Hiking and white snow in Zell am See und Kaprun, Austria

    

These two related ski resorts, Zell am See and Kaprun, are so popular that everything is set so you can easily reach them. Whether you want to drive there or fly in there’s no problem. By car, the most beats track is from Munich to Salzburg and then Bischofshofen. If you want to fly to Austria, Salzburg has the nearest airport that gets flights from other international airports.

Located about 56 miles from Salzburg, Zell am See and Kaprun are two distinct ski resorts but because they are so close to each other they are usually presented together. Commuting from one to another is quite easy and there are regular bus and train services.

The area in which these resorts are located is rich in ski resorts and a side trip to Vilach or even over the border to Bolzano, Italy are always a pleasant option for those who want to explore a bit more of the area.

But there is plenty to see in Zell which is a highly popular resort. Set near Lake Zell and surrounded by mountains the resort gives a panorama not easy to forget. The mountains are part of Austria’s highest mountain range called Hohentauern, The lake is a source of outdoor activities both in cold and warm seasons. In winter you can skate, ice boat or fish.

The Kitzsteinhorn glacier offers the opportunity to ski all year round. The Zeller See glacier lake and the mountains are a source of pleasure both in winter and summer, people coming here all year round. The resort dates back to the late 19th century and is recognized as being in the hearth of Europe’s sport region. But the place has long been populated and the resort has a more medieval feel to it as it has many well preserved buildings dating 13th century like the church of St. Hippolyt, and the Vogtturm (city tower). There are even older buildings like Kastnerturm, or Constable's Tower dating the 12th century while Pfarrkirche (Parish Church) is an 11th-century building. A more imposing and newer one is Castle Rosenberg dating the 16th century now housing the town hall.

It is a pleasure to just walk the narrow streets and enter the small shops many of which have a lot of interesting handmade objects perfect for souvenirs.

Of course peak seasons are more crowded just like everywhere but if you come off season you will have the opportunity to benefit from excellent price drops and packages. For example there is the Schnee-Okay package which offers services of full board in a 4 star hotel plus a regional pass, use of ski bus, free entrance to the swimming pools and more. But there are even cheaper packages that offer B&B accommodation and other discounts.

If you get a few days of and want to come without reservations the resorts offers superb facilities as you have an electronic information board that can tell you all about the accommodation facilities and you can check if there are rooms available, the telephone number is given and the location is pointed on a map. You should also check if the hotel is close to the ski lifts. The board works 24 hours a day so you can arrive any time you want. You are sure to find something available.

The resorts rival any famous American ski resorts and the fact that you can combine both winter and summer sports in one is a much sought out opportunity. Here in spring you can ski and windsurf on the lake all in one day.

But even if you are not looking for activity the place can offer much tranquiller ways of entertainment besides marveling at the beautiful sights like listening to music, folk entertainment, visiting museums, and enjoying a meal in one of the cozy restaurants.

The tranquility and the peace these two resorts offer are soothing for the soul and the activities strengthen the body. All in all coming here will be both an unforgettable experience and a highly benefic one.

Austria - overview

1. Jan 6, 2008 Great ski resorts in the Austrian Zurs and Lech (Zurs)
2. Jan 9, 2008 Zurs, the home of winter sports (Zurs)
3. Feb 2, 2008 My favorite Austrian ski resort (Hintertux)
4. Feb 2, 2008 Hiking and white snow in Zell am See und Kaprun (Zell Am See)  ( 2)
5. Feb 5, 2008 Zauchensee, a great ski resort in Austria (Altenmarkt/Zauchensee)  ( 3)
6. Feb 7, 2008 St. Anton am Arlberg, a wonderful mountain village (Sankt Anton Am Arlberg)
7. Feb 7, 2008 Come to ski in the charming Villach (Villach)
8. Feb 8, 2008 Ski vacation in Austria (Obertauern)
9. Feb 13, 2008 The best ski resort in Austria (Radstadt)

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