Trains pour Zell am See

Traveling by train to Zell am See, Austria, is the ideal way to reach this picturesque alpine resort and beautiful lake. From Salzburg Hauptbahnhof, the main train station in Salzburg, you can take the regional service of the ÖBB, Austrian Federal Railways, to Zell am See. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes and passes through the stunning Salzach Valley. The station in Zell am See, known as Zell am See-Kaprun Bahnhof, is conveniently located in the center of town. Transfer to the ski resort and other attractions is available by bus or boat. 

From Zell am See station, you can connect with local transport services that criss-cross the city and its surroundings. Local transport links include regular buses, which stop outside the station and connect to other key attractions in the area, such as the picturesque Schmittenhöhe mountain, the Zell am See-Kaprun ski resort, and various lakeside villages. Local trains connect to other destinations in the region, such as Mittersill and Krimml. 

In Zell am See, you can walk around the charming city center and nearby lake and visit various attractions, such as the City Beach, Schmittenhöhe cable car, Kitzsteinhorn glacier ski area, and many museums and churches. There is also an impressive variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and mountain biking. Shopping and dining options are plentiful, with many stores and restaurants serving local delicacies. 

If you're looking to experience the best of Zell am See, you can start your visit by taking a stroll around the lake and exploring the old town. Stop off at some of the cafés and restaurants to sample the local cuisine or take a boat ride to one of the lakeside villages for stunning views of the Alps. 

As one of Austria’s most popular ski resorts, Zell am See offers a wealth of attractions for those visiting the region. Visit the stunning Schmittenhöhe mountain, explore the crystal-clear lakeside, or simply relax in the charming town. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a culture aficionado, there’s something for everyone in Zell am See. Here’s a list of the seven must-see historical and architectural sites in Zell am See, with all the key information you need to plan the perfect trip. 

Schmittenhöhe Mountain: This iconic landmark offers incredible views of the town, lake, and surrounding mountains. Located around 3km from the centre of Zell am See, the Schmittenhöhe’s summit can be reached by the Schmittenhöhebahn cable car or via a number of hiking trails. Entrance to the cable car is free, but be sure to check the opening and closing times before you go.

Zeller See: This pristine lake is the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing stroll along the shoreline. You can explore the lake by bike or boat, or simply take a leisurely dip in the refreshing waters. 

St. Hippolyte’s Church: Situated in the heart of Zell am See, this magnificent building dates back to the 15th century and is home to a number of stunning frescoes and beautiful stained-glass windows. The church is open daily from 09:00 - 17:00 and entry is free. 

City Park: Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the City Park in the centre of Zell am See. This lovely stretch of greenery offers plenty of room to explore, and you can find a number of monuments and sculptures tucked within the park.

Vintage Train Museum: Learn about the history of rail travel in Austria at this fascinating museum, which houses a number of restored vintage locomotives, carriages, and interactive exhibits. The museum is open Tuesday - Saturday from 09:30 - 17:00 and entry costs €5 for adults.

Felber Sachsenhaus: Visit this unique 16th century building and explore the home of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s nanny, Anna Felber. The museum houses a number of fascinating exhibits. Entrance costs €6 for adults.

St. Heinrich Chapel: Situated on a small island in the middle of Lake Zell, this delightful chapel offers spectacular views across the lake and is one of the most photographed sites in the region. You can reach the chapel by boat for a small fee.

No visit to Zell am See would be complete without sampling some of the region’s local cuisine. Sample some of the area’s delicious cheeses, baked goods, and fresh produce, or tuck into a hearty plate of Kaiserschmarrn, a traditional dish of sweet pancakes.