Lake Zell: Swimming, Boat Trips & Holidays in Zell am See-Kaprun
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Lake Zell is the blue heart of the region: nearly four kilometres long, up to 23 degrees in summer and clean enough to be advertised as drinking-water quality. Everything that defines Zell am See-Kaprun gathers around it, the lidos, the boat trips, the Schmittenhöhe and the old town of Zell am See. How to make the most of lake and region, with a quiet base in Kaprun: Chalet Kaprun, ten minutes from the shore.
Lake Zell at a glance
Around four and a half square kilometres of water, 3.8 kilometres long, close to 70 metres deep: Lake Zell is no giant, but a remarkably clean one. Fed by groundwater and streams, it reaches up to 23 degrees in midsummer and is officially promoted as having drinking-water quality. The town of Zell am See lines one shore with its promenade, quieter Thumersbach faces it across the water, and the Kaprun valley begins at the southern end.
Swimming in Lake Zell: three lidos
Three lidos share the shoreline, each with its own character: the Zell am See lido with adventure pool, giant slide and diving tower, the natural lido at Thumersbach with evening sun and a view of the town, and the Seespitz lido with wooden jetties and a solar-heated pool. Entry costs €10.80 for adults, €5.90 for children, the family ticket €25.50 (2026). With the Zell am See Summer Card, all three are free.
Boat trips on Lake Zell
Boats have crossed Lake Zell for over a century. The panoramic round trip on the MS Schmittenhöhe takes about 45 minutes and leaves hourly from the Esplanade in high season (€24 adults, €12 children, season 1 May to 1 November 2026). New for 2026 is the electric boat "Maria Franziska von Trapp", and on summer Mondays there are evening cruises. With the Summer Card, the round trip is included, as often as you like.
The lake loop: 11 kilometres at the water
Once around the lake is roughly eleven kilometres, flat and almost always at the water: a good two hours on foot, about one by bike. If you'd rather be on the water, rent a rowing, pedal or electric boat, a SUP or a sailing dinghy at the Esplanade.
Time for two
The lake keeps a few moments for couples: the Monday evening cruise (€33, midsummer), a stroll along Esplanade and Elisabeth Park once the day guests have left, or an afternoon at the TAUERN SPA, 20% cheaper with the Summer Card. The quiet retreat afterwards: your own sauna at the chalet.
Schmittenhöhe: the panorama mountain
The Schmittenhöhe (1,965 m) is Zell am See's local mountain and the region's panorama classic: from the summit you overlook the lake, the town and some 30 three-thousanders. In summer the 2.5-kilometre panorama promenade and the four-lakes art walk cross the mountain, while children head for Schmidolin's dragon park. The ride up normally costs €45 (2026); with the Summer Card you ride free.
In winter the Schmitten is the town's ski area with 77 kilometres of slopes: the cityXpress leaves from the centre of Zell am See, and the Ski ALPIN CARD links it with the Kitzsteinhorn and Saalbach.
Zell am See & Kaprun: two villages, one region
Zell am See and Kaprun sit eight to ten kilometres apart; bus 660 shuttles roughly every 30 minutes during the day and takes about 20 minutes, free with the Guest Mobility Ticket. The roles are clearly cast: Zell am See brings town life at the water, with the Romanesque church of St Hippolyt, the town square and the lakeside promenade. Kaprun brings the mountains, from the excursion programme around glacier, reservoirs and gorge to the quiet base away from the bustle.
Excursions further afield
The region is also a launching pad: the Grossglockner High Alpine Road starts at the Ferleiten toll gate, about 24 kilometres from Kaprun (car day ticket €46.50, season from 25 April 2026). The Krimml Waterfalls, at 380 metres Austria's tallest, are just under an hour's drive. And with the Hohe Tauern National Park, Austria's largest national park lies on the doorstep, including the National Park Worlds in Mittersill, free with the Summer Card.
Quiet base, everything close: Chalet Kaprun
Chalet Kaprun sits on Kaprun's quiet sunny side: no through traffic, everything within reach, the lake in ten minutes by car, the cable cars even faster. With 6 bedrooms and room for 10 it works for families and groups of friends alike, and couples get sauna and terraces to themselves. The Summer Card for lake, boat and mountains lies ready at check-in; dogs are welcome, more on our holidays with dog page.
Frequently asked questions about Lake Zell
How warm is Lake Zell?
Up to around 23 degrees in midsummer, pleasant for swimming from June well into September.
Can you swim in Lake Zell?
Very much so: the lake is promoted with drinking-water quality, and three lidos with lawns line the shore.
How long is the lake loop?
Roughly eleven kilometres: a good two hours on foot, about one hour by bike.
What do the boat trips cost?
The panoramic round trip €24 for adults and €12 for children (2026 season). With the Summer Card it's included.
How far is Kaprun from Zell am See?
Eight to ten kilometres, around ten minutes by car. Bus 660 runs about every 30 minutes and is free with the Guest Mobility Ticket.
Does the lake freeze in winter?
In cold winters yes, and after official clearance it becomes a natural ice rink. It can't be counted on though; mild winters leave it open.
Is the Schmittenhöhe worth it?
For the panorama over lake and three-thousanders: yes. With the Summer Card the ride up costs nothing, otherwise €45 (2026).
Lake in the morning, glacier in the afternoon: your base sits in between.
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