Zell am See Live Cam

It is the most important holiday destination in all of Austria - and the friendliest one for families in all of Europe, too: Zell am See-Kaprun belongs to the most perfect holiday locations on an international scale. Guests from all over the world are thronging to get into the heart of the Pinzgau year after year.

About 132 kilometres of pistes and a unique offer of activities away from the trails characterise the region's multi-facetted face. At the foot of the mountain, visitors meet an abundance of choices, for example cross-country skiing, tobogganing, and hiking.

But it is not only winter fans who are excited about Zell am See and Kaprun. Germany's renowned publishing house Falk and Austria's Ministry for Economy and Labour are praising the region and awarded it for its family-friendliness.

The picturesque community in the majestic Alpine valley has been a spa resort since 1961. But not only that! Naturally, the 4.3 square kilometres of its water surface are also wonderfully suited for ice and water sports.

Right at the gates of the town, you will find Schmittenhöhe rising up to 2,000 metre high. Some 77 kilometres of ski pistes are only a stone's throw away from downtown Zell. But it is also well-worth your time, to spend a little of it in town. The shopping streets of Zell am See make for a nice stroll and there is a very popular Christmas fair taking place in the town square every year in December.

But why should you go to distant shores if everything you need is right here at your fingertips? The town with its Parish Church, St. Hippolyt, and the town's museum at the Kastnerturm also constitutes a cultural destination, while sports fans come here to watch ice hockey games at the national league club in town.

These days, there are about 9,700 inhabitants living in Zell am See. Now, it is a picturesque small town in the middle of Pinzgau. Less than 100 years ago, though, it was not even called a town proper. It was only on 24th January 1928 that Zell am See, which used to be called a 'market place', was elevated to being named a town. However, its metamorphosis into one of Austria's most popular holiday destinations had already begun in the 19th century.

'Gisela' was responsible for this quick career: Gisela was the name of the train which was launched on 3rd July 1875 and connected Zell to the entire region. This hook-up to the public transport system triggered fast changes of in the community. Prior to that point in time, it had been a rather sleepy place. It did start to blossom as tourism began to grow. Now it is hard to imagine that the settlement, which was once called 'Cella in Bisonzio' and founded by monks around 740 AD, had only served as a trans-shipment place for salt and wine.

The town was situated centrally at the bridle path across 'Hochtor' pass. Nowadays, that route is better known by its new name, 'Grossglocknerstrasse'. Zell's location was one of the reasons that it became significant economically, which is still the case today - thanks to millions of holidaymakers from all over the world. It was for them that the first skiing club was founded in 1906, followed, in 1959, by the opening of the first Alpine 'Segelflugschule', a school for fans of gliding. The school still serves as start point for those who want to take off into the clear air. Zell am See has, after all, been a climatic health spa resort since 1961.

Mighty mountain holidays

A special attraction for holidaymakers from all over the world is the glacier skiing grounds at a height of 2,900 metres above sea-level. This is where winters sportsmen meet the best of conditions for unclouded fun in the snow.

Even in the summertime, it is perfectly possible to use the pistes; they cover a distance of 40 kilometres. This family mountain with its gently ascending slopes constitutes ideal grounds for those who are just about to start doing winter sports.

The village can look back on an eventful history going back many centuries. Its figurehead is its castle, 'Burg Kaprun'. The building, which had a total overhaul in 1975, had been erected on a prominent piece of rock in the 12th century. It is said to have been erected as a compensation for attacks by the Velber Family.

Being 3,000 metres above it all

Kitzsteinhorn is an absolute must for people who love the wildly romantic high mountain regions, who like swinging in crystal clear powder snow and letting their gaze wander over a virtually endless range of mountain tops in between. Mountain enthusiasts come to the glacier of Kitzsteinhorn all year round. Here, they can be absolutely sure of being able to enjoy the pleasures of powder snow as early as in autumn.

As a part of the 'Hohe Tauern' mountain range, majestic Kitzsteinhorn amazes by its unique diversity: its varied pistes offer anything the fans of winter sports may wish for. Moreover, snowboarders and freeriders alike can find their personal challenge in one of the three different 'Snowparks'. On Salzburg's highest 'mountain with a view', you can experience the fascinating Alpine world and the Ice Arena gives you a tingle of excitement on snow.

From 'Asia Point' to trendy 'Marktrestaurant', from a quiet, rustic hut to highlife at the umbrella bar, you will find anything that pleases your palate.

