Achensee — Tyrol's largest lake★★
The Achensee is Tyrol's largest and most beautiful lake — 9 km long, up to 1 km wide, up to 133 meters deep, and of an unreal turquoise color reminiscent of the Caribbean. Nestled between the Karwendel mountains in the west and the Rofan mountains in the east, at an altitude of 929 meters, the lake is a paradise for water sports, hikers, and those seeking relaxation.
The five towns on the lake have different characters: Pertisau (west, quiet, hiking & wellness), Maurach (south, family-friendly, Rofan cable car), Achenkirch (north, authentic, cross-country skiing), and the small hamlets of Steinberg and Wiesing. The lake has drinking water quality — swimming in the crystal-clear, albeit fresh water (max. 20°C in midsummer) is an experience.
The Achenseebahn (built in 1889) is the oldest cog railway in Europe still operated by steam. It puffs from Jenbach (530 m) up to Maurach am Achensee (929 m) — a nostalgic 45-minute ride through forests and over alpine meadows. Fare: €28 return, children €14.
The Rofan cable car from Maurach takes hikers up to 1,834 meters in 8 minutes — at the top await the 5-peak via ferrata, the panoramic circular trail (easy, 1 hour), and the Adlerhorst (viewpoint overlooking the entire lake). Mountain ride: €23 return.
💡 Tipp
Lake Achensee is a top spot for windsurfers and kitesurfers: the "Ora" foehn wind reliably blows from the south every afternoon. Surf school at the lake (day course from €89). For hikers: the Gramaialm in the Karwendel Valley (45 min. from Pertisau, flat) is a dream — rustic alpine pasture with Kaiserschmarrn (€9.50) and cheese dumplings, surrounded by 2,000-meter peaks.
