Salzburg province · Austria
A lakeside resort town at the foot of Austria's highest mountain, and the single most dramatic high-altitude road drive in the Alps.
Photo: Renedrivers · CC BY-SA 3.0 at
Zell am See sits on the shore of the picturesque Zeller See, a turquoise Alpine lake ringed by mountains, close enough to Austria's highest peak, the Grossglockner, to serve as the natural base for exploring both the lake and the glacier country above it.
The region's centrepiece is the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, a spectacular 48-kilometre high-mountain road opened in 1935, climbing to over 2,500 metres through hairpin turns with views over glaciers, waterfalls and Austria's highest summit throughout.
That combination of a relaxed lakeside town and one of Europe's most dramatic drives makes the area a worthwhile stop for visitors wanting serious Alpine scenery without committing to a full ski-resort stay in Kitzbühel or Innsbruck.
Why visit
The region's case is that the Grossglockner High Alpine Road delivers Alpine drama unmatched anywhere else in Austria, with a relaxed lakeside base to return to.
48 kilometres of hairpin turns through glacier country, climbing to over 2,500 metres.
Turquoise water ringed by mountains, offering swimming, boating and lakeside walking.
The Pasterze, Austria's largest glacier, is directly viewable from the Grossglockner road's Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe viewpoint.
Comparable scenery to Kitzbühel or Innsbruck's surroundings, with noticeably fewer visitors.
Flexible for a dedicated stay or as an extension from Salzburg or Innsbruck.
Main attractions
The region's essential sights, spanning Zell am See's lake and the Grossglockner road above it.
A spectacular 48-kilometre toll road climbing through hairpin turns to over 2,500 metres, with views over glaciers and Austria's highest peak throughout.
Tip Check the road's opening dates before visiting — it typically operates from May to October and closes for winter.
The Grossglockner road's most famous viewpoint, offering a direct view of the Pasterze, Austria's largest glacier, though it has retreated considerably in recent decades.
Tip A funicular or walking path descends closer to the glacier's current edge for those wanting a nearer view.
A picturesque turquoise Alpine lake at the centre of Zell am See, ringed by mountains and offering swimming, boating and lakeside walking paths.
Tip A full walk or cycle around the lake's roughly 12-kilometre perimeter path is a pleasant half-day activity.
The Grossglockner road's highest viewpoint, reachable by a short side road, offering 360-degree panoramic views over the surrounding peaks.
Tip A worthwhile detour off the main road — allow extra time for the narrow access route and the view itself.
The mountain rising directly above Zell am See, reachable by cable car, offering sweeping views over the lake and surrounding Alps.
Tip The cable car runs year-round, serving skiers in winter and hikers in summer alike.
Things to do
Beyond the famous road and the lake, the region rewards both mountain activity and a relaxed lakeside pace.
The single most essential activity in the region, an unforgettable drive through high Alpine scenery unmatched elsewhere in Austria.
Tip Start early in the day for the clearest weather and lightest traffic on the narrow mountain road.
The lake's clean, cool water and mountain backdrop make it a popular summer swimming and boating spot.
Tip Several public swimming areas around the lake are free to access, alongside paid lidos with more facilities.
The mountain above Zell am See offers excellent hiking in summer and skiing in winter, both reachable directly by cable car from town.
Tip Summer hiking trails from the top station suit a wide range of fitness levels.
A well-maintained long-distance cycle route passes through the Zell am See area, following river valleys through the wider region.
Tip Bicycle rental is widely available in Zell am See for visitors without their own equipment.
An accessible glacier ski area near Kaprun, offering summer skiing and glacier viewing even outside winter season.
Tip A cable car and the '3K K-onnection' reach the glacier directly, worthwhile even for non-skiers for the high-altitude views.
Local food
The region's food centres on Salzburg province's Alpine specialties, served in scenic lakeside and mountain settings.
A shredded, caramelised pancake with fruit compote, a beloved mountain-hut classic across the Grossglockner road's rest stops.
Where to try it Mountain huts along the Grossglockner High Alpine Road and restaurants in Zell am See.
A regional cheese spätzle dish from the Pinzgau area around Zell am See, rich and satisfying after a day of hiking or driving.
Where to try it Traditional restaurants throughout Zell am See.
Fish from Zeller See, grilled or pan-fried, one of the local specialties at lakeside restaurants.
Where to try it Restaurants directly on Zeller See's shore.
A hearty pan-fried dish of potatoes, onions and roast meat, widely available as essential Alpine comfort food.
Where to try it Traditional gasthauses throughout Zell am See.
Mountain farms across the Pinzgau region produce good local cheese, often sold directly at farm shops.
Where to try it Farm shops and markets around Zell am See and along the Grossglockner road.
Accommodation
Zell am See itself works as the natural base for exploring both the lake and the Grossglockner road.
Transport
Zell am See is reached by train or road from Salzburg or Innsbruck, both convenient gateway cities.
Zell am See town is walkable, while the Grossglockner road and glacier require a car or organised tour.
When to go
The region splits into two seasons — the high alpine road is only open roughly May to October, while winter brings skiing on the Schmittenhöhe and Kitzsteinhorn.
The Grossglockner road typically reopens in May, though higher sections can retain snow and require caution early in the season.
The most reliable window for driving the full Grossglockner road and enjoying Zeller See's lake activities.
Still open for driving with thinning crowds, though the road typically closes for the season by late October.
The Grossglockner road closes entirely, but skiing on the Schmittenhöhe and nearby Kitzsteinhorn glacier remains excellent.
Worth planning around: Attempting the Grossglockner road outside its official open season (roughly May to October) — it closes completely for winter and reopening dates can shift with conditions.
Itinerary
The lake first, then the famous high alpine road.
The lakeside town's essentials.
The region's essential drive.
An optional third day for more mountain activity.
Travel tips
Practical notes on booking, timing and transport that make a real difference to a Zell am See and Grossglockner trip.
FAQ
Yes — it's widely considered one of Europe's most spectacular mountain drives, with views over glaciers and Austria's highest peak that justify both the toll and the drive time.
Typically from May to October, though exact dates shift year to year depending on snow conditions — check current opening dates before planning your visit, since the road closes completely for winter.
Two to three. Two covers Zeller See and a full Grossglockner road drive; three allows the Schmittenhöhe or Kitzsteinhorn glacier without feeling rushed.
For the Grossglockner road, yes — it isn't well served by public transport, though organised bus tours offer an alternative. Zell am See itself is walkable without a car.
June to September for driving the Grossglockner road and lake activities. December to March brings excellent skiing on the Schmittenhöhe and Kitzsteinhorn glacier, though the high alpine road itself is closed.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Zell am See & the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Tyrol, Austria
A medieval Tyrolean town turned world-famous ski resort, home to the legendary Hahnenkamm downhill race and a charming Alpine old town.
Don't miss The view from the top of the Hahnenkamm mountain, the legendary Streif downhill course dropping away below toward the town's colourful rooftops.
Explore Destination — KitzbühelTyrol, Austria
Tyrol's capital, its medieval old town wedged so tightly between the Alps that the mountains dominate the view from nearly every street.
Don't miss The view down Maria-Theresien-Strasse toward the snow-capped Nordkette range, the old town's baroque facades framed directly by the mountains behind them.
Explore Destination — InnsbruckSalzkammergut, Upper Austria, Austria
Austria's most photographed village, its pastel houses wedged between a mountainside and a turquoise Alpine lake.
Don't miss The classic view of Hallstatt from across the lake, the village's church spire and pastel houses stacked beneath the mountains and reflected in the water.
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