Higher, further, faster : a potentially world record breaking summer in 2017 in Zell am See-Kaprun

Still to sparkling adventures around the subject of water

The element of water in all its facets is an important component of the Zell am See-Kaprun region. Whether it’s the refreshing drinkable quality of the water in sparkling Lake Zell, in the form of snow and ice on the Kitzsteinhorn glacier or as a source of energy in the Kaprunhigh mountain reservoirs: water is ubiquitous.

Sigmund Thun gorge : adventure for the whole family

The major significance of water is reflected in both the landscape and the outdoor activities in the region. The Sigmund Thun gorge, a 32-metre deep and 320-metre long rock crevice, and theKaprun Ache flowing through it are impressive natural spectacles. During the “Mythical Night of Water,” which takes place at 8:15 pm every Monday in July and August 2017, visitors can enjoy a mystical hike along wooden bridges through the gorge.The evening is rounded off with music and storytellers in front of a romantic camp fire.

In balance with water and the mountains: a different kind of yoga

Performing yoga exercises while stand-up paddling offers sports enthusiasts a different type of connection with water. Qualified yoga teachers offer the wobbly workout on Lake Zell every Sunday in July and August from 10.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.

The international SUP Alps Trophy race series is also being held here for the first time. From 19th to 20th August 2017,participants from several countries will be whizzing across the lake in Zell am See-Kaprun

Maritime romance in the mountains : excursions on the MS Schmittenhohe

The evening round trips on the MS Schmittenhohe generate a sense of romance: the excursions take place every Friday in July and August 2017 on Lake Zell and impress guests with live music and wonderful views of the surrounding mountains. On three days(7th July, 4th and 18th August 2017), the MS Schmittenhohe is transformed into a party ship with DJs, cocktails and culinary delicacies under the mottos “White Night,” “Clubbing in Traditional Dress” and “Grill & Chill.”

A dream combination of water and light: colourful fireworks on Lake Zell

From 16th May to 15th October 2017 holidaymakers and locals are offered a breathtaking spectacle in the form of the “Magical Lake Zell” show. New shows with exciting themes are planned for this summer, which will offer colourful productions, the latest technology and a bright play of colours on Lake Zell. During the twenty minute long show, visitors will enjoy an impressive spectacle combining water, light, music and laser elements. From May to August 2017, the lakeside magic starts at 10 p.m. and in September to October 2017 at 9 p.m.Entrance to the music pavilion in Elisabethpark in Zell am See is free.

Time for a change? Summer highlights in Zell am See-Kaprun

Through four climate zones to the glacier: the new Kitzsteinhorn explorer tour

In summer 2017, guests can experience a diverse journey of discovery on the glacier on the new Kitzsteinhorn explorer tour. Together with a national park ranger, young and old mountaineerscan research four climate zones, from the valley into the world of the glacier, in only one day. How is glacial ice formed, where do golden eagles and bearded vultures live, what survival strategies have been developed by edelweiss and saxifrage – participants learn a great deal about the Kitzsteinhorn glacier on their journey with three cable cars up to 3,000 metres and on gentle hikes. The crowning glory is a visit to the “Top of Salzburg”panoramic platform at a height of 3,029 metres.

Participants can enjoy breathtaking views of the untouched wilderness in the largest national park in the Alps and on Austria’s highest peak. The Kitzsteinhorn explorer tour lasts two and a half hours and takes place every Tuesday between 4th July and 10th September 2017. Meeting point is 9:30 at the Kitzsteinhorn valley station;registration is not required. At the end of the Kitzsteinhorn explorer tour there is the opportunity to take part in a free guided tour through theGipfelwelt 3,000 with a national park ranger from 1:00 pm. The offering based around the Cinema 3.000 and national park gallery is unique in the high alpine region.

Great for young visitors: family offerings with lots of adventure

Hot adventure for cool kids: even more action on “Schmidolin’s baptism of fire”

Adventure playground in the alpine region: from early July until August 2017 children of all ages are invited to turn nature into an outdoor adventure park. The “Cool Kids Fun” adventure-packed family programme offers lots of fun and a new highlight every day: you’ll find everything you’re looking for, from llama trekking and a pirate treasure hunt on Lake Zell, to an adventure day on a farm and archery.

The highlight of every “Cool Kids Fun” programme is the “Schmidolin’s baptism of fire” family hike with many tests of courage and puzzles on the Schmittenhohe. There’s also no time for boredom while climbing, swinging and sliding on the new“Schmidolin’s dragon fire”play tower.

In “Schmidolin‘s dragon cave,” children will find treasure and learn more about the history of the dragon and his friends. Parents and children should not miss the “Ice & Snow glacier day” family programme on the Kitzsteinhorn: as well as snowball fights and tobogganing in summer in the ice arena, the new adventure playground in the alpine centre rounds off the day and turns it into an unforgettable experience.

Added value for the ultimate summer holiday: the Zell am See-Kaprun summer card

The Zell am See-Kaprun summer card offers guests guaranteed adventure: you can use it to visit up to 40 attractions, including countless excursion destinations, places of interest and museums in the region and throughout the Salzburg region. These include lidos, indoor pools, mountain railways and highlights such as the Sigmund Thun gorge, Kaprun high mountain reservoirs, Krimml waterfalls or Grobglockner High Alpine Road.

