Zell am See vs Saalbach-Hinterglemm (summer)

[Isabella777]

We are looking at a summer holiday in Austria with our primary-aged DCs. I've zeroed in on Zell am See or Saalbach-Hinterglemm but have not been to either before so could use some help figuring out which. I know we could take the bus between the two for a daytrip, but don't want to do that too many days. Where would be the best base? Or should we try to split our time between the two (if possible, some hotels require minimum stays)? Thoughts from my initial research:

Saalbach-Hinterglemm:

• Smaller town atmosphere
• Seems to have better options for walkable, in-town family hotel rooms w/ heated pool and half board
• Less busy?

Zell an See

• The lake! My kids love to swim and paddle
• Looks gorgeous

Any thoughts from those who have BTDT? Is one town better for hiking and alpine playgrounds? We'd want to do a mix of outdoor activities (hiking, playgrounds, adventure parks) plus time by a pool/lake, which is why I'm having a hard time deciding. I was hoping to just take public transport from Salzburg, if that makes a difference. TIA!

Not much help but I went to Zell am See when I was six years old, and at 39 I still remember it as one of my favourite holidays. There was (and still is) a great pool with sides in Kaprun nearby, and we went on a Rodelbahn down the mountain which was just amazing! Very happy memories!

We went to both last summer, ask by public transport. We got the train from Salzburg to Zell am See and just spent one night there. We then got the bus to Hinterglemm and spent a week there. The transport was all free with the Joker card and the salzburgerland pass for tourists (via accommodation). The lake in Zell am See was beautiful and we enjoyed swimming in it, but I was glad we only spent a night there, we much preferred Saalbach-Hinterglemm, it was much quieter but with incredible walking/biking and things to do and stunningly beautiful.

Saalbach-Hinterglemm has far more to do on the mountain than Zell am See has, and nice play areas and parks in both villages. There are also play areas at the top of all of the cable cars and there are treasure hunt trails on 2 of the mountains. There is a high-ropes park at the end of the valley where they have recently put in an area for the very small kids to try. Even tiny 4 year olds were happily having a go last summer. Many hotels have a pool and spa area, and there is an outdoor pool complex in Saalbach that is free to use with the Joker Card that you can obtain from your hotel or apartment owner. The Joker Card also includes free use of the cable cars and some other attractions.

Zell has the lake, and is close to Kaprun where there is the Alpine Coaster ride described above. Zell is more of a town than a mountain village, and can get busy to the point of being overcrowded with tourists in July and August. Zell has its own free Tourist Card that likewise covers the Zell and Kaprun cable cars.

You wouldn't have a bad holiday in Zell, but personally I'd choose Saalbach or Hinterglemm. Public transport is free of charge throughout Salzburgerland, including the journey from Salzburg Airport to the resort when you arrive and back again on your departure day. The bus between Zell am See and Saalbach-Hinterglemm runs every half hour if you want to do a day trip or two. The free Mobility Ticket is provided by the hotels and other registered accommodation (e.g. airbnb apartments) - you just need to pre-register and the ticket is sent to your phone or by email.

Getting to either resort is easy. The 260 Postbus (it's actually a comfortable coach) leaves from the Airport and goes to Zell am See. For Saalbach-Hinterglemm you get the same 260 bus and change buses at the Maishofen cross-roads (ask the driver) for the 680. Alternatively, the train from Salzburg main station (HBF) runs directly to Zell am See, from where you can pick up the 680 bus to Saalbach-Hinterglemm from opposite the station.

I went to Zellamsee for my first trip abroad in secondary school. I still remember how beautiful it was and vowed to go back one day. I’m 53 now so it still holds fond memories in my heart.

Zell am See is amazing if the lake is a big part of what you want. Kids can swim, paddle, throw stones for an hour straight and somehow still be entertained. The views hit different in summer and you can mix lake days with cable car trips up the mountain without it feeling like a massive mission.
Saalbach Hinterglemm is calmer and better if you want hiking right from the door. The alpine playgrounds up top are brilliant and the whole place feels more compact so you’re not herding tired kids through a busy town at the end of the day.
If your kids live for water, Zell wins. If you want more hiking and less bustle, Saalbach is easier. You can’t really lose with either to be honest.

been to zell twice in winter and even as non skiers loved it - proper small town, lovely lake, stayed for new year at that lovely big hotel on the lake

We visited both last summer. I would definitely go for Sallbach or Hinterglemm over Zell.

Zell was so busy. It’s marketed heavily to the Middle East now, so full of tourists from there. Saalbach was lovely. Chilled out & amazing walking & biking. We walked between Saalbach & Hinterglemm a lot & enjoyed both.

Following this as we have just debated the same holiday, Zell or Saalbach. We have gone with Saalbach for the walks from the door and the joker card that includes the swimming pool. Also brother and sister in law frequently visit Saalbach from their home in Germany and recommended as a better base.
.For the past two years we stayed at Walchsee which I would recommend, the lake is lovely for swimming previous to that we stayed in st johan no lake but lovely town. We are a family of 5 always hire a car and stay for two weeks.