Zell am See is an Austrian resort town in Salzburgerland, set between the Schmittenhöhe ski mountain and the clear waters of Zeller See lake. The medieval old town — largely traffic-free since a bypass tunnel was built — sits on a peninsula jutting into the lake, with good mountain views in all directions. Unlike many purpose-built ski resorts, it has genuine historic character: the town was founded by monks from Salzburg in the 8th century, and the Church of St Hippolytus at its centre dates from the Romanesque period.
Together with the neighbouring village of Kaprun, Zell am See forms the Europa Sports Region. The Schmittenhöhe above the town offers around 77km of pistes; Kaprun's Kitzsteinhorn glacier adds year-round skiing at higher altitude. The combined area suits all levels, with a reasonable mix of easy, intermediate, and demanding runs. In summer the emphasis shifts to hiking, cycling, lake swimming, and water sports — the lake is clean, warm enough for swimming from June to September, and has a municipal lido, boat hire, and waterfront walking paths.
The Grossglockner High Alpine Road, one of Austria's great scenic drives, begins within easy reach — the pass is open May to November and leads up to Austria's highest peak. The Krimml Waterfalls, among the highest in Europe, are 55km to the west and make an easy day trip through the Salzach valley.