Summer at Lake Achensee – mountains, water & alpine air

Summer at Lake Achensee combines hiking, cycling and water sports with refreshing alpine air. Tyrol’s largest lake offers nature, tranquillity and active relaxation.
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This blog post was written by René Schwarte, founder and co-owner of Ferienhaus Tirol.

Summer at Lake Achensee: Tyrol at its best

Lake Achensee lies at around 929 metres above sea level, nestled between the Karwendel and Rofan mountain ranges. As the largest lake in Tyrol, it is a particularly attractive summer destination. While temperatures in the valleys can rise significantly, the Achensee region enjoys a noticeably cooler and more pleasant climate.

Clear mountain air, refreshing water and impressive alpine scenery make the Achensee ideal for travellers seeking both activity and relaxation. Whether you prefer being outdoors all day or simply enjoying the landscape, the region offers a perfect balance.

Villages around Lake Achensee

Several charming villages are located around the lake, each contributing to the region’s diverse character. Pertisau sits directly at the edge of the Karwendel mountains and is especially popular with hikers and nature lovers. Maurach offers good infrastructure and easy access to cable cars and transport links.

Achenkirch appeals to visitors looking for tranquillity and unspoilt nature, while Eben am Achensee is known for its sunny position and convenient accessibility. Together, these villages form an attractive and well-rounded holiday region suitable for couples, families and active travellers.

Hiking between the Karwendel and Rofan mountains

With more than 500 kilometres of marked hiking trails, the Achensee region ranks among Tyrol’s top hiking destinations. Routes range from easy lakeside walks and alpine pasture hikes to demanding mountain tours at higher altitudes.
Modern cable cars provide comfortable access to panoramic hiking areas, allowing you to enjoy breathtaking views over Lake Achensee and the surrounding peaks – even on warmer summer days.

Cycling & mountain biking with lake views

Lake Achensee is also an excellent destination for cycling holidays. The well-known Achensee circular cycle path connects all villages around the lake and is ideal for relaxed rides with constant scenic views.

​​​​​​​More ambitious cyclists and mountain bikers can explore challenging routes in the Karwendel and Rofan mountains. E-bikes are widely available, and the region offers good signage, rental services and charging stations, making cycling accessible for all levels.

Water sports & relaxation by the lake

Often referred to as the “Tyrolean Sea”, Lake Achensee is famous for its excellent water sports conditions. Sailing, windsurfing, stand-up paddling and swimming are particularly popular. Thanks to reliable thermal winds, the lake is considered one of Austria’s top spots for sailing and windsurfing.

Those looking to relax will find quiet bathing areas, lakeside lawns and beaches with spectacular mountain views – perfect for unwinding after an active day.

Insider tip: Gaisalm – accessible only on foot or by boat

A true insider tip at Lake Achensee is the Gaisalm, a traditional alpine hut located directly on the western shore of the lake. What makes it special is its accessibility: it cannot be reached by car. Visitors arrive either on foot via a scenic lakeside trail or by boat.
This limited access ensures a peaceful atmosphere, even during peak summer months. Many visitors combine a boat trip to the Gaisalm with a return hike along the shoreline – one of the most beautiful walks in the region.

Location & access

Lake Achensee is centrally located in Tyrol, close to the Inn Valley motorway.
The region is easily accessible by car or by train to Jenbach, followed by a short bus journey to the lake.

You can read more in our blog ‘Summer holidays in Austria: 7 beautiful lakes to discover’, in which we also discuss the Achensee, of course.

Conclusion

A summer holiday at Lake Achensee offers the very best of Tyrol: mountains, water, fresh air and a wide range of outdoor activities – all within a relaxed and natural setting.
​​​​​​​👉View our range of holiday homes in Eben am Achsensee here.

Attractive beyond the summer season

What many visitors appreciate is that Lake Achensee is not only a summer destination. In winter, the landscape transforms into a quiet and scenic alpine region. The Achensee ski area is known for its small-scale ski slopes, excellent cross-country skiing trails and winter hiking routes, making the Achensee attractive throughout the year.

Whether you visit in summer or winter, Ferienhaus-Tirol.eu offers a wide selection of holiday homes and apartments to discover the Achensee region at your own pace.