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The Achensee is the largest lake in Tyrol, but that actually says little about what you see when the road turns along the water for the first time. The lake lies like a long blue-green strip between the steep walls of the Karwendel and Rofan mountains. Sailboats float for rocks that seem to rise almost directly from the water. On a sunny day it looks almost Mediterranean; In low clouds, the landscape becomes dark and dramatic.
We would therefore never treat the Achensee as just a photo stop along the route. The environment is simply too beautiful for that. With one full day you can sail, walk and take one of the mountain tracks. If you stay two or three nights, there will be room to actually sit on the water without immediately having to go back to the next exit.
The short answer
What can be done about the Achensee?
The best things to do about the Achensee are a tour of the lake, walking from Pertisau towards the GaisalmWith the Rofan Seilbahn or Karwendel-Bergbahn up, the Dalfazer Wasserfall Visit, swim or soup and from Jenbach with the historic Achenseebahn Travel to the lake. If you have less time, Pertisau combines with a boat trip and a short walk along the shore.
- Length
- 9 km
- Deepest Point
- 133 metres
- Height
- approx. 930 meters
- Around the lake
- 21.3 kilometers
Why it's so special here
A mountain lake with two totally different faces
The Achensee was formed after the last ice age and contains about 481 million cubic meters of water. According to the region, the water has a very good quality. The light limestone floor also helps with the striking colours: Depending on sun, clouds and viewing angle, the surface changes from almost black blue to bright turquoise.
The contrast between the two mountain massifs is added. On the west side begins the rugged Karwendel; On the east side, the Rofan Mountains rise. This allows you to walk quietly along the promenade in the morning and a few hours later stand at a height between the rocks. The nickname Tyrolean Lake Sounds a bit generous for a lake of nine kilometers long, but when the wind draws and the sailboats leave, you can understand him.
The Achensee is such a place where you stop for the view and only notice that your route continued.
Checkedout
Best first impression
View the lake from a cruise boat
From the water you can only see how narrow the strip between lake and mountains is in some places. The Achenseeschifffahrt ships connect several berths around the lake. You can take a full tour, but you can also sail and walk back. The latter is ideal if you want to experience both the water and the banks in a short time.
The sailings change per season. So check the current timetable in advance and immediately check at which dock you can board. In high season early departure is pleasant: The light is softer, the boats are often quieter and you still have a lot of the day left.
The cruise is not a transport with a view. The view here is the whole program.
Best base of operations
Walk on the promenade of Pertisau
Pertisau is located on the southwest side of the lake and is a nice place to start without a plan. Along the promenade are jetty, lawns and terraces. Behind the village start the Karwendel valleys, allowing you to discover both the lake and the mountains from one parking spot or accommodation.
For a short stop, Pertisau is probably the easiest choice. Walk along the water, have a drink with a view of the Rofan Massif and continue on towards the northern shore. If you want more altitude, you can take the Karwendel-Bergbahn towards the Zwölferkopf.
Walking along the water
Walk towards the Gaisalm and sail back
One of the most famous walks follows the west bank between Pertisau and Achenkirch. On the way forest paths, rock passages and open views alternate. The Gaisalm is located directly on the water and is only accessible on foot or by boat. That makes the combination extra fun: Walk out, eat or drink and take the ship back.
Make no mistake about the word "sacrifice." Parts of the route are narrow, rocky and equipped with stairs or cables. Good shoes are not superfluous luxury and with very young children this is not automatically the best first walk. Before departure, check the route conditions and choose a simpler stretch along the lake.
Fast in height
Take the Rofan Seilbahn for the panorama
The Rofan Seilbahn departs from Maurach and takes you to about 1,840 meters in a few minutes. Upstairs, hiking trails of different degrees of difficulty begin and in clear weather you can look deep over the lake and towards the Karwendel Mountains.
You don't have to make a big mountain trip. Walking upstairs alone and having lunch with a view can be enough. Those who do want to walk, choose a route that fits the weather and the experience of the group. Mountain weather can turn quickly; Therefore, check the same morning that the runway is running and how the conditions are above.
Short climb, large decor
Go to the Dalfazer Wasserfall
The Dalfazer Wasserfall drops down from about sixty meters and is a beautiful hiking destination from Maurach or from the Rofan side. The trail climbs firmly, but the viewing point at the waterfall makes up for the effort quickly. Anyone who wants to move on can walk towards the Dalfaz Alm.
Go early on hot days, bring plenty of water and take into account smooth pieces after rain. The waterfall is photogenic, but the path to it is not a studio: Mountain shoes win it here from neat sneakers.
For sunny days
Swim, sup or just sit aside
You can swim in different places in the Achensee. At Seespitz in Maurach, Strandbad Pertisau and several places around Achenkirch are lawns and accessible banks. Atoll Achensee in Maurach combines a beach pool with indoor swimming pools, wellness and activities for children when the sun suddenly resigns halfway through the day.
The water is clear, but stays fresh. That's delicious after a walk and a little less delicious when your body expected the Italian sea. Anyone who prefers to stay on the water can, among other things, surf, sailing and windsurfing. The wind often increases later in the day; Beginners therefore prefer to plan their trip in the quieter morning hours and always follow local directions.
