Bad-weather alternatives in and around Zell am See
Activities for rainy days on your summer holiday
The Schmittenhöhe is the “sun child” of the Alps – and yet, the weather on Zell’s landmark mountain doesn’t always play along. How great that there are numerous destinations for excursions on rainy summer days up on the Schmitten and everywhere else in the Pinzgau!
Bad-weather activities you can do near the Schmittenhöhe
You can’t go on your planned hike because the weather – quite literally – rained on your parade? Rather than get upset about it, you should look for alternatives! And there are plenty in and around the region of Zell am See-Kaprun. Historical exhibition, relaxing days at the spa or a visit to the casino: Make the most of your time until the rain stops and the sun comes out again!
Pleasurable moments on Zell’s landmark mountain
Especially on days when the weather isn’t that great, you can start your day a little more slow-paced. For instance, how about a relaxed breakfast at the AreitLounge? That’s a pleasure on dreary days as well – and a culinary holiday highlight for the whole family! Just park your car at the valley station of the areitXpress, take the cable car up the mountain and enjoy. Coffee and cake at the Berghotel Schmittenhöhe are always a great idea as well (take the Schmittenhöhebahn to get there)!
See all huts and mountain restaurants on the Schmittenhöhe …
Vintage car show and Gamecorner Areit 1400
Even on bad-weather days, going on a ride up the Schmittenhöhe with the areitXpress is well worth it. Near the mountain station, you’ll find the mountainstation of the old Areitbahn 1, which houses the interactive Areit 1400 family exhibition. What awaits you there? An impressive collection of vintage cars, mopeds and skis!
Find out more about travelling “way back when” as well as recreational activities now and in the future. The game options for all generations at the Gamecorner round off the experience.
By the way: The exhibition’s name refers to the altitude of the mountain station of areitXpress., which is at 1400 metres above sea level.
Read more …
The Schmitten exhibition “Tradition & innovation since 1927”
Another exhibition that is of historical importance is “Tradition & innovation since 1927” in celebration of the 90th anniversary of Schmittenhöhebahn AG. At the mountain station, you can go on a journey back in time on 120 square metres of exhibition area. You’ll gain some creative insights into the history of the cable car company including its most important milestones.
Watch a short film that traces the development of the ski and hiking resort in the Pinzgau from 1927 to today. Or observe the cable cars and snow cats during their daily work in the terrain model. This exhibition is great for all Schmitten fans – and not just on rainy days!
Tip: Don’t miss the anniversary book “Sehnsucht nach Aussicht” (“Longing for a View”). It tells the story of how the Schmittenhöhe became a hotspot for tourists and one of the top ski resorts of the Alps during the course of the past 90 years. The book is available at the InfoCenter and at Ellmauer bookstore in Zell am See. You can also order it via e-mail.
Read more …
Adjacent to the exhibition is the panoramic platform "Kaiserblick" - wich is also open for you on rainy days. Go up to lofty heights and enjoy an amazing view.
Boat tours on Lake Zell
If you like, you can spend your bad-weather day not on but at the foot of the Schmitten, on Lake Zell. On a sheltered boat, you can experience a panorama cruise of the special kind. The atmosphere on a day like this is very different, yet exciting in its own way. Savour your cake and coffee – protected from the weather.
By the way: Boat tours on Lake Zell are just one of many attractions that you can enjoy with the Zell am See-Kaprun Summer Card! Cable car rides up and down the mountain with the Schmittenhöhebahn or trassXpress, for instance, are included as well. The other cable cars and lifts will take you up and down Zell’s landmark mountain even more often. No matter the weather!
Other tips
In the Museum Vogtturm you can travel through the history of Zell am See, marvel at mysterious artefacts from prehistoric times or get to know the pioneers who shaped the development of Zell am See. Interactive discovery stations provide a playful insight for the whole family. You can also enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the Schmittenhöhe and the centre of Zell am See from the tower.
Visit the Salzburger Land’s highest point – year-round and no matter the weather! Visit the Kitzsteinhorn with its high-alpine experience “Summit World 3000”. The 365-metre-long Nationalpark Gallery helps you get to know the Hohe Tauern mountain range from various perspectives. Even on bad-weather days, you can get an insight into the spectacular world of the biggest national park of the Alps.
Are you drawn to the warmth when it gets a little uncomfortable outside? Then how about a relaxing day at the spa? The Tauern Spa in Zell am See-Kaprun is the perfect place to unwind and recharge your batteries. Spacious pools, various swimming facilities, saunas, steam rooms and relaxation rooms – what could be better? Not to mention the breath-taking view of the Kitzsteinhorn and the Hohe Tauern mountain range …
Equally as informative but completely different compared to a dusty old museum: the Nationalpark Center in Mittersill. Learn more about the most extensive nature reserve of the Alps, the Hohe Tauern, in an exciting way – very modern and multi-media-based. This family-friendly adventure world takes you from snowy summits to blooming meadows and mountain torrents. If you like, you can also spin the “wheel of time”.
If you want to experience nature no matter the weather, you can do so at the Lamprechtsofen cave in the Saalachtal valley. In St. Martin near Lofer, visitors can admire the inside of the mountain since the beginning of the 20th century. Walk along the 700-metre public trail that covers 70 metres of difference in altitude. It’ll challenge all your senses and reward your efforts with spectacular views. An excursion that will not only take your kids’ breath away – promise!
You’d prefer to stay in Zell am See – but not at your hotel? No problem! The leisure centre Zell am See is open in summer. That’s where you’ll find indoor pools as well as a spa and sauna world – and thus a refuge on rainy days. For all gambling fans, a visit to the casino in Zell am See is a great option, too!
With 3D effects created by special glasses, you’ll experience a fun mini-golf game and fantastic worlds in the legendary stone house, where reality and fantasy blend together. Each course tells a story, and every obstacle becomes an adventure.
important information: closed in winter
The attractions listed already show: In the Pinzgau region, you won’t get bored even on bad-weather days! But there are even more attractions near Zell’s landmark mountain that’ll keep you busy on rainy summer days:
- Saalfelden Bees‘ World
- Leogang Mining Museum
- "Lords of the Skies" in Rauris
- Mühlauersäge Wood Adventure World
Bees, mining, eagles or wood – choose the experience that sparks your curiosity. You’ll learn more about the Pinzgau’s nature and animals at each one of these special locations.
