Photo spots & hidden gems in Zell am See-Kaprun

Lakes, Gorges, and Peaks: The Most Beautiful Photo Spots and Hidden Gems in Zell am See-Kaprun

Turquoise mountain lakes, a roaring gorge, and panoramic peaks overlooking the Hohe Tauern National Park—the Zell am See-Kaprun region in the Salzburg region is a paradise for anyone who wants to experience and capture nature. This guide takes you to the most rewarding water highlights, the best scenic peaks, and a few real hidden gems for unforgettable photos.

By the water: Gorges and turquoise lakes

• Sigmund-Thun Gorge & Loop Trail Around Klammsee
  Over a stretch of about 320 meters, the Kapruner Ache River has carved its way up to 30 meters deep into the rock. The trail leads along secured wooden walkways past waterfalls and smooth, polished rock faces—a refreshing natural spectacle that was first made accessible as early as 1893. At the upper end lies the shimmering turquoise Klammsee, which is encircled by an approximately 1.8-kilometer-long loop trail featuring a nature trail, a Kneipp facility, a playground, and the Klammstüberl restaurant. Swimming is not permitted, but it’s ideal for cooling your feet.
  
  A worthwhile detour is the Bürgkogel (about 950 m): A trail branches off from the lakeside path, leading up to the treeless summit in just about 90 meters of elevation gain. From the top, you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of Klammsee.
  
  Photo tip: The best time to visit is early in the morning, when the gorge is still quiet and mystical.
   

• High-alpine reservoirs in Kaprun (Mooserboden & Wasserfallboden)
  The two reservoirs, Wasserfallboden and Mooserboden, are located at 2,040 meters, nestled among the 3,000-meter peaks of the Hohe Tauern. Even the journey there is an adventure: From the Kesselfall ticket office, you take shuttle buses and the Lärchwand inclined elevator—Europe’s largest open-air inclined elevator—up to the reservoirs. The lakes are not accessible by private car. Once at the top, it’s worth taking a walk across the 107-meter-high dam, taking a guided tour inside the dam, and making the short hike to the Höhenburg (about 30 minutes round trip).

  Hiking tip: If you’d like to venture further into the mountains, follow the Austriaweg trail from the dam at Mooserboden, staying along the lakeshore all the way to the waterfall at the far end of the lake. The roughly 9-kilometer (round-trip) route is almost entirely flat with no significant elevation gain—a leisurely, scenic hike deep into the high-alpine landscape.

  Photo tip: The vibrant turquoise color of the water is most striking in the morning sunshine.
   

• 3-reservoir lake hike on the Schmittenhöhe
  This enjoyable high-altitude hike—also known as the “4 Lakes Art Hike”—starts at the summit after the ride up on the Schmittenhöhebahn and leads steadily downhill to the cityXpress mountain station. Along the way, you’ll pass three tranquil reservoirs: the Plettsaukopf (the largest lake, featuring a water playground), the Brunnermais (“Lake of Art”), and the highest-elevation Hirschkogel Reservoir, offering views of the Kitzsteinhorn. In between, you’ll encounter oversized works of art—the Schmitten has been Austria’s first “Art and Culture Mountain” since 2014.

  Photo tip: When there’s no wind, the tranquil lakes reflect the mountains—a perfect shot with the Kitzsteinhorn and the surrounding peaks in the distance.

High up: Summits with panoramic views

• Gaisstein summit on the Kitzsteinhorn – A hidden gem with views of the reservoir
  The Gaisstein (also Geißstein, 2,230 m) lies in the shadow of the popular Kitzsteinhorn, which is precisely why it’s a great choice for hikers seeking peace and quiet. From the Langwied station, you can reach the summit first via a forest road and then along a narrow ridge; the actual ascent to the summit takes only a few minutes. You’ll be rewarded with a magnificent panoramic view—especially beautiful over the deep-blue high-mountain reservoirs of Kaprun. Sure-footedness and a head for heights are required!
   
