Worth getting out of bed for
Here we highlight the best this lakeside resort has to offer, from where to buy your skiwear to the many activities on offer; we even recommend the most inspiring places to enjoy the views from.
- Viewpoint
- There’s a view of the town and of 30 or so 3,000-metre-high peaks from the Sis Chapel high up on the Schmittenhohe.
- Arts and culture
- Scattered across the Schmittenhohe are wooden sculptures and other works by international artists. There are a number of trails that will lead you to them.
- Something for nothing
- Wander through the farmers’ market every Friday morning from 08h in the Zell Am See’s main square – the Stadplatz. You should be able to sniff out some local Pinzgau specialities to sample.
- Shopping
- If you want to indulge in some shopping then Moreau in Kaprun is a designer emporium stocking Prada, D&G and Chloé, as well as Belstaff and North Face (www.moreau.at). Mr Smith should seek out Subway in Kaprun and Grito in Zell Am See, both of which carry a great selection of the coolest boardwear brands including Analog, Volcom and WE. Definitely pop into the boutique at Mavida and stock up on the hotel’s ‘Crystal Spa’ products.
- Daytripper
- Salzburg is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, with baroque palaces, beautiful churches and the imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress. This is the birthplace of Mozart, which they certainly make no secret of, and there are classical concerts held here throughout the year – in fact, chances are you’ll be sick of the little wünderkind by the time you’re through. If you fancy something a little more ‘lite’, then take the Sound of Music tour and sing along to your heart’s content (www.sound-of-music.com). Just don’t get into arguments with any locals as to why you think ‘My Favourite Things’ is better than the overture to ‘The Magic Flute’ after a few too many schnapps.
- Perfect Picnic
- Take the cable car to the top of the Schmittenhohe and you should be spoiled for choice. You’re sure to find a snow bank to chill the wine in, and the view is guaranteed.
- Activities
- There are endless excitements to choose from in Zell Am See, but the kicks you get depend on the time of year you visit. The Salzburg area is a major ski destination in winter although its lower slopes make the season shorter than elsewhere; there’s a wide range of runs and some good facilities for beginners (www.ski-zellamsee.at). You can go horseback-riding in the snow with Limberghof (www.limberghof.at); a horse-drawn sleigh is a great experience, too (+43 (0)676 344 848). Year-round you can try tandem paragliding (+43 650 39 28 099, www.adler-air.com). In the summer, as well as hiking in the mountains, the lake offers sailing, waterskiing, kayaking and windsurfing (www.kajakcenter-zellamsee.at).
Diary
- March The mediaeval centre of Zell Am See is transformed into a traditional Lent market, celebrating the beginning of spring. July/August Every Wednesday throughout the summer there is an evening festival with music and street parties. September The Cheese Festival in Kaprun is great fun; the participants take it very seriously, even if you don’t.
