Achensee

Achensee is the largest lake in Tyrol, set at roughly 930 metres above sea level in the Austrian Alps, close to the Bavarian border. Framed by the Karwendel and Rofan mountain ranges, the lake is known for its clear, turquoise waters and steady thermal winds, making it a popular spot for sailing and windsurfing. The surrounding area includes several lakeside villages such as Maurach, Pertisau and Achenkirch, offering accommodation and tourist facilities. One of the region's historic features is the Achenseebahn, a narrow-gauge rack railway dating back to 1889 that connects Jenbach to the lake, often paired with steamboat excursions across the water. In summer, the area is well suited to hiking and mountain biking thanks to an extensive network of alpine trails, while winter draws skiers to nearby resorts such as Christlum and Rofan. With its unspoilt alpine setting of forests, meadows and peaks, Achensee retains a typically Tyrolean character, valued both for outdoor pursuits and for simply relaxing by the lakeside.