Printable destination guide
For more information and to book please visit www.mrandmrssmith.com or let us arrange your whole trip, by calling +44 (0)20 8987 4312 or from the USA dial 1 866 610 3867.
Zell Am See
Austria
- Countryside
- Alpine Austria
- Country life
- Climb every mountain
Even seen on a computer screen, an eyeful of this serene Austrian lakeside resort makes you feel healthier.
With fresh air and unspoilt countryside, this Salzburg town couldn’t provide a more salubrious holiday setting. Framed by the snow-capped Schmittenhöhe mountains, Zell am See is as pretty as a chocolate box, but more considerate of your waistline, thanks to its spa delights and outdoorsy temptations. Should you tire of skiing or snowboarding the glaciers, or swimming in lake-water fit for a dinner-table decanter, there’s the chance to tour Baroque churches and Roman castles. And don’t think the thrill-seeking need stop when the sun sets: Zell am See’s coffeeshops and bars purr with a perennial après-ski spirit.
Pictured: Mavida Balance Hotel & Spa
If you're looking for health and well-being then we've found the perfect combination of luxury spa, fresh Alpine air and beautiful mountain scenery.
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The town's relatively low altitude make getting there an absolute breeze; not every ski resort has its own train station.
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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.
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We've tracked down the best cafés for people-watching, the bars with the coolest cocktails, the most accomplished restaurants and the liveliest local nightlife in Zell Am See.
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Here is the map of Zell Am See; each Mr & Mrs Smith hotel is marked by a flag; click it for more details.
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Local knowledge
- Taxis
- Taxis are eight-seater cars; it’s easy to pick these up in town or at the taxi rank outside the train station.
- Tipping culture
- There is no service charge included in restaurant bills so a tip of about ten per cent is normal.
- Siesta and Fiesta
- The majority of shops are closed 12h–14h. Most bars and restaurants are very quiet during the day in the winter; the après-ski scene however can be a different matter. Prost!
- Packing tips
- Bring some warm layers, even in the height of summer as temperatures can drop dramatically at altitude. Sunblock is essential up in the mountains.
- Recommended reads
- Mozart’s Women by Jane Glover and Iceman: Uncovering the Life and Times of a Prehistoric Man Found in an Alpine Glacier by Brenda Fowler
- Cuisine
- Austrian cuisine can weigh in on the heavy side; no wonder they have chairlifts to get them back uphill. If you’re feeling greedy though, rib-sticking goulash and freshly made noodles are delicious, as are Wiener Schnitzel and Weiner würstel (sausages), smoked meats, potato dumplings and stews spiced with paprika. That should give you plenty to walk or ski off. And the favourite Austrian desserts, such as strudels and Sacher Torte, are worth leaving some room for. Just schedule one of the detoxifying and toning body treatments back at your hotel and you can wolf without guilt.
- Currency
- Euro.
- Time zone
- GMT +1.
- Dialing codes
- Country code for Austria: 43. Zell Am See: 6542.
- Do go/don't go
- The ski slopes open from December to February. From May through to autumn the upland pastures are popular for walking, biking and riding. The turn-of-season shutdowns are in March and November.
Zell Am See hotels
If you're looking for health and well-being then we've found the perfect combination of luxury spa, fresh Alpine air and beautiful mountain scenery.
-
- Style
- Super spa
- Setting
- Austrian Alps
- Rates from
- EUR 210
Getting there
The town's relatively low altitude make getting there an absolute breeze; not every ski resort has its own train station.
- Planes
- Salzburg airport is 90 minutes away, although allow extra time if there is heavy snow (www.salzburg-airport.com). It’s possible to get a taxi transfer with Holiday Shuttle. If you’re feeling flash they can also arrange a helicopter transfer (www.holiday-shuttle.at).
- Trains
- Trains to Zell Am See run regularly from Salzburg; check timetables at www.oebb.at.
- Automobiles
- A car isn’t essential as the train, taxi and bus connections to Zell Am See are perfectly adequate. In fine weather, this is great touring terrain; in winter, roads are cleared and gritted quickly after snowfalls but be aware of dangerous driving conditions. Traffic from the city of Salzburg can be heavy in ski season.
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.
Typically Zell Am See
Who says there’s no business like snow business? Zell Am Zee, at little over 700 metres, has variable conditions for the white stuff. If the snow isn’t great on the lower slopes, you can always hit the Kaprun glacier via a smart, two-stage gondola. If you’re into snowboarding and want to get some air you’ll find a year-round, half-pipe up here.
- 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.
Eating, drinking and dancing
It's true that Austrian food can be a bit heavy, but there's always a selection of lighter options... and perhaps even a chairlift to get you back uphill after lunch.
Cafés
Café Konditorei
A quaint place next to the church that does fabulous Austrian cakes and pastries.
Stadtplatz
Restaurants
Our’s Lounge
Head to this bistro and bar in a modern, cube-shaped glass building kitted out in sleek wood for a fine selection of cocktails.
Schlossplatz, 5
(+43 (0)6542 47244)
Steinerwirt
For traditional Austrian nosh try this restaurant. Its organic dishes, local produce and Alpine folk songs have been keeping people entertained since 1493.
Dreifaltigkeitsgasse, 2
(+43 (0)6542 72502)
Salzburgerhof
Dine in splendour (if not style) at this five-star hotel which offers excellent haute cuisine, often courtesy of guest Michelin-starred chefs.
Auerspergstraße, 11
(+43 (0)6542 765)
Saustall
The name might be off-putting (it translates at Pigsty) but the traditional local Pinzgauer dishes served up at this family-run eaterie are not to be sniffed at. Think potatoes, sauerkraut and lederhosen.
Bruckberg, 1
(+43 (0)6542 57407)
IXO
If the heavy Austrian fare is wreaking havoc with your waistline, head to this eaterie for a lighter and more contemporary take on some of the delicious local specialities.
Lofererstrasse. 15b
(+43 (0)6582 75717)
Jagawirt
The owner of Jagawirt is an avid hunter who often serves up his haul (for example venison, antelope and goat) to diners here. Jagawirt is a popular après-ski stop for skiers discovering their inner caveman.
Kaprun (just outside Zell am See)
(+43 (0)6547 8737)
Bars and clubs
Crazy Daisy
One of the most popular stops for vacationing Europeans, meaning it’s usually full of Brits, Dutch and Swedes. A good time is to be had regardless – perhaps thanks to the strong cocktails. Bands play seven nights a week.
Salzmannstrasse, 8
(+43 (0)6542 72526)
©2008 Mr & Mrs Smith