Camping at the lake in Zell am See

Zell am See in the province of Salzburg is a top destination for camping holidaymakers all year round. In summer, the pitches with a view of the Alps around the popular recreational lake offer refreshment in the crystal-clear water. From spring to autumn, holiday guests can go on extensive hiking tours in the region. And those who spend their holiday on a winter campsite can look forward to winter sports activities, après-ski and romantic snow-covered landscapes.

Camping in Zell am See: all important information at a glance

Zell am See is located directly on the shores of the lake of the same name in Salzburger Land and is one of the most scenic regions in Austria. There are a number of beautiful campsites around the lake, which are aimed at families, active holidaymakers, water sports enthusiasts and those seeking relaxation.

The offer ranges from large holiday villages with comfortable pitches, parcelling and extensive leisure facilities to campsites close to nature on the lakeside promenade. Many of the sites also have a children's club, adventure centre, sports supervision and their own access to the beach - some even have a bathing island.

In addition to pitches for motorhomes and caravans, most sites also offer rental accommodation, holiday flats, bungalows and single and multi-bed rooms. Excursion programmes and the use of the numerous leisure and relaxation facilities can usually be booked on all sites. In some cases, a small local tax must also be paid.

The best campsites in Zell am See

Here are some recommendations for camping holidaymakers looking for a beautiful campsite in Zell am See.

Panoramacamp Zell am See

Family-run campsite and ideal starting point for hikes and mountain tours. The lake is within walking distance and the site is very quiet and well-kept. The site is open all year round and is therefore suitable for both summer holidays and winter camping. In winter, the huge Saalbach-Hinterglemm and Kaprun-Zell am See ski areas offer countless opportunities for sporting activities.

Camping Seecamp

Great campsite on the northern shore of Lake Zell with unbeatable panoramic views of the mountain peaks of the Hohe Tauern National Park. Water sports enthusiasts can use the kayak centre or hire a pedalo, and glacier skiing is also possible in summer on the nearby Kitzsteinhorn.

Woferlgut sports camp

Luxury campsite right on the lake in the Hohe Tauern National Park. The operators offer free hiking, cycling and mountain tours in summer and horse-drawn sleigh rides in winter. The campsite has a large wellness adventure centre, an indoor children's playground and a wide range of sports facilities. The "Alpenblick" bed and breakfast is just a few minutes away.

Camping Bad Neunbrunnen

This beautiful campsite with its own lake is located just north of Zell am See. The highlight is the view of the "Steinerne Meer". A cross-country ski trail runs right past the site and there are also a number of beautiful hiking trails in the surrounding area. There is a decent restaurant on site with good value for money.

ADAC tip: Seecamp campsite

For direct access to the lake, the campsites on the lakeside promenade around Lake Zell are ideal. The Seecamp Zell am See campsite stands out in particular. No wonder that the ADAC camping guide awarded Seecamp Zell am See a very high score.

The elongated site offers fantastic views of the surrounding mountains and is ideal for both motorhomes and tents. The site also has a deciduous tree area and an open area, which has been lined with trees. A grocery shop, a restaurant, a children's playground and Wi-Fi throughout the site round off the offer.

A noise barrier shields the campsite on the lake in Zell am See from the road, while the direct location on the lake makes access to the water easier. Another advantage is that dogs are allowed. The ADAC also recommends the Seecamp for winter sports enthusiasts and for families with children up to the age of twelve.

Weather and best time to travel for a camping holiday in Zell am See

Zell in See is a year-round destination for a camping holiday by the lake. It all depends on how you want to spend your holiday, as it is always high season here.

In summer, the region is particularly suitable for numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, trekking, mountain tours, mountain biking or water sports. There are numerous sailing schools and kayak schools around the lake, for example, and the campsites also offer corresponding leisure activities.

In the cold season, Zell am See is transformed into a skiing paradise and winter sports paradise. Numerous cross-country ski trails run through the area and there are several large ski areas for skiing. When the lake is frozen over, you can even go ice skating and sledging on it. There are also a number of winter hiking trails and indoor playgrounds if it gets too cold outside.

