Lake Achensee is the largest lake in Tyrol and one of the most scenic lakes in Austria. Often called the “Tyrolean Sea”, it’s a popular spot for swimming, hiking, and boat trips. In this travel guide, you’ll find practical tips and inspiration for your holiday — including the best things to do at Achensee, places to stay, hiking routes, swimming spots, and more.
What can you find in this article?
- Facts about Achensee
- Swimming
- Best things to do near Achensee
- AchenseeCard
- Where to stay
- When to visit
- Achensee map
- More tips for travelling in Austria
- FAQ
We liked Achensee from the very first moment. The lake has clear turquoise water and in summer, it warms up enough for a refreshing swim. You’ll find both public and quieter, more secluded beaches, as well as cycling and hiking trails ranging from easy strolls to more challenging routes.
Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with kids, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Take a ride on the historic Achenseebahn with children, or head up to the peaks of the Rofan Mountains with your partner for stunning views over the lake.
Lake Achensee: Interesting Facts
Achensee is located in western Austria, just south of the German border and close to Munich. It’s easily accessible by car or train from many parts of Central Europe, including southern Germany, northern Italy, and Austria itself.
The lake is impressive in size — 9 km long, up to 1.3 km wide, and 133 metres deep. Its nickname, the “Tyrolean Sea”, fits perfectly given its scale.
Achensee was formed by glacial activity, and its long, narrow shape and steep mountain backdrop give it a fjord-like appearance — similar to Lake Como in Italy.
Lake Achensee lies between the Rofan Mountains and the Karwendel range on the opposite side. If you’re into hiking, you’ll find plenty of options here. A cable car takes you up into the mountains, where marked trails start right at the top station.
🏡 Where to stay near Achensee
The accommodations listed below include the AchenseeCard, which gives you free public transport and discounts on local attractions. You’ll automatically receive the card when staying at least one night.
Is Lake Achensee suitable for swimming?
Yes — Lake Achensee is suitable for swimming. In summer, the water temperature usually reaches a pleasant 19–22°C. If you’re looking for warmer alpine lakes, try Wolfgangsee near Salzburg or the lakes in Carinthia.
The water is crystal clear. Around the lake, especially in Achenkirch, Maurach, and Pertisau, you’ll find beaches with sun loungers, seating areas, and snack stands. Paid parking is available nearby.
In all of these towns, you can rent a boat and enjoy a ride on Lake Achensee.
In summer, especially from June to August, daytime temperatures usually range between 20 and 25°C. July and August can bring even warmer days, with highs reaching up to 30°C. Evenings and nights tend to be cooler.
More inspiration: The most beautiful places to visit in Austria (opens in a new window)
Things to do at Achensee, Austria
1. Trail around the Achensee
Achensee is one of the few lakes in Austria that’s almost entirely accessible to the public. There’s no private fencing, and a lakeside cycle path makes it easy to walk or bike along the shore.
The path runs from Pertisau to the south, continuing along the entire eastern shore of Lake Achensee all the way to Achenkirch. Along the way, you’ll find sun loungers, grassy spots to relax, small sandy beaches, and places to get refreshments.
If you’d like to walk the entire lakeside trail from Pertisau to Achenkirch, allow around 3 hours without breaks. From there, you can take the boat back along Lake Achensee.
2. Boating on the lake
Boating on Lake Achensee is one of the most popular activities in the region. Regular ferry services run between the main towns around the lake, including Pertisau and Achenkirch.
You can find detailed information about fares and timetables on the official website. Below are the main stops along the route.
3. Zwölferkopf
Zwölferkopf is a popular peak in the Karwendel mountains, one of the largest ranges in Austria. It rises above Pertisau and is easily accessible via the Karwendel-Bergbahn cable car.
The area offers a network of hiking and cycling trails. Paths are wide, gravelled, and well maintained — suitable for families as well. At the top, there’s a restaurant with a sunny terrace and a small playground. A short, easy walk leads to the Bärenbadalm mountain hut.
For one of the best views of Lake Achensee, continue past the Bärenbadalm hut and climb to the summit of Bärenkopf. From the hut, the trail gets steeper and rockier, with a short section that includes a fixed rope near the top.
