# 🇦🇹 Zell am See — Austria

> Zell am See is an Alpine resort where a lakeside promenade, the Schmittenhöhe ski lifts and a charming compact center sit just minutes apart. Israelis mainly come for winter skiing across the Ski ALPIN CARD area and nearby Kitzsteinhorn glacier, or for summer family hikes, panoramic viewpoints, boating and swimming in Lake Zell. Spa hotels and convenient access from Salzburg make it an excellent choice for couples and families seeking nature without sacrificing comfort.

## Quick facts

- **Country:** Austria
- **Currency:** EUR (€)
- **Time zone:** שעה אחת פחות מת״א בחורף ובדרך כלל גם בקיץ
- **Language:** גרמנית
- **Power plug:** C / F · 230V
- **Visa for Israelis:** אין צורך בוויזה לישראלים לשהייה קצרה באזור שנגן, בכפוף לתנאי הכניסה העדכניים
- **Safety:** בטוח מאוד; בחורף חשוב להקפיד על כללי המסלולים, מזג האוויר וכיסוי ביטוחי לספורט חורף
- **Main airport (IATA):** SZG
- **Trips from:** ₪4,190 / 5 nights
- **Traveler rating:** 4.8/5

## Best time to visit

- **Recommended months:** December, January, February, March

## Weather by month

Measured in Zell am See.

| Month | Avg. temp | Conditions |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ינו | 2°C | Excellent |
| פבר | 4°C | Excellent |
| מרץ | 9°C | Excellent |
| אפר | 14°C | Cool |
| מאי | 18°C | Recommended |
| יונ | 21°C | Recommended |
| יול | 23°C | Excellent |
| אוג | 23°C | Excellent |
| ספט | 19°C | Recommended |
| אוק | 14°C | Cool |
| נוב | 7°C | Cool |
| דצמ | 3°C | Excellent |

## Where to stay

- **Zell am See Town Centre** — Best for: Couples, first-time visitors and travelers who prefer not to drive. Compact lanes around Stadtplatz, restaurants and bars within walking distance, plus easy access to the lake, train station and CityXpress gondola.
- **Schüttdorf** — Best for: Families, skiers and travelers with a car. A practical, quieter district south of the centre, with supermarkets, parking and quick access to the AreitXpress gondola and the lake's southern shore.
- **Thumersbach** — Best for: Couples, families seeking peace and nature lovers. The quiet lakeshore delivers postcard views toward Zell am See and the mountains, swimming at Strandbad Thumersbach and a village atmosphere away from the centre.
- **Kaprun** — Best for: Families, skiers, younger travelers and fans of spas and outdoor attractions. A lively resort town about 15 minutes from Zell am See, with après-ski bars, Tauern Spa and access to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier.
- **Fischhorn** — Best for: Families, groups and travelers seeking spacious apartments and quiet. A rural base between Zell am See and Kaprun, convenient for road trips and rental cars but less suitable for walking out at night.

## Getting around

- **Airport to city:** Salzburg Airport is the most convenient gateway. A pre-booked shuttle to Zell am See takes around 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes and usually costs ₪180-300 per person, while a private taxi is about ₪650-900 per vehicle. By public transport, take a bus to Salzburg Hbf and continue by train to Zell am See, for a total of roughly 2 to 2.5 hours and ₪80-160 per person.
- **Do you need a car?** A car is not essential if you stay in the centre and focus on the lake, Schmittenhöhe and Kaprun, as trains, buses and lifts work well. It is worthwhile for families staying in an outlying apartment or anyone planning day trips to the Kaprun reservoirs, Krimml, Kitzbühel or the Grossglockner High Alpine Road; in winter, book a car with winter tires and check whether snow chains are required.
- **Transport tips:** Check whether your accommodation includes the Zell am See-Kaprun Summer Card, which can cover summer lifts, boat trips and attractions and save a family hundreds of shekels. Bus 660 connects Zell am See, Kaprun and Kitzsteinhorn; evening service and connections to areas such as Thumersbach are less frequent, so check the final departure in advance.

## What it costs (for Israeli travelers)

- **Round-trip flight from TLV:** ₪900-2,200 (to Salzburg)
- **Mid-range hotel nightly:** ₪550-1,000 (double room)
- **Restaurant meal:** ₪70-140
- **Local beer:** ₪20-30
- **Cup of coffee:** ₪13-22
- **Short taxi ride:** ₪45-90
- **Rental car daily:** ₪180-380 (before fuel)
- **Daily budget per person:** ₪450-850 (excluding flight)

