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As the saying goes, "There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing", and we couldn't agree more. Weather is something that is completely out of our immediate control. We can however control how we react when presented with a rainy forecast that isn't quite what we were hoping for.
To help you make the most of a rainy day in Zell am See and Bruck an der Grossglocknerstrasse, we've put together a list of our top ten recommendations of activities and excursions in the local area (a bad weather programme for Zell am See). So instead of letting a bit of rain put a downer on your holiday in Austria, keep your spirits high and get out there to enjoy the area - we promise you'll still have an awesome time irrespective of a little precipitation.
1. Visit a waterfall or gorge:
Visiting a waterfall or a gorge is usually our first recommendation when our guests ask us what they can do on a rainy day in Salzburgerland. Why? Because the chances are that when you visit one of the gorges or waterfalls, you're going to get a little wet anyway irrespective of the weather, so why not add some rain in to the mix! There are loads of waterfalls and gorges in the area to pick from, but our first recommendations tend to be the Sigmund Thun Klamm and Krimml Waterfalls.
The Sigmund Thun Klamm is just a 10 minute drive from the chalet. The gorge is approximately 320m long, with a wooden boardwalk that is suspended over the whirlpools of water below. At the end of the gorge there is a beautiful little lake and a couple of alms where you can stop off to warm up with a hot chocolate if you're getting a little chilly from the rain.
Krimml Waterfalls is one of the most impressive waterfalls to visit in the area, especially when loads of rain is added to the already insane volume of water cascading over the falls. This dramatic waterfall has a height of 380m and is considered one of the largest waterfalls in Europe. If you're feeling a little energetic, why not hike the trail at the side of the waterfall to enjoy the various vantage points and a spot of lunch at the Gasthof Schönangerl.
For more waterfalls and gorges that you can visit whilst on holiday in the region, take a look at our Waterfalls and Gorges page.
2. Day trip to Hohenwerfen Castle:
With over 130 castles and palaces scattered across the state, it's easy to feel like you're in a fairytale in Salzburgerland. The medieval Hohenwerfen Castle is just a short drive away, and is a fantastic option for a rainy day in the region. The stunning Hohenwerfen Castle stands atop a forested mountain above Werfen. There is plenty to do in the castle under shelter from the rain, for adults and children alike.
Why not also make a visit to the Kaprun Castle or Schloss Goldegg too?
3. Unwind in a Thermal Spa:
There is something just so relaxing about swimming in an outdoor thermal pool whilst it's rainy. If this is something you've never done before, you just have to try it - it's incredible! There are loads of thermal spas in the area to try, and these are some of our favourites:
Tauern Spa Kaprun: The SPA Water World consists of a whopping 11 pools, including a 25m sport pool, a saltwater pool, an indoor aqua world, and a mountain panorama pool. There is also a SPA Sauna World, which offers 10 different types of sauna. Perfect to warm up in on a cooler day.
Alpentherme Gastein: The Alpentherme in Gastein has a mix of indoor and outdoor pools, saunas and whirlpools, as well as an area just for woman, and a kids section too.
Erlebnis-Therme Amadé: This thermal spa is open 365 days a year. There are plenty of indoor and outdoor pools to keep you and the family entertained on a rainy day, as well as saunas, cafes and restaurants.
4. Spend the day at an indoor pool in Zell am See or Bruck:
If you fancy heading for a swim on a rainy day, but don't want to go to a full blown thermal spa, perhaps visit one of the indoor swimming pools in the area. The two closest options are the Woferlgut Indoor Pool in Bruck an der Grossglocknerstrasse and the indoor pool in Zell am See:
Zell am See indoor pool: They have a large pool with lanes, as well as an indoor slide and play options for kids. There is a car park right next to the pool too, so it's easy to access from the chalet.
Woferlgut Indoor pool and heated outdoor pool: The Bruck pools at the Woferlgut Sportcamp are varied, with both indoor and outdoor options. The whole swimming area spans approximately 4500 m² across 5 pools and is available for use all year. There are also restaurant options for lunch!
