Zell am See-Kaprun激 🚠
"Glaciers, lakes, and alpine adventure playgrounds for all ages."
Perfect for families, the 'Schmittenhöhe' mountain has themed hiking paths for children. The Kitzsteinhorn glacier allows you to touch snow even in July, providing a cool escape from the summer heat.
A high-altitude adventure blending dramatic glacial peaks, turquoise alpine reservoirs, and world-class hiking trails with evening relaxation by the Zeller See.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 · Summit Views and Lakeside Charms
Morning — Arrive in Zell am See and check into your lakeside hotel. Stretch your legs with a walk through the charming Altstadt (Old Town) and grab a coffee by the Zeller See.
Afternoon — Take the Schmittenhöhebahn cable car to the summit (1,965m). Hike the 'High Altitude Promenade' for panoramic views of 30 peaks over 3,000 meters. Stop at the Sisi Chapel.
Evening — Walk along the Zell am See lake esplanade as the sun sets. Enjoy a traditional Austrian dinner of Wiener Schnitzel at Steinerwirt, a historic tavern in the town center.
💡 Check if your accommodation provides the 'Zell am See-Kaprun Summer Card' for free lifts and transport.
Day 2 · Glaciers and Gorges in Kaprun
Morning — Take a short bus ride to Kaprun. Ascend the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier (3,029m) to 'Gipfelwelt 3000'. Explore the Ice Arena and the National Park Gallery tunnel.
Afternoon — Hike through the Sigmund Thun Gorge, walking on wooden catwalks over crashing glacial waters. Afterward, visit the Kaprun High Mountain Reservoirs (Mooserboden) via the world's largest open inclined lift.
Evening — Relax your muscles at Tauern Spa Kaprun. Experience the outdoor heated pools with mountain views and the extensive sauna world. Eat at the spa's high-quality buffet or bistro.
💡 The glacier is cold even in summer; bring a windbreaker and sturdy hiking boots.
Day 3 · The Epic High-Altitude Ridge Hike
Morning — Take the Schattberg X-press in nearby Saalbach (short bus/train ride away) or stay local and hike the 'Schmittenhöhe to Saalbach' ridge path.
Afternoon — Embark on the Pinzgauer Spaziergang, one of the most beautiful high-altitude hikes in the Eastern Alps. It’s a long but relatively flat trail with constant views of the Hohe Tauern range.
Evening — Return to Zell am See for a relaxed evening. Grab a gourmet burger or local craft beer at Murray’s Irish Bar or a pizza at Pizzeria Giuseppe.
💡 Pack a hearty 'Gause' (snack) as mountain huts on this specific long ridge trail are spread out.
Day 4 · Waterfalls and Alpine Farewells
Morning — Enjoy a slow breakfast. Head to the Krimml Waterfalls (approx. 1 hour by narrow-gauge train), the highest waterfalls in Europe. Hike the waterfall trail to the top tier.
Afternoon — Cool off with a final swim in the crystal-clear Zeller See or rent a stand-up paddleboard. Alternatively, take a short hike to the Mitterberg for the absolute best 'postcard' photo of the lake.
Evening — Enjoy a final lakeside dinner at Seecamp or Villa Lipsi before departing via the Zell am See train station.
💡 The Pinzgauer Lokalbahn train to the falls is a scenic experience in itself.