• 3K K-onnection E-Mountain Bike Tour
  The 3K K-onnection Bike Tour (KA6) connects Kaprun’s two local mountains, the Maiskogel and the Kitzsteinhorn, over a distance of about 10.4 kilometers and an elevation gain of approximately 730 meters through high-alpine pastureland. The tour begins with a leisurely ride on the MK Maiskogelbahn; from the mountain station, the route leads past the Ederalm, the Salzburger Hütte, and the Langwiedboden (around 1,970 m), and—if desired—continues on to the Alpincenter at 2,450 meters (which brings the total to 14 kilometers and over 1,100 meters of elevation gain). The tour can be ridden in either direction and combined with a cable car ride at any time—bikes ride for free in the gondola. Spectacular views throughout the entire tour! Highly recommended for e-bikes.
   
• Schrambachkopf (Sonnkogel) on the Schmittenhöhe
  A summit for the whole family: The summit cross on the Schrambachkopf (1,856 m) stands right behind the Sonnkogel Restaurant and is easily accessible via the Sonnkogelbahn or as part of the Höhenpromenade. From here, the view stretches magnificently across Lake Zell and the town—ideal for a relaxing afternoon with a great view and minimal effort.
   
• Schwalbenwand – The sunset mountain
  The Schwalbenwand (2,011 m) is considered one of the most scenic mountains in the region and—unlike the Schmittenhöhe or Kitzsteinhorn—can only be reached on foot. From the Mitterberghof mountain inn above Thumersbach, the trail leads along a forest road and through the woods to the summit, offering a constant view down toward Lake Zell and the Kitzsteinhorn. The 360-degree panorama is particularly impressive in the evening.
  Photo tip: For the sunset, it’s worth making the ascent in the late afternoon—be sure to pack a headlamp for the descent.
   
• Schönwieskopf loop trail from the Thumersbach valley head
  If you want to avoid the crowds, start right at the valley head of Thumersbach (1,030 m). The Schönwieskopf Loop Trail leads up a partly steep forest trail to the broad summit ridge of the Schönwieskopf (1,994 m). Along this magnificent high-altitude trail, you’ll pass idyllic little lakes and marshy areas, while the view of Lake Zell and the surrounding Pinzgau grassy mountains keeps opening up further and further. From late June through mid-July, blooming alpine roses also bathe the slopes in vibrant pink.
   
• Gipfelwelt 3000 on the Kitzsteinhorn
  The Kitzsteinhorn’s mountain station, at 3,029 meters, is the highest point in the Salzburg region that can be reached without alpine experience. Two panoramic platforms—“Top of Salzburg” and the “National Park Gallery” at the end of a 360-meter-long tunnel—offer views of the Großglockner, the Großvenediger, and a sea of glaciated peaks. Also featured are Cinema 3000, Salzburg’s highest-altitude restaurant, and, in midsummer, the ICE ARENA with snow.
  Photo tip: The “Top of Salzburg” platform, which hovers freely above the glacier, offers the most spectacular panoramic view—usually clearest in the morning.

Your Home Base: 3 AlpenParks Resorts with a Free Summer Card

If you’re looking to explore the region around the lake, the gorge, and the peaks at a leisurely pace, AlpenParks is the perfect choice: Three resorts are located right in the heart of Zell am See-Kaprun—the AlpenParks Central Zell am See, the AlpenParks AreitXpress Zell am See, and the AlpenParks Orgler Kaprun. At all three resorts, the Zell am See-Kaprun Summer Card is included free of charge for overnight guests. You’ll receive your personal card at the front desk starting on your first night, and with it, you can ride the mountain railways to Kitzsteinhorn, Schmittenhöhe, and Maiskogel—as well as up to the high-altitude reservoirs in Kaprun—and take a boat ride on Lake Zell for free from mid-May through the end of October. In addition, you’ll enjoy free admission to beach resorts and gorges, as well as many other attractions—ideal for experiencing many of the excursions featured here at no extra cost.

Good to know: Certain top attractions (including the high-altitude reservoirs and the summit rides on the Kitzsteinhorn and Schmittenhöhe) are only available starting on the second day of your stay; the 3K K-onnection is not included in the Summer Card.