Sometimes, a holiday in the Rauris Valley calls for a change of scenery. From here, it is only about 28 kilometers to Zell am See – an easy half-hour drive through the Salzach Valley, and suddenly a turquoise-green lake opens up before you, complete with excursion boats, a pedestrianized historic old town, and the peaks of the Hohe Tauern as a backdrop.
Zell am See represents the vibrant side of the Pinzgau region: sidewalk cafés along the lakeside promenade, boutique shops in the historic center, and a cable car that whisks you up to nearly 2,000 meters in just twelve minutes. This is precisely why it complements peaceful Rauris so well. Spend a few hours by the water or strolling through town, and return in the evening to the tranquility of the valley – back to your 4-Star Superior Hotel Rauriserhof.
The most scenic perspective of the surrounding mountains is from the water. Excursion boats depart several times a day from the Esplanade and complete a scenic lake tour in about 45 minutes. From the open top deck, you can admire the Schmittenhöhe on one side and the glaciated three-thousand-meter peaks of the Hohe Tauern on the other – one of the few places in the country where both fit into a single panorama.
For those who prefer to navigate themselves: Electric, pedal, and rowboats are available for hourly rent along the lakeside promenade. Stand-up paddleboarders also frequent the lake, and rental boards are readily available on-site.
For swimming, several lidos (Strandbäder) offer direct lake access, including facilities in Zell am See itself and across the water in Thumersbach. The water warms up comfortably during midsummer while staying crystal-clear – the ideal plan for warm sunny days in the valley.
The historic core of Zell am See is compact and completely pedestrianized; a leisurely walking tour takes just under an hour. Three architectural landmarks are well worth visiting:
The Esplanade is Zell am See’s open-air living room: a wide lakeside promenade lined with benches, ice cream parlors, and sweeping views across the water. Starting from Elisabethpark, you can stroll in either direction while keeping the lake in full view.
Elisabethpark also sets the stage for the Zeller Seezauber (Lake Zell Magic). From May to mid-October, daytime musical water fountains run hourly in the afternoon. Even more captivating are the evening shows: roughly 20 minutes of synchronized water, light, lasers, and music over the bay, usually taking place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Admission is free; arriving a few minutes early ensures a prime spot on the lakeside wall.
Zell am See’s local mountain is easily accessible via modern cable cars, ascending to 1,965 meters. At the summit, a panoramic view opens in every direction: south toward the glaciers of the Hohe Tauern and the Grossglockner, north toward the rugged Limestone Alps (Steinberge), with the lake resting right below.
Along the plateau, several gentle walking paths trace the ridge line, including the outdoor art trail "Galerie auf der Alpe" featuring large-scale open-air sculptures. For guests who hike actively in Rauris, the Schmittenhöhe offers a relaxed alternative: maximum alpine panoramas with minimal elevation gain.
Head out after breakfast, explore the historic old town and the Vogt Tower, and treat yourself to a scenic lake cruise. Return to Rauris by early afternoon – leaving the rest of the day to unwind in the saunas and quiet relaxation rooms of our Berg-Spa.
On show evenings, a trip after dinner is well worth it. Enjoy a relaxed meal at our restaurant, drive over around dusk, and experience the light and water spectacle in Elisabethpark. The drive back through the Salzach Valley under the night sky is an experience in itself.
Bring your bikes, park near the town center, and circle the entire lake via Thumersbach and Schüttdorf. The path is flat, family-friendly, and runs almost continuously alongside the water. Plan roughly two to three hours for the loop, including leisurely breaks.
Feel free to stop by reception when planning your day trip. We are happy to advise on travel times, busy hours in town, or prepare a late breakfast or a packed lunch for your outing.