Holiday fun for the entire family

Hiking, cycling, skiing or simply enjoying the view into the Salzach valley: Maiskogel is living up to its title as a family mountain. The little brother of Kitzsteinhorn provides a wide range of activities and leisure offers to young and old alike. You might, for example, want to go on a hiking tour and visit the spectacular high mountain reservoir of nearby Kaprun.

If you prefer moving around in the landscape a tad more quickly, Maiskogel provides the ideal grounds for a bicycle tour: the distance to the Alpine inn called Glocknerblick is up to 11 kilometres long, that is one way. Mind you, you will have to overcome a difference in altitudes of 880 metres. On the other hand, you might want to conquer the family mountain equipped with a hiking stick and sturdy shoes. If you are a bit more ambitious, this is where your Kitzsteinhorn rock climbing tour can begin.

In the cold season, Maiskogel pistes offer lots of space, particularly to beginners who want to venture out on slippery grounds for the very first time. Those smoothly ascending slopes are ideal grounds for cautiously drawing closer to skiing and snowboarding. When your day is drawing to a close, Alpine cabins and mountain inns are beckoning with a traditional Pinzgau feast for dinner.

Working where others go for a holiday

A 'center of uniqueness': this expression perfectly describes the Ferry Porsche Congress Center (FPCC). Its aesthetic architectural design and the pioneering spatial concept in addition to the uncountable leisure and recreational activities in the holiday region of Zell am See-Kaprun make the new convention center the first address when it comes to organizing unforgettable events and congresses.

Innovation, aesthetics, vision - these are innate attributes of both the Congress Center and the work of its eponym Ferry Porsche. The sports car pioneer and trailblazer of the modern Porsche group had been an honorary citizen of Zell am See since 1981. With the Congress Center, the town and the region want to pay homage to a great visionary who chose Zell as his home. Until his death in 1998 he had spent his sunset years just around the corner of the new Congress Center.

But there are more extraordinary features to the house than just a famous name: thanks to movable walls, the eight rooms adapt easily to the number of participants of an event. An open air area of 800 square metres provides sufficient space for a lively exchange of ideas in front of a picturesque mountain panorama. After work is done, adventure is waiting! Stepping out of the 'business Mecca', visitors can enjoy the uncountable possibilities for side events and incentives the holiday region of Zell am See-Kaprun offers.

Discover your surroundings

All around the lake on a slow train - Doors closed and off we go: you can get to know the panorama of the landscape around Lake Zell on board a slow train. At an easygoing speed, the ever-changing angle makes for impressive moving memories of the Alpine panorama.

Local History Museum of Hohenwartpark - At this museum, you can admire rural life and the development of Alpinism. This is where you find old agricultural equipment and tools, too. Furthermore, there is material about the very first power plant of Kaprun as well as about traditional costumes.

History: Vogtturm Zell am See - Here you can browse through diligently gathered evidence of the history of Zell. Interesting insights into regional history and into the lives of its former inhabitants are guaranteed. At the 'Vogtsaal', exhibitions take place on a regular basis.

Cultural High: Mozart Town Salzburg - It is hard to outplay Salzburg: Next to innumerable museums, the birthplace of Mozart and Fortress Hohensalzburg are special treats, indeed. It is also well-worth paying a visit to Stiegl's Brauwelt, which is a brewery, and to go to the 'Tiergarten'.

Dazzling: Swarovski Crystal Worlds - André Heller has created an underground theme world featuring crystals. Magic caves and halls are protected by a large maze, shaped in the form of a hand, and by the water-spouting head of a watchful botanical giant.

Biker Cross: Bikeworld Leogang - On board the Asitzbahn cable car, you will get to the starting point of downhill and freeride action in Austria's very first bicycle park. There are tracks for bike parcours, biker cross, and dual slalom. Local experts will take you with them for their guided adventure tours.

A new world: Alpine Thermae in Gastein - At the Alpentherme in Bad Hofgastein you can relax and be regenerated in another world altogether. What's on offer in the spa resort? Everything - from a sauna world featuring a mountain lake to geysers and water slides to a multimedia fun dome.

'Mühlauersäge' Adventure Sawmill - The adventure saw mill in Fusch is well-worth a trip, particularly for families. You will learn all about wood, from being a seed to being manufactured into noble products. Machine tool presentations and videos explain everything in a simple way.

Christmas means bright eyes in Zell

Children with thick woollen hats pressing their little noses flat on store window displays, yummy mulled wine warming up your body out in the cold, the scent of lavender oil filling the clean air of the town - that's what you will find at the Christmas fair in Zell am See. There are lots of things for you and your loved ones to discover. For one month, Christmas bakers, wine growers, and wood carvers are setting up their stalls.

