Introduction to Zell am See

389km (242 miles) SW of Vienna; 85km (53 miles) SW of Salzburg

Founded by monks around the middle of the 8th century, the old part of Zell am See lies on the shore of the Zeller See (Lake Zell), under a backdrop of mountains. The Zeller See is a deep glacial lake filled with clear blue alpine water. The town today is the most popular resort in the Middle Pinzgau, a district that has already been previewed in section 5, "The Pinzgau." Zell is crowded and fashionable in both summer and winter. It's also a center for those who'd like to get an early start and travel the Grossglockner alpine highway.