Zell am Moos can be explored through three distinct themes: the nature reserve at the Irrsee, hikes with different trail characteristics, and evidence of rural and ecclesiastical history. For planning your trip, the differences between the lakeside trail, circular hike and historic sites are particularly helpful.
Irrsee and Moorland
The Irrsee, also known as the Zeller See or Zellersee, is a moor lake and a nature reserve. The surrounding moors provide a habitat for many endangered animal and plant species. This makes the lake not only a distinctive natural feature of a stay in Zell am Moos, but also a place where the protection of the moor habitat is an important concern.
Fishing and Rowboats
Different rules apply to activities on the water: motorboats are not permitted on the Irrsee, while fishing is possible year-round. Rowboats can be rented at the Zell am Moos municipal swimming area. If you would like to fish, fishing permits are available at Trafik Lettner in the town center; check availability there again locally.
Two Trails, Two Main Attractions
The Irrseeweg follows its own marked route around the protected Irrsee. At the North Moor, it includes a lookout and observation point with extensive information about the moor habitat. Hikers who want to combine nature observation and exercise will find a clear focus on the moor here. As trail conditions may change temporarily, it is advisable to check them before setting out.
The Almwiesenweg is a long circular hiking trail across the alpine meadows above the municipalities of Zell am Moos and Haslau. It also passes through the center of Zell am Moos and reaches the church. Comparing the trail descriptions, the Irrseeweg focuses on the lake and moor, while the Almwiesenweg features alpine meadows and a route through the town center. The two trails offer different ways to explore the landscape.
Rural and Ecclesiastical History
The Irrseer Heimathaus presents rural life, crafts and local customs. Examples include smoke kitchens from the early 18th century, a schnapps distillery, a household mill, a bread oven and a horse gin. This gives the cultural focus a specific direction: the emphasis is on historic forms of work and everyday life.
The parish church of Zell am Moos is a single-nave Gothic church that has preserved much of its original character. In the mid-17th century, Zell am Moos became a Marian pilgrimage site. The Kolomanskapelle is also part of the local cultural history; it is considered Austria’s oldest wooden church. The wooden Kolomanskirche stands near the summit of the 1,111 m-high Kolomansberg.
Plan Your Stay and Journey
You can tailor your plans to your own interests without combining the different trails and cultural themes into a fixed route. If arriving via the A1 West Autobahn, follow signs from the Mondsee exit toward Zell am Moos.
Discover more destinations: Vöcklamarkt, Attersee Am Attersee, Steinbach Am Attersee, Sankt Lorenz, Mondsee, Niederthalheim, Schlatt, Gries
Go to the main travel overview: Vöcklabruck.
