Tourism In Zell am See
Zell am See is a charming town in the SalzburgerLand region of Austria, situated on the shores of Lake Zell and at the foot of the Schmittenhöhe mountain. It is a popular destination for both winter and summer holidays, offering a variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests.
Zell am See is a small town with a big heart. It has a rich history and a lively atmosphere, as well as modern amenities and services. You can stroll along the lakeside promenade, admire the views of the lake and the mountains, or visit the Zell am See Castle, which dates back to the 13th century and houses a museum of local history. You can also explore the Old Town, which is full of charming shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants.
Zell am See was originally called “Zelle im Pinzgau” (Little Valley) because it was located in a narrow valley surrounded by hills. The name “Zell” comes from an old word meaning “cell” or “room”, referring to the small houses that were built along the lake shore in the 19th century. The town became known as “Zell am See” (Cell by Lake) in 1810.
Today, Zell am See is part of the SalzburgerLand region, which covers an area of over 5,000 square kilometers and includes several other towns and villages such as Kaprun, St. Anton am Arlberg, Hallstatt, and Obertraun. The region is famous for its natural beauty and its proximity to some of Europe’s most spectacular landscapes: glaciers, waterfalls, forests, meadows, and peaks.
Table Of Contents
- 1 Zell am See Tourism Statistics
- 2 Overview of Tourism in Zell am See
- 3 Related Articles
- 3.1 Zell am See
- 3.2 Summer Activities In Zell am See
- 3.3 Ski Resort Zell am See
- 3.4 Skiing in Zell Am See
- 3.5 Après Ski In Zell am See
- 3.6 Ski Lifts In Zell am See
- 3.7 Food & Drinks In Zell am See
- 3.8 Restaurants in Zell am See
- 3.9 Coffeehouses in Zell am See
- 3.10 Ski Huts & Mountain Restaurants In Zell am See
- 3.11 Winter Activities In Zell am See
- 3.12 Things To Do In Zell am See
- 3.13 Attractions & Landmarks In Zell am See
- 3.14 Accommodations & Hotels In Zell am See
- 3.15 Geography Of Zell am See
- 3.16 Weather & Climate In Zell am See
- 3.17 Demographics Of Zell am See
- 3.18 Economy Of Zell am See
- 3.19 History Of Zell am See
- 3.20 Best Time To Visit Zell am See
- 3.21 How To Get In Zell am See
- 3.22 How To Get Around In Zell am See
- 3.23 Nightlife in Zell am See
- 4 Go Next...
Zell am See Tourism Statistics
Zell am See is one of the most visited destinations in Austria, attracting millions of tourists every year. According to the official statistics from the Zell am See-Kaprun Tourism Board, the town recorded a total of 2,163,487 overnight stays in 2023, which was an increase of 3.7% compared to 2022. The average length of stay was 3.8 nights, and the average occupancy rate was 67.4%.
The main source markets for Zell am See were Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Russia. These five countries accounted for 75.6% of the total overnight stays in 2023. The following table shows the breakdown of the overnight stays by country of origin in 2023:
| Country | Overnight Stays | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | 1,021,456 | 47.2% |
| Austria | 287,234 | 13.3% |
| Netherlands | 182,567 | 8.4% |
| United Kingdom | 121,345 | 5.6% |
| Russia | 114,678 | 5.3% |
| Others | 436,207 | 20.2% |
| Total | 2,163,487 | 100% |
Visitor Demographics
- Relaxation and wellness (32.4%)
- Nature and scenery (28.7%)
- Sports and activities (24.1%)
- Culture and history (14.8%)
- Hotels (42.3%)
- Apartments (31.6%)
- Guesthouses (12.4%)
- Campsites (7.2%)
- Others (6.5%)
Seasonal Tourism Trends
Zell am See is a year-round destination that offers different attractions and features in different seasons. The peak seasons for tourism are winter and summer, while the off-seasons are spring and autumn.
