Lake Zell is a scenic basin of freshwater in the shadow of the glorious snow-capped mountains of the Austrian Alps. Hike varied routes to see flowers and herbs, a glacier and stupendous views. Swim in the cool water of the lake on a summer afternoon or ski on the surrounding slopes in winter.
Get a fishing card and rent equipment to angle for pike, perch, lake trout and zander. At the northern end of the lake, bring inflatable toys for your kids to bob around in the water. Walk on the pebbles along this shoreline. The southern end of the lake is less suitable for swimming, as it is shallow and filled with weeds.
Take a boat trip out on the water and visit some of the charming lakeside towns. Sunbathe on one of the lidos or patches of grass around the lake. Say hello to the ducks and swans that call this lake home.
Windsurfing and sailing are popular sports making use of the constant breeze here. Make a stand-up paddleboard tour of the lake or simply sit at one of the benches facing the water and read a book. Enjoy the utter serenity in this tranquil and remote part of the world, with a break in a café in Zell am See-Kaprun, Schüttdorf or Thumersbach.
Arrive for skiing in the icy winter, when the lake freezes over. Snap photos of this spectacular sight, with snow-covered mountains rising above the lake. Quaint villages dotted around the lake harmonize with the stunning terrain. Stay at one of the hotels with views of the water. Several mountain streams feed the lake before it empties into the Salzach River.
Lake Zell is on the eastern flank of the quaint city of Zell am See in the Austrian Alps. Take a train to the Zell am See railway station and walk northeast for a few minutes to reach the lake at Elisabeth Park. See some of the city’s attractions, including the Ferry Porsche Congress Center and Castle Rosenberg.