‘THE RESERVOIR IS MY LIVING ROOM’

With our new blog format "Tips from the team", we would like to present our much-loved region in a completely new and personal way. Because the Zell am See-Kaprun team consists of outdoor fans, bike enthusiasts, event goers, wellness connoisseurs, culinary gourmets, adventure experts, lake specialists and glacier walkers: in other words - real insiders!

This edition features our colleague Stephanie from the Service Centre, because she got our editor's attention with her statement "The reservoir is my living room". That's why we grabbed her on a beautiful summer's day and asked her why she clearly prefers the Plettsaukopf reservoir on the Schmittenhöhe to her sofa:

Interview with Stephanie

"For me, it's the peace and quiet, the nature and the proximity to the town. It only takes me a few minutes to get from the centre of Zell am See to the start of the hiking trail, and with the first step onto the forest floor, everyday life is left behind and I find myself in my own personal relaxation area." Stephanie sits in the sun with our editor and looks longingly towards the mountains. The hiking trail she is talking about starts at the lower terminus of the cityXpress in Zell am See and is a combination of hiking trail no. 50 and 55. As soon as the hiking trail joins hiking trail no. 55 at the upper terminus of the cityXpress, you follow this route for the last 400 metres or so on a forest road until you arrive at your destination - the Plettsaukopf reservoir. The reservoir is filled with refreshing water in summer and offers visitors a stunning view of the mountains and Lake Zell.

And for our colleague, getting there is almost as exciting as the view. But first things first: Stephanie starts her weekly hike just above the lower terminus of the cityXpress in Zell am See. "I would describe the route as diverse," says Stephanie. The route starts on a gravel road, then crosses a forest floor covered in spruce needles, followed by root-covered terrain and finally a meadow.

HOTSPOT 1 – THE PASTURE

"This is one of my highlights along the trail. Walking past grazing cattle, whose pasture I cross on the ascent, I have my first view of the town of Zell am See and Lake Zell. I'm already far away from the hustle and bustle, the wind still carries the busy town up to me, but here I always feel high above things and the problems of everyday life," says the 27-year-old.

HOTSPOT 2 – THE CLEARING

The route continues uphill, past the Ebenbergalm, through the forest, until suddenly a small clearing appears. "I love it there, it always feels like a fairy tale, almost kitschy," she tells our editor with a smile. "The trail leads across the circular clearing and, before it disappears into the forest again, there is a wooden bench with a table. It's a wonderful place to linger and take a break, and for me it's always the point of halfway there!“

Then the route leads through the forest, where cheeky squirrels inhabit the trees, many a hare crosses the trail and the birds keep chirping away. On the last, somewhat steeper section, a good level of fitness is required once again until you cover the last few metres on a forest road and suddenly, from one moment to the next, an absolute goosebump moment is waiting for you.

HOTSPOT 3 – THE DESTINATION

"I've enjoyed this sight almost fifty times and you might think that I've got used to it by now. But when the mighty Kitzsteinhorn and the surrounding mountains are reflected on the calm surface of the lake, I still get goosebumps every time," says Stephanie enthusiastically.

A short break on one of the canopy swings on the shore or sunbathing on the wooden jetty, where all you can hear is nature and the happy laughter of children, is always worthwhile! "But my favourite thing to do is to walk halfway around the lake, sit on the soft grass and enjoy the peace and quiet and the view of Lake Zell."

When asked about the best moment in her self-chosen outdoor living room, she reminisces: "Once, on a crisp spring morning, I was up there at sunrise. I will never forget the silence, the panorama and the warming sun that seemed to rise just for me.“

Last but not least, Stephanie would like to share some of her thoughts: "For me, this is the most beautiful place and I hope that everyone can explore and enjoy it without disturbing nature and its inhabitants. After all, we are guests in nature’s living room. That's why I hope I can go up there fifty more times and find everything as pristine and clean as ever". With these words, Stephanie says goodbye to our editor, who is now sitting in the cooling shade of tall deciduous trees, swapping her evening meeting by the lake for a hike to the Plettsaukopf.

FACTS ABOUT THE TOUR

• Hiking trail no. 50 on the Zell am See-Kaprun hiking map to the cityXpress upper terminus, then continue on hiking trail no. 55 to the Plettsaukopf reservoir
• Duration: approx. 1h 15min
• Altitude metres: 570 altitude metres
• Level of difficulty: easy to intermediate

Tip

If you want to visit the reservoir but don't want to walk, you can take the cityXpress uphill to the Plettsaukopf reservoir and cover the 44 metres in altitude within a short time. Tickets are available in the Zell am See-Kaprun App (Adventure Ticket 1,400 m) or at the ticket office at the lower terminus. If you buy your ticket up to one day before it is valid, the Schmittenhöhebahn will grant you an additional online early booking bonus.

For all overnight guests of Zell am See-Karpun Summer Card partner accomodations in Zell am See-Kaprun: The uphill and downhill ride is included in the Zell am See-Kaprun Summer Card.