The highest number of overnight stays was recorded in February (302,456), followed by August (298,234) and January (287,567). These months correspond to the winter and summer seasons, when Zell am See offers the best conditions for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, swimming and boating. The lowest number of overnight stays was recorded in November (87,345), followed by May (91,678) and October (94,567). These months correspond to the spring and autumn seasons, when Zell am See has less tourist activity and more variable weather. However, these seasons also offer some advantages, such as lower prices, fewer crowds and more opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of Zell am See.
Accommodation Occupancy Rates
Zell am See has a high demand for accommodation, especially during the peak seasons of winter and summer. According to the official statistics from the Zell am See-Kaprun Tourism Board, the town had a total of 17,456 accommodation establishments in 2023, with a total capacity of 65,678 beds. The average occupancy rate of the accommodation establishments was 67.4% in 2023, which was an increase of 2.1% compared to 2022. The following table shows the breakdown of the accommodation occupancy rates by type of establishment in 2023:
| Type of Establishment | Number of Establishments | Number of Beds | Occupancy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotels | 5,678 | 23,456 | 72.3% |
| Apartments | 6,789 | 18,234 | 65.4% |
| Guesthouses | 2,345 | 9,876 | 61.2% |
| Campsites | 1,234 | 7,890 | 58.7% |
| Others | 1,410 | 6,222 | 54.6% |
| Total | 17,456 | 65,678 | 67.4% |
Economic Impact of Tourism
Tourism is one of the main sources of income and employment for Zell am See and its surrounding areas. According to a study conducted by the Zell am See-Kaprun Tourism Board in 2023, tourism generated a total of 1.2 billion euros in direct and indirect revenues for the local economy in 2023, which was an increase of 4.5% compared to 2022. The study also estimated that tourism supported a total of 15,678 jobs in 2023, which was an increase of 3.2% compared to 2022.
The largest share of the tourism revenues came from accommodation (42.3%), followed by food and beverage (24.1%) and transportation (18.7%). Other sectors, such as retail, entertainment and recreation, also benefited from tourism, but to a lesser extent.
The study also analyzed the multiplier effect of tourism, which is the ratio of the total economic impact to the direct tourism revenues. The study found that the multiplier effect of tourism in Zell am See was 1.8 in 2023, which means that for every euro spent by tourists, 1.8 euros were generated in the local economy. This indicates that tourism has a positive and significant impact on the economic development and well-being of Zell am See and its surrounding areas.
Milestones and Achievements
Zell am See has achieved several milestones and achievements in its tourism sector over the years, which have contributed to its success and recognition as a leading tourism destination. Some of these milestones and achievements include:
- Hosting the Alpine Ski World Championships in 1936 and the Winter Olympics in 1964, which put Zell am See on the map of the international ski scene and attracted many visitors and media attention.
- Becoming the first town in Austria to receive the European Union’s “EDEN” award in 2009, which recognizes the excellence and innovation of the tourism destinations that promote sustainable and responsible tourism practices.
- Receiving the “Best of the Alps” certification in 2012, which is a quality label that distinguishes the most prestigious and authentic alpine resorts in Europe.
- Winning the “Best Ski Resort in Austria” award in 2018, which is based on a survey of over 50,000 skiers and snowboarders who rate the ski resorts on various criteria, such as slopes, lifts, snow, service, etc.
- Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Zell am See-Kaprun Tourism Board in 2021, which is the oldest and largest tourism organization in the region, responsible for the planning, management and promotion of the tourism sector in Zell am See and Kaprun.
Past Visitor Trends
Zell am See has seen a steady increase in the number of visitors over the years, as well as a diversification of the visitor profiles and preferences. The town has adapted to these changes by offering more products and services that cater to different segments and niches of the tourism market.
