Zell am See is a tiny, but perfectly formed Austrian city, right by its own perfect alpine lake and nestled in amongst snow capped, and glacier studded, mountains. Since the 60s it’s been an alpine health resort, the kind of place where the air and water feel like they’re probably doing you good. Even the Zeller See lake is known for being healthily drinkable, not just ripe for bathing and boating. As well as drinking the water, people come to hike, ski, cycle, drive around the amazing high mountain roads in expensive, preferably opened-topped, cars and watch other people doing the same. It’s probably no surprise that some of the best places to stay in Zell am See are glamorous alpine chalet-cum-health-resorts, but our Guru’s list also includes several very family friendly hotels and a very reasonable family-run B&B or two.

If you’re here to ski then you might appreciate that this is quite a developed ski resort, unlike most of Austria’s more rustic village resorts. The fact that there’s an impressive glacier just down the road at Kaprun and a gondola link to Vienhofen near Saalbach makes it perfect. The skiing is pretty varied but doesn’t come that close to the town itself.

If you’re here in the summer, or just to experience Zell, then you’ll probably be more interested in the pretty, medieval old town, its Romanesque church and castle. There are also numerous walking routes and plenty of outdoor activities like paragliding, cannoning, sledding etc.. During summer there’s a light show on over the lake most evenings, plus a nightly festival with great food, art and music.

What not to miss

• The skiing up the mountain, while also being in a more developed ski resort down the mountain
• The town itself is well worth an explore, with a beautiful medieval old town with a church and castle originating from the Roman times.
• In the summer there are many festivals to explore, with lights over the lake and also great food, art, and music to immerse yourself in.

The Best Places to Stay in Zell am See

for Skiers

• If you’re looking for a great value ski hotel, the Hotel Berner is for you. It’s right by Zell am See’s main ski slope and has 34 modern rooms - some with beautiful views - a spa, heated pool, Finnish Sauna and its own restaurant. There are just 34 rooms starting from around £100 per night.

• Schloss Prielau is a charming alpine property situated idyllically on the lakeside, while also having great access to the main Zell am See ski area and having a fantastic reputation for its cuisine as well!

For Romance

• A classic example of Zell am See’s charms, the Hotel Salzburgerhof offers wonderful views of both the lake and the mountains along with 68 opulently furnished rooms with a country house hotel feel. The restaurant has won awards and is known for its extensive wine list and there’s a wonderful spa, a beautiful pool and lovely landscaped gardens.

• The Romantik Hotel Zell am See is a traditional hotel right on the shores of beautiful Lake Zell. The 39 rooms are spacious and comfortable and there’s an extensive spa - perfect for recovering from long days hiking or on the slopes. There’s an excellent Austrian restaurant known for its local food and wine.

For Families

• Steinerwirt 1493 is a 28 room hotel with stunning valley views and a fun, easy-going atmosphere. There’s a spa and modern art gallery, plus an award-winning restaurant and an indoor play area. It’s also well set up for skiers.

For value

• The Pension Hubertus is a family run B&B with 21 traditional rooms and a cosy atmosphere. There are amazing views of the lake from the best rooms and from the balconies and they serve a hearty breakfast. Rooms start from around £45 per night.

For an apartment or chalet

• If you've decided that a self catering property would be more suitable for your holiday, then we recommend you visit our online booking partner Booking.com where they have a wide selection for all tastes and budgets.

Travel Information

• Want to fly to Zell am See?

• Salzburg is 90 minutes away from Zel am See, while Innsbruck is just over 2 hours away
• For skiing the best time to visit is during the winter season, while to enjoy the lights festival, good and art around the city the summer would be a better time, when temperatures range from 19 to 24 degrees.
• If you plan to hire a car, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars for the best prices.

Still not sure?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Zell am See.

• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Zell am See