Holiday destinations

Where is the best place to spend your holiday? There are several highly recommended campsites for Zell am See. The area around Lake Zell is of course ideal for direct access to the lake, and the Seecamp Zell am See campsite stands out in this respect. The ADAC camping guide rightly honours Seecamp Zell am See with a very high score. The elongated site is ideal for both caravans and tents. The site also has a deciduous tree area and an open-air area that has been loosened up with trees. A grocery shop, restaurant, children's playground and Wi-Fi throughout the site round off the offer. A noise barrier shields the campsite on the lake in Zell am See from the road, and the direct lakeside location makes access to Wasserglück so much easier. Quiet nights and a fantastic location are the basic prerequisites for a wonderful holiday. Another advantage is that dogs are also allowed.

The ADAC also recommends the Seecamp for winter sports enthusiasts and for families with children up to the age of twelve. The Panorama Camp Zell am See, which is a good 500 metres from the southern shore of the lake, is similarly recommended. Between fields, meadows and trees and with a beautiful mountain view, the campsite is located in a true natural idyll. The ADAC also recommends the Panorama Camp Zell am See for winter sports enthusiasts and tent campers. Dogs are allowed and there is a snack bar, children's playground and WLAN for your physical well-being.

Top tips for campers in Zell am See

• Due to the favourable location of the campsites, the visit is suitable for swimmers and hikers as well as winter sports enthusiasts and nature lovers.
• From Zell am See, day trips can be made to mountains such as the Großglockner and the Hochkönig or the Berchtesgaden National Park can be visited.
• You can obtain a fishing licence from Sport Achleitner, the Seewirt restaurant or the Fishing Team.
• You can experience fun and action at the Thumersbach water ski lido with water skiing, wakeboarding, tyre rafting, giant banana and parachute.
• The Pinzgau local railway in Schüttdorf has steam locomotives with classic carriages that transport visitors through the picturesque landscapes of the Pinzgau mountains.

Activities and excursions in Zell am See

A diverse natural landscape and the rural tradition of the region offer a variety of sporting activities, winter sports, water sports and culinary excursions.

Winter sports and summer hikes on the Schmittenhöhe

Zell's local mountain, the Schmittenhöhe, offers extensive winter sports opportunities and an unforgettable holiday. Different levels of difficulty provide the right offer for every visitor. Children and ski beginners can practise on leisurely family pistes, while pros can race down black-marked pistes such as Trass and Standard.

The Schmittenhöhe has 77 kilometres of pistes, including night skiing, and the longest Funslope in the world. The mountain also has numerous cosy huts for authentic après-ski. In good weather, many restaurants with terraces offer views of up to 30 three-thousand metre peaks of the Hohe Tauern.

During the summer, the Schmittenhöhe and the neighbouring mountains entice you to go on extensive hiking tours through the spectacular natural landscape. Routes such as the Maurerkogel start and end at the Schmittenhöhe and lead through marvellous mountain panoramas. Well-equipped mountain huts and hiking lodges provide hearty refreshments along the way.

Experience the elemental force of the Krimml waterfalls

During the hot months, thawing water forms the Krimmler Ache river. This creates the world-famous Krimml Waterfalls, which are among the fifth highest waterfalls in the world with a drop of 380 metres. The Krimml Waterfalls are a true natural spectacle, especially in summer, and the accompanying 4-kilometre hiking trail leads to various viewing points from which you can observe the brute force of nature at close quarters.

The highest waterfalls in Europe even have healing properties, as the resulting spray releases water ions that have beneficial effects on body and mind. The waterfalls are therefore a popular health resort. The spectacular journey from Zell am See, 53 kilometres away, leads through a long valley past densely forested Alpine slopes.

Events

Throughout the year, you can experience a wide variety of celebrations and events in the region around Lake Zell. The varied programme includes both time-honoured, traditional customs as well as modern, trendy events against an outstanding backdrop.

January

• The legendary GP Ice Race thrills motorsport fans for three days with hot racing cars in the freezing cold.

January - March

• Spectacular ski shows with pyrotechnics, light and music take place every Wednesday, leaving spectators in awe.

February-March

• The annual children's carnival takes place at Kaprun Castle, where costumed young guests experience a very special day with a children's DJ and entertainment.

May

• At the town market in Zell am See, local delicacies can be savoured and a variety of fresh products purchased. The number of stalls increases every week until the summer.

July

• The Zell Summer Night Festival awaits guests with clowns, jugglers and rousing music. There are also delicacies from the Alpine and Mediterranean regions.

November - December

• The Zell Sternenadvent market welcomes guests with lovingly decorated market huts and invites you to stroll around.