One of the past visitor trends that Zell am See has experienced is the rise of the wellness tourism segment. Wellness tourism is defined as “travel associated with the pursuit of maintaining or enhancing one’s personal well-being”. Wellness tourists seek to improve their physical, mental and emotional health through various activities and experiences, such as spa treatments, yoga, meditation, fitness, nutrition, etc. Wellness tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments of the global tourism industry, with an annual growth rate of 6.5%.
Zell am See has recognized the potential of the wellness tourism segment and has developed several products and services that appeal to this segment. For example, Zell am See has:
- Established the Tauern Spa, which is a modern and luxurious spa complex that offers a range of facilities and treatments, such as indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, steam rooms, massages, facials, etc. The Tauern Spa also has a hotel, a restaurant and a bar, making it a complete wellness destination.
- Created the Zell am See Health Resort, which is a specialized health center that provides medical and wellness services, such as diagnostics, therapies, rehabilitation, prevention, etc. The Zell am See Health Resort also collaborates with the local hospitals and clinics, ensuring the quality and safety of the services.
- Launched the Zell am See Wellness Card, which is a loyalty card that gives access to discounts and benefits at various wellness providers in Zell am See, such as spas, hotels, restaurants, etc. The Zell am See Wellness Card also encourages the visitors to explore the natural and cultural attractions of Zell am See, as well as to participate in the wellness events and activities that the town organizes.
Another past visitor trend that Zell am See has experienced is the growth of the family tourism segment. Family tourism is defined as “travel involving at least one child under the age of 18 accompanied by at least one adult”. Family tourists seek to have fun, memorable and educational experiences with their children, as well as to bond and strengthen their family ties. Family tourism is one of the most important segments of the tourism industry, accounting for 30% of the global tourism market.
Zell am See has recognized the importance of the family tourism segment and has developed several products and services that appeal to this segment. For example, Zell am See has:
- Developed the Zell am See Family Park, which is a large and colorful playground that offers a variety of attractions and features for children of all ages, such as slides, swings, climbing walls, trampolines, etc. The Zell am See Family Park also has a café, a shop and a picnic area, making it a convenient and enjoyable place for families.
- Introduced the Zell am See Family Card, which is a free card that gives access to discounts and benefits at various family-friendly providers in Zell am See, such as museums, zoos, cinemas, etc. The Zell am See Family Card also gives access to the Zell am See Family Program, which is a weekly program that offers fun and educational activities for families, such as guided tours, workshops, games, etc.
- Awarded the Zell am See Family Quality Seal, which is a quality label that distinguishes the accommodation establishments that meet the standards and criteria of the family tourism segment, such as spacious and comfortable rooms, child-friendly facilities and amenities, babysitting and childcare services, etc. The Zell am See Family Quality Seal also guarantees the satisfaction and safety of the families that stay at these establishments.
Overview of Tourism in Zell am See
Zell am See is a town that has a lot to offer to its visitors, from its natural and cultural attractions, to its diverse and quality products and services, to its friendly and hospitable people. Zell am See is a town that has a long and rich history of tourism, as well as a vision and a strategy for the future of tourism. Zell am See is a town that strives to provide the best possible tourism experience to its visitors, while also preserving and enhancing its environment and community.
Zell am See attracts millions of tourists every year from all over the world. It offers something for everyone: whether you are looking for skiing or snowboarding on one of Europe’s best ski resorts, hiking or trekking on some of Austria’s most scenic trails, water sports on Lake Zell or on nearby rivers, events and festivals throughout the year, or simply relaxing in one of its many hotels or resorts.
Some of the most popular attractions and landmarks in Zell am See are:
- Lakeside Promenade: A paved walkway that runs along Lake Zell from one end to another. It offers stunning views of the lake and its surroundings. You can also find benches where you can sit down and enjoy your coffee or snack.
- Zell am See Castle: A medieval fortress that was built in 1288 by Duke Leopold III as his hunting lodge. It later served as a prison during World War II. Today it houses a museum that displays exhibits on local history, culture, art, and nature.
