Achensee - Tyrol's versatile natural paradise

Lake Achensee, often referred to as the "Tyrolean fjord", is just an hour away from Munich. Nestled between the Karwendel mountains and the Brandenberg Alps, Tyrol's largest lake stretches like a sparkling ribbon for almost ten kilometres. Its turquoise-coloured water, framed by steep rock faces to the west and gentle alpine meadows to the east, offers a backdrop that immediately casts a spell over every visitor.

The region impresses with its unique diversity: crystal-clear mountain streams run through dense forests, while the striking peaks of the Karwendel mountain range dramatically characterise the landscape. In autumn, golden larch forests glow, while in winter everything is transformed into a glistening sea of snow. Thanks to the excellent water quality, Lake Achensee is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, while the surrounding mountains offer countless opportunities for hiking, climbing and trail running.

Whether sporting adventures, quiet moments in nature or breathtaking views from the peaks - Lake Achensee combines variety and tranquillity in a unique way. An ideal destination for nature lovers that promises both variety and relaxation.

Lake Achensee is framed by two striking mountain ranges: To the west rises the mighty Karwendel mountain range, the largest contiguous nature reserve in the northern Limestone Alps. With its rugged rock faces, deep gorges and wild valleys, it is a paradise for experienced hikers, mountaineers and climbers. Particularly impressive are the peaks such as the Große Ahornboden or the Rofanspitze, which offer breathtaking views and alpine solitude.

The gentler hills and alpine pastures of the Rofan mountains extend to the east. This region is ideal for more leisurely tours and offers numerous farmed alpine pastures that spoil hikers with home-made delicacies such as fresh alpine cheese and bacon. The Dalfazalm is a popular destination, known for its panoramic terrace overlooking the turquoise-blue lake. The mountains of the Rofan are also popular with via ferrata fans - the "5 summit via ferrata" is a highlight for those with sporting ambitions.

The forests around Lake Achensee appear pristine and unspoilt. Here you will find dense larch and spruce forests, interspersed with crystal-clear mountain streams and quiet clearings. The Karwendel valleys, such as the Falzthurntal or Tristenautal, are particularly impressive. These valleys offer a perfect combination of easy accessibility and wild nature. The hiking trails lead along babbling mountain streams, past steep rock faces and through extensive alpine meadows where cows graze.

At almost ten kilometres long, up to 1.3 kilometres wide and an impressive 133 metres deep, Lake Achensee is not only the largest, but also one of the cleanest lakes in Tyrol. It owes its unique colour, an intense turquoise, to the calcareous rock of the surrounding mountains and the crystal-clear spring water that feeds it. Embedded in the dramatic backdrop of the Alps, the lake looks like a giant emerald, reflecting the surrounding peaks and shimmering differently in every light.

Its shores are varied: while the south is characterised by steep mountain slopes, gentle bays and expansive meadows invite you to linger in the north. What is particularly fascinating is that the lake is refreshingly cool even in summer, with water temperatures rarely rising above 20 degrees - perfect for an invigorating dip after a hike.

Lake Achensee is a paradise for explorers. You can experience the lake in all its splendour on a boat trip with the Achensee boat tour and enjoy the landscape from a new perspective. For divers, exciting underwater worlds open up, including sunken trees and impressive rock formations. At the same time, the constant winds make the lake a popular destination for sailors and windsurfers, who find ideal conditions here.

Whether for sporting activities or quiet moments on the shore - Lake Achensee offers a fascinating mix of natural beauty, unspoilt tranquillity and a wide range of possibilities, making it one of the most impressive lakes in the Alps.

The region around Lake Achensee is a Mecca for outdoor enthusiasts and offers an impressive variety of sports and leisure activities at any time of year - whether on the mountains, in the valleys or directly on the turquoise waters of the lake.

With over 500 kilometres of marked hiking trails, Lake Achensee is a dream destination for hiking enthusiasts. The choice ranges from easy walks along the lakeshore - ideal for enjoying the tranquil beauty of the water - to challenging mountain tours to the peaks of the Karwendel and Rofan mountains. Popular hiking destinations include the Gaisalm, which can only be reached on foot or by boat, and the Dalfazalm, from where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the turquoise-coloured lake.

For climbing enthusiasts, the rugged rock faces of the surrounding mountain ranges offer a multitude of possibilities. The Karwendel mountains offer routes for experienced alpinists, while in the Rofan mountains numerous via ferratas - such as the famous "5-Gipfel-Klettersteig" - offer beginner-friendly challenges. The perfect combination of thrills and enjoyment of nature.

Lake Achensee is not only the largest lake in Tyrol, but also a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Sailors and windsurfers appreciate the constant winds, which offer ideal conditions - it is not for nothing that Lake Achensee is often described as one of the best areas for these sports in the Alps. For paddlers and stand-up paddling fans, the crystal-clear lake offers ideal conditions for enjoying the impressive mountain scenery from the water.

Divers also get their money's worth: In the deep, crystal-clear waters, impressive underwater landscapes with rock formations and sunken tree trunks are waiting to be discovered. Those who prefer a more relaxed pace can enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of the surroundings on a trip on a pedalo or one of the Achensee boats.

The varied trails in the region are an Eldorado for mountain bikers and trail runners. The tour from Maurach to the Dalfazalm is a classic, offering a mix of sporting challenge and a well-earned stop at the mountain hut. Advanced mountain bikers will find challenging routes with spectacular views, while trail runners love the narrow, unspoilt paths along the mountain slopes and through the valleys. The variety of routes makes the region interesting for beginners and pros alike.

In winter, the region is transformed into a snow-covered fairytale landscape and attracts visitors with a variety of winter sports options. More than 200 kilometres of groomed cross-country ski trails, including the popular panoramic trail, offer the best conditions for classic and skating style skiers. Deep snow fans appreciate the unspoilt slopes of the Rofan and Karwendel mountains, which offer perfect conditions for ski tours and freeriding. Snowshoe hikers also get their money's worth: quiet forests and snow-covered valleys invite you to go on extended tours where the tranquillity of winter nature can be felt particularly intensely.

Image rights: @Achensee Tourismus, Adobe Stock