History Of Zell am See
Zell am See is a town in Austria that has a rich and fascinating history. It was founded by monks in the 8th century and named Cella in Bisoncia, which means “cell” or “monastery” in Latin. The town has an old Romanesque and Gothic parish church, which dates back to the 12th century, and a Renaissance castle, Schloss Rosenberg, which was built in the 16th century. Zell am See did not achieve town status until 1927, when it became part of the newly formed state of Salzburg.
Zell am See is also a popular winter and summer resort at the foot of the Schmittenhöhe mountain, which offers stunning views of the surrounding Alps. The town has many ski resorts and cable cars that connect it to other villages and peaks. Zell am See is also known for its lake, Lake Zell, which is one of the largest and deepest lakes in Austria. The lake has a shape of a peanut and covers an area of 4.7 square kilometers. The lake is surrounded by forests and meadows that are ideal for hiking, biking, and wildlife watching.
Zell am See has been a favored destination for the European aristocracy since the 19th century, when it was visited by celebrities such as Queen Victoria, King Edward VII, Empress Sissi, and Kaiser Wilhelm II. Today, Zell am See attracts millions of tourists every year from all over the world. It is especially popular among celebrities such as Madonna, George Clooney, Jennifer Aniston, and Brad Pitt. Zell am See offers a variety of cultural events and festivals throughout the year, such as music concerts, art exhibitions, film screenings, and fireworks displays.
Zell am See is a town that combines tradition and modernity in a unique way. It has preserved its historical heritage while embracing innovation and creativity. It is a place where you can enjoy nature’s beauty while experiencing its charm and elegance.
Middle Ages and early modern times
The economic nucleus of Zell im Pinzgau, referred to as “Cella in Bisontio,” was initially documented in the Notitia Arnonis, a collection of documents by Archbishop Arn of Salzburg in 788/790. The founders, likely from aristocratic Bavaria, introduced the Hippolyte patronage, possibly linked to the Tegernsee Monastery. Throughout the 12th and 13th centuries, the influence of Salzburg archbishops in Pinzgau grew steadily. By 1480, the Archbishopric of Salzburg secured ownership through extensive inheritance contracts.
Market law origins in Zell im Pinzgau trace back to the early 14th century, with additional market privileges granted in 1357. In the late Middle Ages, Zell served as a regional court and played a crucial role in north-south trade. Despite the shift in trade routes, the town remained pivotal as a lodging provider, packer, and intermediary. Zell’s prosperity stemmed from its involvement in market and long-distance trade. The absence of city walls, unlike Radstadt, allowed Zell to stay clear of military conflicts, even during the Peasants’ Revolt in 1525/26.
During the upheaval of the Peasants’ Revolt, Zell had preemptively submitted to the Swabian Confederation troops, showcasing a strategic approach to avoid direct involvement in conflicts. In 1606, Caspar Vogl, the Zell nurse, faced execution under Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau due to peasant unrest. The trials surrounding the mysterious magician Jackl in 1682 led to the execution of a boy magician in Zell im Pinzgau. The expulsion of Protestants from Salzburg in 1731 affected six farms in the “Court of Zell.”
Mining played a pivotal economic role in Zell im Pinzgau for centuries. The independent municipalities of Bruckberg-Schmitten and Thumersbach were known for mining copper, pyrite ores, silver-containing galena, and zinc blende in numerous tunnels. The Rosenberg trades, particularly significant in mining, led to the construction of Rosenberg Castle in 1577, which now serves as the town hall since 1973. The economic history of Zell im Pinzgau reflects its evolution from an early economic cell to a key player in regional trade and mining over the centuries.
19th century
In the early 19th century, Zell am See experienced the periphery of Napoleon’s campaigns, and a rifle congress in 1800 marked the town’s decision to resist French troops. Throughout 1809, Zell am See faced war contributions and played a minor role in the war for Tyrol and Austria, with only a few riflemen joining the cause. The name “Zell am See” gained prevalence during Salzburg’s Bavarian period from 1810 to 1816.
In 1816, Zell am See came under Austrian rule with the incorporation of the independent Archbishopric of Salzburg. Key developments occurred in the 19th century, with Mayor Josef Salzmann successfully relocating the district administration to Zell am See in 1854. The introduction of the Salzburg-Tyrol Railway in 1875 marked a significant milestone, contributing to the town’s tourist development. The railway connection spurred the establishment of the Beautification Association in 1877 and played a crucial role in the town’s development.
A notable moment in Zell am See’s history occurred in 1885 when Empress Elisabeth (“Sisi”) of Austria, accompanied by family members, stayed in the town and climbed the Schmittenhöhe. Emperor Franz Joseph I also visited in 1893, marking a period of increased tourism. New accommodations, such as Hotel Krone, Hotel Kaiserin Elisabeth, Grand Hotel am See, and Pinzgauer Hof, were constructed during this tourist influx.
The opening of the Pinzgau local railway in 1898 further expanded transportation, connecting Oberpinzgau and the Krimml waterfalls. The Trapp family, known from “The Sound of Music,” stayed in Thumersbach in 1900. Renowned artists, including August von Naumann, Anton Balzer, and Wilhelm Schlotterbeck, contributed to Zell am See’s reputation as a tourist destination through their paintings and engravings.
The town attracted a diverse group of artists, including Austrian painters like Franz Barbarini and Hubert Sattler, English artist Edward Theodore Compton, and local painters like the Schmiderer family. These artists showcased Zell am See’s picturesque landscape through various mediums, reaching an international audience and solidifying the town’s status as a prominent tourist destination.
20th century
The aftermath of the First World War brought significant challenges to Zell am See, marked by the enlistment of 270 individuals, with 62 losing their lives. The war had a profound impact, leading to food shortages, the accommodation of wounded soldiers, and the creation of a TBC home. The expansion of the Western Railway in 1913/14, while enhancing transportation, disrupted the beautiful lake promenade paths. The renowned Hotel Kaiserin Elisabeth was demolished in 1915, replaced later by the Elisabeth Park in 1925.
Political changes followed, with Anton Werber’s election victory in 1919, leading the Social Democrats. In 1922, Josef Ernst, affiliated with nationalist factions, became mayor, and Zell am See attained city status in 1928. The construction of the Schmittenhöhebahn in 1927 contributed significantly to the town’s recognition.
Political shifts continued in 1931, with Josef Ernst’s term marked by tensions, leading to a collapsed coalition and internal disputes. The ensuing years saw Zell am See facing political turmoil, with dramatic elections, the dissolution of the municipal council, and the appointment of government commissioners. By 1936, the town constituted a regular local council under Sebastian Hörl.
The onset of World War II brought challenges, impacting Zell am See economically and socially. The town faced evacuations, bombings, and deportations to concentration camps. The war’s end in 1945 brought liberation by American forces, initiating the denazification and democratization process. The post-war years involved reconstruction, establishment of educational institutions, and the growth of winter tourism.
Zell am See faced a natural disaster in 1966 when a storm caused flooding, leading to casualties and extensive damage. The 1960s and 1970s were marked by sustainable development projects, including the renovation of Rosenberg Castle and the creation of a pedestrian zone. Alpine World Cup races and the construction of the Zeller Bergbahn further enhanced the town’s profile.
A significant challenge in the late 20th century was the traffic on the B311 federal highway, prompting calls for a bypass tunnel. Construction began in 1993, and the tunnel was officially opened in 1996. The region’s tourism steadily grew, with winter stays surpassing summer stays from the 1990s onwards. Today, the Zell am See-Kaprun region registers over two million annual overnight stays, reflecting its resilience and attractiveness as a tourist destination.
