MileHacker Logo
Resources & References

Resources & References

Austria

Digital Resources

Essential Apps for the Destination

  • ÖBB Scotty

    Official Austrian railways app with real-time schedules.

  • Google Maps / Maps.me

    Navigation with offline map options.

  • Google Translate

    Download offline German language pack. Babbel also assists language learning.

  • Mountain Official Apps

    Schmittenhöhe and Kitzsteinhorn apps for real-time info.

  • Local Weather Apps

    ZAMG provides accurate alpine forecasts. Consider NordVPN for secure connections.

Useful Websites for Additional Planning

  • Zell am See-Kaprun Tourism Office

    Zellamsee-kaprun.com for comprehensive regional information.

  • Austrian National Tourist Office

    Austria.info for broader travel information throughout Austria.

  • ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways)

    Oebb.at for booking train tickets and checking schedules.

  • Tauern Spa

    Tauernspakaprun.com for services, prices, and bookings.

  • Social Media Accounts

    Follow official Zell am See-Kaprun accounts for updates.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks

Traditional print resources still offer valuable depth and convenience.

Books About the Destination

Consider reading non-fiction books on Austrian history or alpine culture.

Local Publications

Look for free local tourist magazines, brochures, or event listings upon arrival.

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Numbers and Contacts

  • European Emergency Number: 112 (universal)
  • Police: 133
  • Fire Department: 122
  • Ambulance/Medical Emergency: 144

Hospital and Clinic Locations

  • Krankenhaus Zell am See (main local hospital)
  • Paracelsusstraße 8, 5700 Zell am See
  • Main point of contact for medical emergencies
  • Contact for serious health concerns

Further Reading & Exploration

Documentaries and Films

  • Search for documentaries or films featuring the Austrian Alps.
  • These provide visual context for the region.
  • Deepens appreciation for landscapes.
  • Online resources offer inspiration.

Music and Art

  • Immerse in Austrian culture with traditional folk music.
  • Listen to classical music by Mozart or Strauss.
  • This can set a pleasant tone for your visit.
  • Explore local art galleries.

Online Communities

  • TripAdvisor forums or Reddit communities (r/Austria, r/travel).
  • Ask specific questions for up-to-date advice.
  • Share experiences with fellow travelers.
  • Discover hidden gems from community members.

Important Information

Lost Document Procedures

Report to Police

  • Immediately report loss or theft to local police.
  • Obtain a police report.
  • This report is important for replacement.
  • Keep a copy of the report.

Contact Embassy/Consulate

  • Locate your country's embassy in Vienna.
  • Or the nearest consulate in Salzburg.
  • Keep these numbers handy.
  • Contact them for replacement procedures.

Natural Disaster Protocols

  • Follow instructions from local authorities.
  • Stay informed via official channels.
  • Local radio broadcasts or tourism office announcements.
  • For alpine terrain, dial Mountain Rescue (140).

Learning German

Basic German Phrases

  • "Grüß Gott" (hello in Salzburg region)
  • "Danke schön" (thank you very much)
  • "Bitte schön" (you're welcome/please)

Useful German Phrases

  • "Entschuldigung" (excuse me/I'm sorry)
  • Basic numbers for prices
  • Simple questions for directions

Skiing & Mountain Info

Ski Lift Operations

  • Check real-time lift status
  • Review snow conditions before heading out
  • Piste maps available on official apps

Mountain Weather

  • Mountain weather changes quickly
  • Pack layers and waterproof outer shells
  • Always check forecasts, even in summer

Summer Card Benefits

Attraction Access

  1. Free and unlimited access to cable cars.
  2. Boat tours on Lake Zell are included.
  3. Public lidos for swimming.
  4. Various gorges and natural sights.
  5. Save hundreds of Euros on entry fees.

Transport and Accommodation

  1. Free use of local public transport.
  2. Includes buses and regional trains.
  3. Often comes included with participating accommodations.
  4. Valid from approximately May to October.
  5. Always confirm if provided by your lodging.

Solo Travel Safety

Personal Safety

Zell am See is a very safe destination. Take standard precautions as you would in any location.

Socialize

Consider staying in a guesthouse for more interaction. Join guided tours or ski lessons.

Navigation

Familiarize yourself with maps and public transport. Share your itinerary with a trusted contact.

Critical Alert

For any emergencies in alpine terrain, including hiking accidents or skiing-related issues off marked slopes, dial Mountain Rescue (Alpinnotruf): 140.

Further Information

Pre-Trip Research Areas

Cultural Preparation

  • Local Etiquette

    Spend time researching local customs and manners.

  • Essential German Phrases
  • Summer Card Benefits

    Understand the benefits of the Zell am See-Kaprun Summer Card.

Activity Planning

  • Attraction Familiarization

    Familiarize yourself with attractions you plan to visit.

  • Efficient Routing

    Group geographically close activities for reduced travel time.

  • Pre-Booking Awareness

    Know which bookings are advisable in advance (flights, ski passes, tours).

Home Preparations

Security Measures

Secure your home by locking windows and doors.

Trusted Contacts

Inform a trusted family member or friend of your itinerary.

Services Hold

Pause mail delivery and newspaper subscriptions.

Pre-Departure Timing

Chronological Planning

  • 3+ months: Passport validity, visa research.
  • 3+ months: Book international flights, core accommodation.
  • 3+ months: Research and purchase travel insurance. World Nomads is an option.
  • 1 month: Finalize itinerary, book essential tours.

Last-Minute Checks

  • 1 month: Arrange airport transfers, check mobile roaming.
  • 1 month: Notify bank of travel plans.
  • 1 week: Begin packing main luggage. Eagle Creek offers great organizers.
  • 1 week: Print/save digital copies of documents.

Arrival Checklist

First Steps Upon Arrival

  • Orient yourself after clearing immigration.
  • Locate ground transportation options.
  • Obtain a local map from information desk.
  • Withdraw Euros from an ATM for immediate needs.

Settling In

  • Purchase and activate a local SIM card (if planned).
  • Follow pre-arranged transfer plans to accommodation.
  • Have your accommodation address and contact details ready.
  • Confirm check-in procedures upon arrival.

Important Note

By following this comprehensive pre-trip checklist, your Zell am See adventure begins with confidence.