Zell am See: My Allergy-Safe Summer Escape to the Austrian Alps

Each summer, I dedicate time with my family to spend in nature—and Austria is usually our go-to destination. Beautiful mountains, clean lakes, fresh air, and great food (when you know what to look for). I’ve adapted quite well to traveling with food allergies in Austria, so it doesn’t take me much preparation anymore.

This summer, we’re heading to the Zell am See region for some hiking, swimming, and to enjoy the mountain sun. Here’s how I prepare, what I eat, and how I manage my nut, sesame, and egg allergies while traveling in the Austrian Alps.

Planning Days in the Mountains

Zell am See is perfect for outdoor lovers. There are beautiful hikes like the 4-Seen Kunstwanderung (4 Lakes Art Trail) with views over Lake Zell and mountain sculptures. If you're into higher peaks, you can take a cable car up to the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier or drive the amazing Großglockner High Alpine Road—one of the most scenic routes in the Alps.

When we’re out for the day, I always bring my own snacks or lunch—products I know and have eaten before. I avoid trying anything new on hiking days, just in case. If you get an allergic reaction high up in the mountains, it can be hard to get help fast. So my rule is: test new foods before in a safe setting.

What I Eat on the Go

I often prepare a picnic with food from local grocery stores. Austria is great for this—Spar and Billa have a wide range of allergen-free products, and labels are clear. Whether you avoid gluten, milk, eggs, or other allergens, they list all main allergens and even potential cross-contaminants.

One of my favorite stops is the Hofladen—small local farm shops where you can buy fresh cheese, bread, and meats straight from the farm. The quality is usually excellent, and I always find something I can safely eat.

Eating Out: My Go-To Strategy

I’m allergic to nuts, sesame, and eggs, so when I eat at restaurants in Austria, I stick to grilled fish or meat with potatoes. I always ask them not to add any sauces or spices, just salt and pepper.

This is what I say in German (and it works well):

• Ich bin allergisch gegen Nüsse, Sesam und Eier. – I am allergic to nuts, sesame, and eggs.

• Könnte ich das bitte ohne Soße, nur mit Salz und Pfeffer bekommen? – Could I get it without sauce, only with salt and pepper?

From local dishes, I do miss Apfelstrudel and Knödel—they usually contain egg. But I still try to find a good restaurant that can offer something safe and local. It’s always worth asking!

After Hikes: Swim or Chill by the Lake

One of the best parts of Zell am See is the lake itself. After hiking, we often relax at the Strandbad (public beach), go for a swim, or rent a boat. Just be mindful of ice cream stands—they often don’t label allergens clearly. I prefer to get packaged, labeled treats from the supermarket instead.

✔️ Final Tips for Allergy-Safe Travel in the Alps

• ✅ Always carry your allergy meds (epipen, antihistamines, etc.)

• ✅ Pack food you've tried before for hiking days

• ✅ Learn or carry a simple allergy card in German

• ✅ Don’t skip Hofladen – they’re great for safe, fresh local food

• ✅ Enjoy Austrian beer, cheese, and meat — the classics (but always ask!)

I’ll be sharing a full post after the trip with reviews of restaurants, local shops, and allergy-safe places around Zell am See. For now, I hope this gives you a good insight into how I manage food allergies in the Austrian mountains—with a little preparation, it’s not only safe but also super enjoyable.