Countless new evening bus lines, which are included in the bonus programme, offer even more service quality and make it easier for you to visit the numerous events and attractions. Guests can get the Zell am See-Kaprun summer card, which is valid from 15th May to 15th October 2017, from 230 participating accommodation providers. As well as the attractions included it also offers preferential conditions with bonus partners.

Culture and tradition reloaded: a modern summer in Zell am See-Kaprun

“Juchitzer,” “Almschrei” and yodelling: on the mountain with the yodelling school

During one of the yodelling workshops set against an impressive mountain backdrop on the Schmittenhohe it shouldn’t be too difficult for Thomas Reitsamer, the young yodelling teacher, to win over even reluctant school choir singers with the alpine singing technique. Different types of singing, breathing techniques and the history of yodelling are all on the hiking programme created by Reitsamer for his guests. In July and August 2017 yodelling enthusiasts, and those want to become one, meet at the valley station of the Schmittenhohe railway. The hike to the outdoor stage with yodelling course included lasts one and a half hours.

Art you can touch: “art on the mountain – can you see it?”on the Schmittenhohe

At a height of 2,000 metres on the back of the Schmittenhohe, art and nature merge to form Europe’s largest outdoor artistic space. An area of 18 hectares is home to a permanent exhibition of 27 large sculptures that have largely been made from local materials such as wood, ceramic and stone. In summer 2017, locals and visitors can look forward to seeing new installations created from larch wood by the Austrian photographer Nik Pichler in his “reflection art photography” artistic form.

Visitors can discover art and nature on the “4 lakes artistic hike,” led by a qualified hiking guide, with views of the summits of the Upper Tauern and Kalkhochalpen. The tour is offered every Friday from June to September 2017 and lasts for three hours. Meeting point is at 10 a.m. at the valley station of the Schmittenhohe railway by the stylish Porsche Design cable cars.

Annual highlight for motor enthusiasts: the third international Porsche days

Motor dreams become true: during theinternational Porsche days, friends of the fast and elegant sports car have the opportunity to get unusual insights into the traditional company from Stuttgart. From 7th to 10th September 2017, the event is again taking place in Zell am See-Kaprun under the patronage of Dr. Wolfgang Porsche. Fans from around the world are invited to take part over several days in the programme in the Pinzgau holiday region, the home of the Porsche family.

Further information can be found under www.porschedays.at. world record. Hot tip for all dance enthusiasts: festival visitors who book tickets and accommodation through partner providers of the Zell am See-Kaprun summer card via the tourism association can discover the top attractions in the region free of charge. From a price of 133 Euros the following things are included: three nights‘ accommodation, access to the festival, workshops, concerts and trips to the Kitzsteinhorn or Schmittenhohe.

“Zell summer night festival”: a popular event celebrates its 20th anniversary

Specialties from the region, great drink creations and unforgettable flair: every Wednesdayfrom 7:00 pm between 5th July and 30th August 2017, the centre of Zell will become a place to stroll and enjoy food during the “Zell summer night festival.” Street artists, clowns and live bands will provide entertainment and turn the shopping and pleasure event in Zell am See old town into a special event.

The 20th anniversary of the summer night festival in 2017 will be celebrated with a special anniversary pass. Busy collectors, who present the pass when purchasing culinary specialties and drinks, can take part in a competition and have the chance to win great regional prices.

Culinary pleasures in Zell am See-Kaprun

Culinary pleasures and world class views at 3,029 metres

As part of the range of high class culinary events, renowned award-winning chefs serve the finest delicacies and wines in the restaurant on the summit of the Kitzsteinhorn twice a year. Salzburg‘s highest restaurant provides the perfect setting: the majestic panoramic view of the Upper Tauern National Park is continually enchanting and is the highlight of a holiday in Zell am See-Kaprun all year round. The next opportunity to enjoy culinary pleasures at lofty heights will be in spring 2017.

About Zell am See-Kaprun

Glacier, mountains and lake – the Austrian all-year round destination Zell am See-Kaprun combines the entire diversity of the Alps. Sportsmen and women, active holidaymakers, families and those seekingrelaxation find adventure worlds full of variety in summer and in winter in this unique nature’s paradise atthe edge of the Upper Tauern National Park.

This includes the Gipfelwelt 3.000 on the Kitzsteinhorn – theonly glacier ski resort in the Salzburger Land, the Maiskogel family ski resort, the local mountainSchmittenhohe as well as Lake Zell with its waters of drinking water quality and the multi-award winning36-hole golf course. Tradition and authenticity are reflected in the events and the region’s culinaryspecialities. First class sports events like the Ironman 70.3 World Cup 2015 and the Grobglockner UltraTrail have been staged in this stunning mountain world.

The Salzburger Hof, the region’s only 5-Starsuperior hotel, promises an outstanding hotel experience. Guests find relaxation on the 20.000 squaremetres of the Tauern Spa water and wellness world and at many other traditional feel-good hotels.

Contributed by: Jane D’cruz, Beehive, Mumbai: +91 98335 26456 (Contact for more info)