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Achensee

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Lake

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Lake Achensee is the largest lake in Tyrol, often referred to as the 'Tyrolean Sea' due to its fjord-like setting between the Karwendel and Rofan mountain ranges. Situated at an elevation of 929 meters, the lake is famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, which maintain drinking water quality. Created during the last Ice Age, the lake reaches a maximum depth of 133 meters. Tourism flourished in the late 19th century, leading to the construction of the Achensee Railway in 1889, which remains the oldest steam-powered cog railway in Europe. Today, the lake is a premier destination for water sports such as sailing, kitesurfing, and diving, while serving as a gateway for alpine hiking and climbing. The local shipping tradition connects the primary villages of Maurach, Pertisau, and Achenkirch via historic and modern vessels.

Location: Tyrol, Austria
Top sights: Hochsteg Pertisau · Achensee Ausblick · Tiroler Steinöl Vitalberg
Nearby: Jenbach (7 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-4	-3	1	6	10	14	15	15	11	7	2	-3
Rain mm	83	65	81	84	149	175	172	185	119	91	70	74

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The Tyrolean Sea is usually well accessible via regional mountain roads, often starting from the surrounding villages. Public transport buses mostly run from larger train stations in the region directly to the lakeside promenades.

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Best season

The warmest months from June to September typically offer good conditions for water sports and extensive hiking tours. In winter, the region often transforms into a popular destination for cross-country skiers and winter hikers.

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Terrain & paths

The paths around the water range from flat, well-paved lakeside promenades to more demanding, steep mountain trails. For families there are usually accessible sections, while experienced alpinists often choose higher altitude routes.

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What to bring

Sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate layered clothing are generally highly recommended for the changing alpine conditions. Sun protection, sufficient drinking water, and possibly a hiking map should always be kept in your backpack.

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Parking

Well-signposted, often paid parking lots are usually available for day-trippers in the adjacent municipalities. It is strongly advised to leave vehicles only in official areas in order to protect the highly sensitive natural environment.

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Safety

Weather changes can occur surprisingly quickly in alpine valleys, so checking the forecasts beforehand is absolutely essential. Water temperatures often remain very fresh even in midsummer, which is why caution is always advised when swimming.

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Time needed

For a relaxing walk along the shore, two to three hours are typically perfectly sufficient for most visitors. However, anyone planning extensive hikes or a boat trip should generally allow a full day to explore the area's natural beauty.

Geography

Coordinates

47.43330, 11.70830

Facts

Tyrol's largest lake, stretching over 9.4 kilometers in length.
The maximum depth of Lake Achensee is 133 meters.
The lake is situated at an altitude of exactly 929 meters above sea level.
The Achensee Railway has operated with original steam engines since 1889.
The water is of drinking quality with visibility up to 10 meters deep.
Famous for local 'shale oil' extracted from regional oil shale deposits.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Pertisau1 km · NWExplore →

Jenbach7 km · SEExplore →

Schwaz9 km · SExplore →

Achenkirch10 km · NExplore →

Fügen14 km · SEExplore →

Karwendel Nature Park16 km · WExplore →

Wattens18 km · SWExplore →

Alpbach18 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Achensee (10)

Hochsteg Pertisau

Viewpoint in Pertisau at Achensee, overlooking the lake and mountains.

Achensee Ausblick

Viewpoint with panoramic views of Lake Achensee.

Tiroler Steinöl Vitalberg🏛 museum

Museum in Tyrol, showing the history of stone oil.

Tiroler Steinöl🏛 museum

Museum in Tyrol, informing about extraction and use of stone oil.

Karwendel Bergbahn

Cable car in Tyrol, ascending the Karwendel mountains.

Zwölferkopf

Mountain peak in Tyrol, part of the Karwendel range.

Pfarrkirche Heilige Dreifaltigkeit

Church in Pertisau at Achensee, Catholic parish church.

Seewiese Buchau

Beach at Achensee with lawn and water access.

Prälatenbuche

Viewpoint at Achensee, named after a beech tree.

Bärenkopf

Mountain peak in Tyrol, in the Karwendel range.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How deep is Lake Achensee?

Lake Achensee is the deepest lake in Tyrol at 133 meters.

What is the Achensee Railway?

A historic steam cog railway that runs from Jenbach to Seespitz on Lake Achensee.

Is the lake suitable for windsurfing?

Yes, due to its optimal wind conditions, the lake is often called the 'Sea of Tyroleans'.

Are there boat tours on Lake Achensee?

Yes, Achensee shipping connects the main towns of Maurach, Pertisau, and Achenkirch.

Is the water warm enough for swimming in summer?

It is a high-mountain lake and rarely gets warmer than 20 degrees Celsius; it is quite refreshing.

Achensee: where is it located?

Achensee is located in Tyrol, Austria.

Achensee: what is there to see?

Highlights include Hochsteg Pertisau, Achensee Ausblick, Tiroler Steinöl Vitalberg.

Achensee: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.

Achensee: why is it worth visiting?

Lake Achensee is the largest lake in Tyrol, often referred to as the 'Tyrolean Sea' due to its fjord-like setting between the Karwendel and Rofan mountain ranges.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →