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Zell am See

Austria · Coast · EUR · 47.323500, 12.796900
Family friendly 6.8/10 · Rank 955 of 2 709
Best season: June-September (summer), December-March (winter)

Best for

Suitable for mountain and lake lovers, active holidays, and families.

Best season

June-September (summer), December-March (winter)

Daily budget
$197.00 (≈ 16 532 ₽ · ≈ 176 EUR)
For 7 days
$1 379.00 (≈ 115 726 ₽ · ≈ 1 232 EUR)
Zell am See offers two worlds in one: in summer you swim in the turquoise lake, in winter you ski down the Kitzsteinhorn glacier. The promenade is dotted with cosy restaurants serving local trout, while the cable car takes passengers to a panorama of over thirty alpine peaks.
Summer
25.0°C
Winter
-10.0°C
Sea
24.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

moderate

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Friendly, active, nature-loving.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Beautiful lake
  • Mountain scenery
  • Year-round outdoor activities
  • Relaxed atmosphere

Cons

  • High accommodation costs
  • Many tourists in season
  • Limited nightlife
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
14.2°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
22.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
25.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
-6.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
1.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
-10.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
22.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
24.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
summer (June-August)
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
golden
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gentle
Waves
Level of waves
weak
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
crystal clear
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Strandbad Zell am See
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
No
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
No
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
Yes
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
Yes
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
None
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
None
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
None
Sharks
Presence of sharks
None
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
low
Note

No dangers on the beach.

Sea urchins — details

  • Sea urchins are absent in Lake Zell am See as it is a freshwater body. Sea urchins inhabit exclusively marine saltwater and cannot survive in freshwater.
  • There is no danger from sea urchins for swimmers in the lake.

Corals and reefs — details

  • Corals are absent in Lake Zell am See as it is a freshwater body. However, fossilised corals around 200 million years old can be found in the limestone cliffs of the Steinernes Meer in the Zell am See area. These fossils are evidence of the region's marine past and pose no danger to humans.
  • Modern corals do not inhabit the lake, but palaeontological finds make this area interesting for geology enthusiasts.

Jellyfish — details

  • Craspedacusta sowerbii (freshwater jellyfish) — this species is found in some freshwater lakes in Europe, including water bodies in Austria. The jellyfish are small (up to 2 cm), and their polyps produce free-swimming medusae. They are harmless to humans and feed only on small zooplankton.
  • In Lake Zell am See, jellyfish pose no danger to swimmers as they do not sting and are not parasites.

Sharks — details

  • Sharks are absent in Lake Zell am See as it is a freshwater body. Sharks inhabit exclusively marine saltwater. The lake is home to about 70 fish species, including pike, perch, carp, and trout, but none of them are sharks.
  • There is no danger from sharks for swimmers in the lake.
Attractions

Lake Zell

Mountain lake with turquoise water and a promenade.

Schmittenhöhe

Mountain with a cable car and panoramic views.

Rosenberg Castle

Historic castle on a hill.

Old Town

Charming centre with shops and cafes.

Best areas

Town Centre

Main area with shops, restaurants, and the promenade.

Lakeside Area

Area along the lake with hotels and beaches.

Must-try food

Tyrolean Gröstl

Traditional dish of fried meat and potatoes.

Käsekrainer

Cheese sausage popular in Austria.

Strudel

Famous apple strudel.

Where to go next

Kaprun

Ski resort with a glacier, ~10 km.

Salzburg

Mozart's city, ~100 km.

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
moderate
Getting there
Nearest airports
Зальцбург Аэропорт им. В. А. Моцарта (SZG).
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Visa
Visa requirements
required (Schengen)
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
June-September (summer), December-March (winter)
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽ · ≈ 54 EUR
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$128.00
≈ 10 742 ₽ · ≈ 114 EUR
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$176.00
≈ 14 770 ₽ · ≈ 157 EUR
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$300.00
≈ 25 176 ₽ · ≈ 268 EUR
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$200.00
≈ 16 784 ₽ · ≈ 179 EUR
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$150.00
≈ 12 588 ₽ · ≈ 134 EUR
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$18.00
≈ 1 511 ₽ · ≈ 16 EUR
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽ · ≈ 36 EUR
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽ · ≈ 4 EUR
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$5.50
≈ 462 ₽ · ≈ 5 EUR
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$2.50
≈ 210 ₽ · ≈ 2 EUR
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$14.00
≈ 1 175 ₽ · ≈ 13 EUR
Burger
Average price for a burger
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽ · ≈ 11 EUR
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽ · ≈ 6 EUR
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 9 EUR
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽ · ≈ 71 EUR
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽ · ≈ 4 EUR
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 13 EUR
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$70.00
≈ 5 874 ₽ · ≈ 63 EUR
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽ · ≈ 22 EUR
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$45.00
≈ 3 776 ₽ · ≈ 40 EUR
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽ · ≈ 45 EUR
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$100.00
≈ 8 392 ₽ · ≈ 89 EUR
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$100.00
≈ 8 392 ₽ · ≈ 89 EUR
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽ · ≈ 27 EUR
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽ · ≈ 18 EUR
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Frequently asked questions
Zell am See: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is June-September (summer), December-March (winter). At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Zell am See: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +25.0°C, during the day — up to +22.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Zell am See: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +-10.0°C, during the day — up to +1.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Zell am See: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +24.0°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Zell am See: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on summer (June-August). During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Zell am See: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "sand" surface, golden sand, crystal clear water. The most popular beaches: Strandbad Zell am See. The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
Zell am See: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as low — you can swim and enjoy water sports without worry. Lifeguards are on duty on the beaches.
Zell am See: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $197.00 (≈ 16 532 ₽ · ≈ 176 EUR) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Zell am See: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $60.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $128.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $176.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $300.00 per night, an apartment — $150.00 per night, a villa — $200.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Zell am See: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $18.00, dinner at a restaurant — $40.00, a cup of cappuccino — $4.00, a 0.5L beer — $5.50, a 1.5L bottle of water — $2.50. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Zell am See: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $80.00, a single public transport ticket — $4.00, a short taxi ride — $15.00, car rental — $70.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Zell am See: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Lake Zell — Mountain lake with turquoise water and a promenade.; Schmittenhöhe — Mountain with a cable car and panoramic views.; Rosenberg Castle — Historic castle on a hill.; Old Town — Charming centre with shops and cafes.. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Zell am See: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Tyrolean Gröstl — Traditional dish of fried meat and potatoes.; Käsekrainer — Cheese sausage popular in Austria.; Strudel — Famous apple strudel.. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Zell am See: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Town Centre — Main area with shops, restaurants, and the promenade.; Lakeside Area — Area along the lake with hotels and beaches.. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Zell am See: is a visa required?
Visa: required (Schengen). Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Zell am See: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Зальцбург Аэропорт им. В. А. Моцарта (code SZG). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $80.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Zell am See: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — EUR. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $197.00 (≈ 16 532 ₽ · ≈ 176 EUR). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Zell am See: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Zell am See: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as moderate. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Zell am See: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Kaprun — Ski resort with a glacier, ~10 km.; Salzburg — Mozart's city, ~100 km.. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

6.8/10
Overall rank: 955 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 639