Plettsaukopf Reservoirs
Alpine reservoirs offering stunning valley views, refreshing swims, and family-friendly fun. A peaceful mountain escape near Zell am See.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Plettsaukopf Reservoirs
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Alpine reservoirs offering stunning valley views, refreshing swims, and family-friendly fun. A peaceful mountain escape near Zell am See.
"A beautiful, quiet place to swim and relax on a warm, sunny day with incredible views."
🥾 Hike or Ride Up
Choose between a scenic hike or taking the CityXpress lift for easier access. Both offer stunning views!
👙 Pack Your Swimsuit
Don't forget your swimwear for a dip in the refreshing reservoir waters. Changing booths are available.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crystal Clear Reservoir Swim
Main reservoir area
Take a refreshing dip in the pristine, cool waters surrounded by breathtaking alpine scenery. Perfect for a hot summer day!
Panoramic Valley Views
Trailside viewpoints
Marvel at sweeping vistas of the Pinzgau valley and Zeller Lake from this elevated haven. A photographer's dream!
Family-Friendly Play Area
Near picnic tables
Little ones will love the dedicated play area, making it a great spot for families to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Tranquility
Accessing the Alpine Oasis
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Hike or Ride Up
Choose between a scenic hike or taking the CityXpress lift for easier access. Both offer stunning views!
👙 Pack Your Swimsuit
Don't forget your swimwear for a dip in the refreshing reservoir waters. Changing booths are available.
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Enjoy a meal with a view! Picnic tables are available, making it ideal for a leisurely lunch.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Wear sturdy shoes for the trails, whether you're hiking up or exploring around the reservoirs.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Hike or Ride Up
Choose between a scenic hike or taking the CityXpress lift for easier access. Both offer stunning views!
👙 Pack Your Swimsuit
Don't forget your swimwear for a dip in the refreshing reservoir waters. Changing booths are available.
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Enjoy a meal with a view! Picnic tables are available, making it ideal for a leisurely lunch.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Wear sturdy shoes for the trails, whether you're hiking up or exploring around the reservoirs.
🦆 Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for ducks and other local birds enjoying the tranquil waters.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Plettsaukopf Reservoirs for their stunning natural beauty, offering a peaceful escape with breathtaking views of the valley and lake. The ability to swim in the clear waters and the family-friendly amenities like a playground make it a well-rounded destination for relaxation and recreation.
"A stunning view, easy access along the trail from the cable car station or walk up for free, then enjoy a swim in the reservoir with the ducks after using the little changing booth at the side of the main building aside the picnic tables. There's also a play area for children."
Col Duncan
"Magical walk with spectacular scenery"
David Devlin
"A beautiful, quiet place to swim and relax on a warm, sunny day. High above Zell am See there are incredible views of the Pinzgau valley and Zeller Lake. Play equipment for children, seating and toilets make it a comfortable place to go. It is a short walk on footpath 53 or 55 from the Gasthof Mittlestation (at the top of CityXpress lift). About a 1-1.5 hours walk up from Zell am See on marked footpaths, much quicker going down! There is a winterwanderweg no. 27 around it, too."
Chalet Skilift Lakeview
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach the reservoirs by hiking from Zell am See (approx. 1-1.5 hours) via marked footpaths like 53 or 55, or by taking the CityXpress lift to the Gasthof Mittlestation and then walking a short distance.
Parking is generally available at the base of the CityXpress lift in Zell am See. From there, you can ascend via the lift or begin your hike.
Yes, there is a winter hiking trail (no. 27) that circles the reservoirs, offering a different but equally beautiful perspective.
Taking the CityXpress lift to the Mittlestation and then enjoying the short, easy walk is often the most family-friendly option.
Zell am See is well-connected by public transport. From the town center, you can walk or take local transport to the CityXpress lift.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Access to the reservoirs themselves is generally free. However, if you choose to use the CityXpress lift, a ticket will be required for that.
The reservoirs are an outdoor natural attraction and are accessible year-round during daylight hours.
No, there is no specific entrance fee for the Plettsaukopf Reservoirs. Enjoy the natural beauty freely!
As a natural area, visitors are encouraged to respect the environment. Swimming is permitted, but please be mindful of the wildlife.
No advance booking is necessary for visiting the reservoirs. It's a spontaneous destination.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can swim in the reservoirs, enjoy a picnic, take photos of the stunning views, and explore the surrounding hiking trails. There's also a children's play area.
Absolutely! The reservoirs offer spectacular panoramic views of the valley and lake, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Yes, there are changing booths available by the main building near the picnic tables, and seating areas for visitors.
Yes, it's a wonderful place for kids with a play area and the opportunity to swim and explore.
Yes, swimming is a popular activity at the Plettsaukopf Reservoirs, especially on warm days.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there are no direct dining facilities at the reservoirs themselves, there are picnic tables available for you to enjoy your own food.
You can find dining options in Zell am See or at the Gasthof Mittlestation if you take the CityXpress lift.
Yes, bringing your own food for a picnic is highly recommended and a great way to enjoy the scenery.
Local Austrian cuisine is widely available in Zell am See, from hearty meals to pastries.
Barbecuing is generally not permitted in natural reserve areas to ensure safety and preservation. Stick to picnics.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Packing a picnic is highly recommended, as the available seating areas and the beautiful surroundings create a perfect setting for a family meal. The gentle trails around the reservoirs are also suitable for short strolls, allowing kids to explore nature safely.
🚶 Hikers and Nature Lovers
Nature lovers will be captivated by the serene alpine environment, the clear waters of the reservoirs, and the opportunity to observe local birdlife. The area is particularly beautiful during the spring and autumn months when the crowds are thinner and the natural colors are vibrant.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking and Access Routes
Alternatively, you can embark on a more immersive hiking experience directly from Zell am See. Marked trails, such as footpath 53 or 55, wind their way up the mountain, offering increasingly spectacular views as you ascend. This hike typically takes between 1 to 1.5 hours, providing a rewarding journey for nature enthusiasts. For those visiting in winter, a designated winterwanderweg (no. 27) allows you to experience the serene beauty of the reservoirs even when covered in snow.
Regardless of your chosen route, the journey itself is part of the Plettsaukopf Reservoirs' charm. The diverse access options cater to different fitness levels and preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy this alpine gem.
The Plettsaukopf Reservoir Experience
Beyond swimming, the area is dotted with picnic tables, inviting visitors to linger and enjoy a meal amidst the stunning natural beauty. The reservoirs are also a magical walk with spectacular scenery, offering ample opportunities for photography. The panoramic views of the Pinzgau valley and Zeller Lake are truly breathtaking, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. Families will appreciate the dedicated play area for children, ensuring entertainment for the younger visitors.
Whether you're seeking a refreshing swim, a peaceful picnic, or simply a moment to soak in the majestic alpine landscape, the Plettsaukopf Reservoirs provide a tranquil and memorable experience.




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