Across Bavaria to the Alps, Up to the Glacier and Back to the Lake
An Unforgettable Day Trip to Zell am See & Kaprun
There are days when the full beauty of a region unfolds in just a few hours – and our trip to Zell am See and Kaprun was just such a day. We set off from Salzburg on time at 8:30 a.m., accompanied by the gentle morning light that made the roofs of the old town glow in warm gold.
The route first took us across the Bavarian border, past gentle hills and sleepy villages in the Berchtesgaden region, before reentering Austria at Lofer. From there, the scenery opened up with green meadows, rushing rivers, and steep mountain slopes until the mighty Hohe Tauern appeared on the horizon near Saalfelden.
The plan was for a day full of contrasts: the historic marketplace of Zell am See the crystal clear water of the Lake Zell the quiet elegance of the Elisabeth Park and as a highlight the glacier world of the Kitzsteinhorn in Kaprun .
It was already clear during the preparations:
If you want to experience the Kitzsteinhorn, you should go up in the morning – depending on the season, the last gondolas depart between 16:30 and 17:00. So after a short breakfast at the market, our first great adventure began: an ascent to over 3,000 meters into the eternal ice.
What followed was a day that flew by in a blur – fresh mountain air, overwhelming views, relaxed moments by the lake, and an evening crowned by the music fountain show in Elisabeth Park, where water danced to melodies from classical music, films, and pop. It was the perfect blend of nature, culture, and enjoyment – and proof that even a single day can create memories that last a lifetime.
Onward to Kaprun and the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier – Riding the Glacier Jet into the High Alps
After a short, atmospheric tour through the market square of Zell am Seepast small cafés, historic facades and the gentle sound of church bells, we made our way to Kaprun. Our goal was clear: the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier, the highlight of the day.
The drive from the heart of Zell am See to the base station of the Glacier Jet takes just 20–30 minutes, yet it already feels like an adventure. On either side rise the mighty Hohe Tauernwhose peaks are often still covered in snow.
In between, small hamlets nestle in the green alpine meadows. In summer, the slopes glow in lush green, while clear streams babble by the roadside – in winter, the landscape is transformed into a white fairytale world.
At the base station, at 911 meters above sea level, the alpine adventure truly begins, the alpine adventure truly begins. Stepping out of the car, you immediately feel the crisp mountain air and the tingle of anticipation. Boarding the Glacier Jet 1, the gondola glides upwards within minutes, and with every meter gained, the view over the valley widens until the houses of Kaprun look like miniature toys far below.
Once at the top, you get into the summit cable car which, in a final impressive section, takes you up to 3,029 meters the highest freely accessible point in the Salzburg region. Salzburger Land.
Here, where the air is thin and clear, a panorama opens up as if from another world:
Snowfields, rugged rocks and, in the distance, a chain of peaks towering like waves on the horizon.
💡Tip: Even if the sun is shining – warm clothing is a must. Even in midsummer, temperatures here are often in the single digits and the wind can be strong. A pullover, windproof jacket and sturdy shoes will make your stay much more pleasant.
Kitzsteinhorn Glacier Adventure – Discovering the Gipfelwelt 3000
After the breathtaking ride on the Glacier Jet and the final ascent in the summit lift, the gondola doors open – and the air instantly changes. It is crisp, fresh, and carries that unmistakable scent of snow and stone that exists only at high altitudes. A light breeze sweeps across the platform while tiny snow crystals shimmer like diamonds in the sunlight.
Just a few steps later we find ourselves at one of the most impressive places in the Salzburger Land: the Gipfelwelt 3000. Up here, everyday life feels infinitely far away. The air is crystal-clear, the views are boundless. From the Top of Salzburg platform, your gaze stretches across the vast Hohe Tauern mountains, with the mighty Grossglockner proudly piercing the sky. On particularly clear days, you can even spot the gentle hills of the Bavarian Alpine foothills on the horizon.
Curious, we follow the path inside the mountain – into the Nationalpark Gallery. This 360-meter tunnel is much more than just a passageway: it feels like a journey into the heart of the Alps. Illuminated display boards and interactive stations tell of the formation of the mountains, the forces of the glaciers and the animals that live in this harsh world.
At the end of the tunnel, we step out onto another platform – directly into the eternal ice. The snow crunches under our shoes and the silence is so intense that we automatically start whispering.
