Lakes & water

A day at Lake Achensee: shoreline and mountain views

Lake Achensee is Tyrol’s largest lake, set between the Karwendel and Rofan ranges. It is also the centre of a region with five villages. You do not need to cover everything in one day: choose a starting point, check current trail conditions and pair a stretch by the water with one activity that fits your plans.

Hotels nearby

Illustrative image: Lakes & water — Stock photo for illustration, not a photo of the place described. Photo source: Pexels

Tell the lake, region and village apart

Achensee is the lake; the Achensee region includes five villages around it. Achenkirch is on the northern shore, while Pertisau and Maurach provide other access points. First decide which part you want to see. This keeps the day from becoming a sequence of unnecessary transfers and leaves more time for the lakeside or a chosen trail.

Choose a lakeside walk or the Gaisalmsteig

For an unhurried outing, choose a short stretch beside the lake. The Gaisalmsteig links Achenkirch and Pertisau and is graded moderately difficult. It requires sure-footedness, a head for heights and hiking boots with good grip, so it is not a casual promenade. The path around the lake is not guaranteed to be open throughout; sections may close seasonally.

Keep the day flexible

A boat trip can complement a walk or replace part of it. Add it only after checking the current timetable. For longer routes, also allow for the weather, trail status and return journey. If you are unsure, choose an easy valley walk and save a more demanding mountain route for a day with suitable conditions.

Before your trip

• Check the weather and current trail status before setting out.
• Choose the Gaisalmsteig only if you are sure-footed, comfortable with heights and properly shod.
• Build in a boat journey only after checking the latest timetable.

Experiences are not necessarily child-free. The minimum age applies to each hotel.