Lake Zell is one of the most beautiful Alpine lakes in Austria and, according to locals, the heart of the popular Zell am See-Kaprun region. It lies right below the mountains, just a short walk from the center of Zell am See, and offers exactly the kind of atmosphere that keeps us and you coming back to Austrian lakes in the summer. Look forward to crystal-clear water, well-kept promenades, views of Alpine peaks, and plenty of things to do besides swimming.
Don’t think that Lake Zell is just an ideal spot for a relaxing holiday by the water, though. In fact, its greatest advantage is the variety of activities you can enjoy here. You can go for a swim in the lake in the morning, take the cable car up to Schmittenhöhe in the afternoon, stroll along the promenade in the evening, and head to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier or the Grossglockner High Alpine Road the next day. Thanks to this, families with children, active hikers, and couples looking for a nice place for a summer stay in the Alps won’t get bored here.
You can read more about excursion options in the Zell am See-Kaprun area here:
> Summer Vacation in Zell am See – Kaprun: Tips for Accommodation and Trips
Where to Stay at Lake Zell?
Find accommodation right by Lake Zell using the map:
Hotel-Garni Seestrand 4*
- A lovely guesthouse right by the lake with the possibility of swimming from its own terrace
- Beautiful views of the lake and mountains from breakfast and the rooms
- Peaceful environment
Hotel-Garni Seestrand
Seehotel Sissi 3*
- A pleasant small hotel by the lake and the center of Zell am See with a nice view
- Traditional Austrian breakfast with both sweet and savory options
- Right by the lido and bike path (storing bikes was no problem)
Where to Swim at Lake Zell?
In summer, the main attraction is, of course, swimming. The water in Lake Zell is clean, refreshing, and surprisingly warm for an Alpine lake. In high season, the temperature usually hovers around 20 to 23°C, so you can enjoy a swim even if you’re not the hardy type. You’ll find the best facilities at the official lidos (Strandbäder) located in different parts of the lake:
1. Strandbad Zell am See
In our opinion, the best swimming facilities at Lake Zell are at the three main lidos. The liveliest is Strandbad Zell am See right by the town center, which is great for families and those who want to be close to the promenade, restaurants, and cafes. It offers lake access, swimming pools, a slide, a diving tower, fun for kids, and plenty of space to relax by the water.
2. Strandbad Thumersbach
Strandbad Thumersbach on the opposite side of the lake has a calmer atmosphere. From here, you get a beautiful view back towards Zell am See and the surrounding mountains, plus you’ll enjoy the pleasant afternoon and evening sun thanks to its location. It’s a good choice for those looking for a slightly quieter swim away from the busiest part of town.
3. Strandbad Schüttdorf / Seespitz
The third option is Strandbad Schüttdorf / Seespitz on the southern shore of Lake Zell. It’s suitable for families, a relaxed day by the water, and water sports like paddleboarding or windsurfing. Each of these lidos has its own charm, so the choice depends mainly on whether you want to be near the center, are looking for a quieter environment, or are planning a more active day at the lake.
Our tip: Personally, we liked the third option best thanks to the ideal access for paddleboards.
Note regarding dogs: If you’re traveling with a dog, keep in mind that there isn’t a typical dog beach at Lake Zell. Dogs are not allowed in the official lidos or designated swimming areas where dog bans apply. They can only cool off outside these areas and always according to local rules for leashes or muzzles. We recommend Klammsee in Kaprun as a better alternative in this region.
Promenade and Walks Around the Lake
You won’t be bored at Lake Zell even without swimming. A big draw here is the lovely promenade and the paths around the lake, which are great for walking, running, and cycling, for which Lake Zell is also famous. The loop around the lake is easy, without much elevation gain, and offers nice views from different sides. The western part runs close to the water and the center of Zell am See, the southern part passes through a quieter landscape, and the eastern shore offers a beautiful view of the town with a mountain backdrop.
A walk or bike ride by the lake is one of the most pleasant experiences, even if you’re not planning a full-day trip. It’s peaceful in the morning, has a lively summer atmosphere during the day, and in the evening, the promenade turns into the perfect spot for a short post-dinner stroll.
Boats and Water Sports on Lake Zell
Boat trips are also part of a summer vacation at Lake Zell. Sightseeing boats operate on the lake, offering panoramic cruises as well as crossings between different points around the lake. The cruise is ideal for families, seniors, and anyone who wants to enjoy the lake from a different perspective. From the water, you’ll get beautiful views of Zell am See nestled among the mountains, and you’ll understand why we rank this area among the most beautiful summer destinations in Salzburg.
If you like a more active holiday, pack a paddleboard like we did. Or try out pedal boats, sailing, windsurfing, or water skiing right on site. The options vary depending on the specific part of the lake and the season, but generally, Lake Zell isn’t just a calm body of water for swimming. You can look forward to a lake where you can spend the whole day actively without having to travel far.
Trips Directly from Lake Zell
A big advantage of a vacation at Lake Zell is its location. Directly from Zell am See, you can head up Schmittenhöhe, the local mountain above the town. Cable cars will whisk you up to a panoramic landscape with views of the lake, the surrounding valleys, and the peaks of the Hohe Tauern in no time. For families with children, Schmidolin’s World is interesting, while active hikers will enjoy the marked trails and viewpoints.
Another great trip is the Kitzsteinhorn glacier above Kaprun. In summer, it offers a completely different experience than the lake: snow, a glacier, viewing platforms at over 3,000 meters, and views of the Hohe Tauern National Park. In other words, if you get too hot by the lake in summer, head to the icy world on the Kitzsteinhorn.
Other tips for trips nearby:
- Grossglockner High Alpine Road – Information Before Your Trip
- Tauern Spa Kaprun – A Tip for a Trip to the Wellness Center (Not Just for Rainy Days)
- Salzburg: 13 Tips on What to See and Do
Planning to visit Zell am See – Kaprun in winter? Get inspired by our winter vacation tip:
Summer Card and Benefits at Lake Zell
When choosing accommodation, it’s worth checking if they participate in the Zell am See-Kaprun Summer Card. The card cannot be bought separately; you only get it at partner accommodations. In summer, it can significantly save you money as it includes, for example, cable cars, selected lidos at Lake Zell, boat trips, the Kitzsteinhorn, Maiskogel, and other attractions in the area.