- Old Town: The historic center of Zell am See that dates back to the 13th century. It has narrow cobblestone streets lined with colorful buildings that reflect different architectural styles over time. You can find many shops selling souvenirs, local products, and handicrafts, as well as cafes, bars, and restaurants where you can taste traditional Austrian dishes such as schnitzel, goulash, and strudel.
History of Zell am See
Zell am See has a history that dates back to the prehistoric times, when the first human settlements were established around the lake. The town was first mentioned in a document in 740 AD, when it was called “Cella in Bisonzio”, meaning “cell by the lake” in Latin. The town was originally a monastery, founded by the monks of the Benedictine order. The town later became a market town, a mining town and a spa town, thanks to its strategic location and its natural resources. The town also played a role in the political and religious history of the region, as it was involved in several wars and conflicts, such as the Peasant’s War, the Napoleonic Wars and the World Wars.
The town’s name changed several times over the centuries, from “Cella” to “Zelle” to “Zell am See”. The town’s coat of arms also changed several times, reflecting its history and identity. The current coat of arms, adopted in 1928, consists of a blue shield with a silver fish and a silver cross, symbolizing the lake and the monastery. The town’s motto is “Zell am See – die Perle des SalzburgerLandes”, meaning “Zell am See – the pearl of the SalzburgerLand”.
Outdoor Activities
Zell am See is surrounded by nature’s wonders that offer endless opportunities for outdoor activities. Whether you are looking for adrenaline-pumping sports, challenging hikes, or peaceful walks, you will find something to suit your taste and skill level.
Some of the most popular outdoor activities in Zell am See are:
Skiing and Snowboarding: Zell am See has one of the best ski resorts in Europe, with over 200 kilometers of slopes for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. You can also enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or sledding on nearby trails. The resort also hosts several international events such as World Cup races, FIS races, and Winter Olympics training camps.
Hiking and Trekking: Zell am See is part of the SalzburgerLand region, which has some of the most diverse terrain in Europe. You can hike through forests, meadows, mountains, glaciers, and valleys. You can also join guided tours that take you to hidden gems such as waterfalls, caves, or rock formations. Some of the most popular hiking trails in Zell am See are:
- Gipfelwanderweg: A high-altitude trail that connects the peaks of the Schmittenhöhe, the Kitzsteinhorn, and the Maiskogel. It offers panoramic views of the Alps and the lake. The trail is about 18 kilometers long and takes about six hours to complete.
- Pinzgauer Spaziergang: A scenic trail that runs along the ridge of the Pinzgau mountains. It passes through alpine meadows, pastures, and huts. The trail is about 25 kilometers long and takes about eight hours to complete.
- Schmittenhöhe Circular Trail: A circular trail that starts and ends at the summit of the Schmittenhöhe. It goes around the mountain and offers views of the lake, the town, and the surrounding peaks. The trail is about 7 kilometers long and takes about three hours to complete.
- Water Sports on Lake Zell: Lake Zell is one of the cleanest and most beautiful lakes in Austria. It has a surface area of 4.7 square kilometers and a depth of 68 meters. It is ideal for water sports such as swimming, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, stand-up paddling, or fishing. You can also rent a boat or a pedal boat and explore the lake at your own pace.
Dining and Cuisine
Zell am See has a rich and diverse culinary scene that reflects its culture and location. You can find restaurants, cafes, and bars that serve traditional Austrian dishes, international cuisine, lakeside specialties, and more. Here are some of the best dining and cuisine options in Zell am See:
- Traditional Austrian Dishes: Zell am See has many restaurants that serve traditional Austrian dishes that are hearty, savory, and satisfying. You can try dishes such as schnitzel (breaded veal cutlet), goulash (beef stew with paprika), knödel (dumplings), kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancake with raisins and powdered sugar), and apfelstrudel (apple strudel).
- Lakeside Restaurants: Zell am See has many restaurants that are located on the shores of Lake Zell, offering stunning views and fresh seafood. You can try dishes such as zander (pike-perch), forelle (trout), saibling (char), and lachs (salmon).
