Guest guide Zell am See-Kaprun

Holidaying like an insider? Everyone wants that! This brochure is your personal travel companion, telling you how you can move between mountain panoramas and Kaiserschmarrn in style like a local, and you’ll learn how we Austrians tick. Become a Zell am See-Kaprun insider now!

Experience Zell am See-Kaprun
Outdoor Guide
Dog Guide
Environment Guide
Accommodation Guide
Accessibility when out and about
Culinary Guide
Lifestyle Guide
Mobility & Parking
Currency, postal services & more
Cards & Tickets
Emergency & Contact

Yes, we have our guidelines. But don't worry, we don't take ourselves too seriously and are looking forward to getting to know your culture too. This brochure is your personal travel companion, telling you how to move between mountain panoramas and Kaiserschmarrn in style like a local. We may be attached to our traditions, but our hearts and doors are open to anyone who comes to us with a good portion of humour and curiosity. Everyone is welcome. Whether in jeans, traditional costume, or T-shirt, with a sun hat or baseball cap. It is not what you wear, but the respectful interaction that radiates beyond any attire and, of course, your happy smile that matter to us.

EXPERIENCE ZELL AM SEE-KAPRUN

An abundance of experiences for everyone: the trio of glacier, mountain and lake in Zell am See-Kaprun is a unique combination. The fun on your summer holiday starts in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Zell at 750 metres above sea level and extends to over 3,000 metres on the Kitzsteinhorn glacier. Fancy hiking, biking, trail running, golf, yoga, SUP, swimming, or paragliding? Here, everyone will find the perfect experience and sporty challenges that provide variety. No matter what, no matter how: This trio of glacier, mountain and lake will make the heart beat faster!

Comparison of a peaceful mountain hike and a relaxing lakeside stroll with mountains and water in the background. | © Zell am See-Kaprun Tourismus

Fun in the great outdoors

Safety is our top priority. Whether biking, hiking, or skiing - our experienced mountain guides, instructors, and coaches  make sure that you can enjoy nature without any worry. We also provide top equipment and tours full of variety.

Two people hike on a green hillside with a view of mountains and a ski area on the Schmittenhöhe in Zell am See-Kaprun. | © Zell am See-Kaprun Tourismus

OUTDOOR GUIDE

  • Please only cycle on designated bike trails.

  • You should push your bike on footpaths and hiking trails.

  • Only use your mobile phone with headphones when cycling.

  • Helmets are compulsory for children up to the age of 12 when cycling.

  • We also recommend that all other cyclists wear a helmet.

  • Swimming is permitted in our many indoor and open-air pools and designated bathing areas. You can freely choose your swimwear - from swimming trunks to swimming costumes, bikinis and burkinis.

  • Please do not leave any rubbish in the countryside and use the rubbish bins provided.

  • Always stay on the marked trails and do not pick any plants.

  • Keep the noise level to a minimum, thus not to disturb wildlife or other guests.

  • Avoid collisions on narrow trails: When hiking and cycling, keep on the right and overtake on the left.

  • Always wear suitable safety equipment for activities such as climbing, water sports or mountaineering.

HOLIDAYS WITH DOGS: FOR THE FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS

Our region offers dog owners stunning views as well as numerous leisure facilities for joint activities.

Person hiking with a dog on a meadow with a mountain lake in the background. | © Zell am See-Kaprun Tourismus

dog GUIDE

  • Please bear in mind that dogs must be kept on a leash in the entire municipal area of Zell am See and Kaprun, and that muzzles are compulsory on the cable cars. Dogs are allowed to run and play freely in our dog zones such as on the Erlberg or the Klammsee reservoir. Dogs must also be kept on a leash in parks, busy footpaths and on the hiking trails on the mountain. Staff at many restaurants - in the valley and on the mountain - are happy to welcome dogs.

  • Your dog must wear a muzzle when travelling on public transport and at some events as well as at some shops and in other crowded places.

  • Every dog must be identifiable by a microchip.

  • Pack a poop bag: Dog poop can be disposed of properly at the dog poop stations throughout the area. This is not only considerate towards other visitors, but dog poop can also cause great damage to the sensitive ecosystem of nature.

  • Your dog needs a valid pet passport issued by a vet, and up-to-date rabies vaccination.

  • Nothing speaks against splashing around in the water, as long as the leash or muzzle requirement is observed. However, dogs are prohibited at lidos and in public bathing areas.

SUSTAINABILITY & NATURE CONSERVATION : GREEN & GREAT 

Preserving our ecological heritage while remaining an attractive holiday destination is our top priority. We live not only from tourism, but also with our guests! 

