 2,117 meters high, and has a stunning view of the lake, the valley, and the Hohe Tauern. It also has a historic chapel, a mountain hut, and a cheese factory.
- Maiskogel: This is a family-friendly mountain, and a convenient ski area for beginners and intermediates. It is 1,675 meters high, and has a gentle and sunny slope and a modern lift system. It also has a toboggan run, a fun park, and a mountain restaurant.
- Imbachhorn: This is a challenging mountain, and a rewarding ski tour for experts and adventurers. It is 2,470 meters high, and has a steep and narrow couloir and a spectacular ridge. It also has a breathtaking view of the Kitzsteinhorn, the Großglockner, and the Großvenediger.
Valleys and Basins
Zell am See is located in a valley that was carved by the Salzach river and its tributaries, and later filled by glacial deposits and lake sediments. The valley is part of the Salzburg Basin, which is a large and flat depression in the Alpine Foreland. The basin is bounded by the Northern Limestone Alps to the north and east, and the Central Eastern Alps to the south and west. The basin has a mild and humid climate, and a fertile and cultivated soil. The basin is also rich in natural resources, such as salt, iron, copper, and marble.
Prominent Valleys
Zell am See is connected to several other valleys, which offer diverse and attractive landscapes and activities for visitors. Some of the prominent valleys are:
- Kaprun Valley: This is a side valley of the Salzach valley, and the location of the Kitzsteinhorn glacier. The valley is 12 kilometers long, and has a high and alpine character. The valley is also home to the Kaprun hydroelectric power plants, which are among the largest and most impressive in Europe.
- Glemm Valley: This is another side valley of the Salzach valley, and the location of the Saalbach-Hinterglemm ski circus. The valley is 24 kilometers long, and has a low and wooded character. The valley is also known for its hiking and biking trails, such as the Pinzgau cycle path and the Seven Summits tour.
- Rauris Valley: This is a tributary valley of the Salzach valley, and the location of the Rauris gold mine. The valley is 30 kilometers long, and has a wild and romantic character. The valley is also a paradise for nature lovers, with its diverse flora and fauna, such as the golden eagle, the bearded vulture, and the alpine gentian.
Bodies of Water
Zell am See has several bodies of water, which add to its beauty and charm. The city is located on the shore of Lake Zell, which is the main attraction and source of life for the city. The lake is 4 kilometers long, 1.5 kilometers wide, and 68 meters deep. The lake has a clear and blue water, which is drinkable and suitable for swimming, boating, and fishing. The lake also has a stunning view of the Schmittenhöhe, the Kitzsteinhorn, and the Hohe Tauern.
Lakes
Zell am See has some other smaller lakes, which are worth visiting and exploring. Some of the lakes are:
- Klammsee: This is a reservoir that was created by the construction of the Kaprun hydroelectric power plants. The lake is 1.2 kilometers long, 0.3 kilometers wide, and 15 meters deep. The lake has a green and calm water, which reflects the surrounding mountains and forests. The lake also has a walking and cycling path, which leads to the Sigmund-Thun-Klamm, a narrow and impressive gorge.
- Zeller See: This is a natural lake that was formed by the melting of the glaciers during the last ice age. The lake is 0.8 kilometers long, 0.4 kilometers wide, and 12 meters deep. The lake has a dark and cold water, which is fed by the Schmittenbach stream. The lake also has a scenic location, at the foot of the Imbachhorn and the Hundstein.
- Hintersee: This is a mountain lake that is located in the Rauris valley, within the Hohe Tauern National Park. The lake is 0.4 kilometers long, 0.2 kilometers wide, and 10 meters deep. The lake has a crystal and pure water, which is surrounded by alpine meadows and forests. The lake also has a peaceful atmosphere, and a rich flora and fauna.
Rivers and Streams
Zell am See has several rivers and streams, which flow through and around the city. The rivers and streams are important for the hydrology, ecology, and economy of the city. The rivers and streams also provide recreational and leisure opportunities for visitors, such as rafting, kayaking, and fishing. Some of the rivers and streams are:
- Salzach: This is the main river of the Salzburg Basin, and the longest tributary of the Inn. The river is 225 kilometers long, and has a drainage area of 6,700 square kilometers. The river originates from the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, and flows northward to join the Inn at Passau. The river also passes through several towns and cities, such as Zell am See, Taxenbach, Schwarzach, Bischofshofen, Hallein, and Salzburg.
- Fuscher Ache: This is a tributary of the Salzach, and the main river of the Fuscher valley. The river is 25 kilometers long, and has a drainage area of 200 square kilometers. The river originates from the Großglockner glacier, and flows eastward to join the Salzach at Bruck. The river also passes through several villages and hamlets, such as Fusch, Ferleiten, Käfertal, and Heiligenblut.
- Schmittenbach: This is a tributary of the Zeller See, and the main stream of the Schmittenhöhe. The stream is 10 kilometers long, and has a drainage area of 50 square kilometers. The stream originates from the Schmittenhöhe glacier, and flows southward to join the Zeller See at Thumersbach. The stream also passes through several alpine pastures and huts, such as the Schmiedhofalm, the Sonnkogelalm, and the Schmittenhöhehaus.
Scenic Views
Zell am See has some of the most scenic and breathtaking views in Austria, which attract millions of tourists every year. The city has a panoramic view of the lake, the valley, and the mountains, which change their colors and moods with the seasons and the weather. The city also has some of the best vantage points and lookout spots, where visitors can enjoy the beauty and splendor of nature. Some of the scenic views are:
- Schmittenhöhe Panorama: This is the view from the top of the Schmittenhöhe, which is the highest and most popular viewpoint in Zell am See. The view encompasses the entire lake, the city, and the surrounding mountains, such as the Kitzsteinhorn, the Großglockner, the Großvenediger, and the Watzmann. The view also includes 30 other peaks that are over 3,000 meters high, making it one of the most impressive panoramas in the Alps.
- Kitzsteinhorn Viewpoint: This is the view from the summit of the Kitzsteinhorn, which is the highest and most spectacular viewpoint in the vicinity of Zell am See. The view covers the entire glacier, the valley, and the neighboring mountains, such as the Großglockner, the Großvenediger, the Wildspitze, and the Ortler. The view also offers a glimpse of the distant mountains, such as the Zugspitze, the Dachstein, and the Mont Blanc.
- Zeller See Promenade: This is the view from the lakeside promenade, which is the most romantic and charming viewpoint in Zell am See. The view follows the curve of the lake, the peninsula, and the city, creating a harmonious and picturesque scenery. The view also captures the reflections of the mountains, the clouds, and the sun on the water, creating a magical and enchanting effect.
