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Tucked between two mountains and shining Lake Zell, holidays to Zell am See in western Austria really hit the spot.

Old town fun

With a Romanesque church dating from Medieval times, quaint Zell am See – an Austrian town a little way's south from Salzburg – isn't a new member of the alpine crew. Let the kids explore the old stone castles before snapping pics of the brightly hued buildings and feasting on local fondue.

Lake Zell

Swan-studded in summer and frozen solid in winter, this lake perfectly mirrors the twin mountains poised right above it. This swoon-worthy spot has watersports to rival the Balearics – so take the plunge and make a splash. If you're feeling brave, give paragliding a try – it's a favourite pastime of the locals.

Twice as nice

Looming over Zell am See, you'll see the mountainous slopes of Schmittenhohe and Kitzsteinhorn. Summer brings crowds of hikers and mountain-bikers keen to explore the pine-covered hills and plunging canyons. In winter, this hidden gem's the go-to place for skiers and snowboarders. For unforgettable vistas, jump on a cable car and cast your eyes across the horizon.

Out and about

Here are some ideas of things to do when staying in Zell am See:

• Lake bathing
• Boat trips
• Cycle routes
• Waterfalls
• Indoor pool
• Outdoor pool
• Museum
• Fishing
• Wildlife spotting
• Paragliding

At a Glance

  • Hike the snow-capped peaks of the Hohe Tauern mountains
  • Explore the historic town of Zell am See
  • Go for a swim or jump on a boat to explore the lake

Best time to go to Zell am See

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Top things to see and do in Zell am See

Zell am See has a trio of bathing beaches to visit on the lake – Seespitz, Thumersbach and Zell am See lido. They all have a pretty similar offering, but Zell lido is much closer to the town of Zell am See than the other two.

The lido is a great place to take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Zell. It comes with sun loungers and parasols as well as a solar-heated swimming pool, too. Refreshments can be bought from the onsite restaurant.

The beach is a thin, sandy strip with stones mixed in, but you can sprawl out on the wide bathing lawn, too. There’s a giant waterslide, a toddlers' pool, a trampoline, boat rentals and water-skiing. Another popular must-do is the 18-hole minigolf course.

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From April to November, depending on the weather, Zell am See holds a town market in the main square. This is a great opportunity to get some holiday snaps and soak up the vibe. Plus, you might pick up some bargain souvenirs in the form of local and regional produce.

Zell am See has plenty of shops to wander round, everything from casual clothing shops to fashion-led retailers, plus sports shops and vendors selling unique shoes and accessories.

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For a true spectacle, stick around the town until 10pm. Three times a week, the 20-minute-long Magic Lake Show takes centre stage, with an impressive display of water, lights, music and lasers. View the performance from the Elisabeth Park every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.

Choose between the fantastic ice-cream stand by the right-hand side of the Hotel Grand, and the waffle stand next to Crazy Daisy’s, which sells freshly-made waffles with a choice of toppings. Enjoy your preferred sweet treat on a gentle evening stroll.

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Most restaurants in Zell am See serve a range of international cuisines under one roof. Coffee houses are also a popular choice for a cosy stop. The restaurants and cafés are spread out across the resort – you’ll find a good few between Salzmannstrasse and Loferer Strasse.

On the Dreifaltigkeitsgasse is Steinerwirt, a traditional restaurant serving Austrian dishes. The beautifully presented food, wine cellar and sophisticated setting make this a popular stop for hungry folk looking for a bite to eat.

Nearing the lakefront is the infamous Villa Crazy Daisy. It always gets busy, and that’s probably because it’s known for its range of international dishes, as well as its friendly and attentive staff. And there's live music to relax to in the evenings.

Back towards town is the reasonably priced Traube Brasserie. The variety of exotic dishes, from Asian to American, means that people return again and again to experience something different each time – and they're never disappointed. Book in advance to guarantee a table.

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