Landscape with a lake surrounded by mountains and green meadows on a sunny day. | © Nikolaus Fiastauer
Landscape with a lake surrounded by mountains and green meadows on a sunny day. | © Nikolaus Fiastauer

ENVIRONMENT GUIDE

  • Cleanliness is very important to us in Zell am See-Kaprun.

  • We would be delighted if you could help us to protect the environment by throwing your rubbish in the bins provided, and separating and recycling it. For example, we separate plastic, glass, cans, cardboard/paper, residual waste, and organic waste.

  • Please always use the correct bins for your waste. There are signs in public places and parks that show you where you can dispose of different types of waste.

  • Keep nature, public spaces, and toilets as clean and inviting as you would like to find them.

  • Stay on the designated trails and avoid disturbing plants and animals.

  • Our water comes directly from the mountains and is fresh and pure. Therefore, the tap water can be enjoyed at every accommodation.

ACCOMMODATION: A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP

Here, where the day doesn’t end before the stars twinkle over the mountains, everyone will find their perfect retreat! However, it is not always easy to find a place to sleep in the peak season. If you want to be on the safe side, you should book early.

View of a hotel with two pools in a mountainous landscape with a lake in the background. | © Hotel Salzburgerhof

ACCOMMODATION GUIDE

  • Please respect the quiet times: at nighttime from 10 pm – 7 am

  • Waste should be disposed of in the bins provided.

  • Costs for cleaning or repair may apply in the event of damage, soiling or other contamination.

  • Daily cleaning is not standard in terms of sustainability and varies from accommodation to accommodation.

  • When booking, please specify all fellow travellers, including children, so that the accommodation provider can prepare everything perfectly for you.

Accessibility when out and about 

Accessibility is no problem in Zell am See-Kaprun! Our "Adventure Excursions" brochure features a wheelchair pictogram to mark the accessible sights. Highlights include a boat trip on Lake Zell and a trip to the Schmittenhöhe or the Kitzsteinhorn for an unforgettable view. There are also some accommodation establishments ensuring accessibility. You can find further details on our accessible holiday page.

MOMENTS OF ALPINE DELIGHT

In Zell am See-Kaprun, you can look forward to a variety of flavours - including vegetarian and vegan, which are as diverse and unique as the landscape itself. The traditional and innovative cuisine of Zell am See-Kaprun is a perfect blend of savoury and sweet dishes that are deeply rooted in the local culture, such as Pinzgauer Kasnocken (small spaetzle melted with cheese, often served with fried onions), Pinzgauer Bladln (pastry filled with potatoes and bacon, usually served with sauerkraut as a side dish), cheese dumpling soup (a hearty meat broth with pressed cheese dumplings) or Kaiserschmarren (a type of torn pancake dusted with icing sugar, often served with apple puree, or stewed plums). 

Family dining on a terrace with mountain views at Schmittenhöhe during summer. | © Zell am See-Kaprun Tourismus

CULINARY GUIDE

  • Honey, sausages, or dairy products - if you want to know where the products come from, it's best to visit the producers. You can buy everything you need for a traditional snack as well as typical regional souvenirs at many fine food shops.

  • Enjoy exciting new interpretations of fine haute cuisine.

  • Experience culinary delights at the region's excellent Toque-awarded restaurants.

  • Combine your discovery tours with culinary breaks at quaint mountain huts.

  • Our restaurants serve a wide range of diverse dishes. Whether vegan, vegetarian, or other special dietary requirements - we have something for everyone.

  • In some restaurants, the service staff speak English as well as other international languages. This means that everyone can relax and embark on a culinary journey of discovery.

LIFESTYLE: SHOP, STROLL & RELAX

Our pedestrian zone in Zell am See or our village centre in Kaprun are more than just shopping streets. They are a melting pot of cultures, where traditional craftsmanship is combined with modern design. The best place to discover and explore the facets of our region, which proudly cultivates its roots and at the same time looks to the future, is here.

Pedestrians exploring the picturesque pedestrian street in Zell am See with colorful buildings and flowers in the foreground. | © Zell am See-Kaprun Tourismus

LIFESTYLE GUIDE

  • The proprietors of shops and restaurants adhere to fixed opening hours and prices. Most shops open on weekdays from 9am – 6pm or 7pm, and on Saturdays from 9am – 5pm or 6pm. Restaurants usually open between noon and 10pm. Cafés often serve breakfast in the morning. Tip: Opening hours may vary in the low season and at weekends. It is worth enquiring about the exact times in advance. You can find these updated daily in our Zell am See-Kaprun App.

  • Enjoy the peace and quiet in the wellness areas. It's best to switch off your mobile phone or put it on silent and immerse yourself in the relaxing atmosphere.

  • The right clothing ensures that everyone feels comfortable at the indoor pools and spas.

