Best Hikes in Zell am See-Kaprun in 2026

Best Hikes in Zell am See-Kaprun in 2026

Zell am See - Kaprun hikes are some of the best in Austria, making it a great destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts of all varieties. The hiking around Zell am See is known primarily for its glacier on the Kitzsteinhorn mountain; however, the area has loads more to offer - especially when it comes to hiking! Around the two towns you will find a wide variety of hiking options: from easy walks and leisurely strolls, to challenging and rough hikes. If you want a planned walking holiday in this exact region, the self-guided Zell am See Walking and Deluxe Hotel tour is the closest matching 10Adventures tour.
If you have had enough hiking, you can spend some of your energy on other great outdoor activities such as mountain biking, skiing (even in summer), canyoning, (rock)climbing, sailing, surfing, and swimming. Zell am See – Kaprun hikes are ideal for outdoor lovers and nature oriented adventurers, so tie up your boots and get ready to go hiking in Austria!

Best Hikes Around Zell am See-Kaprun

Our Zell am See - Kaprun hikes can be found within the borders of the Hohe Tauern National Park and the core of the stunning Austrian Alps. The hikes we share around Zell am See – Kaprun are varied in nature and level. You will find easier walks, such as panoramic trails or lake side wanders lower in the valley. You will soar under or around the tree line, and enjoy great views of the mountains around you! Hiking at higher altitude has something magical as well, offering challenging ascents that are sometimes easy to bypass when you make use of a cable car ride. This enables you to start hiking instantly in a totally different landscape, allowing hikers to enjoy the high alpine environment without the hard climb. While there are certainly some shortcuts, sometimes the ascent itself is the biggest adventure, so we haven't forgotten to include some more challenging climbs in our list of the 10 greatest Zell am See - Kaprun hikes!

1. Kapruner Loop (9.6 km, 215 m, 2.5-3.5h): The Kapruner hike around the mountain village of Kaprun offers great views of the surrounding mountains, the Zeller Lake and the village below. Starting at the center of the village, it is a great way to start your hiking holiday.
2. Alexander-Enzinger Trail (15.4 km, 235 m, 6-7h): The Alexander - Enzinger hike is a stunning and sporty mountain ridge hike between Kaprun and the Kitzsteinhorn glacier area. With beautiful views and a highest point of 2,452 m (lowest 768 m), it is a challenging yet rewarding hiking trail in the Zell am See-Kaprun.
3. Imbachhorn (17.3 km, 1,745 m, 8-9h): The Imbachhorn hike is a challenging mountain peak tour in a high alpine environment. Hiking up the house mountain of Kaprun to the Imbachhorn, you will enjoy stunning views over the town of Zell am See, Zeller Lake, and the Glockner group.
4. Maiskogelweg Forest Route (4.8 km, 784 m, 5-6h): The Maiskogel Forest Route hike takes you up the family mountain of Kaprun A lovely hiking adventure through forests, up to the Maiskogel mountain farm, for some nice food. A kids play area and small Zoo at the farm make the family experience complete!
5. Glacier Lakes & Geisstein (6.2 km, 281 m, 4-5h): The Glacier Lake and Geiβstein hike is a varied tour covering two different areas found in a high alpine environment. First you will visit a stunning glacial lake, and after hiking through the Kitzsteinhorn ski area you can take a few steps in the summer snow. Then, eat at a traditional mountain hut and climb the Geiβstein peak for a stunning 360°-degree free view of the area!
6. Schwalbenwand & Schoenwieskopf (13.0 km, 965 m, 5-6h): The Schwalbenwand & Schönwieskopf hike is how a hike should be! A fantastic loop which has you hiking up on one of the most beautiful mountains in the area. With no huts or restaurants on the route, take a nice mountain lunch with you and enjoy your food out in the fresh mountain air. Challenge yourself on this day tour, while enjoying stunning views, encounter marmots and talk to the local mountain cows!
7. Glocknerblick via Jetzbachsteig (3.8 km, 835 m, 3-4h): The Glocknerblick via Jetzbachsteig hike is steep, challenging, and beautiful. You will hike up the side of the family mountain, the ‘Maiskogel,’ while enjoying the incredible view of the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, the Imbachhorn, and the reservoirs in the distance. When you reach the top, the view on the Groβglockner, Austria’s highest mountain, is waiting for you!
8. Pinzgau Hut Round (14.8 km, 1,000 m, 6-7h): The Pinzgau Hut Loop hike is a nice round tour, not too simple yet not too difficult. The perfect hike for a relaxed day out. You will hike up the side of the main mountain of Zell am See; Schmitten. When you reach the highest point, a great view over the surrounding mountains, Kaprun and the Kitzsteinhorn are waiting for you. You can enjoy this panoramic view from the terrace of the Pinzgauer mountain hut, while eating tasty food!
9. Schmittenhohe – Mauerkogel (10.9 km, 648 m, 4-5h): The Schmittenhohe - Mauerkogel hike is perfect if you are a big fan of great views, reaching a mountain peak, and enjoying a hike at alpine altitude. Starting the hike at the top of the Schmitten cable car, you are immediately surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery, and an old mountain hut. Join in on the fun!
10. Klammsee - Schneckenreith (4.5 km, 241 m, 1.5-2.5h): The Klammsee and Schneckenreith hike is a nice and easy hike, not too long so the younger ones can come join in on the fun. The small hike up to Schneckenreith is enough to be an adventure, but not exhausting for small legs. Enjoy the view down on the emerald green Klammsee from the mountain farm Schneckenreith, or stick your feet in the cold water while having a picnic!
11. Zeller Lake Loop (12.0 km, 156 m, 3-4h): The Zeller Lake Loop hike is suitable for a stroller, and a family event! Only be aware of the length, but on the way you will find loads of nice spots to rest, have a swim, eat an ice cream or just enjoy the mountain views. Walking around the crystal-clear Zeller lake is the perfect activity for a sunny day!

