What to do in Zell am See and Kaprun

Hikes in Zell am See - Kaprun

Region in Austria

Zell am See - Kaprun Hikes

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 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!

THE TOP 10 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 look 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.

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Best Hikes in Zell am See - Kaprun

Open details for Kapruner Loop Hike

Kapruner Loop Hike

Easy
9.6 km
215 m
2.5-3h

The Kapruner Loop is our favorite hike in the Zell am See - Kaprun region. This hike goes around and above the mountain village of Kaprun and 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.

User Ratings
Overall Rating
9.9
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Open details for Alexander-Enzinger Trail

Alexander-Enzinger Trail

Moderate
15.4 km
235 m
3.5-4.5h

The Alexander - Enzinger hike is a stunning hike along a mountain ridge between Kaprun and the Kitzsteinhorn glacier area. With beautiful views and a high point of 2,452 m, this is a challenging yet rewarding hiking trail in the Zell am See-Kaprun region.

User Ratings
Overall Rating
9.7
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Open details for Imbachhorn Hike

Imbachhorn Hike

Very Hard
17.3 km
1,745 m
8-11h

The Imbachhorn hike is one of the best hikes near Zell am See. This hike is a challenging tour of mountain peaks in the high alpine. Hiking up to the Imbachhorn, you will enjoy stunning views over the town of Zell am See, Zeller Lake, and the Glockner group.

User Ratings
Overall Rating
9.9
Technical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Advanced (Diamond)
Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.
Open details for Maiskogel Forest Route Hike

Maiskogel Forest Route Hike

Moderate
9.6 km
784 m
4-5.5h

The Maiskogel Forest Route hike takes you up the local mountain of Kaprun. This is 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!

User Ratings
Overall Rating
9.7
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Open details for Glacier Lake & Geisstein Hike

Glacier Lake & Geisstein Hike

Moderate
6.2 km
281 m
2-2.5h

The Glacier Lake and Geiβstein hike is a wonderful hike near Zell am See. This is a varied hike covering two different areas found in the high alpine above Kaprun. 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!

User Ratings
Overall Rating
9.7
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Open details for Schwalbenwand & Schönwieskopf Hike

Schwalbenwand & Schönwieskopf Hike

Hard
13.0 km
965 m
5-7h

The Schwalbenwand & Schönwieskopf hike is a classic Austrian hike! This fantastic trail has you hiking up two peaks, Schwalbenwand and Schönwieskopf. These are some of the most beautiful mountains around Zell am See. 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!

User Ratings
Overall Rating
9.8
Technical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Open details for Glocknerblick via Jetzbachsteig Hike

Glocknerblick via Jetzbachsteig Hike

Moderate
7.4 km
1,260 m
5-6.5h

The Glocknerblick via Jetzbachsteig hike is steep, challenging, and beautiful, and a great day of walking if you’re in Zell am See. 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!

User Ratings
Overall Rating
9.7
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Open details for Pinzgau Hut Loop Hike

Pinzgau Hut Loop Hike

Hard
14.8 km
1,000 m
5.5-7.5h

The Pinzgau Hut Loop hike is a wonderful hike: not too easy yet also not too difficult. Hike up the side of the main mountain of Zell am See: Schmitten. When you reach the highest point, you are greeted with a wonderful view of the surrounding mountains, Kaprun and the Kitzsteinhorn. Plan on eating at the hut at the top, it’s wonderful!

User Ratings
Overall Rating
9.7
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Open details for Schmittenhohe – Mauerkogel Hike

Schmittenhohe – Mauerkogel Hike

Moderate
10.2 km
648 m
3.5-5h

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. This is another great hike near Zell am See. 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!

User Ratings
Overall Rating
9.7
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Open details for Klammsee & Schneckenreith Hike

Klammsee & Schneckenreith Hike

Easy
4.5 km
241 m
1.5-2h

The Klammsee and Schneckenreith hike is a nice, family-friendly hike.  Bring the family on this small hike up to Schneckenreith. There is enough that it is 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!

User Ratings
Overall Rating
9.8
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.

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