Major city · Austria
Zell am See
Spend 2–3 days for lake, ski and town sights; a day trip to Kaprun or Grossglockner is optional.
Zell am See is an Alpine resort town on a 68 m deep lake, offering winter skiing, summer lake activities and easy rail links to Salzburg and Innsbruck. Two to three days cover the main attractions; extra time lets you visit Kaprun or the Grossglockner area.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- Dec–Mar for ski, Jun–Sep for lake and hiking
- avoid Jan–Feb can be very cold; late October may have limited ski lift service
- Airport
- Zell am See Airport
- Nights
- 2–3
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Central Europe ↗Six of the nine countries here — Austria, Switzerland, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary and Slovenia — charge a time-based motorway vignette, mostly digital and linked to the number plate; buy it before the first motorway past the border, because cameras, not toll booths, do the checking.
- Central Europe ↗Temporary police checks at internal Schengen borders are common in this region in 2026 (Germany, Austria, Poland, Slovenia among others — check): keep your passport on you on every cross-border train, bus and road even though there is no fixed control post.
- Austria ↗Austria is in the EU and the Schengen area: check entry rules, the EU Entry/Exit System and any travel authorisation requirement for your passport on official sources.
- Austria ↗Motorways and expressways need a vignette (digital or sticker); driving on them without one brings on-the-spot fines.
- Austria ↗Winter tyres or chains are required in winter conditions; hire cars from outside Austria may not have them fitted.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Zell am See112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Zell am See, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR).Austria-wide
- SIM or eSIMA1, Magenta and Drei are the networks; prepaid SIMs from shops and supermarkets (registration with ID).Austria-wide
- Tap waterTap water is excellent.Austria-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Round up or 5–10%, told to the server when paying.Austria-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Austria-wide
- SafetyZell am See is safe for tourists; watch for icy sidewalks in winter and keep valuables secured in ski‑area lockers.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets in cities cost €0.50 (≈ under US$1); cafés and museums have free ones for guests.Austria-wide
- Emergency numbers112 police · 144 ambulance · 140 Mountain rescue (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysShops close on Sundays and holidays; Saturday afternoon closures in small towns.Austria-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportZell am See Airport Zell am See Airport (3.5 km (2.2 mi) south of town, walking distance to Bruckberg im Pinzgau station).Zell am See Airport Zell am See Airport (2.2 mi (3.5 km) south of town, walking distance to Bruckberg im Pinzgau station).
- Getting aroundTrain to Zell am See station (hourly, 90 min from Salzburg).
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee in café€2–3 (≈ US$3–4)
- BeerBeer (0.5 l) in bar€4–6 (≈ US$5–7)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi 5 km (3.1 mi)Taxi 3.1 mi (5 km)€15–20 (≈ US$18–25)
- Budget bedHostel bed, a night, per person€30 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedDouble room (2 pax), a night, per room€130 (≈ US$160)
- High-end bedDouble room (2 pax), a night, per room€200 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €60 (≈ US$70) · Mid €90 (≈ US$110) · High €130 (≈ US$160)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- Zell am See Airport Zell am See Airport (3.5 km (2.2 mi) south of town, walking distance to Bruckberg im Pinzgau station)Zell am See Airport Zell am See Airport (2.2 mi (3.5 km) south of town, walking distance to Bruckberg im Pinzgau station)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Care
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
Feb
Care
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
Mar
Best
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
Apr
not flagged
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
May
not flagged
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Jun
Best
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Jul
Best
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Aug
Best
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Sep
Best
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Oct
Avoid*
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Nov
not flagged
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
Dec
Best
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
Best: Mar, Jun–Sep, Dec. Mixed: Jan–Feb. Avoid: Oct. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)), coolest Jan (1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C) low), wettest Jul (146 rain days), driest Feb (58). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Zell am See: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
59 rd
Feb
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
58 rd
Mar
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
58 rd
Apr
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
82 rd
May
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
106 rd
Jun
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
144 rd
Jul
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
146 rd
Aug
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
139 rd
Sep
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
98 rd
Oct
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
84 rd
Nov
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
92 rd
Dec
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
71 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Train to Zell am See station (hourly, 90 min from Salzburg). Within town, free Postbus with lift pass links ski area and Kaprun; taxis available. Parking free at night, paid daytime.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Kaprun
goDoor to door: ≈30 min
Postbus 660 from Postplatz, about 15 min
Cable‑car to Kitzsteinhorn glacier for summer hikes or winter skiing
Grossglockner High Alpine Road
cautionDoor to door: ≈2 h each way
Bus 260 to Saalfelden, then tour bus (check schedule)
Road may close early in winter; verify opening dates
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Hotel Salzburgerhof
5‑star, lake‑front, half‑board €130 per person / day
Hotel Berner
4‑star ski‑in/out, half‑board €78 per person / day
Boutique Hotel Steinerwirt 1493
B&B €49–69, central, wine cellar tour on request
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €60–80 (≈ US$70–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- €80–120 (≈ US$95–140) excl. bed
- High
- €120 (≈ US$140)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room (2 pax)1 × 2 nights × €130 | €260 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × €90 | €360 |
| ÖBB train Salzburg → Zell am See2 × €35 · check | €70 |
| Postbus lift‑pass (seasonal)2 × €120 · check | €240 |
| eSIM, 1‑week data2 × €25 · check | €50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €98 |
| Trip total≈ €270 per person per day, bed included | €1,078≈ US$1,300 |
2026 estimate in euros; flights and rail passes excluded.
Prices of common things
| Coffee in café | €2–3 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Alpine lunch (soup + meat) | €12–18 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Beer (0.5 l) in bar | €4–6 (≈ US$5–7) |
| Ski lift ticket (day) | €45–55 (≈ US$55–65) |
| Taxi 5 km | €15–20 (≈ US$18–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Last train to Salzburg departs around midnight; plan return.
- Parking zones require a paper ticket for daytime; free only overnight.
- Lift‑pass‑linked Postbus is free only with a valid ski pass.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 112
- Ambulance
- 144
- Mountain rescue
- 140
Pocket card
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Zell am SeeZell am See
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Bitte zu dieser AdresseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police112
- Ambulance144
- Mountain rescue140
Embassy
US consulate in Salzburg; other embassies in Vienna.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Salzburg → Zell am See, ÖBB: ≈ €35, 90 min, hourly
- Postbus free with lift pass: Free within ski area
- Taxi to airport (group): €120–150 (≈ US$140–180) each way, 8‑seat
Say or show
- Entschuldigung — Excuse me / Sorry (Entschuldigung)
- Danke — Thank you (Danke)
- Wie viel kostet das? — How much is it? (Wie viel kostet das?)
- Wo ist die Toilette? — Where is the toilet? (Wo ist die Toilette?)
- Kann ich mit Karte bezahlen? — Can I pay by card? (Kann ich mit Karte bezahlen?)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Zell am See. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–Mar for ski, Jun–Sep for lake and hiking · avoid Jan–Feb can be very cold; late October may have limited ski lift service · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 2 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Rail‑to‑hotel contracts for main hotels (check train‑hotel links).
- Free Postbus with lift pass for ski‑season moves.
- Night‑time parking zones for car‑owners.
Sources
Ask about Zell am See
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