  • Whether for a spa treatment or a bus, punctuality signals appreciation for the staff and other guests.

  • Local produce is not only unique, but also supports local producers.

  • A small tip after a restaurant visit (10-15%) is a nice way to say thank you.

  • Our sauna culture reflects the openness and tradition of the region. In many European countries, the sauna is enjoyed with restraint. This is not the case in Austria, Germany, and Scandinavia. Here, enjoying a sauna naked is appreciated as part of the wellness tradition.

  • There are a few things to consider when purchasing cultural treasures. You can find details on the Cultural Property Checklist (Page only available in German).

  • Cultural artifacts are part of our shared heritage. Please do not touch or take anything – their protection is regulated by the Monument Protection Act (Page only available in German).

FINALLY ARRIVED

Here, in one of Austria's most beautiful regions, the mountains are high, the lakes are clear and the rules... well, let's just say they are unavoidable. So that you can enjoy your stay carefree and not becoming unwantedly the centre of attention, here are the most important rules of conduct on the road and useful telephone numbers.

Travelers disembark from a bus to start a hike amidst mountain scenery. | © Zell am See-Kaprun Tourismus

MOBIL IN ZELL AM SEE-KAPRUN

  • GUEST MOBILITY TICKET: More relaxed and environmentally friendly through Zell am See-Kaprun? Then use the Guest Mobility Ticket Salzburg. The ticket includes all public transport in the federal state of Salzburg - from the first night of your stay.

  • Road safety: Obeying the traffic rules is very important in Austria. These rules are especially important for your safety if you travel with children. The Austrian road network is very well developed, but you must always adhere to the speed limits: 50 km/h in built-up areas, 100 km/h on state roads and 130 km/h on motorways. Using the motorway is subject to tolls!

  • Safety regulations: In Austria, as in the entire EU, everyone must wear a seatbelt. Children under the age of 14 and less than 150 cm in height must be transported in an appropriate child seat. Only ride a motorbike with a helmet. Phoning while driving? Only with hands-free equipment!

  • Parking: To avoid traffic jams and parking tickets, we recommend only using public car parks and avoiding areas with heavy traffic.

  • Drinking and driving: There is a strict drink-drive limit of less than 0.5. Exceeding this limit can result in heavy fines and disqualification from driving. Winter equipment: Cars and lorries with a total weight of up to 3.5 t must be fitted with winter tyres on all wheels from 1 November to 15 April when there is snow or ice.

CURRENCY AND PAYMENT

Currency

The currency in Austria is the Euro. Guests from the euro zone can pay as usual. Travellers from non-euro countries should keep an eye on the current exchange rate.

Bargaining

Prices are fixed in all shops. You can sometimes negotiate discounted prices at flea markets and farmers' markets.

Cash & cards

Although many shops accept credit cards - you will see the respective card logo at the shop entrance - some cash for small purchases and tips always comes in handy.


MAIL & COMMUNICATION

Postal services

The three central post offices in Zell am See, Schüttdorf and Kaprun are hard to miss thanks to their clear post office labelling.

Phone calls

Thanks to EU roaming, many guests can use the usual services of their providers in Austria. In exceptional cases, mobile phone providers may charge additional costs; this must be stated in your contract. Free WLAN hotspots are also available in many places.

CARDS & TICKETS

With our special holiday cards, you can discover every corner of the region. Whether mountain peaks, crystal-clear lakes, or cultural treasures - there are a suitable tickets and numerous bonus services for everyone.

CARDS FOR PURCHASE

  • The Hike & Swim Ticket: Perfect for all those who want to explore both mountain and lake.
  • The SalzburgerLand Card: This card opens the door to numerous attractions far beyond Zell am See-Kaprun.

INCLUDED CARDS

  • More holiday for less money: The Guest Card & Guest Mobility Ticket: for every overnight stay in Zell am See-Kaprun. Using the Guest Mobility Ticket, you can use all public transport in Salzburg. The guest card is your key to great mountain adventures and exciting excursions.
  • The Zell am See-Kaprun Summer Card (valid from 15 May to 31 October): Included at many partner businesses. It is the free ticket to many top attractions in the region.

USEFUL INFORMATION

EMERGENCY & BREAKDOWN ASSISTANCE

  • Fire brigade: 122
  • Police: 133
  • Ambulance: 144
  • Mountain rescue: 140
  • General emergency number: 112 
  • ÖAMTC breakdown service : 120
  • ARBÖ breakdown service: 123

TOURIST INFORMATION

The experts at the Zell am See and Kaprun tourist information centre know the most popular hiking and cycling routes, recommend inviting accommodation establishments, and reveal exclusive tips for culinary experiences.