If you’re used to hiking in mountain terrain, you should have no trouble with this route. From the cable car’s top station, it takes around 1.5 hours to reach the summit, with an elevation gain of over 500 metres. If starting from the lake, count on a 1,000-metre ascent.
🏡 Where to stay near Achensee
These accommodations include the AchenseeCard, which gives you free public transport and discounts on local attractions. You’ll automatically receive the card when staying at least one night.
4. Rofan Mountains
On the opposite side of Lake Achensee lies the Rofan mountain range. The Rofan Seilbahn cable car takes you from Maurach up to the base of the Gschöllkopf peak. From there, you can choose from several hiking trails or walk back down to the lake via the Rotspitze ridge.
At the top of Gschöllkopf, there’s a viewpoint shaped like an eagle’s nest. The path to the summit is steep and requires sturdy footwear. It takes about 30–40 minutes to reach the top from the cable car station. From the viewpoint, you’ll get wide-open views of the Rofan Mountains and Lake Achensee.
5. Gaisalm
Gaisalm is one of the most popular alpine huts around Lake Achensee — beautifully located right on the lakeshore with steep mountain peaks behind it. There’s a sunny terrace, a small playground, sun loungers, and hearty local food.
You can get to Gaisalm in two ways:
- By boat across Lake Achensee (see above), which stops directly at Gaisalm.
- On foot from either Achenkirch or Pertisau. In both directions, the trail is narrow and a bit steep in places, so sturdy shoes are essential. The hike takes around 1.5 hours each way.
6. Dalfazer Waterfall
Dalfazer Waterfall is the highest waterfall in the Rofan Mountains, with a total drop of 60 metres. It’s located on the eastern shore of Lake Achensee and is easily accessible — a great short trip, even for families with children.
The easiest access is from Maurach-Buchau, where the marked trail to the waterfall begins. The hike takes about 30–40 minutes and is suitable for all levels.
Another option is to take the Rofan cable car and hike down via the Dalfazalm alpine pasture. If you’re using Google Maps, note that Dalfazalm may not be shown on the map, but the hut operates normally during the season and is a popular stop along the trail.
Keep in mind that the waterfall is dry at times. The best time to visit is in spring, just after the snow melts, or after heavy rainfall.
More inspiration: The most beautiful lakes in Austria (opens in a new window)
7. Achenseebahn
The Achenseebahn is one of the most interesting railway lines in Austria, known especially for its historic steam train. It’s also one of the few cogwheel railways in the country — another well-known one runs up to Schafberg at Lake Wolfgangsee.
The line is about 6.8 km long and connects the town of Jenbach, which lies on the main Innsbruck–Salzburg railway line, with Seespitz on the shores of Lake Achensee. From Jenbach, the train climbs more than 440 metres in elevation as it winds its way to the lake, with several stops along the route.
A ride on the Achenseebahn is a popular attraction and offers great views over the Inntal Valley and Lake Achensee. In high season, it’s best to go early in the day before it gets crowded. You can find more information on timetables and tickets here.
8. Wolfsklamm
Wolfsklamm is a 1.5-kilometre gorge filled with wooden footbridges, ladders, and staircases that lead through dramatic rock formations and alongside a crystal-clear mountain stream with waterfalls. The path can be slippery, so wear sturdy, non-slip shoes.
At the end of the gorge, you’ll reach the St. Georgenberg Monastery — one of the oldest pilgrimage sites in Tyrol — connected by a centuries-old trail. There’s also a restaurant at the monastery with a great reputation. You can return to the car park via a forest path.
Wolfsklamm is located near the town of Stans in Tyrol, about a 25-minute drive from Lake Achensee. It’s usually open from May to late October, but exact opening times may vary each year. Here you can find current information on tickets, opening hours, and parking.
9. Innsbruck
Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, is just a 40-minute drive from Lake Achensee. If you’d like to explore a historic city surrounded by Alpine peaks, it’s well worth adding to your itinerary.
In the city centre, don’t miss the Golden Roof — the famous gilded balcony from which Emperor Maximilian I once watched the lively streets below.