## Kosher food, Chabad & Jewish community

- **Chabad house:** There is no permanent year-round Chabad house in central Zell am See, and the town does not have a dependable permanent selection of kosher restaurants. Seasonal Jewish services may operate in the Zell am See-Kaprun area when many Israelis visit, but travelers should not rely on them without direct confirmation before departure. For prayers, Shabbat meals or a minyan, check in advance with Chabad Salzburg and your accommodation. — Rating 4.9/5 (126 reviews) · Address: Linzer G. 76, 5020 Salzburg, אוסטריה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=2457643392604542352) · [Website](http://chabadsalzburg.com/)
- **Kosher food:** Strictly kosher travelers usually book an apartment with a kitchen, bring dry goods from Israel and buy fruit, vegetables, eggs and packaged products at supermarkets such as BILLA, SPAR and HOFER after checking certification. Those comfortable with kosher-friendly choices can find vegetarian dishes, simple fish, pizza and salads, but kitchens are not kosher and preparation may be shared. For Shabbat, choose accommodation within walking distance of the town centre and shop before Shabbat begins, as stores close early and many are closed on Sundays.

## Attractions

- **Schmittenhöhe** (Duration: 4–6 hours) — Rating 4.7/5 (210 reviews) · Address: Schmittenhöhe, 5721 Piesendorf, אוסטריה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=2609259247063781167)
- **Lake Zell** (Duration: 2–4 hours) — Rating 4.8/5 (867 reviews) · Address: Lake Zell, 5700 Zell am See, אוסטריה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=549009406237162807)
- **Zell am See Old Town and Stadtplatz** (Duration: 1–2 hours) — Rating 4.6/5 (74 reviews) · Address: Kreuzgasse 4, 5700 Zell am See, אוסטריה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=5722190363019991533)
- **Kitzsteinhorn – TOP OF SALZBURG** (Duration: 4–6 hours) — Rating 4.9/5 (301 reviews) · Address: Kitzsteinhorn, 5710 Kaprun, אוסטריה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=2057917018913598538) · [Website](http://www.kitzsteinhorn.at/)

## Restaurants

- **Deins & Meins** (Schlossplatz, Zell am See, ₪₪₪) — One of the centre's most talked-about restaurants, serving fish, beef, pasta and vegetarian options. It is not kosher, so observant diners should verify ingredients and kitchen practices. — Rating 4.6/5 (1,163 reviews) · Address: Schloßpl. 5, 5700 Zell am See, אוסטריה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=8224788504896278140) · [Website](http://www.deins-meins.at/)
- **Steinerwirt 1493** (Dreifaltigkeitsgasse, Zell am See, ₪₪₪) — A historic old-town institution with polished Austrian cooking, fish dishes and vegetarian choices. No kosher certification. — Rating 4.3/5 (1,532 reviews) · Address: Dreifaltigkeitsgasse 2, 5700 Zell am See, אוסטריה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=9570920566785985182) · [Website](http://www.steinerwirt.com/)
- **Villa Crazy Daisy** (Salzmannstraße, Zell am See, ₪₪) — A popular central venue offering pizza, salads, fish and vegetarian dishes, turning lively later in the evening. — Rating 4.2/5 (2,368 reviews) · Address: Salzmannstraße 8, 5700 Zell am See, אוסטריה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=11819756041895866450) · [Website](http://www.crazy-daisy.at/)
- **Pizzeria Giuseppe** (Kirchengasse, Zell am See, ₪₪) — A long-established central Italian restaurant, convenient for families thanks to vegetarian pizzas, pasta and salads. Not kosher. — Rating 4.4/5 (2,553 reviews) · Address: Seegasse 3, 5700 Zell am See, אוסטריה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=881111171324912391) · [Website](https://www.giuseppe.co.at/)
- **Brasserie Traube** (Seegasse, Zell am See, ₪₪) — A busy old-town brasserie with fish, beef, salads and vegetarian choices. Evening reservations are advisable. — Rating 4.4/5 (771 reviews) · Address: Seegasse 4, 5700 Zell am See, אוסטריה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=8390667071638319065) · [Website](http://www.hotel-traube.com/)
- **Seecamp Restaurant** (Thumersbacher Straße, Zell am See, ₪₪) — A pleasant restaurant directly on the lakeshore, ideal for lunch with a view and offering fish, salads and vegetarian dishes. — Rating 4.6/5 (1,708 reviews) · Address: Thumersbacher Str. 34, 5700 Zell am See, אוסטריה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=17527362955769889668) · [Website](https://www.seecamp-restaurant.com/)