Every year, the Christmas fair is opened in a solemn ceremony by the mayor, Georg Maltschnig, PhD. Immediately thereafter, a special Advent programme for the four-week period preceding Christmas is launched: a small platform is set up for brass bands and choirs singing Christmas carols. If you go on one of the Advent hikes, you will enjoy the homey atmosphere that arises in the sea of colourful lanterns when those Christmas stories are retold.

Advent coins are minted 'old style' and even though you cannot pay with them, they make for excellent gifts for your loved ones back at home. For your little ones, doing handicrafts, such as making Christmas figurines and Advent decorations, will be a good 'therapy' to shorten the time of waiting until the Christ child comes along. Naturally, you and your offspring might also want to listen to stories of Advent being read publicly.

Get ready and stay in close touch with the 'Europa-Sportregion'. By checking the service pages, you will always be up to date and can get all the relevant information for your stay in Zell am See and Kaprun before you ever get on the road. For example: what will the weather be like upon your arrival? What is the easiest way to get into the region? All of these questions will be answered right here.

If you cannot wait for your holidays to start, you can have a sneak preview into the heart of the Pinzgau by visiting our picture gallery. There are photographs of all the great events in the region - just a mouse-click away. Of course, motion pictures are also important to get a first impression: thanks to short video and live-camera recordings, you will know in advance what you can expect, while you are still at home.

Oh, it is not enough for you to browse through our Internet pages? Then you must prefer receiving up-to-date information about the region in your mailbox, right? No problem! Our monthly newsletter from Zell am See and Kaprun will make sure that you know everything you need to know. In addition to details about current events, there is background reporting about our products, tips given by staff members of local companies and much, much more.

Life is beautiful - at least as long as you are spending time in Zell am See and Kaprun. Treat yourself to some downtime, away from a stressful daily routine, and discover completely new facets of your life. Right here in the 'Europa-Sportregion' you will find innumerable offers to sweeten your leisure time. You can relax over some good food, go dancing, shopping, or take a steam bath. There is so much you can do in the centre of Pinzgau you will find that you are really spoilt for choice.

Local caterers know what a real treat for your taste buds has to look like. This is where you can try regional culinary delights such as the legendary Pinzgau cheese as well as many other wonderful dishes from abroad. Naturally, you must not leave without having had some inspiring small talk in the afternoon while enjoying your coffee or a nice hot cup of tea; it can also happen when you go out for a jovial evening with lots of music, dancing, and cool drinks.

And you are sure to find just the right accessories for a gala dinner in style or the perfect new sports gear in the shop in the town centre. Of course, with such a wide range of articles on offer, you will have no problem at all finding the right gift for your loved ones at home. Would you like a pair of new sunglasses for a spontaneous snowshoe hike? Fancy a new hair cut? What about a nice massage? Everything your heart could possibly desire is right here - at your finger tips.

One hundred reasons not to do without

Do you prefer eating simple, Mediterranean, or rather Asian food? The caterers in the 'Europa-Sportregion' tantalize the tongues of their guests with dishes from all over the world. Whether you go for local specialties or culinary delights from other countries, your taste buds will think they are having a never-ending party. You may dine in an elaborate ambience or in a romantic, rustic mountain hut. There are more than 100 restaurants. The choice is yours.

Big business or small talk: it is quite easy to start a conversation in the cafés and bars in the region. Order for a cup of coffee or tea and warm yourself up again after a trip on the 132 kilometres of trails in the freezing cold. At night, a nice drink will make sure your tired limbs regain their energy. Do you prefer a coffee bar or a typical Austrian coffee house? Well, rest assured. You will quickly find your favourite place for the last drink of the night.

Even though you are in another, rather mountainous, world, you won't have to do without a special treat. In no time at all, the rustic inns at Kitzsteinhorn and Schmittenhöhe will win you over with their Austrian way of life and the hearty hospitality which is so typical for the Pinzgau. This is where you will be discussing the hiking and skiing routes for the next day while enjoying the day's special dish. Locals won't be hiding good hints from you either and they will share quite a bit of what is on their hearts, too.

Tables turning into dancing floors

The mountain world is shaking: in more than 30 bars, pubs, and clubs, the night turns into day. You can get wild and dance into the wee hours of the morning, listening to live music, sipping cocktails. When hot rhythms get a hold of you, a nice drink will cool you down again. At nightfall, the streets awake to new life - 'It 's party time!' in the 'Europa-Sportregion'!