Back inside, we take a break at the Cinema 3000. On a massive screen, spectacular nature footage unfolds – from roaring avalanches to delicate ice crystals – accompanied by atmospheric music that draws us even deeper into this alpine world.
💡Tip: You should plan at least three hours for your visit to the summit world – so you have enough time to discover all the stations at your leisure.
In summer, the area around the ICE ARENA transforms into a snowy wonderland high in the mountains. We laugh as we slide down the snow toboggan runs and enjoy the surreal contrast of relaxing on deckchairs at the “Snow-Beach” relax on sun loungers while snow lies all around.
At the small ice bar we treat ourselves to a drink before some of us take part in a guided ranger tour exciting insights into the interplay of climate, plants and animals at an altitude of over 3,000 meters above sea level offers.
From Glacier to Lake – Returning to Zell am See’s Market & Waterfront
By early afternoon we made our way back from Kaprun to Zell am See. The drive was short, yet in our minds we were still high above on the Kitzsteinhorn – with its endless panoramas, crystal-clear air, and peaks rolling away like gentle waves on the horizon. Even along the road, our eyes kept drifting back to the mountains, now from a new perspective.
Arriving at Zell am See’s market square, we were greeted by lively bustle Colorful stalls lined the cobblestones, the air filled with the aroma of freshly baked farmer’s doughnuts and spicy specialties.
Between artfully lined up loaves Pinzgau cheese, aromatic smoked bacon, and jars of fragrant herbal salt, we also discovered handcrafted wooden carvings and fine souvenirs from the region. Laughter from passersby mingled with the clinking of glasses from nearby cafés – one of those moments when you simply want to pause and soak it all in.
For lunch, our choice was easy: the Kupferkessel, just a short walk from the center. Stepping inside, we immediately felt the mix of traditional Austrian tavern and modern restaurant – warm wood tones, cozy alcoves, and an inviting atmosphere. The menu ranges from regional classics to creative reinterpretations.
💡Tip: The Wiener schnitzel here is one of the best in the region – large, golden brown, with a wonderfully crispy coating, served with cranberries and a fresh potato salad. We knew as soon as we took our first bite: The recommendation had paid off.
Strengthened, we then took it easy. We strolled through the small alleyways around the market, browsed through charming souvenir stores and were inspired by the shop windows. There was something to discover on every corner – from hand-painted ceramic cups to artfully packaged chocolates from the region.
The sun bathed the heart of Zell am See in a warm light, while the lively hustle and bustle made this place even more special.
Strolling by Lake Zell – From Promenade Views to the Grand Hotel
After lunch, we headed straight to Lake Zell. The water lay calm before us, sparkling in the sunlight and reflecting the snow-capped peaks of the Hohe Tauern – a panorama that felt like it belonged in a picture book. The air was crisp yet pleasant, and with every step along the lake promenade, new and impressive perspectives unfolded.
We strolled leisurely along the shore, past manicured gardens and small jetties, until the majestic Grand Hotel Zell am See rose before us. With its white façade and distinctive turrets right on the water, it is one of the town’s most iconic landmarks.
Here, time seems to slow down: guests relax on the terraces over coffee and cake, while boats quietly dock at the hotel’s private pier.
Tip: For a special experience, rent an electric boat or pedal boat in summer. From the water, you’ll gain an entirely new perspective of Zell am See – the town on one side and the mighty mountains forming a protective backdrop on the other.
A walk along Lake Zell is not only relaxing but also photogenic. Time and again, perfect postcard scenes appear: the interplay of water, mountains, and sky, or small details like vibrant flowers blooming along the path.
Elisabeth Park & Musical Fountains – Evening Magic in Zell am See
After our hearty lunch, we were drawn straight to Lake Zell. After just a few steps towards the shore, it lay before us – calm, glistening in the sunlight, as if someone had scattered a thousand tiny mirrors on the surface of the water.
The snow-covered Hohe Tauern mountains rose in the distance, their majestic white gently reflected in the deep blue water. We simply stopped for a moment, breathed in the fresh mountain air and let our gaze wander.
We strolled leisurely along the esplanade. With every step, new postcard views opened up: well-tended green spaces, colorful flowerbeds, small moorings where boats gently rocked in the water.
