Zell am See looks resplendent every month of the year. Snow carpets the surrounding mountains during winter, creating one of Austria’s most popular ski resorts. The town stands above a pristine lake, and the mountain peaks are effortlessly reflected in the water, an iconic sight when the snow starts to melt in spring. Summer brings adventures on the forested slopes, and it’s difficult not to compare the landscape with the opening credits from The Sound of Music. Autumnal colours help shepherd in the winter, and there are many epic hiking and mountain bike trails to enjoy.

This lakeside town is busiest in the winter when visitors come to enjoy the 125 kilometres of ski slopes. Downhill runs cater to all levels of skier and snowboarder, while the abundance of cross-country trails give Zell am See its unique wow factor. These trails become hiking routes when the snow melts and provide grand views over the lake and town. Surrounding Zell am See are a range of other attractions and activities, including paragliding, a 36-hole golf course, and the Kaprun ski area.

Getting around Zell am See is easy in winter as the Postbus service is included with a lift pass. These buses link the town with the main ski lifts and the nearby ski resorts. Salzburg is the nearest city, and the train takes just under 90 minutes. Salzburg W.A. Mozart International Airport is around an hour away, and local taxi companies provide shared shuttle services.

Zell am See works hard to attract visitors outside the ski season of late-November to early-April. A summer night festival takes place in July and August, featuring local music and art, while a Magic Lake Show starts after dusk, with lasers and music lighting up the shores of the lake.