Lake Achensee – the fiord of the Austrian Alps

An Austrian King was the first to discover the Achensee Region as a summer holiday destination. And today, as for many years before, the lake Achensee with its emerald green water is an extraordinarily Region.

The 10 km long lake, often known as the Tyrolean Fiord, can change its colour from turquoise green to a deep marine blue, and with its ideal wind conditions is a favourite destination all sailors, surfers and kite-surfers. Swimmers and divers are in their element along the lakeside between the villages Achenkirch, Maurach and Pertisau. Due to the excellent water quality the lake is so clear that one can see, approx. 10 meters below the surface of the water. The rather flat terrain leading into the water at the south side in Maurach, gives an ideal place for families, as here, children can safely have fun paddling and splashing in the water – while the Achensee ships, paddle and electro boats float along the edge of the lake. For information: The oldest European steam-cog-train pulls its way up to the lake

Achensee from the Inn valley.

Surrounding the lake are high majestic mountains – the Rofan and the Karwendel Mountain Ranges. The highest mountain peak in the Region is 2.457 meters above sea-level – a paradise for all enthusiastic mountain hikers and hill walkers. For those wanting to enjoy the mountain world without getting out of breath there are two cable-cars in the Region – the Rofan and Karwendel Cable-cars – taking one up into the mountain world with lushes green pasture land and mountain huts.

The Achensee Region is famous for its numerous sporting activities

450 km of well marked and tended routes, from gentle country strolls to trekking long distance routes amidst the majestic mountains, Achensee a breathtaking landscape and an overwhelming spirit of peace will refresh and enliven your senses! The lake is 9 km long and has a reputation amoung surfers and sailers as being the best spot with superb wind conditions in the Alps and not only for sailing and surfer but also for the new sport, kite-surfing. Alongside the Achenee ships, which travel regularly between the 3 villages – Achenkirch, Maurach and Pertisau, are rowing and paddleboats. Fishers, divers and swimmers – are here welcome. The water in the lake is said to be that of drinking quality!

The sky over the Achensee Region, brightly coloured by the numerous paragliders swaying over the lake, looking down on the fantastic mountains of the Karwendel and Rofan mountain ranges and the crystal clear water. This thrilling feeling can be experienced without any previous experience. The Achensee Region with more than 250 km of best prepared and well marked routes, belongs to one of the most favourite cycling destinations. For all those who prefer the peaceful countryside and something more relaxing, there are many “easier” routes, for example, along the banks of the lake, or through the dramatic scenery and clear fresh air of the Karwendel valleys to one of many mountain huts.

Jogging Mecca With over 170 km well marked jogging routes, an optimal landscape with mountains, valleys and a lakeside, is said to be one of the most beautiful and scenic destinations for enthusiastic runners – suitable for all abilities for jogging, walking or just strolling. There are 23 marked routes, some of which can be combined, giving runners an ideal training terrain. The routes are marked: black – difficult, red – middle and blue – easy. A running route map is available in the Tourist Information Offices.

The region in stages

Along Weissach to Achensee

Along Walchen to Achensee

Along Lake Achensee

From Achensee to Inntal