Lake Zell — Attraction in Zell am See

Like most lakes in Austria, most of the access points to the lake are privatized. Like, 1 rich guy with a villa owning a parcel, next rich guy owning the next parcel. Pretty crazy! Only a very few spots open for the public, as in, the public that didn't pay a hotel with it's own private access to the lake shores.

We visited in the summer, to hike, bike and fly FPV drones. In general, the region decided to actively promote themselves in the Gulf states (it looks like paradise for Muslims), so it's very crowded with seemingly quite conservative Muslim people. The biggest consequence is that those extremely rich people spent their easily earned oil dollars over there, and the local communities and businesses jacked up their prices to insane levels. The average working class Westerner can just not afford to spend 56 euro single trip per person for a gondola to reach some mountain top (Kaplun). You are simply priced out of the market as a normal earning person over there. And Belgium has similar income levels to Austria I guess. That made that we never really got to see the big mountains we drove so far out for up close/high.

Moreover, access to most routes to the mountains was blocked early on for cars, and very often, also even for bikes! To protect the cattle I guess, which is kinda overkill, cuz the taxis and locals were racing down those mountain tracks like madmen with their cars. All this means you are really blocked off from hiking high up, or from even going near the mountains, without paying quite a lot of money. Renting an (e)bike is also very expensive over there. Biking routes were not to well signed, and often lead to a "forest road" where u were suddenly forbidden to pass with the bike. Lot's of broken hiking tracks also. They definitely prioritized the local farmer, and restricted access to the public in his or her favor. Zell am See is all in all completely geared towards tourists, and has, in my opinion, no real village/city soul left except for tourism.

All in all we still had our fun, but it was kinda a weird feeling. Better mountains to visit elsewhere I guess, that's what we gonna do next time. It's more or less the same in other mountain...

A Serene Escape to Zell am See Lake

My visit to Zell am See Lake was nothing short of magical. Nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps, the lake offered stunning views in every direction—crystal-clear waters framed by snow-capped peaks and lush greenery. Whether you’re into scenic walks, boat rides, or just soaking in the tranquility, this place has something for everyone.

The promenade around the lake was perfect for a leisurely stroll, and I especially loved stopping at the small cafes that offered delicious local pastries and coffee with unbeatable lake views. The water was so clear that you could see the reflections of the mountains dancing on the surface—truly postcard perfect.

I also took a boat cruise which was a peaceful way to admire the surroundings from a different perspective. Zell am See town itself was charming, with its alpine architecture, cozy restaurants, and friendly locals.

If you’re looking for a destination that combines natural beauty with a peaceful atmosphere, Zell am See Lake is a must-visit. I left feeling relaxed, refreshed, and already...

It is one of the most beautiful lakes I have seen. The place is really quiet and clean. You can enjoy having a picnic there. You can also swim in the lake or ride your bike by the lake. I also saw a lot of boats with many people on them so I guess you can book a ride. There were also small boats that you can rent for a specific amount of time private with your family.

As for the town, it was a nice small cozy town, you can walk around and see the colourful small houses. Bus stations were close and you could reach them on foot. So whether you are a biker, a family or a couple, you can enjoy the place there on a...