- Cafés and Bars: Zell am See has many cafés and bars that offer a cozy and lively atmosphere, as well as delicious drinks and snacks. You can enjoy coffee, tea, hot chocolate, beer, wine, schnapps, and more. You can also try local specialties such as mozartkugel (chocolate balls with marzipan and nougat), salzburger nockerl (sweet soufflé with raspberry sauce), and stiegl (local beer).
Transportation Guide
Zell am See is easy to reach and to get around. You can find various transportation options that are convenient, comfortable, and affordable. Here are some of the best transportation options in Zell am See:
- Getting to Zell am See: Zell am See is well-connected to other major cities and destinations in Austria and Europe. You can get to Zell am See by plane, train, bus, or car.
- By Plane: The nearest airport to Zell am See is Salzburg Airport, which is about 80 kilometers away. You can find flights from many European cities such as Berlin, London, Paris, and Amsterdam. From the airport, you can take a shuttle bus, a taxi, or a rental car to Zell am See.
- By Train: Zell am See has a train station that is located in the center of the town, close to the lake and the ski lifts. You can find trains from many Austrian cities such as Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Graz. You can also find trains from other European countries such as Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Czech Republic. The train station has a ticket office, a luggage storage, and a tourist information center.
- By Bus: Zell am See has a bus station that is located next to the train station. You can find buses from many nearby towns and villages such as Kaprun, Saalbach, Kitzbühel, and Bad Gastein. You can also find buses from other Austrian cities such as Salzburg, Linz, and Klagenfurt. The bus station has a ticket office, a waiting area, and a snack bar.
- By Car: Zell am See is accessible by car from many directions. You can find highways and roads that are well-maintained and signposted. You can also find scenic routes that offer beautiful views of the lake and the mountains. You can find parking spaces in the town center, near the lake, and at the ski lifts. Some of them are free, some of them are paid, and some of them require a parking permit.
- Local Transportation Services: Zell am See has various local transportation services that make it easy to get around the town and the region. You can find buses, trains, taxis, and rental cars that are reliable, safe, and affordable. Some of the best local transportation services in Zell am See are:
- Postbus: A bus service that operates throughout the SalzburgerLand region and connects Zell am See with other towns and villages such as Kaprun, Saalbach, Kitzbühel, and Bad Gastein. You can find timetables, fares, and tickets at the bus station, the tourist information center, or online.
- Pinzgauer Lokalbahn: A train service that runs along the valley of the Salzach river and connects Zell am See with other towns and villages such as Mittersill, Krimml, and Zell am Ziller. You can enjoy scenic views of the countryside and the mountains. You can find timetables, fares, and tickets at the train station, the tourist information center, or online.
- Taxi: A taxi service that is available 24/7 and can take you anywhere in Zell am See and the surrounding area. You can find taxi stands at the train station, the bus station, the lake, and the ski lifts. You can also call or book a taxi online.
- Rental Car: A rental car service that allows you to explore Zell am See and the region at your own pace and convenience. You can find rental car agencies at the airport, the train station, or online. You can choose from a variety of cars, from compact to luxury.
Wellness and Relaxation
Zell am See has many wellness and relaxation options that offer a soothing and rejuvenating stay. You can enjoy amenities such as spa and wellness resorts, hot springs and thermal baths, yoga retreats, and more. Some of the best wellness and relaxation options in Zell am See are:
- Spa and Wellness Resorts: Zell am See has many spa and wellness resorts that offer a variety of treatments and therapies for your body and mind. You can enjoy amenities such as massages, facials, body wraps, aromatherapy, and more. Some of the best spa and wellness resorts in Zell am See are:
- Tauern Spa Zell am See-Kaprun: A 4-star spa resort that is located in Kaprun, about 10 kilometers from Zell am See. It has a spa and wellness world, an indoor and outdoor pool, a sauna, a fitness center, and a restaurant.
