My Allergy-Safe Summer in Zell am See: Mountains, Glaciers & Good Food

Austria has always felt like a second home for me. We spend time here nearly every summer, and over the years I’ve learned what works best for me as someone living with nut, sesame, and egg allergies. With time and experience, Austria has become one of the easiest and most enjoyable destinations for me. This summer, we explored the Zell am Seeregion, and once again—it didn’t disappoint.

Where We Stayed

To keep things safe and flexible, we always stay in a Ferienwohnung (apartment), usually booked via

https://www.booking.com/Share-pTMn610This time, we found a real gem: Kitzlochklammblick Hof. It’s a small Bauernhof (farm stay) with sheep, goats, and rabbits—a perfect place if you’re traveling with kids.

The apartment was modern, well-equipped, and separate from the city, which meant quiet mornings and peaceful evenings. We had all our breakfasts and many dinners at the apartment, using local ingredients from Billa supermarket. For me, that’s the safest option—it gives me full control over what I eat.

Highlights of the Trip

Glacier Excursion – Franz-Josefs-Höhe

One of the most memorable days was our trip up to the Franz-Josefs-Höhe, the lookout point over the Pasterze Glacierand the Großglockner, Austria’s highest mountain.

We were worried at first because the weather turned cold—it even snowed at over 2400 meters! But in the end, the chilly weather turned out to be a blessing. There were hardly any tourists, and the experience was peaceful and magical.

We joined a guided hike with a national park ranger, who shared fascinating facts about the area and its natural history. The climb down to the glacier and back up again was a workout, so be prepared—but absolutely worth it.

I brought my own lunch and snacks: cheese, sausages, bread—simple and safe. The mountain restaurant was expensive and had very few allergy-friendly options. Having my own food gave me peace of mind and flexibility.

Rainy Day Plan – Spa & Dinner Out

Not every day is sunshine in the Alps, and we had one very rainy day. We decided to relax at TAUERN SPA in Kaprun. It wasn’t my favorite—overcrowded and not very exciting—but it was a warm break from the rain. I didn’t try the restaurant there, so I can’t comment on allergy safety.

Later, we found a lovely place for dinner: Hilberger's Beisl. This turned out to be one of the best food experiences of the trip! I had trout with baked potatoes—simple, local, and allergy-friendly. For dessert, I even got to enjoy a blueberry sorbet, which was a rare treat.

Easy Hikes & Lake Time

On the next sunny day, we walked the Kitzlochklamm in Taxenbach—a short but beautiful gorge trail. A small tip: they only accept cash for entry, so be prepared! We had to drive back to find an ATM.

After the hike, we made a typical Austrian lunch at the apartment: Bratkartoffeln (fried potatoes), and then headed out for a refreshing swim in Lake Zell. The water was clean and calm—perfect to cool off after an active morning.

Sweet Treats & Final Impressions

One of the little joys during my Austria trips is buying Manner chocolate. It’s not the world’s most gourmet chocolate (Belgium still wins there!), but it’s safe—no cross-contamination with nuts, which is rare for chocolate. So yes, I definitely stocked up.

Allergy Experience Summary

Austria, for me, is a destination where I can truly relax. Knowing the food culture and language helps, but even if it’s your first visit, here are a few tips:

• Stay in a Ferienwohnung to cook your own meals.

• Shop at Spar or Billa—their allergen labels are clear and reliable.

• Always bring safe snacks for hiking days—try new products only when you’re in a safe place.

• Some local restaurants are happy to adjust meals if you ask (especially fish/meat + potatoes).

• Don’t be afraid to speak up about your allergies—Austrians are friendly and respectful when you explain.

Zell am See is a perfect family destination: beautiful, clean, calm, and easy to manage with allergies. Whether you’re hiking glaciers, swimming in lakes, or just enjoying the local food scene, it’s possible to have a safe and enjoyable trip.

I’ll definitely be back—and as always, I’ll share my next adventures with you. 💚