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.

Your Holiday Itinerary

Day1Fly to Munich

Depart on a direct flight from Dublin to Munich, where you will be met on arrival by our Resort Manager. From here, you’ll board your transfer to Zell am See, where your home for the week will be the welcoming Hotel Neue Post.

Located in the heart of Zell am See, Hotel Neue Post is a charming, family-run hotel offering a blend of traditional Austrian hospitality and modern comfort. Situated just a short stroll from Lake Zell and the CityXpress cable car, it provides the perfect base for exploring the town, the surrounding mountains, and all the activities the region has to offer.

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 may wish to spend some time exploring more of Zell am See and its beautiful surroundings. Take the opportunity to relax by the lake, wander through the charming town centre, or simply soak up the spectacular Alpine scenery. With glittering waters, lush valleys and towering peaks all around, it’s a wonderful place to enjoy at your own pace.

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 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 surrounded by breathtaking scenery. If you prefer cycling, you can take to the trails by mountain bike or e-bike, making even longer routes more accessible.

For a more laid-back experience, why not enjoy a leisurely cruise on Lake Zell? A boat trip offers a wonderful perspective of the town and surrounding peaks, with spectacular reflections dancing on the water. If the weather is warm, you could also take a refreshing swim in Lake Zell, known for its crystal-clear waters and beautiful Alpine backdrop — a perfect way to cool off after a morning of exploring.

Whether you choose to spend the day exploring the mountains, relaxing by the lake or soaking up the vibrant atmosphere in the town of Zell am See, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your time in this beautiful Alpine setting.

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, as the locals will happily claim, Austria's most beautiful spot.

The city's magnificent Baroque town centre is rated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and can easily be explored on foot. On arrival, you will enjoy an hour exploring with a local guide, before the city is yours to discover at your own pace. 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 up 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 route offers beautiful views from every angle, allowing you to fully appreciate the lake and its impressive mountain backdrop.

If you’re looking to end your holiday on a high note, you could venture further afield and explore more of the spectacular surrounding region. Alternatively, spend a leisurely afternoon by the lake, browse the shops in Zell am See, or find a scenic spot to sit back and simply enjoy the Alpine surroundings.

Whether you choose to spend your last day by the lake, exploring the mountains, or simply relaxing, Zell am See is sure to leave you with wonderful 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.