Grossglockner, Salzburg & Hohenwerfen Castle

Zell am See offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and rich history. Enjoy the tranquillity of Lake Zell, experience the vibrant city of Salzburg, take a journey through the past at Hohenwerfen Castle and enjoy the breathtaking alpine scenery of the Grossglockner High Alpine Road.

Cycling along scenic trails, taking a mountain-lined walk or simply relaxing by the lake — this charming Austrian town offers something for everyone. Included in this Escorted Tour package, you'll enjoy all the benefits of the Zell am See-Kaprun Summer Card. It offers you access to nine major lifts, including the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier (3,029m) and Schmittenhöhe, as well as access to lake cruises, public transport and swimming lidos! It adds a potential wealth of activity, as well as incredible value to your stay in Zell am See.

Your Holiday Itinerary

Day1Fly to Munich

Depart on a direct flight from Dublin to Munich where you will be met on arrival at the airport by our Resort Manager. You’ll board the transfer coach and be brought to your hotel, the lovely, newly renovated Hotel Fish'Inn.

It is based in an ideal destination for summer stays, offering a perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Located in the vibrant pedestrian zone, it is just steps away from the stunning Lake Zell and a short walk from the CityXpress cable car, making it an excellent base for outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, and biking.

The hotel features recently renovated rooms, a rooftop terrace with panoramic views and family-friendly amenities. Guests can enjoy a nutritious breakfast buffet and flexible dining options, including access to local restaurants.

Day2Walking Tour of Zell am See

This morning, your guide will take you on a walking tour of the beautiful Zell am See, the perfect introduction to this stunning alpine town. As you explore, you’ll soak in the charming atmosphere of the resort while admiring the incredible views of Lake Zell and the surrounding mountains. This is a great opportunity to get your bearings, discover the town’s hidden gems and learn about its rich history and culture.

After the walk, you can perhaps make the most of your Zell am See-Kaprun Summer Card by taking a free cable car ride to Schmittenhöhe. From the summit, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views, stretching across the glittering lake, lush valleys and towering peaks of the Austrian Alps. Whether you choose to relax and take in the scenery or continue exploring the mountain trails, this is an unforgettable way to experience the very best of Zell am See.

Day3Hohenwerfen Castle

This morning, we leave Zell am See, following the scenic shores of Lake Zell before passing through the charming village of Schüttdorf. As we journey downstream along the Salzach River, today’s excursion blends the raw beauty of natural wonders with the grandeur of a medieval masterpiece.

Our route takes us through three breathtaking regions of the Salzburg province—the picturesque Unterpinzgau (Lower Pinzgau), Pongau, and Tennengau. Along the way, we witness the sheer power of nature at work, where the Großarler Ache has carved a spectacular 4km-long gorge south of St. Johann im Pongau, shaping the landscape over centuries with its relentless force.

We then continue to the village of Werfen, where the mighty >Hohenwerfen Castle dominates the skyline. Perched high above the valley, the fortress is accessible via a 20-minute scenic walk, or for those who prefer, a convenient elevator ride to the top. Once inside, take a moment to soak in the breathtaking views before enjoying lunch within the castle’s historic walls.

After lunch, a guided tour offers fascinating insights into the castle’s rich and storied past, bringing its medieval history to life. To complete the experience, witness a spectacular falconry show, a tradition that has been part of the castle’s heritage for centuries, making this a truly unforgettable day of culture, history and natural beauty.

Day4At Your Leisure

In the summer, Zell am See is a paradise for those who love the outdoors, offering the perfect balance of activity and relaxation. Between the glacier, mountains, and lake, there are endless ways to enjoy your time here.

For those looking to explore the heights, the region’s well-marked hiking trails lead to stunning panoramic viewpoints, charming mountain huts and peaceful rest stops with breathtaking scenery. If you prefer cycling, you can take on the trails by mountain bike or e-bike, making even longer routes easily accessible.

For a more laid-back experience , why not enjoy a lake cruise, which is included with your Zell am See-Kaprun Summer Card? This peaceful boat trip offers a unique perspective of the town and surrounding peaks, with spectacular reflections dancing on the water. If the weather is warm, you can even take a refreshing swim in Lake Zell, known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning alpine backdrop—a perfect way to cool off after a morning of exploring.

Spending the day exploring the mountains, enjoying the lake, or discovering the vibrant buzz in the town of Zell am See, promises another day filled with unforgettable moments.

Day5Grossglockner

This morning, we depart Zell am See for a scenic drive along Lake Zell, heading towards the Grossglockner High Alpine Road — one of Austria’s most breathtaking mountain routes. Stretching through the Central Alps, this masterpiece of engineering connects the provinces of Salzburg and Carinthia and is only open for scenic traffic during the summer months.

The road winds its way up through two dramatic passes - Fuscher Törl (2,428m) and Hochtor (2,504m), before branching off onto the Glacier Road, leading to Austria’s largest valley glacier, the Pasterze. Along the journey, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of rugged peaks, deep valleys, and alpine meadows, with Austria’s highest mountain, the Grossglockner (3,798m), making its most striking appearance in the final stretch of the Glacier Road.

At the southern end of the route, we stop in the picturesque village of Heiligenblut, famous for its charming Gothic church and dramatic mountain backdrop. After taking in the scenery and enjoying some free time, we retrace our route back, offering a fresh perspective on this legendary alpine road.

Day6Salzburg

After breakfast, you will be picked up by coach to the enchanting city of Salzburg, home of world famous composer Mozart and the Von Trapp family from the Sound of Music. Meaning "Salt Castle", the name refers to its massive fortress and the white gold from the mountains in the South. This is Austria's most beautiful spot - as the locals will arguably claim.

The city's magnificent Baroque town centre is rated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and can easily be explored by foot. On arrival, the city will be yours to discover at your own pace or, if you wish, you can book an optional city tour, which is accompanied by a local city guide. Your coach guide will provide full information on this. Later, you will return to the hotel by coach.

Day7At Your Leisure

Enjoy your final day in Zell am See at your own pace, making the most of this spectacular setting. You might revisit some of the highlights from your guided tour, take a relaxed stroll through the charming town centre, or unwind in one of its cafés, bars, or restaurants, soaking in the last moments of your Austrian escape.

For a scenic and peaceful walk, consider the 10km loop around Lake Zell. This flat and relatively easy trail offers breathtaking views from every angle, allowing you to fully appreciate the lake’s beauty as it reflects the surrounding mountains.

If you’re looking to end on a high note, your Zell am See-Kaprun Summer Card includes free bus transport to Kaprun, where you can visit the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier. Take the cable car up to over 3,000m and experience the Top of Salzburg, offering breathtaking panoramic views across the Hohe Tauern National Park. Even in summer, you can step onto the eternal ice of the glacier and take in the unforgettable mountain scenery.

Spending your last day by the lake, in the mountains, or simply relaxing, Zell am See leaves you with incredible memories of Austria’s natural beauty.

Day8Return home

Your coach will transfer you back to the airport, where you will board your plane for your flight back to Dublin.