For those of you who like your vacations served with a side of fresh mountain air and a sprinkle of cowbells in the distance, then Zell am See is your kind of place. Tucked neatly away in the Austrian Alps, this charming little town is the sort of spot that feels like it was made for hiking boots.
Zell am See is the real deal when it comes to hiking in the Alps. Think shimmering lake views with winding trails that zigzag a bit through wildflower meadows, and with just enough alpine magic to make even the most committed couch potato consider a long walk uphill.
And just when you think it can’t get better, in strolls Kaprun. This is Zell’s laid-back cousin just down the road and it has glacier hikes and several of hidden waterfalls, along with trails that lead to strudel-slinging mountain huts.
Why Zell am See? Because It’s More Than Just Pretty Views
Austria isn’t exactly short on gorgeous mountain towns. But there’s something about Zell am See that just hits different.
Maybe it’s the way the lake mirrors the sky on a clear morning, or how the peaks seem to wrap around the town like a big alpine hug. Whatever it is, hiking here will feel a lot less like a workout and more like a full-body reset.
For those of you who like your trails served with a view, Zell am See delivers in spades. One minute you’re strolling through lush alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers, and the next you’re gawking at glacier-covered mountains that look like they belong on the front of a chocolate box.
And let’s not forget that lake: Zeller See.
It’s not just there to look pretty (though it does that very well). Many hikes start or end with lake views so stunning that you’ll be tempted to just lay down in the grass and stay forever.
The trails here don’t just lead you from point A to B. They lead you into postcard-worthy panoramas and high-up ridges where the air is so crisp, it feels like it’s scrubbing your lungs clean.
It’s the kind of place that makes you want to stop, breathe, and say, “Yep, this is living.”
Kaprun, Austria: Zell’s Laid-Back Adventure Buddy
Just down the road from the buzz of Zell am See is Kaprun. It’s quieter, smaller, and every bit as breathtaking. If Zell is the lively older sibling who’s always got plans, Kaprun is the mellow one who invites you on a hike and tells you to take your time after handing you a slice of apple strudel!
Kaprun may be low-key, but don’t let that fool you. It’s home to some of the most unforgettable trails in the region. The Kaprun hiking trails wind their way through deep valleys, and also up along glacier-fed streams and into scenery that looks like it was drawn straight from a fairy tale.
One minute you’re hiking through green alpine pastures, the next you’re staring up at the mighty Kitzsteinhorn glacier. Yes, a real glacier (with snow, ice, the whole deal) just hanging out while you take in the view.
And if you’re into dramatic landscapes, the trails around the high mountain reservoirs are pure magic. Take a moment to imagine turquoise water nestled between rugged cliffs, with marmots whistling in the background like nature’s soundtrack.
And then there are the mountain huts. You will find little wooden havens perched high in the hills, where the air smells like pine and the menu includes steaming bowls of goulash with fresh-baked bread and apple strudel so good that it should come with a warning.
Top 5 Best Hiking Trails in Zell am See and Kaprun
So…what are the best hikes in Zell am See and Kaprun? Five of the very best are:
Schmittenhöhe Panorama Trail: “A selfie magnet with lakeside views”
If you’re looking for classic alpine views without breaking too much of a sweat, this one’s for you. If you hop on the cable car to Schmittenhöhe and you’re already halfway there…literally. The trail loops around the mountaintop, and it serves up sweeping views of Lake Zell below and a whole lineup of snow-dusted peaks on the horizon. Bring your camera, because every five minutes you’ll find yourself saying, “Wait, just one more photo.”
Maiskogel Family Hike: “Stroller-friendly with cowbell soundtrack”
This hike is perfect for the whole crew, from tiny hikers to grandparents just along for the strudel. The Maiskogel Family Hike in Kaprun is gentle, it’s scenic, and it also has just the right amount of incline to feel like you earned your post-hike snack.
You’ll pass by open meadows where cows are usually grazing (hence the constant soundtrack of cowbells), and there are plenty of benches for snack breaks or just soaking up the sun too.
Kitzsteinhorn Glacier Trail: “Where you meet snow in July”
This one’s for the folks who like their hikes with a side of bragging rights. Starting high up at the top of the cable car system, the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier Trail puts you face-to-face with the kind of alpine drama most people only see in ski magazines. Snow in the summer? Yep. Panoramic glacier views? You bet. It’s steep in spots and the air gets thin, but the scenery more than pays you back for every step.
Sigmund Thun Gorge Trail: “Nature’s version of a waterpark”
Short, sweet, and seriously cool literally. The Sigmund Thun Gorge Trail is a wooden walkway that winds through a narrow canyon, right above rushing turquoise water. You’ll be surrounded by mossy rock walls and mist that gives the whole place an enchanted-forest vibe. It’s not a long hike, but it packs a punch in the scenery department for sure.
High Alpine Reservoir Trail: “Lakes so blue you’ll think Instagram glitched”
Up above Kaprun sits a pair of reservoirs that look too perfect to be real. The High Alpine Reservoir Trail loops around these lakes and through dramatic mountain scenery that feels a little like you’ve stumbled into the set of a fantasy film. It’s moderate in difficulty, with a mix of gravel paths and steep sections, but the view of deep blue water surrounded by jagged peaks? Totally worth it.
What to Pack and When To Go (Or How Not to Regret Your Life Choices at 2,000 Meters)
Hiking in Zell am See and Kaprun is absolutely magical but only if you’re not freezing, sunburnt, or halfway up a mountain wishing you had better shoes and more snacks!
So here’s the deal on what to pack and when to go, from someone who’s learned the hard way (read: soggy socks and sun-chapped ears).
First off: layers. This cannot be dressed enough. The weather in the Alps has a personality disorder. You’ll start your hike under blue skies and by lunchtime you might be in a cloud getting gently pelted by sleet. Go with a light base layer, a cozy fleece or hoodie, and a waterproof jacket that can handle a surprise downpour. That combo can keep you nice and warm (and dry).
Footwear? Non-negotiable. You need actual hiking boots, and ones with ankle support and decent grip. This is not the place to be testing out cute sneakers or, heaven help us, flip-flops.
Don’t forget water, and bring more than you think you need. Even on cooler days, the altitude sneaks up on you. Toss a couple of energy bars in your bag too, because nothing makes a mountain view better than a snack with it.
You can also add sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and maybe a tiny first-aid kit if you’re the “better safe than sorry” type.
Now, timing. The sweet spot for hiking in Austria is late May to early October. Anything before that and you’re probably hiking in snow. The trails really come alive in June and July, when everything’s lush and green and the waterfalls are showing off. It’s beautiful, but it’s also pretty busy, so be ready to share those views.
September, though? September is the hidden gem. This is because you’ll find fewer crowds, cooler temps, and this golden glow that makes the mountains look like they’ve been filtered by nature itself.
Plus, it’s the time of year when the cows come down from the high pastures.
Conclusion: Just Go Already!
Zell am See and Kaprun are places that get under your skin (but in the best way). Between the jaw-dropping views, the fresh alpine air, and the trails that lead to strudel-filled huts and glacier lookouts, it’s the kind of experience that will stick with you long after your boots are back in the closet.
So if your soul’s been craving a reset, or your legs are just itching for a bit of a challenge (or maybe just a scenic stroll with a cow or two), then consider this your sign.
The mountains in Austria are waiting for you.