You want to meet new people? Oh well, that's a piece of cake. Just go play billiard or try bowling. You may also make new friends over a nice drink while listening to superb live music. Newcomers and accomplished bands alike are playing in Zell am See and Kaprun. Whether you go to one of the cocktail bars or pubs or to a glamorous American style dinner - all around you will be picking up live sounds played by music groups.

Active dancers will, obviously, dance to the hard beats of the night. They can find a dance floor of their liking both in small bars, much like a club, or in mighty discotheques. Soul, hard rock or pop - the various DJs will serve you with the latest sound fresh from their turntables. No sweat, it will not be difficult to find also a quiet corner for a more private conversation. And who knows, it may be that the person you are talking to will be your very best friend in the future.

An expedition into bargain land

It is well-worth it to go for a rambling tour through the idyllic shopping streets of Zell am See and Kaprun. Right there in the middle of old inns and classy buildings of days gone by, there are little stores which fit perfectly into the harmonious picture the town presents. This is where you have all the time in the world to assemble the perfect sports outfit and to find just the right thing for your great haute-couture night. Naturally, there are special shops where you can find a wide range of traditional costumes as well.

Are you looking for hiking or skiing outfits, something for the kids or some new evening garb? No problem. The 'Europa-Sportregion' offers everything you need to make you perfect from head to toe. You can count on their advice, too. The icing on the cake is, of course, the right gift for friends and family back home: perfume, jewellery, and other noble accessories will paint a smile on anybody's face. Mind you, you should not forget about yourself either. What about treating yourself to something really nice?

In case you left your hiking boots or ski sticks at home, the sports shops in Zell am See and Kaprun will be happy to assist you so that nothing will be standing in your way when you wan to go for a spontaneous sports adventure. And, last but not least, you will also receive valuable expert advice for your tours - for free.

A lively complexion and a new 'you'

Everything that your body and spirit need to be revitalized again can be found here: after just one day of participating in the beauty and wellness programme, anyone who will see your face will know that you are on holidays. Floating or Ayurveda will invigorate you. Stress and tensions will be dissolved in a steam bath. And a massage administered by an able expert will breathe new life into tired bones.

Aromatic grottos, essential oils, and colour radiation treatment bedazzle your senses and bring the balance back into your body and spirit. You can, for example, relax while floating on a 26 percent saline solution. Straight afterwards, you can visit the 'Locanium' for purification purposes. Taking a sweat bath to pamper your body with radiation heat of 75°C will make you feel much like the people in ancient Rome. For a healthy complexion, visit one of the solaria in the region.

To round things off nicely, go and see your beauty consultant. When you have had your peeling or nail treatment or a nourishing facial mask, one look at you will confirm that you have regained your vitality. To make things perfect, get a fancy hair style. Welcome to your new 'You'!

A holiday to every kid's delight

The little ones want to flounder about in the indoor swimming pool, while their parents got it in their minds to go for an extensive and adventurous hiking tour through the still-intact beauty of nature. What can you do? You would have a problem if you were anywhere else, but the 'Europa-Sportregion' offers its small and great guests a holistic pleasure package that will make you feel good in every respect. No one has to do without - treat yourself and your offspring to the luxury of a stress free day!

If you are coming with your entire family, you will be able to benefit from all kinds of special services in the 'Europa-Sportregion'. Choose one of the package deals. Thus, your entrance tickets to the indoor swimming pools and the museums of the region, for example, are included. But even a day at the hotel can be charming, particularly for your young ones: special family hotels know just how to entertain your kids.

Germany's renowned publishing house Falk was also persuaded that this is a real holiday 'plus' both for you and your son and heir. As a result, it crowned the 'Europa-Sportregion' with the title of most family-friendly holiday destination in all of Europe. Austria's government also started singing songs of praise: for this special offer for young holiday guests, the Federal Ministry for Economy and Labour awarded the region with its 'Kids' Ski Ace', an honour for providing the friendliest framework programme for children in the entire Alpine republic.

Gold for no-worries package-deal

Nowhere in Austria do families feel as much at home as in the 'Europa-Sportregion'. It is totally geared to meet the needs of its small guests from A to Z. Special kids skiing schools teach the youngest ones all of the basics. Selected hotels with trained and experienced caretakers make sure that the parents have some spare time all to themselves as well. For these reasons, the famous German publishing house Falk awarded the region a very special title. It is the 'most family-friendly holiday resort'.

Even Austria's Federal Ministry for Economy and Labour has recognised that Zell am See and Kaprun are unbeatable when it comes to taking care of youngsters: for offering the most kids-friendly framework programme in the Federal Alpine Republic, Schmittenhöhe was granted the 'Kids' Ski Ace'. It is a reward granted by the ministry for offering especially attractive and colourful activities for small guests.

