Zell am See-Kaprun in Summer

Unforgettable Sun and Fun | Zell am See-Kaprun in Summer

Picture this: You are surrounded by the most breathtaking panorama- the summer days are long; the sun is glistening off Lake Zell and the mountain air is refreshing. The snow has melted and made way for the wildflowers and grass covering the slopes- but the adventures have not ended. Discover the adventures- hiking, biking, golfing or water sports when you visit Zell am See-Kaprun in Summer! 

Here are some of our top tips for Zell am See-Kaprun in summer.  

Hiking and Walking Tours

Zell am See-Kaprun located in the heart of the Pinzgau region is a hikers and walkers nirvana.  Rugged peakes, glacial mountains, gentle grassy mountains, and peaceful forest trails, provide everything from leisurely family walks to challenging summit climbs.

Kaprun lies in the Kaprunertal (Kaprun valley) which stretches south into the Hohe Tauern mountain range. The Hohe Tauern National Park established in 1981 and covers a landscape of high mountains, deep valleys and lakes more than 1800 km. The Maiskogel and Kitzsteinhorn mountains, Sigmund Thun Klamm and The High Alpine Reservoirs provide a multitude of different walks and hikes. 

Zell am See’s Schmittenhöhe Mountain (1,965m) is on the eastern edge of the Kitzbühel Alps, separated from the Hohe Tauern range (Kitzsteinhorn) by the Salzach valley.  The panorama from the summit wows with must-see instagrammable views of the lush green valley down to glistening Lake Zell.   In the distance up to thirty 3,000m mountains can be seen including: Kitzsteinhorn, Groβglockner and Groβvenediger of the Hohe Tauren Range and to the east the Steinernes Meer.   

Back down in the village, a leisurely 12km walk or bike ride around Lake Zell seduces with panoramic views of the Steinernes Meer, Kitzsteinhorn and Schmittenhöhe Mountains. 

Biking Adventures

There are several leisurely and easy paced cycling trails that will take you around Kaprun, Piesendorf, Bruck and Zell am See.

The Tauern Cycling Trail (Tauernradweg), provides a perfect opportunity to explore the Pinzgau region. The trail begins at the foot of the Hohe Tauern’s snow-covered mountains and follows the Salzach River through lush green meadows via Salzburg to Passau. The trail is normally completed in stages over 5-7 days, but a beautiful section of the trail to Krimml can easily be enjoyed from Kaprun.

For the more adventurous, the region has over 30 mountain bike tours catering from easy to difficult terrains. At the Maiskogel, there are several challenging climbs or if you prefer a less arduous ascent – you can take a gondola up the Maiskogel and enjoy some downhill fun. From the Kitzsteinhorn Alpine Centre (2,450m) there are 3 mountain biking freeride trails with a total length of 12 km. A bit further afield in Saalbach- Hinterglemm (28 km from Kaprun) mountain bikers will discover paradise with over 400 km of mountain trails to explore.

Swimming

Summer holidays in Zell am See-Kaprun are synonymous with fun adventures on Lake Zell (Zeller See).  Zeller See is a crystal clear glacial lake, the waters of which are one of the purest in Europe.  There are several lidos (public beaches), sunbathing lawns and lake-side cafes at Zell am See, Thumersbach and Schüttdorf -providing the perfect opportunity to jump into the lake, whose average summer water temperature is 23 °C. 

There are a number of lovely lidos (beaches) in the neighbouring villages. In Niedernsill ( ~ 15 km from Zell am See and 11km from Kaprun on the B168 ) you will find a natural swimming lake. There is a heated children´s paddling pool, a restaurant, and a leisure center with minigolf. In Uttendorf ( 20 km from Zell am See and 16 km from Kaprun on the B168 ) you will find a natural 50,000m² swimming lake surrounded by beautiful mountains. You will find water slide, water trampoline, waterline, a floating mountain, floating islands, a children's playground and restaurants.

Golfing paradise amongst the mountains

The Zell am See-Kaprun Golf Club provides two 18-hole championship courses named "Kitzsteinhorn" and "Schmittenhöhe". The park-like fairways are set within the natural beauty of the Pinzgauer landscape. The flat terrain and ponds are surrounded by the majestic Schmittenhöhe and Kitzsteinhorn mountains.

Magical Summer Evenings on Lake Zell

Zell am See summer evenings explode with colour and pageantry as the water dances to the rhythm of the lights. The Laser and Light show can be viewed from along the Esplanade but the best vantage point is in front of the music pavilion at the Lake Promenade. Zell am See light show: Every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday (May- October- weather permitting).

Discover Winter adventures and Zell am See-Kaprun's Scenic Highlights