Achensee lake

It is well known that Austrian Tyrol is a popular destination for many nature-loving travellers and sports enthusiasts, not just winter sports as one might think, but summer sports as well.

At the same time, this region offers the perfect opportunity for a weekend or a longer wellness break. A must-see when visiting Tirol in the summer: Lake Achensee.

The largest Austrian lake

Among the places not to be missed is, without a doubt, the so-called "Tyrolean Sea" ; this name characterizes the largest lake in Austria and one of the deepest in Europe: Lake Achensee.

It is precisely thanks to its 133 meters of depth and a surface area of ​​6,8 square kilometers that it has achieved considerable fame throughout the world.

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Lake Achensee is loved by tourists and especially by the inhabitants of Tyrol, who jealously guard it, also thanks to the rich flora and fauna that surround it and the clear, crystalline water , an emerald green colour.

You can choose to take long walks around its entire perimeter , starting the excursion from here, which will then continue passing through the wooded areas.

Lake Achensee is an excellent destination for solo travelers who want to unplug from everyday life and the hectic pace of the city, but also for families with children who want to enjoy a pleasant and relaxing break.

What to do

The lake is located between the Brandenberg Alps and the Karwendel mountain range, making it an ideal destination for sports enthusiasts.

The Rofan mountain range near Lake Achensee offers mountaineering opportunities, particularly rock climbing , and challenging hikes on steep routes, as well as flatter trails along the lakeshore for families or those less experienced with this type of activity. You can also explore the marked trails on your own mountain bike.

Bathing lake

In the summer months the temperatures of the waters of the lake increase; this allows, therefore, to carry out activities and sports that the winter climate would make more difficult.

An example is swimming : the clarity and quality of the lake water means that the quality of diving is so high that you have clear vision up to a depth of 10 metres.

For Austrians, a family swim is a must. Thanks to the good water quality, even children can swim and have fun , always with the utmost attention from their parents and respecting the main swimming safety rules that a mountain lake requires.

Considering that Lake Achensee is located at an altitude of 900 meters , the best months for diving are July and August. This is because, although sunny days continue until the end of September, the water temperature is pleasant for most people only in the central months.

Water sports

Among the water sports most loved by tourists who visit this place, one cannot fail to mention surfing, kayaking, canoeing and sailing. In addition, you can rent a pedal boat and see the Achensee from another point of view. In fact, its waters are also passable by ferries, especially suitable for those who want to fully experience the lake but love comfort.
Finally, the sharpness of the lake also allows for fishing.

Relaxing holidays

A wellness vacation is the main reason tourists visit Austria's Achensee Lake; a destination chosen for its peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the seaside.

Once a destination reserved for mountain enthusiasts, it has now become a true alternative to the increasingly chaotic seaside resorts . The lake's size, modern amenities, and, above all, its clear, clean water offer a truly relaxing holiday in touch with nature.

The accommodation facilities are many and for all budgets, there are also holiday solutions in typical Tyrolean huts or campsites with all comforts.

There are many refuges near the Achensee lake that are ready to welcome guests. For a vintage touch on your journey, you can choose to arrive near the lake aboard a vintage steam train. This will make your holiday even more suggestive and memorable.

Once you arrive, in addition to an overnight stay in spas, wellness centers, treatments and breathtaking views of the lake and mountains, the trip can be enriched by long walks hand in hand in the Karwendel Nature Park , near the lake.

Here you can breathe in the clean, refreshing air and admire the beauty of nature. The long green lawns, covered with a staggering 2000 maples, will make travelers feel like they're in a true corner of paradise.

To visit the mountains, you don't necessarily have to be familiar with climbing; simply take the cable car , which will take you directly to the top, where a network of trails unfolds.

For the evening or for an aperitif break, you can stop at the refreshment points that surround the lake and enjoy the peace of the quieter hours, away from the crowds of tourists.

Other points of interest near the Achensee lake

At 940 meters above sea level, in the southern part of Lake Achensee, is Pertisau, a small village that offers visitors the opportunity to broaden their cultural and historical knowledge.

It is possible to visit museums and churches, including the very particular Dreifaltigkeitskirche Church, also called the Church of the Holy Trinity. It is almost impossible not to stop in this small cathedral surrounded by nature, which in all its simplicity and beauty gives a sense of peace and bliss.

Among the museums not to be missed is the Vitalberg-Steinol Museum. Here you can learn about the history of Tyrolean mineral oil and its extraction from a specific rock in the Karwendel mountains, about 1.500 meters above sea level.
From this we can deduce how much the mineral oil of this area can be precious for the inhabitants, not only for its history, but also for the curative power it possesses; indeed, the extract contains a large amount of sulfur and other beneficial substances.

Finally, near Pertisau, you can hike to the Dalfazer Wasserfall. The hike to the waterfall takes about an hour and is quite steep, but the view at the end is worth it.