For the journey itself
Drive the historic Achenseebahn
From Jenbach the steam tooth track has been climbing towards the Achensee since 1889. Over a journey of almost seven kilometres, the train overcomes about 440 altitude meters, with rising rates of up to sixteen percent. You hear, smell and feel that the locomotive has to work seriously for that.
At the lake you can switch to the boat. The combination of steam train and tour is especially fun with children or when the day of travel may be part of the holiday itself. Check the current driving days in advance and book if necessary; The service is seasonal.
When?
The best travel time for the Achensee
For water and long days
Most facilities run, the mountain tracks and boats sail extensively and you have the best chance of swimming. It's also the busiest period.
For rest and walking
Often bright light, cooler walking temperatures and less crowded. Later in the autumn sailing schedules and opening times become more limited.
For winter without a ski factory
The region has small ski resorts, many cross-country trails and winter hiking trails. It gets more than a completely different, quieter character.
For those who are flexible
Quiet and fresh, but not everything is open daily. Higher up could still be snow. Check lifts, hiking trails and boats just before departure.
Our favorite period? September. Summer pressure is decreasing, the light is getting softer and you can usually be fine outside. For swimming July or August is more logical; For photography and walking wins early autumn.
On the way from the Netherlands
How far is the Achensee and why is it so good on its way to Italy?
From Utrecht it is about the road 880 kilometers to Pertisau. A route planner comes under ideal conditions to just over eight hours' drive, but with breaks, road work and vacation crowds is more realistic nine to ten hours. From other parts of the Netherlands there is of course some time or something goes off.
The location makes it more interesting as a stopover towards Italy. From the A12 exit Wiesing/Achensee it is only about seven kilometers to Maurach, according to the region. After your stay you drive via the same connection towards Innsbruck and then across the Brenner to South Tyrol, Lake Garda, Dolomites or Tuscany.
This is especially true when your route runs through Munich, Innsbruck and the Brenner. If you travel to Venice via Salzburg and Villach, the Achensee is no longer a convenient mini-detour but a conscious extra destination.
Where to stay?
Which village suits your trip?
Pertisau
The best choice for promenade, boats, restaurants and direct access to the Karwendel valleys. Good for a first visit and for hikers.
Maurach
Practically from the A12, close to Seespitz, Atoll Achensee and the Rofan Seilbahn. Convenient for families and a short stopover.
Achenkirch
Quieter and more spacious on the north side of the lake, with beaches and lots of nature. Makes sense when the Achenpass is part of your route.
Before departure
Practical tips for the Achensee
- How many days?One full day is enough for a first impression. Two or three nights feel much less rushed.
- With kids?Combine a short boat trip with a beach bath or Atoll Achensee. The entire Gaisalm route is not suitable for every young child.
- Parking?At the villages and attractions parking lots are often paid. Check local daily rates and maximum parking time.
- Take what?Sturdy shoes, swimming gear, a warm layer and rain gear. On a mountain lake you can need four seasons in one backpack.
- Check in advance.Cruise times, mountain tracks and mountain huts are seasonal and weather-dependent. Look again the night before departure.
FAQ
Convenient to know about the Achensee
What do you have to do about the Achensee?
Take a tour, walk along the bank towards Gaisalm, visit Pertisau and catch the Rofan Seilbahn or Karwendel-Bergbahn in clear weather. On a hot day, swimming or sucking are actually part of it.
What is the best travel time for the Achensee?
June through September is best for hiking and water sports. September and early October are quieter and very nice for hikers. In winter, the region is mainly about cross-country skiing, winter hiking and small-scale skiing.
How far is the Achensee from the Netherlands?
From Utrecht it is about 880 kilometers drive to Pertisau. Count on about eight and a half to ten hours of pure driving time, depending on route and traffic, and add your breaks to that.
Is the Achensee on the route to Italy?
Yes, when you drive through Munich, Innsbruck and the Brenner to Northern or Central Italy. Maurach is only a few kilometres from the A12 near Wiesing. For routes via Salzburg and Villach the detour is clearly larger.
Can you swim in the Achensee?
Yes. There are accessible swimmers including Maurach, Pertisau and Achenkirch. The mountain water is very clear, but also in the summer quite fresh.
Is the Achensee fun with kids?
Sure. The boat, Achenseebahn, beach baths and Atoll Achensee are family friendly. Choose walks by age and experience; Some bank paths are narrower and rockier than they look like photos.
Our final judgment
Is the Achensee worth the stop?
Absolutely. Not because it happens to be convenient on a route to Italy, but because the Achensee is the rare type of stopover that becomes the destination itself. The clear water, the steep mountains and the choice between walking, sailing and doing nothing make the surroundings surprisingly versatile. One night is possible. Two nights are smarter. Then you get back in the car with the feeling that the holiday had already started.
Facts and practical information have been checked at Achensee Tourismus, Achenseeschifffahrt, the Achenseebahn and ASFINAG. Distances and driving times are indicative; check the current route, toll rules, opening times and weather conditions shortly before departure. All photos in this article are own images of Checkedout.