Zell am See is a popular tourist attraction on the Austrian side of the Alps, but it's also a very ancient town; evidence suggests that it was built around 740 AD, before the Norman Conquest of Britain, and only a few years after Muslim encroachment into France was prevented at the battle of Tours (732). Although the area around Zell had been previously inhabited by the Romans, the town of Zell am See was founded by monks – who left their traces in the name “Cell [monkish residence] of the Lake”.

It quickly established itself as an important town, and was given the status of a market town in 1358. A great deal of this period remains, including the tight, cobbled streets, the 16th century town hall, and the Stadtpfarr Church. One medieval tourist attraction is the St. Hippolyte Church, built during the medieval period but much renovated during the 18th and 19th centuries, before the town became known for its skiing facilities. Much of the gothic ornamentation of this church dates from 1898, but there remain attractive statues of St. Hippolyte and St. Florian, dating from the early 16th century, as does the Virgin Mary, and statues of St. Rupert and St. Vigilius from the 15th Century.

Ski Resort

The town began operating as a ski resort in the 19th century, as the Austrian Railway Company built the Gisela Railway which connected Zell am See to many important tourist towns. The first ski hotels were built in the region, to be followed by the building of cable cars (1927) and the granting of a town charter in the same year.

History Museums

Due to its long history, and the continued medieval appearance of the old town, it's not surprising that many people come to Zell am See to observe the historical buildings. One of the most popular of these tourist attractions is the Kreuzgasse Tower, which was built in the 12th century, and today serves as a folklore history museum. The Tower museum is only open from June to mid-October (during the summer months when hikers are more common). Visitors might also want to pop into the Votters Oldtimer Museum – a collection of cars and other trappings of the 50’s through to the 70’s. This is a fun day out for most of the family, although it is closed on Saturdays all year round.