After a few minutes, the elegant Grand Hotel Zell am See appeared, its white façade and turreted towers rising directly from the lakeshore – a true landmark of the town. On the terraces, guests lingered over coffee and cake, their laughter mingling with the quiet hum of boats docking at the hotel’s private pier.
The walk along the lakeshore felt like a small open-air gallery: here a panorama of water, mountains, and sky; there a solitary bench under the shade of an old chestnut tree.
Bright blossoms lit up the path again and again, and we stopped often to take photos – each of us capturing our own favorite view of this Alpine gem.
Practical Information for Your Day in Zell am See & Kaprun – Updated for 2025
A day trip like this is packed with so many highlights that it’s easy to lose track. To help you plan your own adventure, here are the most important travel tips, seasonal advantages, must-see photo spots, and a sample itinerary for Zell am See & Kaprun.
Arrival
From Salzburg , you can reach Zell am See in about 1 hour 30 minutes – a scenic drive via Bavaria, Lofer ,and Saalfelden. Important: The route briefly crosses into Germany, so don’t forget to carry a valid ID card or passport.
Parking
Zell am See: Several parking garages directly in the center (approx. €2–3 per hour, daily rates available).
Kitzsteinhorn: Free parking at the valley station in Kaprun.
Seasonal Highlights
Summer: Boat trips on Lake Zell, lakeside promenade walks, ICE ARENA on the Kitzsteinhorn, and hiking in the Hohe Tauern.
Winter: Skiing on the Kitzsteinhorn, winter hikes, and the magical charm of the snow-covered old town.
What to Pack
Even on warm summer days, bring a windproof jacket and sturdy shoes for the Kitzsteinhorn – temperatures at 3,000 m are often in the single digits, and strong winds are common.
Best Photo Spots
Lakeside promenade near the Grand Hotel
“Top of Salzburg” viewing platform (3,029 m)
Market Square with a mountain backdrop
Sample Itinerary for a Perfect Day
Time | Program item |
|---|---|
08:30 | Departure from Salzburg via Bavaria, Lofer & Saalfelden |
10:00 | Stroll through the market & breakfast in Zell am See |
10:30-13:30 | Glacier adventure at the Kitzsteinhorn (incl. gondola ride & exploration) |
14:00 | Lunch in the center (e.g., Kupferkessel or Seehotel Bellevue) |
15:30 | Walk along Lake Zell & past the Grand Hotel |
17:00 | Visit Elisabeth Park & enjoy the first musical fountain show |
19:00 | Evening fountain show with lights & music in Elisabeth Park |
20:00 | Return to Salzburg |
Cost Estimate per Person (2025)
Posts | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|
Glacier experience Kitzsteinhorn: | 57-65 € |
Lunch | 15-25 € |
Drinks & snacks: | 5-10 € |
Parking | 5-10 € |
💡Tip: With the Zell am See-Kaprun Summer Card or regional guest cards, gondola and parking fees can be significantly reduced.
Return Journey with Alpine Magic – Our Conclusion
With the last notes of the music fountains and the gentle lapping of the water still in our ears, we made our way back to the car. The lights of Zell am See shimmered like sparkling stars on the dark surface of the lake, while in the distance the peaks of the Hohe Tauern slowly disappeared into the night.
The drive home took us past the majestic Grand Hotel, through the quiet town of Saalfelden, and onward toward Lofer. Soon we crossed briefly into the Berchtesgadener Land – a short detour over the Bavarian border – before returning to Salzburg.
Cool mountain air flowed in from the open windows and the smell of freshly mown hay lingered in the distance – a final greeting from the Alps before the lights of Salzburg appeared on the horizon.
We reviewed the day in our minds:
The leisurely breakfast at the market, the adventure at over 3,000 meters above sea level on the Kitzsteinhornthe walk along the glittering shores of Lake Zell and the colorful evening in the Elisabeth Park.
It was a day trip that had it all – nature, culture, culinary delights, and unforgettable moments. For anyone with only a single day to spare, this tour is not just doable, but truly rewarding.
And so our journey ended where it began – back in Salzburg – though now with a head full of vivid images and a heart filled with Alpine air.
Experience Zell am See & Kaprun in one day – book your tour now and enjoy glacier, lake & sunset up close!