Everything is better with a view
Everything is better with a view
Finding the most beautiful panorama
The combination of glacier, mountain and lake is a guarantee for spectacular views - and perfect for taking pictures. The following five spots prove this: Here we linger with pleasure, enjoy the panorama and create memories that will stay with us for a long time.
The sun slowly disappears behind the mountain peaks and immerses the snow and ice on the glacier in a last glow. The rugged slopes appear in ever darker shades, the water in Lake Zell seems smooth as glass and so inviting. Absorbing this view, storing and capturing it forever is of course also possible without a camera.
Nevertheless, we recommend that you take your camera or smartphone with you to these vantage points!
1 | Mitterberg
The Mitterberg beckons above the Zell district of Thumersbach: this excursion destination is almost a classic for all those who can't get enough of the glacier-mountain-lake panorama. No wonder - after a hike of just under 1.5 hours from Thumersbach on the eastern shore of Lake Zell, you reach the cosy Berggasthof Mitterberg inn and you can also enjoy a spectacular panorama of Lake Zell, nestling between the Kitzsteinhorn and Schmittenhöhe. This view is simply unbeatable especially in the afternoon or early evening, when the sun is setting. If you like, you can also cycle or drive the way to the Mitterberg and then take another hike in direction Schwalbenwand.
2 | "Top of Salzburg" panorama platform
The second tip takes us uphill to dizzy heights - in the truest sense of the word: The Top of Salzburg summit platform on the Kitzsteinhorn is 3,029 metres above sea level. This vantage point is easily accessible for everyone by cable car and offers the most beautiful view of an impressive sea of peaks. From here you can see the glaciated summits of the three-thousand-metre peaks in the Hohe Tauern National Park, the striking Kaiser Mountains and the mighty Grossglockner - Austria's highest mountain. The grassy slopes of the Kitzbühel Alps in the distance and the Zell Basin, with the deep blue lake at our feet, seem - in contrast - almost quaint.
3 | Schmittenhöhe
The Schmittenhöhe is the local mountain of Zell am See and more than lives up to its reputation as the perennial favourite among the panorama mountains in Salzburger Land: from the Schmittenhöhe upper terminus at just under 2,000 metres above sea level, we enjoy the view of more than 30 three-thousand-metre peaks - 360° panorama included. Add to this the idyllic lake resting in the valley, framed by lush green mountain slopes and rugged peaks – just magnificent! Particularly mystical: when an early morning haze covers the valley and you look out from the Schmittenhöhe onto a sea of mist from which only individual mountain peaks protrude. Tip: Next to the upper terminus of the Schmittenhöhebahn you will also find the Elisabeth Chapel. This little church has been dedicated to Empress Sissi, who often visited Zell am See and the Schmittenhöhe.
4 | Kaprun High Mountain Reservoirs
The dam wall of the Mooserboden reservoir is an incredible 107 metres high and almost 500 metres long. Blending into the landscape like fjords, the turquoise-green masses of water are kept in check by the structure: What a sight! At 2,040 metres, this marvel of technology generates electricity for the entire region and beyond. The high mountain reservoirs in Kaprun are easily reached by bus and Europe's largest inclined lift, and serve as a starting point for hiking or climbing tours high above the reservoir or along the dam wall on MOBO107.
5 | Plettsaukopf Reservoir
Our favourite for a sunrise tour? The Plettsaukopf Reservoir: Here the surrounding mountains, like the Kitzsteinhorn, reflect in the crystal clear water and the view of the Hohe Tauern and Lake Zell is fantastic. What's more, the hiking tour to this vantage point is quite easy: the water reservoir for making artificial snow is located halfway between Zell am See and the summit of the Schmittenhöhe and can be reached in just under an hour. Alternatively, the cable car can be used during the day. Wooden loungers invite you to linger and enjoy. Simply wonderful!
With these tips, you are now well equipped for searching for the best panoramic view in Zell am See-Kaprun. We wish you lots of fun - and look forward to you sharing your best pictures with us at #zellamseekaprun!