This sought-after trophy was also granted thanks to the green fluffy 'Schmidolin', a little guy who happens to be a rather popular figure! It is a holiday dragon and a real star amongst the kids. The 'Schmidolin Club' is fully integrated into the Skiing schools schedule of the region. This way, the cuddly cute dragon can always accompany the young ones on their very first skiing ventures.

Even new-born babies are on board

Whether you are having a baby or just had your new little baby: in one of the family hotels of the 'Europa-Sportregion' you will discover the comprehensive award-winning services for yourself. Literally everybody can spend some totally relaxing days here, grandmas just as much as new-born babies. Thanks to experienced child-minders, parents can take some downtime - finally. After all, this is your holiday!

There are kids' clubs, adventure and romper rooms to be found in the 'Children's hotels'. So even in bad weather, high spirits are guaranteed. You can keep your children there for a couple of hours or let them participate in the programme for the entire week. In Zell am See and Kaprun everything is perfectly geared towards meeting the needs of the youngest guests. Treat yourself to some quiet time, knowing that your offspring is taken care of by trustworthy personnel.

There is absolutely no reason to be afraid. While you go whizzing across the trails or on a leisurely mountain bike tour, your kids are having real fun down in the valley: adventure playgrounds, petting zoos, kids' cinemas, clowns, jugglers, magicians, and slides, you name it... child-minders in the 'Europa-Sportregion' know what children really like.

Playful fun at skiing

Your offspring wants to match your skills and conquer the powder snow of Kitzsteinhorn and Schmittenhöhe with a pair of skis strapped to their feet? Just give them free rein. Our children's skiing schools will teach them everything they need to know and do in order to enjoy safe skiing fun on 132 kilometres of pistes.

Our specially trained skiing instructors know how to win children for this sport. They teach them the basic techniques playfully and it's all very free and easy. And even if your children have already got used to their skis and manage to slide down the hills on their own: even the more experienced little ski racers can always acquire a few more skills at the skiing schools of Zell am See and Kaprun.

Success comes fastest when you are taught in a small group. For that reason the number of participants is limited to three children at the 'Mini-Club'. Your sons or daughters will also be able to learn something about servicing their skis properly there. Children from the age of three can romp around at the 'Children's Snow Land'. And little ones who are still too young for skiing meet at the guest kindergarten near the mountain stations where they are sure to find some new friends soon.

An oasis for demanding small visitors

The 'Europa-Sportregion' sets great store by providing conveniences for all the family. Specialized hotels, discounts on holiday packages, or schools that teach your offspring the right technique for skiing: Zell am See-Kaprun always offers the best possible service for both adults and children. And now the region has extended its offer even further for you to enjoy a carefree holiday together with your loved ones in future, too.

The new guest kindergarten in Zell am See helps parents to organize their time during their stay here even more flexibly now. The new drop-in centre for the youngest guests is called 'Joys - Games, Fun & More'. Here, young holidaymakers from the age of at least twelve months are entertained good and proper. The well-trained 'Joys' staff take care of that. Consequently, you can treat yourself to a few relaxed hours knowing that the little ones are well looked after.

A day at 'Joys' simply flies by for your children: their creativity is given free rein to at making models or when they paint and draw just as they fancy. Climbing tours are also part of the entertainment programme. And in case your child's birthday happens to be during your holiday, 'Joys' will organize a big children's birthday party - with everything that is likely to put a smile on a child's face.

A N°1 start for mini skiing fans

Whether your kids are three or six years old, there is no general age limit for getting on the piste, anymore. At what age the little ones can get on skies depends on their physical abilities. If they are able to keep their balance and can co-ordinate their moves easily, they are ready for skiing. Wobbly candidates might want to try out cross-country skiing for a start, which is really ideal for gaining some experience on the planks.

The right equipment is essential since it protects you from injuries and can even save someone's life. If in doubt, opt for brand name products instead. Generally, they meet all the important safety standards. You should buy individually adaptable gear for each child. You should only make an exception if the ski suit of your kid's big brother or sister fits perfectly.

Skies should be waisted and well-kept. Why? Well, because it will be easier to use them if they are. Your offspring should be able to open and close the bindings by themselves. By the way, initially the little ones won't need poles since they would be more of a hindrance than a help. There is nothing worse than wet or cold hands and feet. Therefore, your kids' clothing should be leak-proof all around. There is just one thing left to be mentioned: the helmet is the most important piece of protective gear, seeing that it prevents some 90 percent of all head injuries!