Zell am See - Summer

Probably better known as a winter ski resort, Zell am See is well worth a summer visit. A great choice of hotels are available, mainly in the 4* bracket. There are popular choices such as the Tirolerhof, and the sumptuous Grand set on the resorts stunning lake.

Many of the hotels offer a "resort card" which offers free access to the Gondola, buses and the resort Lidos, all of which can save you £££'s

The walking trails offer stunning views and as the main uplift is the Gondola from the resort, the walking is suitable for every level of rambler.

Our hotel was the Zum Hirschen, well located for both the lake and the bus/lift system. Like many Austrian mountain hotels, the hotel included a free packed lunch and free bike hire (great for accessing the various Lidos around the lake).

Other attractions on offer, if you can pull yourself away from the mountains, the glacier or the lake, include excursions to the Eagles nest (Hitler's 50th birthday gift, high in the Bavarian Alps) and of course the city that gave us Mozart and the Sound of Music - Salzburg.

Access to many more Austrian mountain resorts, such as glitzy Kitzbuhel and St Johann is readily accessible from the train station in the centre of Zell am See.

Would I go back? Very much so, it’s already in my "must do list".