Civil Airfield Zell Am See (LOWZ) IFR

4.5 ∅ rating

Zell am See, Salzburg, Austria 🇦🇹

Elevation: 748m (2454ft)

Coordinates: 47.2916, 12.7908

4.5 ∅ rating

Runways

2 RWY, 780m/2559ft 2 Runways, longest: 780m/2559ft (paved)

Source: OpenAIP CC BY-NC 4.0

07/25

Asphalt

780m/2559ft

07/25

Grass

300m/984ft

07/25 Asphalt Asphalt

Length 780m/2559ft 780m/2559ft

Strength 5.7 MPW

07/25 Grass Grass

Length 300m/984ft 300m/984ft

Strength 1.0 MPW

What other pilots say about LOWZ

Michael

2025-10-02 11:34:09 UTC

LOWZ is one of the GA jewels in Austria (and beyond). Due to the special pattern, the encompassing terrain as well as the entry / exit procedures, a proper briefing before departure is mandatory.

I have a few times seen pilots approaching the wrong runway, which is an absolutely unacceptable mistake that can easily kill!

Great restaurant on site, accomodation recommendation is the Tauern Spa Kaprun.

Philipp

2025-08-28 06:37:07 UTC

The, or one of the, operations managers definitely has a bit of a tendency to throw tantrums… last witnessed while I was paying and a pilot, with heavy traffic, decided to approach the wrong runway. With the typical Zell am See clientele it really isn’t easy at times, but one should still keep calm. In principle, a radio operator shouldn’t be directing traffic the way Zell does (see current developments in Germany), but conditions at LOWZ are indeed very special… essentially Egelsbach in the Alps (except that there it isn’t airspace limits constraining the procedural area, but granite!). €38 for 1.6 tonnes isn’t exactly cheap, but at least a bit less than St. Johann. About an 8-minute walk to the Bruckberg stop, from where you can get by bus (line 660) to Zell and Saalfelden or to Kaprun at any time. Taxis are no problem either and will be called to the field by the staff on request.

2025-08-27 15:51:12 UTC

Given the recent PIREPs (and not having been there for a while), I had certain expectations, but experienced it differently. Made brief position reports, received QNH and active runway; landing (and departure) at own discretion. Parking inquiry answered succinctly (there was a lot of traffic). 24€ for 1400 MTOW is fine; eat & fly serves great food and the kitchen is open without a break. Avgas €2.59/L also fine. Works well for me—I’m not scraping my wingtips on rock either (per the chart, not all areas are flown around perfectly), but they do make an effort for their neighbors ;-)

Patrick

2021-06-22 00:00:00 UTC

NOTICE: DO NOT ENTER NATURE RESERVE - HIGH FINES! See map here https://flugplatz-zellamsee.at/de/images/content/forpilots/nationalpark-ht.jpg

Lukas

2021-05-03 00:00:00 UTC

Very nice airport location. Be careful to follo wthe approach and departure procedures required for VFR

AI-generated summary, as of 08/2025 - may contain errors or inaccuracies

AirfieldBot

2025-08-22 16:07:14 UTC

Zell am See (LOWZ) offers both VFR and IFR (RNP) approaches, with a unique and tight circuit pattern close to mountainous terrain. The published VFR procedures require careful briefing and strict adherence, particularly due to proximity to noise-sensitive areas and the nearby nature reserve. The runway is 660–780 meters long, in very good condition, and the airfield is well-maintained. Operations can be busy, especially on weekends, with significant glider and parachute activity. IFR clearances are coordinated by Innsbruck Radar, and the RNP approach incurs an additional fee.

Landing fees for non-commercial GA aircraft typically range from about €15 to €40 depending on MTOW, with surcharges for IFR approaches and customs. Example: landing fee about €40; RNP approach surcharge about €30; overnight parking about €10; customs about €20. Hangarage is available when space permits, sometimes offered proactively. Parking is generally sufficient, with tie-downs on hard grass.

Fuel (Avgas, Mogas, Jet-A1) is available with self-service payment by credit card. Facilities include a well-regarded restaurant overlooking the field, free WiFi, briefing rooms, and rental options for bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, and cars directly at the airfield. The town of Zell am See can be reached in 8–15 minutes by bus or taxi (arranged by staff), or 15–40 minutes on foot; a local train also connects nearby.

Service quality varies: many describe staff as friendly and helpful both on the ground and over the radio, while others note occasional unfriendliness or abruptness from some personnel, especially regarding circuit compliance. The circuit requires precise flying near terrain; procedures vary—see AIP/NOTAM for current details. In winter or busy periods, hangarage may be limited but is generally available.

Customs clearance is possible for an additional fee; advance coordination may be required. LOWZ is considered suitable for non-commercial GA pilots seeking access to alpine destinations with good infrastructure and scenic approaches.