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 at a Glance#
About Achen Lake#
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -5° - 2° | -4° | 64 mm | overcast | 91% | 2.0 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.8h |
| February | Poor | -4° - 4° | -3° | 62 mm | overcast | 90% | 1.9 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.1h |
| March | Poor | -1° - 7° | 1° | 81 mm | overcast | 85% | 2.3 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Acceptable | 2° - 10° | 4° | 92 mm | overcast | 79% | 2.4 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 13.5h |
| May | Acceptable | 6° - 16° | 11° | 118 mm | overcast | 79% | 2.4 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.9h |
| June | Acceptable | 9° - 19° | 14° | 163 mm | overcast | 78% | 2.3 m/s | 1.6 very high | 15.7h |
| July | Good | 11° - 21° | 16° | 176 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 2.2 m/s | 1.6 very high | 15.3h |
| August | Good | 11° - 21° | 16° | 159 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 2.0 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.1h |
| September | Good | 8° - 17° | 13° | 105 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 2.0 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 12.4h |
| October | Acceptable | 4° - 13° | 7° | 79 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 2.0 m/s | 0.5 low | 10.7h |
| November | Poor | -1° - 6° | 1° | 86 mm | overcast | 88% | 1.9 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.2h |
| December | Poor | -4° - 3° | -3° | 76 mm | overcast | 90% | 1.9 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.3h |
