Zell am See holidays

Right on the lakeshore and close to the centre, Strandbad is Zell’smost popular lakeside spot. There's a mix of outdoor pools and lake swimming, with diving boards and slides to keep the kids splashing and spacious sunbathing lawns for those who'd rather kick back and take in the mountain views.

A little further afield on the quieter eastern shore, Thumersbach is a great shout if you're after a more laid-back beach day. Long hours of sunshine, panoramic mountain views and a heated outdoor pool make it ideal for families – with a dedicated paddling end for little ones and plenty of space for everyone else to swim or simply unwind.

Beyond the main lidos, the lake is dotted with swimming spots and grassy sunbathing areas, giving you plenty of choice on a warm summer's day. The water is clear and calm, the lakeside paths are perfect for a gentle stroll or cycle between beaches – it's an easy way to mix a little relaxation with some low-key exploring.

Depending on the weather, Zell am See holds a town market in the main square. This is a great opportunity to get some holiday snaps and soak up the vibe. Plus, you might pick up some bargain souvenirs, including local and regional produce.

Zell am See has plenty of shops to wander round. You'll find lots to browse, including everything from casual clothing shops to fashion-led retailers.

A lakeside evening stroll is the perfect end to the day. And to make it even better, you can grab an ice-cream or a waffle from one of the outdoor stalls.

Here's something to remember. At 9.30pm, three times a week, the town hosts a 20-minute-long Magic Lake Show, with an impressive display of water, lights, music and lasers. You can catch the performance from the Elisabeth Park every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.

Zell am See’s food and drink scene makes the most of its lakeside setting and alpine surroundings. Expect relaxed cafés, traditional Austrian inns and modern restaurants, many with outdoor terraces overlooking Lake Zell or the surrounding mountains. Food-wise, menus mix regional classics like schnitzel and Kasnocken (cheesy dumplings) with international classics, making it easy for everyone to pick something they like.

A long‑standing fave for a reason, Kupferkessel has a menu that covers all the bases, combining Austrian favourites with international dishes. It’s a good choice for families thanks to its fill-your-boots portions, kid-friendly options and a lively, welcoming atmosphere.

Brasserie Traube’s a safe bet when a classy meal out is on the cards. Get set for a stylish setting with a menu does Austrian and international dishes with flair. Its central spot and summer terrace make it ideal for unhurried evenings, paired with a glass of wine and a stroll through the old town afterwards.

You'll get a Salzburg Guest Mobility Ticket included with your stay here - giving you free, unlimited public transport throughout the Salzburg region. From the two main bus stops at the railway station and the Postplatz terminal, you can jump on a bus to the nearby town of Kaprun (20 minutes) or Saalbach (30 minutes). Buses are very efficient, with some departing two or three times every hour.

Boats cross the lake from Zell to Thummersbach and run every half an hour between 9.30am and 6pm. Or, if you want to explore the area further, you can catch a round-trip boat. This runs once an hour between 10am and 5pm, and you can buy tickets with our reps in resort. For more info on boat tours and departure times, you might find it handy to download the Zell am See-Kaprun app.

The CityXpress gondola, the Schmittenhöhebahn gondola and the Sonnenalm gondola are just a few of the lifts that run throughout the summer. Most are open between June and September and run between the hours of 9am and 5pm. It's possible to buy lift tickets with our reps in resort, and you can get free access to lots of lifts with a Zell am See-Kaprun summer card - so it's worth checking to see if your accommodation offers this. If the lifts aren't operating, the resort offers buses from neighbouring Kaprun up to the Maiskogel instead.

The Salzburg Guest Mobility Ticket you'll get for free when you check-in will make getting around on trains a doddle, with unlimited public transport throughout the Salzburg region. The train station is situated on the Bahnhofplatz 1 near the lake. From here you can journey to Kitzbühel in just under an hour and Salzburg in 1 hour and 40 minutes. These trains run once or twice every hour, so don't worry if you miss one.

Wander around authentic cobbled streets in the charming, traffic-free medieval town centre or walk down to the waterfront for calming views of the lake.

One gentle walk that's very rewarding is the 12km walk around Lake Zell itself. If you get tired, you can always catch the ferry back to town.

Summer lifts will whisk you to the Schmittenhöhe and Maiskogel peaks where a network of marked trails awaits. The Pinzgauer Sparziergang walk is one of the most beautiful in the Eastern Alps, with incredible 360-degree views over valleys and snow-capped mountains.

For wonderful views of the Hohe Tauern National Park mountains, you can take the bus to Kaprun and follow the valley paths along the riverside.