5. Visit the Lamprechtshöle Cave:
The Lamprechtshöhle cave system is a huge cave network spanning 56km in to the mountains. The show cave section that is open to the public is just a fraction of that, but is incredibly impressive nonetheless. Naturally as the cave is underground, you'll be protected from the elements outside. Make sure to take a warm layer though, as it can get a little chilly in the cave.
6. Make a day trip to the Eisreisenwelt Ice Caves:
The Eisreisenwelt is considered one of the largest ice cave systems in the world, with a total cave length of 42 km. Discovered in 1879, this intricate labyrinth of caves weaves itself through the mountain at 1,656m above sea level. You can take a guided group tour through parts of the cave, illuminated by flame torches. Entering in to the ice caves feels like you're being transported to another world, and offers complete shelter from the rainy weather that you might be trying to escape from!
7. Explore the museums in Zell am See and Kaprun:
Museums and exhibitions are also a win when searching for rainy day activities, as they tend to provide entertainment for the whole family. There is no shortage to choose from either in the area. Here are some that we would recommend visiting:
Hohe Tauern National Park World in Mittersill: This centre covers 1,800m2 with 10 areas focusing on different aspects of the Hohe Tauern National Park, such as wildlife and geology. The stations are informative and interactive, and are sure to keep children entertained for hours. There is also an impressive 360° panoramic cinema.
Old Timer Museum in Kaprun: The Vötter's Old Timer Museum in Kaprun is a small but fun automobile museum near the centre of Kaprun, with old cars and motorbikes on display. If you like your cars, this is an entertaining little stop-off.
Wood Museum in Fusch: Carpentry has historically been a popular profession in Austria, and this little museum gives great insight in to the different dynamics of the sector, from illustrating the varying characteristics of the types of wood in the area, to observing the craftsmanship of carpentry. There is also an old-school wooden bowling alley.
8. Visit the Salt Mines of Hallein:
Visiting the Salt Mines of Hallein is a fun trip for the whole family. The tour lasts about 90 minutes and takes you through 2600 years of salt mining history. The tour is mostly underground, so offers great refuge from rainy weather.
9. Make a day trip to Salzburg:
Salzburg is a beautiful city, and we would recommend allocating a day of your holiday to explore all that it has to offer, irrespective of which season you are on holiday in the area. It's also a great destination for on a rainy day as there is just so much to do under cover from the elements. You can spend the day in cafes, shops or restaurants, or perhaps visit one of the many museums and indoor attractions in the city. If you don't like driving in the rain, you could also hop on the train in Bruck, which takes just over an hour to get to Salzburg. Here are some of our top tips on rainy day activities in Salzburg:
Visit the Bazar Coffee House for Vienesse style coffee and Austrian cake
Spend the morning dipping in and out of boutique shops on the Getriedegasse shopping street
Take a look at Mozart's birthplace, the Hagenauer House
Go inside the Hohensalzburg Castle (Fortress Hohensalzburg) or one of the many palaces and museums dotted around the city
Stop off at the Red Bull Hanger-7 on the way back to the chalet if you're driving, which houses the famous Flying Bulls
10. Watch a movie at the Dieselkino cinema in Bruck:
Even with all of these excursion options, sometimes all you want to do on a rainy day is curl up with a good movie. Each of the apartments come with Netflix access as well as a great selection of DVDs, so why not curl up in your cosy apartment with a bowl of popcorn and watch one of your favourite movies. If you'd prefer to head out for a movie, Bruck also has its own cinema, Dieselkino Bruck. Most of the movies are shown in german of course, but every other Tuesday there is also a movie shown in english.
If we go to the Diesel Kino in Bruck, we like to then make a night of it. The Movie Pub restaurant serves amazing burgers, and there are also a load of arcade games too as well as a pool table. Make sure to take some change and leave plenty of time to enjoy all that the complex has to offer.
