Top 5 things to see and do in the Zell am See-Kaprun region in Austria

The Zell am See-Kaprun region in Austria is famed for its scenic beauty. With magnificent mountains, lakes and a glacier - the region has lots to offer no matter what season you visit in. During our recent visit to Austria, we spent a couple of days exploring this part of the country and loved it. Listed below are five of the best places to visit in and around the Zell am See-Kaprun region. Basically, if you are in Zell am See you can't miss these five places. All of them are stunning and you are sure to get some postcard-worthy pictures.

Boat excursion on Lake Zell


Surrounded by mountains the crystal-clear water of Lake Zell has a magnetic draw. The water quality is so good that you can drink it. You can walk around the lake, take a dip in one of the lidos, hire a pedal or electric boat or go for an excursion on the MS Schmittenhöhe which is the biggest and most comfortable of the boats at the lake. The indulgent 45-minute boat trip offers the best views of the historic Zell town, the stunning alpine landscape, and the snow-capped peaks. You can read more about our boat trip here.

Boat excursion on Lake Zell

Boat excursion on Lake Zell

Boat excursion on Lake Zell

Boat excursion on Lake Zell

Boat excursion on Lake Zell

Schmittenhöhe - Go up the cable car and explore the hiking routes


Located just a short distance from the lake is Schmittenhöhe. Schmittenhöhe has a number of different walks suitable for all levels. You can take the gondola (a very modern design) to the top and then choose one of the walking routes. While hiking is fun in Summer, there is a wide range of possibilities for ski sport in Winter. But the best part is the stunning views from the top. On a clear sunny day (we had excellent weather during our visit) the views from the top are simply amazing. We especially loved the view of the town of Zell am See and Lake Zell. Beautiful!

Schmittenhöhe

Schmittenhöhe

Schmittenhöhe

Schmittenhöhe

Schmittenhöhe

Schmittenhöhe


Kitzsteinhorn Glacier


The Kitzsteinhorn mountain is located within the Kaprun region and the Kitzsteinhorn glaciers are a popular ski area with plenty of piste options catering for all grades of skiers. In addition to skiing, the Kitzsteinhorn has nearly 100 climbing routes and 12 kilometres of freeride mountain biking trails. And for those who come to experience the majestic Alpine scenery, Kitzsteinhorn lives up to the expectations, offering breathtaking views of the Alps. Whether you love nature and snow-capped mountains or are a skier (beginner or experienced), the Kitzsteinhorn area should not be missed when you are visiting Austria. You can read more about our visit here.

Kitzsteinhorn Glacier

Kitzsteinhorn Glacier

Kitzsteinhorn Glacier

Kitzsteinhorn Glacier

Kitzsteinhorn Glacier

Krimmler Waterfalls


With an altitude of around 380 metres, the Krimmler Waterfalls are Austria's highest waterfall. It is a tiered waterfall - begins at the top of the Krimmler Ache valley and then plunges downward in three stages.

Along with your ticket, you will receive a leaflet/map which details the route to the top of the falls. There are 11 marked points and at places, the climb is steep and slippery. But the trail is very well maintained with a number of viewing points (ideal for a quick rest) and the views are worth the strenuous climb.

Krimmler Waterfalls

Krimmler Waterfalls

Krimmler Waterfalls

Krimmler Waterfalls

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road


One of the most scenic pass roads in the world, the Grossglockner road needs to be on every visitor's agenda. Because of ice and snow, the Grossglockner High Alpine Road is closed to traffic for a number of months each year. We planned our visit such that we were in Austria when the road was open.

The highest point of the Grossglockner High Alpine Road is the Edelweißspitze which is situated at 2,500m above sea level. Reaching the top was not the main draw for us (even though the views from the top are stunning) rather it was the journey. Driving on the pass road was an experience in itself - enjoying the captivating views all along, stopping at key places and information points to learn more about the region and being delighted by the stunning scenery at every bend. This was one of the best things we did on our trip to Austria and cannot recommend it enough. It is not to be missed.

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road


13 comments:

  1. Deeptha - I enjoyed this informative article with great photos! I a big fan of traveling to Austria. In fact, my husband and I had the great pleasure of driving the famous Grossglockner High Alpine Road on our way back from the Hohe Tauern National Park. It's a spectacular landscape! The Hohe Tauern offers great hiking and scenery, too.

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    1. Thank you, Sandi. We loved the scenic drive on the Grossglockner High Alpine Road. We didn't spot any alpine marmots, so we will be going back! And like you mention, the landscape is spectacular.

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  2. Hi Deeptha! Your photos of Austria are gorgeous. I am so excited - we are headed to Austria in August! Have you been toParis yet? (That's where we live!) I love that you travel with your husband, we are all about couples travel too! Your new friends in Paris, Alix & Hugo

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    1. Thank you, Alix. Austria is a beautiful country. I am sure you will enjoy your visit. Yes, we have visited Paris but this was a good 6-7 years ago. A visit is due soon :)

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  3. What stunning photography! We went here for our honeymoon 18 years ago. Thank you for brining back such lovely memories. #farawayfiles

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  4. Wow, such stunning photos. I'd love to drive along that road! #farawayfiles

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    1. It is one of the most scenic routes in Europe, Annabel. We loved it and plan to go back soon.

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  5. Beautiful! Husband and I were thinking of going skiing to Kaprun this winter, but we have decided on a sunny destination instead. Good to know Kaprun is fabulous to go to in summer as well!
    #FarawayFiles

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    1. I think the Zell am See-Kaprun region has lots to see and do in all seasons. Definitely a region to be explored and experienced all year round.

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  6. Well, you've definitely helped my case for visiting Austria sooner rather than later. Really, it's a place so breathtakingly beautiful (gorgeous photos), it's hard to believe I haven't been there yet. Sounds like it was an incredible trip and I can see why all these places are must-visits. Thanks for linking up with #farawayfiles

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    1. Thank you, Corey. Austria is beautiful. We only visited some parts of the country, so plan to go back in Summer.

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  7. Those photos are absolutely stunning! I would just LOVE to spend time staring at that beautiful lake. Thanks so much for inspiring my next Austrian adventure on #FarawayFiles

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  8. I would love to go in that cable car. Looks so exciting.

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