Summer Activities In Zell am See
Zell am See is located in the state of Salzburg, about 80 km south of the city of Salzburg. It is situated on the shore of Lake Zell, the largest lake in the region, and at the foot of the Schmittenhöhe mountain, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Zell am See has a rich history and culture, dating back to the Roman times. It is home to a medieval old town, a Romanesque church, a castle, and several museums. Zell am See is also a modern and vibrant town, with a range of shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues.
Zell am See is a year-round destination, but it is especially attractive in summer, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the nature is lush and green. The average temperature in July and August is around 20°C, with highs of up to 28°C. The lake is also warm enough for swimming, with an average temperature of 19°C. The summer season in Zell am See lasts from May to October, with the peak months being July and August.
Hiking and Trekking
Zell am See is a paradise for hikers and trekkers, as it boasts over 400 km of hiking trails that range from easy to challenging. You can explore the stunning scenery of the Schmittenhöhe mountain, which offers panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding peaks. You can choose from different hiking routes that suit your preferences and abilities, such as scenic trails, themed trails, or summit trails. You can also take a cable car or a chairlift to reach higher altitudes and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
If you are looking for a more adventurous hiking experience, you can head to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, which is part of the Hohe Tauern National Park. Here you can find high mountain hiking trails that take you to the eternal ice and snow of the glacier. You can also visit the Gipfelwelt 3000, which is a visitor center that features an observation platform, a cinema, and a museum. You can find trail maps and recommendations at the local tourist offices or online.
Water Activities
Zell am See is located on the shores of Lake Zell, which is one of the cleanest and warmest lakes in Europe. The lake offers a variety of water activities that you can enjoy in the summer, such as swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, paddleboarding, windsurfing, sailing, or fishing. You can also rent a boat or a pedal boat and explore the lake at your own pace. The lake has several public beaches and lidos that provide facilities and amenities for your comfort and convenience.
If you want to experience the lake from a different perspective, you can join a boat tour that takes you around the lake and shows you the most beautiful spots. You can choose from different types of boat tours, such as guided boat excursions, private charter options, or themed boat trips. You can also enjoy a romantic sunset cruise or a dinner cruise with live music and entertainment.
Cycling and Mountain Biking
Zell am See is also a great destination for cycling and mountain biking enthusiasts, as it has over 240 km of bike paths and trails that cater to all levels of difficulty and skill. You can cycle along the lake and enjoy the views, or follow the scenic cycling routes that take you through the countryside and the villages. You can also find family-friendly bike trails that are suitable for children and beginners. You can rent a bike or an e-bike at one of the many bike rental shops in town.
If you are looking for a more thrilling ride, you can try the mountain biking trails that take you to the slopes and the forests of the Schmittenhöhe and the Kitzsteinhorn. You can find downhill tracks, cross-country routes, and freeride trails that challenge your endurance and technique. You can also take a cable car or a chairlift to access the mountain biking trails and enjoy the views along the way.
Golfing in Zell am See
Zell am See is also a perfect destination for golf lovers, as it has a golf club that features two 18-hole championship courses that are set in a stunning landscape. The Zell am See Golf Club is one of the largest and most beautiful golf resorts in the Alps, and it offers a golfing experience that is both challenging and enjoyable. You can play on the Schmittenhöhe course, which is surrounded by mountains and forests, or on the Kitzsteinhorn course, which is located near the lake and the glacier.
The Zell am See Golf Club also offers golf lessons and tournaments for all levels of players, as well as a driving range, a putting green, a pro shop, and a clubhouse. You can also take advantage of the golf packages that include green fees, accommodation, and other benefits. You can also find stay-and-play offers and golfing specials that give you discounts and deals on your golfing holiday.
Adventure Sports
Zell am See is not only a place for relaxation and leisure, but also a place for adventure and excitement. If you are looking for some adrenaline-pumping activities, you can try paragliding or ziplining in Zell am See. Paragliding is a sport that allows you to fly like a bird and enjoy the views of the lake and the mountains from above. You can book a tandem flight with a professional instructor, or take a course at one of the paragliding schools in town.
Ziplining is another sport that lets you experience the thrill of speed and height. You can zip across the valley and the forest on a series of zip lines that are up to 1.6 km long and 160 m high. You can also enjoy the views of the Schmittenhöhe and the Kitzsteinhorn along the way. You can book a ziplining adventure at the Zell am See Adventure Park, which also offers other activities such as climbing, archery, and slacklining.
Summer Events and Festivals
Zell am See is also a lively and vibrant town that hosts various events and festivals in the summer. One of the most popular events is the Zell am See Summer Festival, which is a cultural festival that features music, dance, theater, and art performances. The festival takes place from July to August, and it showcases local and international artists and performers. You can check the event calendar and the highlights of the festival online or at the tourist office.
Another type of event that attracts many visitors is the sporting competition. Zell am See is a venue for several summer sports events, such as triathlon, marathon, cycling, or hiking. You can either participate or spectate these events, and enjoy the atmosphere and the spirit of the sport. You can find more information about the summer sports events online or at the tourist office.
Lakeside Dining and Relaxation
Zell am See is also a place where you can enjoy the culinary delights and the relaxation of the lakeside. You can find many lakeside restaurants that offer a variety of dishes, from traditional Austrian cuisine to international specialties. You can also enjoy the outdoor seating with views of the lake and the mountains, and savor the fresh and local ingredients. Some of the lakeside restaurants that you can try are the Seewirt, the Seecamp, the Strandbad Thumersbach, and the Seerestaurant Bellevue.
If you want to relax and unwind after a day of activities, you can visit one of the lakeside parks and relaxation areas that provide a peaceful and serene setting. You can find picnic spots, sun loungers, hammocks, and benches where you can rest and enjoy the nature. You can also find relaxation tips and suggestions online or at the tourist office.
Family-Friendly Summer Fun
Zell am See is also a family-friendly destination that offers a lot of fun and entertainment for children and adults alike. You can visit one of the adventure parks that offer a range of family activities, such as the Familienland Pillersee, the Maisiflitzer Alpine Coaster, the Schmidolin’s Adventure World, and the Kitzsteinhorn Explorer Tour. You can also find age-appropriate adventures that suit your children’s interests and abilities.
Another way to have fun with your family is to experience the wildlife and nature of Zell am See. You can join one of the educational programs that teach you about the flora and fauna of the region, such as the National Park Ranger Program, the Nature Watch Program, and the Hohe Tauern Card. You can also have animal encounters at the wildlife parks and farms, such as the Ferleiten Wildlife Park, the Kaprun High Mountain Reservoirs, and the Pinzgau Farm.
Summer Accommodation
Zell am See offers a wide range of accommodation options for summer visitors, from lakeside hotels and resorts to cozy apartments and chalets. You can find accommodation that suits your budget, style, and needs, and enjoy the comfort and convenience of your home away from home. You can also book your accommodation online or through the tourist office.
One of the best ways to make the most of your summer holiday in Zell am See is to take advantage of the summer packages that include accommodation, activities, and other benefits. You can find special offers that give you discounts and deals on your summer holiday, such as the Zell am See-Kaprun Summer Card, the Zell am See-Kaprun Golf Alpin Card, and the Zell am See-Kaprun Bike Package. You can also find inclusive summer activities that are included in your accommodation, such as guided hikes, bike tours, boat trips, and more.