Swimming holidays in Austria Your summer at Lake Zell
Guarded by majestic peaks and with crystal-clear water, Lake Zell is one of the most beautiful lakes in Austria. In summer, it is the undisputed favourite place for locals and visitors: with a water temperature of 23 degrees, it promises pleasant refreshment during your summer holiday. No less than three lidos on the shores of Lake Zell invite you to spend relaxing days of swimming. Here you can find shaded spots on the sunbathing lawn or let off steam in the water. The activities available around Lake Zell range from stand-up paddling to surfing and sailing.
Summer holiday in Salzburg
Lake Zell is the heart of the region: this is especially evident in summer, when water sports enthusiasts and sun worshippers enjoy themselves around the lake and in the water. You can explore Lake Zell while swimming, sailing and surfing or enjoy the view of the water and the surrounding mountains from a boat.
Facts about Lake Zell
-
Lake Zell, like the city of Zell am See, lies at an altitude of approximately 750 m above sea level.
-
The lake's surface area is approximately 4.55 km² and its volume is approximately 180 million m³.
-
Lake Zell is approx. 3.8 km long and 1.5 km wide.
-
The maximum depth is 69.8 m.
-
Lake Zell is known for its excellent water quality, which is checked several times a year.
-
The water temperature in summer is usually between 20 and 24 degrees Celsius. In winter, the lake sometimes cools down so much that it freezes over and you can ice skate on it.
-
Around Lake Zell there is a flat running or walking route of approx. 11.2 kilometers in length.
Three lidos are waiting for you
No less than three lidos around Lake Zell invite you to a day of swimming: The lido in Zell am See, the lido in Thumersbach and the lido in Schüttdorf. In addition to direct access to the lake and a sunbathing lawn, all three also score with many facilities for activities: Diving towers and slides, water trampolines and children's playgrounds as well as heated pools provide variety during your swimming and aqua fun holiday.
Free of charge swimming areas in Zell am See-Kaprun
In addition to the three lidos with pools, restaurants, changing rooms, parasol rental and more, you will also find free of charge swimming areas around Lake Zell. These sunbathing areas with lake access are distributed along the shore. There are also two public swimming areas with sanitary facilities, both also free of charge: the Wieshof swimming area on the north shore and the Erlberg swimming area on the south shore.
Boat trips on Lake Zell
Welcome on board! Stand on deck, let the sun shine on your face, slowly sail across the water and watch the mountains and towns pass by: A trip on an excursion boat is a very special experience during your summer holiday. Four boats, including the nostalgic boat Libelle, are available for scheduled and panoramic trips, but also for special tours. You can buy your ticket for the boat trip on Lake Zell in our online shop.
Water sports on the lake & rental of boats
You've long wanted to go water skiing, try stand-up paddling or dream of pedal boating? Then Lake Zell is your summer holiday destination. Here you can book surfing and sailing courses, rent equipment, go boating on the lake or marvel at the view on panoramic tours.
Is Lake Zell suitable for swimming?
Yes, Lake Zell is a swimming lake and a popular destination in summer for both locals and visitors to swim and soak up the sun on one of the sunbathing lawns right by the shore. There are several lidos with heated pools and activities for children, as well as areas with free access for swimming. In addition, Lake Zell offers numerous opportunities for water sports such as stand-up paddling, sailing, triathlon and more.
What is the water temperature at Lake Zell?
In summer, Lake Zell typically reaches temperatures of around 20 to 24 degrees Celsius, offering a pleasant way to cool off on warm summer days. However, temperatures may vary depending on the weather.
Where are the lidos on Lake Zell?
There are three lidos on Lake Zell:
- The lido Zell am See, located right in the city centre on the western shore of Lake Zell, awaits you with a heated pool (including a slide), spacious sunbathing lawns, shady trees, and a diving tower.
- The lido Thumersbach is located in the Thumersbach district on the eastern shore of Lake Zell and can be reached, for example, by boat from the centre of Zell am See. In addition to spacious sunbathing lawns, the lido offers a heated pool, a playground, and a water trampoline in the lake.
- The third lido is located in the Schüttdorf district on the southern shore of the lake and is called lido Seespitz. It features long wooden jetties extending into the lake, as well as a heated pool and sunbathing lawns with trees.
All the lidos also feature small restaurants or bistros where you can buy something to eat and drink.
In addition, there are other swimming spots around the lake that invite you to relax in the sun.
What can you do at Lake Zell?
The answer is simple: plenty! The most popular activities at Lake Zell include:
- Swimming
- Going on a boat trip
- Water sports such as stand-up paddling, sailing, windsurfing and more
- Relaxing by the shore - either at the lidos (featuring heated pools, children's activities like slides, a water trampoline, and a diving tower, plus sunbathing lawns) or at one of the swimming spots around the lake
- Renting a rowboat, pedal boat, or electric boat
- Riding a banana boat or trying out water skiing
- Or staying dry by circling the lake on foot, by running, or by cycling - or trying your hand at the beach volleyball courts along the lakeshore
How long does it take to go around Lake Zell?
You can complete the circuit around Lake Zell on foot or by bicycle. The very flat route has a total length of approximately 11.2 kilometers.
Cyclists travel mostly on dedicated bike paths. You can circle the lake by bike in less than an hour. Details of the cycling route can be found here.
On foot, the walk around Lake Zell takes about 2.5 to 3 hours - though, of course, it is faster if you run. A large part of the route follows the lakeside promenade and passes through the nature reserve on the lake's southern shore. Details of the running route can be found here.