For a scenic view, take the Hungerburgbahn cable car from the city centre up to the Nordkette mountains, part of the Karwendel Alpine Park that also surrounds Lake Achensee. From the top, you’ll get spectacular views over the city and the surrounding Alps.
10. Swarovski Kristallwelten Museum
Swarovski Kristallwelten is a unique museum and experience park located in Wattens, just a 35-minute drive from Lake Achensee.
The museum was opened in 1995 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Swarovski company and has been a popular attraction ever since.
At the entrance, visitors are welcomed by a giant grass-covered head with a fountain — known as the “guardian” of Kristallwelten.
Inside, the museum features a series of “Chambers of Wonder”, each designed by different artists and designers. Every chamber offers a unique installation or artwork using Swarovski crystals to create striking visual effects.
In addition to the indoor exhibits, the grounds include landscaped gardens with outdoor artworks and crystal installations. There’s also a Swarovski shop, a café, and a large playground for children.
More information: You can find up-to-date opening hours and ticket prices on the official website.
🏡 Apartments Near Achensee (for Couples and Families)
These apartments include the AchenseeCard, which gives you free public transport and discounts on local attractions. Guests automatically receive the card when staying at least one night.
11. Großer Ahornboden
If you’re up for a longer day trip from Lake Achensee, Großer Ahornboden is just a 50-minute drive away — and it’s absolutely worth the detour.
Großer Ahornboden means “Great Maple Plain”, and the area is home to around 2,400 ancient maple trees, some of them more than 700 years old. The valley is surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Karwendel mountains, creating a truly unique alpine setting.
This is also the starting point for several hiking and mountain trails that lead into the wider Karwendel region. But many visitors simply stay in the valley and enjoy the scenery — the spot has even been voted the most beautiful place in Tyrol.
You’ll find benches and a couple of restaurants where you can try traditional Tyrolean dishes.
Due to its protected status, access by car is subject to a small toll. The road is open from May to October, with a toll gate located in Hinterriss. You can find current opening hours and prices here.
How to Save Money at Lake Achensee: The Achensee Card
Austria is known for its regional guest cards that offer discounts and free entry to public transport and attractions — and Lake Achensee is no exception. While the discounts here may not be as extensive as in some other regions, the card still brings useful benefits.
The Achensee Card (free)
When you arrive at your accommodation, you’ll automatically receive the Achensee Card. With it, you can use regional buses free of charge in the following areas: Achenkirch, Maurach, Pertisau, Steinberg, Wiesing, and Jenbach.
The card also includes small discounts at various attractions, such as Swarovski Kristallwelten or the Schwaz Silver Mine. You’ll receive a leaflet at your accommodation listing all valid discounts.
Everyone who stays at a registered hotel, guesthouse or apartment in the Achensee region receives this card. You’ll either get it at check-in or your host can send it to your phone — just show it when boarding a bus or purchasing entry tickets.
The Achensee Holiday Card (for purchase)
If you want unlimited access to the region’s top attractions, you can purchase the Achensee Holiday Card, which includes:
- Unlimited rides on the Rofan cable car
- Unlimited rides on the Karwendel cable car
- Trips on the Achenseebahn steam cog railway
- Unlimited boat cruises on Lake Achensee
- Free entry to selected museums (e.g. Swarovski Kristallwelten, Tiroler Steinöl Museum – Vitalberg)
Price: €98 for adults, €49 for children (free for children under 6). To purchase the Holiday Card, you must already have the basic Achensee Card from your accommodation.
Where to buy it:
- Bottom stations of the Rofan or Karwendel cable cars
- Tourist information centres in Achenkirch, Pertisau, or Wiesing
Validity: The card is valid for 7 consecutive days from first use. Available from 30 April to 24 October 2025.
Where to stay near Achensee?
If you’re looking for a good place to stay at Lake Achensee, we can personally recommend Arthur’s Hotel und Apartments, where we stayed ourselves. These are modern, affordable apartments with free parking.
You can walk to the lake beach or the bike path in just a few minutes via a quiet side street. If you’re travelling with children, it’s also a short walk to the playground and the lakeside promenade.