Looking for more adventures in Austria outside of these Zell am See - Kaprun hikes? Read our guide about hiking the Austrian Alps.

What’s New for Hiking in Zell am See-Kaprun in 2026

Zell am See-Kaprun remains one of Austria’s most accessible alpine hiking bases, with lake walks, cable-car-assisted viewpoints and high mountain routes all within easy reach. For 2026, plan around the lift season if you want to use the Schmittenhöhe, Maiskogel or Kitzsteinhorn access points, and give yourself extra time for popular summer weekends around Zeller See and Kaprun. The easiest routes, including Klammsee and the Zeller Lake Loop, work well for families and relaxed days, while the Alexander-Enzinger Trail and Imbachhorn require stronger fitness, stable weather and an early start. Pack layers even in summer, since weather can change quickly in the Hohe Tauern region.

Best Hikes in Zell am See-Kaprun by Type

Best Family-Friendly Hikes in Zell am See-Kaprun

• Zeller Lake Loop hike is the best choice for a lake walk around Zell am See, with plenty of places to stop for a swim, snack or mountain view along the way.
• Klammsee and Schneckenreith hike is a short family-friendly option near Kaprun, pairing the emerald Klammsee with a manageable climb and mountain-farm views.

Best Half-Day Hikes in Zell am See-Kaprun

• Kapruner Loop hike is a great first hike in the region, circling above Kaprun with views toward Zeller Lake and the surrounding mountains.
• Alexander-Enzinger Trail is the standout ridge route for stronger hikers, matching the Alexander-Enzinger search cluster and delivering big views between Kaprun and the Kitzsteinhorn glacier area.

Best Full-Day Hikes in Zell am See-Kaprun

• Imbachhorn hike is the most demanding full-day mountain outing here, climbing high above Zell am See for views over the lake, the Glockner group and the surrounding alpine peaks.

Hiking Near Zell am See-Kaprun

For more Austrian Alps routes, combine Zell am See-Kaprun with nearby Mayrhofen hikes in the Zillertal, or browse more hikes in Austria for more alpine walking regions across the country.

Zell am See and Austria Hiking Tours

For a broader walking holiday, browse our self-guided Austria hiking tours for more alpine routes. Zell am See also pairs naturally with nearby alpine countries, so consider self-guided Germany hiking tours, guided and self-guided Switzerland hiking tours or self-guided Italian Alps hiking tours if you are building a longer European Alps trip.

Other Outdoor Activities in Zell am See-Kaprun

This region is not only for hiking. If you want to ride between alpine villages, lakes and valleys, browse our self-guided Austria bike tours as another way to explore the country after time on the trails.