Established in the 8th Century, Zell am See’s old quarter is set on the banks of the Zeller See, under a dramatic backdrop of mountains, namely the 2,000-metre Schmittenhohe. Lake Zell is a deep glacial reservoir with clear alpine waters, 4.5 kilometres long and 850 to 1,400 metres wide, and covering an area of 4.7 square kilometres. The town ranks among the top leading resorts in the Middle Pinzgau, being visited all year round. Snow conditions in the area are ideal from December to late April.
Zell am See is geared towards beginners and intermediate skiers, and also has a great deal to offer non-skiers – bustling nightlife, cosy cafés, classy restaurants and plenty of pleasant paths for taking strolls. Skiing is possible between 915 and 2,745 meters. The resort’s 59 runs total 130 kilometres, with nine of them geared towards advanced skiers. The cross-country slopes amount to 300 kilometres. The entire facility is equipped with 12 gondolas, 15 chairlifts and a total of 57 lifts. The rather affordable Zell am See - Kaprun Ski Pass covers slopes in both resort, and a free shuttle bus runs between the two every 15 minutes. Kur-und-Sportzentrum is another hotspot for sports fans. An ice-skating ring, abundance of saunas and an indoor swimming pool are at your disposal.
Zell am See also has a historic charm, boasting some old buildings worth exploring. The 12th-Century Kastnerturm, or the Constable's Tower, is the town’s oldest structure. The Pfarrkirche (Parish Church), an 11th-Century Romanesque building, contains a late-Gothic choir dating from the 16th Century. Castle Rosenberg, another 16th-Century edifice, once served as the Salzburg’s residence. This building, in the southern Bavarian style, contains the Rathaus and a gallery. A folklore museum is housed in the old tower, the Vogtturm, set near the town square. The tower itself boasts 1,200 years of history.
Zell am See is a major stop along the railway lines between Salzburg and Innsbruck. Frequent connections are also possible with Klagenfurt. Zell am See is also a hub for several bus routes heading into the surrounding mountains. Drivers from Salzburg should head south on the A10 until they reach the junction with Route 311, where they should turn west.