🏡 Apartments near Achensee (for couples and families)
All the accommodations listed below include the AchenseeCard, which gives you free public transport and discounts on local attractions. You’ll automatically receive the card when staying at least one night.
Recommended hotels near Achensee:
- Das Rotspitz Hotel: Traditional Alpine-style hotel, ideal for couples. Free parking, garden, restaurant, and just a few minutes from the lake. Good value.
- aja Fürstenhaus am Achensee: Popular 4-star hotel directly on the lakefront. Spacious spa, excellent cuisine, and cosy rooms.
- Alpenhotel Edelweiss: Clean and comfortable hotel with breakfast included. Great for couples and families. Located near the Rofanbahn cable car.
- VAYA Achensee: Modern rooms and apartments with kitchenette. Quiet location with both outdoor and indoor pools. Half board available and quality food.
🏡 Where to stay near Achensee
All the accommodations listed below include the AchenseeCard, which gives you free public transport and discounts on local attractions. You’ll automatically receive the card when staying at least one night.
When to Visit Lake Achensee in Tyrol
Spring (March–May): Spring is when nature wakes up and temperatures begin to rise. It’s a great time for hiking and cycling, especially at lower elevations where the alpine pastures start to open. Higher trails may still be covered in snow.
Summer (June–August): Summer is the most popular season at Lake Achensee. The weather is warm and pleasant — perfect for swimming, sailing, windsurfing, and other water sports. If you’re looking for the best chance of sunny weather and warm water, visit in August.
Autumn (September–November): In autumn, the landscape turns golden and red, making it an ideal time for hikes. Early autumn still offers comfortable temperatures, though mornings and evenings can be chilly. It’s also less crowded, so you can enjoy the lake more peacefully.
Winter (December–February): Winter transforms Achensee into a snow-covered retreat, perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country adventures. The region offers over 150 km of groomed winter trails, so even hikers will find plenty to enjoy.
Achensee on the map
HOW TO USE THIS MAP: The interactive map above shows the best hikes and things to do at Lake Achensee in Austria. Click the icon in the top left corner to show or hide individual map layers. You can turn specific categories on and off, or click any icon to view the name of the place as mentioned in this guide to Achensee in Tyrol.
Want to save the map? Just click the star ⭐. To open it in full screen, click the icon in the top right corner.
These were our tips for the best hikes, attractions, and things to do at Lake Achensee in Austria.
Do you have a question or want to share your own experience? Feel free to leave a comment below. Safe travels and enjoy your time at the lake!
More information about Austria
AUSTRIA: Explore the most beautiful places in Austria or get inspired by our list of the best lakes in Austria, including practical info, tips, and a detailed map.
VIENNA: Don’t miss our guide to things to do in Vienna, with entrance fees and opening times, plus a detailed 3-day itinerary. Travelling with kids? Here’s how to enjoy Vienna with children.
AUSTRIAN ALPS: Check out our tips for hikes and things to do in the Alps, including the Dachstein range, Zell am See and the untouched nature of the High Tauern National Park.
Heading to Carinthia? Discover things to do in Carinthia, a holiday guide to Carinthian lakes, and a detailed article on Lake Wörthersee.
Or head straight to Tyrol or the scenic Lake Wolfgangsee for more ideas.
FAQ about Lake Achensee
Yes, Lake Achensee is great for swimming — the water is clean and reaches around 19–22 °C in summer. The main swimming areas are in Achenkirch, Maurach and Pertisau, but you’ll also find quieter spots away from the main beaches.
All guests staying at registered accommodation for at least one night automatically receive the AchenseeCard. It includes free public bus transport around the lake and discounts on local attractions like the Achenseebahn and Swarovski Crystal Worlds.
Take the historic Achenseebahn, enjoy a boat ride on the lake, or head up to the panoramic peaks of Bärenkopf and Zwölferkopf. Don’t miss the scenic Wolfsklamm Gorge, the tranquil Gaisalm alpine hut, or the maple plateau Großer Ahornboden, one of the most beautiful places in Tyrol.