## Nightlife

- **Villa Crazy Daisy** — Bar & club — Rating 4.2/5 (2,368 reviews) · Address: Salzmannstraße 8, 5700 Zell am See, אוסטריה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=11819756041895866450) · [Website](http://www.crazy-daisy.at/)
- **Diele** — Club — Rating 4/5 (717 reviews) · Address: Anton-Wallner-Straße 6, 5700 Zell am See, אוסטריה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=3409785316558369983) · [Website](https://www.pinzgauer-diele.at/)
- **Ginhouse** — Cocktail bar — Rating 4.7/5 (471 reviews) · Address: Dreifaltigkeitsgasse 1, 5700 Zell am See, אוסטריה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=10245983515708231680) · [Website](http://www.ginhouse.at/)
- **Insider** — Bar — Rating 4.3/5 (67 reviews) · Address: Kreuzgasse 1, 5700 Zell am See, אוסטריה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=4542320265394655541)
- **Off Piste Bar** — Après-ski bar — Rating 4.3/5 (107 reviews) · Address: Kirchengasse 1, 5700 Zell am See, אוסטריה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=176083323606557834) · [Website](http://www.offpistebar.com/)
- **Beach Club Zell am See** — Beach bar — Rating 4/5 (392 reviews) · Address: Esplanade 16, 5700 Zell am See, אוסטריה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=17425870532671291515)

## Casinos

- **Casino Zell am See** (In hotel Grand Hotel Zell am See) — Zell am See’s main casino sits inside the Grand Hotel Zell am See on the lakeshore, just minutes on foot from the old town, offering roulette, blackjack and slot machines; entry is 18+ with a passport or valid ID, and smart-casual dress is expected. — Rating 4/5 (392 reviews) · Address: Esplanade 4/6, 5700 Zell am See, אוסטריה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=1757993366000903886) · [Website](https://www.casinos.at/casinos/zell-am-see)

## Shopping

- **PEZZ Einkaufszentrum** (Mall, Area: Schüttdorf) — Zell am See's practical shopping centre for everyday purchases, fashion, pharmacy items and groceries. — Rating 4.3/5 (254 reviews) · Address: Kitzsteinhornstraße 40/Top 6, 5700 Zell am See, אוסטריה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=15748771999076647161)
- **Sport 2000 rent Schmitten** (Brand store, Area: Schmittenhöhebahn base station) — Israelis use it for ski hire, helmets and technical clothing next to the gondola. — Rating 4.9/5 (130 reviews) · Address: Schmittenstraße 125, 5700 Zell am See, אוסטריה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=17317503608089510717) · [Website](http://www.sport2000-zellamsee.at/)
- **Bründl Sports AreitXpress** (Brand store, Area: Schüttdorf, areitXpress base station) — A large, convenient sports shop and rental outlet for skiers using the areitXpress. — Rating 4.5/5 (390 reviews) · Address: Salzachtal-Bundesstraße 22, 5700 Zell am See, אוסטריה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=14533293583812623815) · [Website](https://www.bruendl.at/de/standorte/zell-am-see/areitxpress-talstation#/)
- **INTERSPORT Scholz** (Brand store, Area: Central Zell am See) — A familiar address for hiking equipment, walking shoes and ski clothing in the town centre. — Rating 4.4/5 (339 reviews) · Address: Bahnhofstraße 13, 5700 Zell am See, אוסטריה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=2207822752402774135) · [Website](http://www.intersport-scholz.at/)
- **dm drogerie markt** (Brand store, Area: PEZZ, Schüttdorf) — An Israeli favourite for beauty products, baby supplies, pharmacy basics and dm's own brands. — Rating 4.6/5 (290 reviews) · Address: Flugplatzstraße 4, 5700 Zell am See, אוסטריה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=2635805374488814637) · [Website](https://www.dm.at/store/a03i/zell-am-see/flugplatzstrasse-4)
- **H&M** (Brand store, Area: PEZZ, Schüttdorf) — The convenient local option for basic fashion and children's clothing without travelling to Salzburg. — Rating 4.1/5 (449 reviews) · Address: Kitzsteinhornstraße 40, 5700 Zell am See, אוסטריה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=7492516349704704198) · [Website](https://www2.hm.com/de_at/customer-service/shopping-at-hm/store-locator/austria/zell%20am%20see/pezz/AT0165.html?utm_source=google_location&utm_medium=organic&utm_content=AT0165&utm_campaign=pi_ATQ00AAU0AA004)

