Achen Lake
Lake Tyrolean alpine lake and popular outdoor recreation area
In Tyrol, Achensee sits between the Karwendel and Rofan ranges; visitors sail and windsurf its alpine waters, ride the old Achensee steam cog railway and hike trails to mountain huts above Pertisau.
Achen Lake (Achensee) is the largest lake in the Austrian state of Tyrol, set in a mountain basin in the northern Alps. It is a prominent regional recreation area known for outdoor sports and mountain scenery.
The shoreline hosts lakeside villages such as Maurach and Pertisau and facilities for sailing, windsurfing, swimming and lakeside cycling. Boat services run regular crossings across the lake and lakeside trails connect to alpine hiking routes in the surrounding ranges.
The basin and shoreline are part of an alpine landscape between the Karwendel and Rofan mountain ranges, providing immediate access to marked trails and mountain viewpoints. Seasonal tourism is strongest in summer for water sports and in shoulder seasons for hiking and cycling.
The lake is located in Tyrol roughly between the towns of Achenkirch and Maurach; it sits at the foot of the Rofan and Karwendel massifs and is within easy driving distance from the regional road network.
- Ferry services: Boat services operate between settlements on the lake and offer scenic crossings and short excursions.
- Rofan access: The Rofan cable car provides quick access from the lakeshore to alpine hiking routes and viewpoints.
How to Get to Achen Lake #
Achensee is about 40-50 minutes by car from Innsbruck along the A12 and regional roads. Regional buses connect Jenbach (train station on the Innsbruck-Wörgl line) to towns on the lake; the Achensee Steam Cog Railway runs from Jenbach to the lake in summer.
Tips for Visiting Achen Lake #
- Arrive early in summer to catch the alpine meadows at their peak; mountain huts nearby sell simple drinks and snacks.
- If traveling by car, check road conditions - snow can persist into late spring on the alpine approaches.
- Combine a visit with a hike in the Karwendel range for dramatic ridgelines and fewer tourists than neighboring Achensee.
Best Time to Visit Achen Lake #
Achen Lake (Achensee) is best in summer for full access to hiking and boating; winter offers solitude but check access and services.
Weather & Climate near Achen Lake #
Achen Lake's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 21°C. Abundant rainfall (1261 mm/year), wettest in July.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (163 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (176 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (159 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
