The 'Zeller See' is a small
freshwater lake in the
Austrian Alps. It takes its name from the resort of
Zell am See which is located on a small
delta protruding into the lake. The lake is 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) long and 1.5 kilometres (1 mile) wide. It is up to 69 metres deep and at an elevation of 750 metres above sea level.
The lake is fed by numerous small
mountain streams in summer, but no streams flow out of it, therefore water loss is solely by
evaporation or underground seepage. In winter the lake completely freezes and is used for winter sports. In summer the lake is used for pleasure boating (boats powered by combustion engines are not allowed except for the ferries which cross the width of the lake from Zell to Thumersbach, so "elektroboots" can be hired instead). The water is very clear and suitable for swimming or diving, but can be chilly.
The southern end of the lake, near
Schuttdorf, is shallower and mostly filled with
water weed, making it unsuitable for boating or swimming.

Panorama of Zeller See