## Suggested itinerary

1. **Day 1: Lake and Old Town** — Start around Stadtplatz and the pedestrian centre, continue along the Lake Zell promenade and visit St. Hippolyt Church. In the afternoon, take a lake cruise or rent a pedal boat, then in summer finish with a swim at Strandbad Zell am See facing the Hohe Tauern peaks.
2. **Day 2: Schmittenhöhe Summit** — Ride the Schmittenhöhebahn or CityXpress for panoramic views over Lake Zell and dozens of Alpine peaks. In summer, follow a trail such as the Höhenpromenade; in winter, spend the day skiing Schmittenhöhe and finish with après-ski near the lift stations.
3. **Day 3: Kaprun and Kitzsteinhorn** — Travel to Kaprun and take the lifts to Kitzsteinhorn, where the TOP OF SALZBURG complex reaches 3,029 metres and offers dramatic views and seasonal snow areas. On the way back, stop at Kaprun Castle, then book an evening at Tauern Spa with heated pools facing the mountains.
4. **Day 4: Kaprun Reservoirs and Sigmund Thun Gorge** — During the summer season, use the buses and inclined lift to reach the Hochgebirgsstauseen Kaprun reservoirs, framed by huge dam walls and high-Alpine scenery. Then walk the wooden paths through Sigmund-Thun-Klamm beside rushing water; outside the opening season, replace this day with Tauern Spa and Vötter's Oldtimer Museum.
5. **Day 5: Krimml Waterfalls or Grossglockner Road** — Take a day trip to Krimml Waterfalls and climb the viewing path alongside its three cascades. Travelers with a car from late spring through autumn can instead drive the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, stopping at Fuscher Törl and Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe; both options are seasonal and weather-dependent.

## VAYULOR tips

- 🏨 Without a car, stay in central Zell am See near CityXpress and the station, while skiers seeking easier access and better value should check Schüttdorf near the AreitXpress gondola.
- 🎫 In summer, book a hotel that issues the Zell am See-Kaprun Summer Card, as its seasonal inclusions can cover lifts, cruises and attractions and save a family hundreds of shekels per day.
- 🚆 The train from Salzburg is easier than driving for families staying centrally, but a rental car is worthwhile if you plan to visit Kitzsteinhorn, Krimml Waterfalls and surrounding villages.
- 💶 Carry at least €50 to €100 in cash, around ₪220 to ₪440, because mountain huts, car parks and smaller ticket machines do not always accept cards.
- 🥾 Visit Sigmund-Thun-Klamm at opening time or after 15:30 and reserve ahead in busy periods, as its narrow walkway quickly fills with groups and families.
- ✡️ There is no permanent kosher restaurant in town, so kosher-observant travelers should book an apartment with a kitchen, buy clearly certified packaged products at SPAR or BILLA, and bring kosher meat and wine from home.

## Frequently asked questions

**Do Israelis need a visa for Zell am See?**

Israelis do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days in Austria and Zell am See, but should check before departure whether ETIAS is already required and travel with a valid passport.

**When is the best time to visit Zell am See?**

The best time for Zell am See is January to March for reliable ski conditions, or June to September for the lake, hiking and Krimml Waterfalls, with July and August being the busiest and most expensive months.

**How many days should you spend in Zell am See?**

Four to five days are enough to enjoy Zell am See, ride up Schmittenhöhe and Kitzsteinhorn, and add a lake cruise or a day at Krimml Waterfalls, while a full ski holiday is worth a week.

**Are there direct flights from Israel to Zell am See, and how long is the journey?**

Zell am See has no airport, but seasonal nonstop flights from Tel Aviv to Salzburg take about four hours followed by a drive of roughly 90 minutes, while Munich is a common alternative around two and a half hours away.

**How do you get around Zell am See, and is renting a car safe?**

Central Zell am See is easy to explore on foot and by trains and buses to Kaprun, while a car is useful for day trips but winter tires, snowy roads and limited parking require extra preparation.

**How much does a holiday in Zell am See cost?**

A couple in Zell am See should budget around ₪900–1,500 per day for accommodation, food and local transport before flights, with ski passes and equipment typically adding ₪300–450 per person per day.

**Does Zell am See have beaches, attractions and nightlife?**

In summer, Zell am See offers serviced lakeside lidos at Strandbad Zell am See and Thumersbach, boat trips and Schmittenhöhe, while evenings center on bars and après-ski spots such as Villa Crazy Daisy rather than large clubs.

**Is Zell am See better for families or couples, and what about kosher food?**

Zell am See suits families with Maisi Flitzer, cable cars and lake beaches, and couples with spas and mountain views, but kosher options are limited so observant Israelis often book an apartment with a kitchen and stock up in Salzburg.

## Book through VAYULOR

- [Flights to Zell am See](https://vayulor.com/en/destinations/austria/flights/zell-am-see)
- [Vacation packages to Zell am See](https://vayulor.com/en/destinations/austria/packages/zell-am-see)
- [Hotels in Zell am See](https://vayulor.com/en/destinations/austria/hotels/zell-am-see)
- [eSIM data for Zell am See](https://vayulor.com/en/esim)
- [Web version of this guide](https://vayulor.com/en/destinations/austria/zell-am-see)
- [המדריך הזה בעברית](https://vayulor.com/he/destinations/austria/zell-am-see.md)

_Last updated: 2026-09-07_  
_Source: VAYULOR (vayulor.com) — an Israeli travel platform: destination guides, flights, packages, hotels and eSIM. Prices on the site are live; any price in this document is an indicative starting price only._