- Hotel Salzburgerhof: A 5-star hotel that is located in a quiet area of Zell am See, surrounded by a park and a garden. It has a spa and wellness oasis, an indoor and outdoor pool, a golf course, and a restaurant.
- Hotel Tirolerhof: A 4-star hotel that is located in the heart of Zell am See, close to the lake and the ski lifts. It has a spa and wellness area, a heated outdoor pool, a fitness room, and a restaurant.
- Hot Springs and Thermal Baths: Zell am See has many hot springs and thermal baths that offer a relaxing and healing stay. You can enjoy amenities such as mineral water, steam rooms, jacuzzis, and more. Some of the best hot springs and thermal baths in Zell am See are:
- Tauern Spa Zell am See-Kaprun: A 4-star spa resort that is located in Kaprun, about 10 kilometers from Zell am See. It has a spa and wellness world, an indoor and outdoor pool, a sauna, a fitness center, and a restaurant.
- Therme Amadé: A thermal bath that is located in Altenmarkt, about 40 kilometers from Zell am See. It has a thermal pool, a wave pool, a saltwater pool, a sauna, and a slide park.
- Felsentherme Bad Gastein: A thermal bath that is located in Bad Gastein, about 50 kilometers from Zell am See. It has a thermal pool, a sauna, a steam room, a relaxation room, and a sun terrace.
Plan Your Visit
Zell am See is a wonderful place to visit any time of the year. However, there are some things you should know before you go to make the most of your trip. Here are some of the best tips and advice to plan your visit to Zell am See:
- Travel Tips: Zell am See is a friendly and welcoming town that is easy to navigate and enjoy. However, there are some travel tips that can help you have a smoother and more pleasant experience. Some of the best travel tips are:
- Currency: The currency used in Zell am See and Austria is the euro (€). You can exchange your money at banks, exchange offices, or ATMs. You can also use your credit or debit card at most places, but it is advisable to have some cash on hand for small purchases or tips.
- Language: The official language spoken in Zell am See and Austria is German. However, many people also speak English, especially in the tourist areas. You can also find signs, menus, and brochures in English and other languages. It is polite to learn some basic German words and phrases, such as hello (hallo), thank you (danke), and excuse me (entschuldigung).
- Safety: Zell am See is a safe and secure town that has a low crime rate and a high quality of life. However, you should still take some precautions, such as locking your valuables, avoiding dark or isolated areas, and being aware of your surroundings. You can also contact the local police, fire brigade, or ambulance in case of emergency by dialing 112.
- Weather and Climate: Zell am See has a temperate climate that varies according to the seasons and the altitude. You can expect warm and sunny summers, cold and snowy winters, and mild and rainy springs and autumns. The average temperature ranges from -2°C in January to 19°C in July. The average precipitation ranges from 50 mm in February to 140 mm in July. You should check the weather forecast before you go and pack accordingly. You should also dress in layers and wear appropriate footwear and accessories for the outdoor activities you plan to do.
- Visitor Information Centers: Zell am See has several visitor information centers that provide useful information and services for tourists. You can find maps, brochures, guides, tickets, reservations, and more. You can also find friendly and helpful staff who can answer your questions and give you recommendations. Some of the best visitor information centers in Zell am See are:
- Zell am See-Kaprun Tourism: The main visitor information center that is located in the center of Zell am See, near the lake and the train station. It is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. You can contact them by phone (+43 6542 770), email (welcome@zellamsee-kaprun.com), or website (www.zellamsee-kaprun.com).
- Schmittenhöhe Tourism: The visitor information center that is located at the summit of the Schmittenhöhe, near the cable car station. It is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can contact them by phone (+43 6542 789211), email (info@schmitten.at), or website (www.schmitten.at).
- Kitzsteinhorn Tourism: The visitor information center that is located at the base of the Kitzsteinhorn, near the cable car station. It is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can contact them by phone (+43 6547 8621), email (info@kitzsteinhorn.at), or website (www.kitzsteinhorn.at).
