The Achensee or Lake Achen is widely considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Tyrol, Austria. It is certainly the biggest and the deepest. It lies like a shimmering blue eye in the valley between the Rofan and Karwendel mountain ranges. It is across from the Karwendel and the Seefeld highlands. The route from the towns of Scharnitz to Pertisau is a little over 50 km, but it passes through the Karwendel Mountains and you can traverse it only on foot. By bus the route is much longer. Lake Achen lies like an inlet next to the biggest nature reserve on the continent, a paradise on earth for hikers, nautical sports lovers and yachters. The 1521-m Zwlferhorn is also near the lake. It can be accessed by cable car. The main activities around the lake are related to sports and recreation, but the area is also distinguished for its arts and culture, with such programs and events organized very frequently.

Nature.
The landscape is picturesque at all times of the year, so if youre into photography this is the place to be. It is especially beautiful at sunrise, when the rays illuminate the wild area of Isar, to the north of the Karwendel range. The two best-known regions of maple trees in the Alps are very close to Achensee the Large Maple Valley, where Eng is situated, and the Small Maple Valley, which has a higher altitude, a climb of about 2-3 hours on foot. The flora is typical of the European Alps. There is a myriad of forests you will see elms, conifers, beeches, ashes and more. Ilex and yews are rare but do exist here. In spring beautiful alpine roses bloom. The reserve protects sandpipers, which are very rare in the alpine area today. Other fauna and avifauna in the park include snow hares, snakes, black grouse, Capricorns, and the Golden Eagle, which has returned to the Alps.

Sports.
Many sports are popular in this area water sports on the lake, hiking, biking, skiing and many, many more. Be warned that you need to be extremely fit to hike in the Karwendel. One popular route is from Eng through the Hohljoch, down to Laliderer Reisen and back up to the Falkenhtte, a cottage with elevation of 1.848 m. This hike will take up to six hours. The total elevation gain is 1 100 m and covers different areas, including mixed rocky terrain and woodland, light maple forest and mountain pastures. All hiking routes in these mountains are well marked. It will take over 100 years to cover all the routes in the area. Guided hikes as well as individual treks are possible. The guides are very experienced, so if youre a novice you neednt worry. Water sports are very popular due to the excellent wind conditions of Achensee. The lake is often called the Tyrolean Lake Garda. You can take canoe trips, rafting trips, canyoning tours at the Imster gorge, and surfing and sailing lessons. Boats and equipment can be rented. Great thermals can be expected where the mountains are high and the winds are good. This is the case here, which is why the area is very attractive for paragliding enthusiasts. Hot air balloon trips, tandem jumps and paragliding courses are available. You can opt for a mountain biking tour of this area. The big tour known as the Guffert is very popular, but strenuous with many major ascents. There are gentler climbs as well.

The Tyrolean Alps are an international skiing destination, and the region of Achensee is no exception at all. Families will enjoy the ski complex of Christlum, while professionals can choose cross-country skiing. The track network is over 150 km long. Achenkirch alone has 58 km of tracks, which a skier can cover in one go. Other popular slopes are Marurach-Rofan, Steinberg-Rofan and Pertisau-Zwlferkopf. These have a total length of 50 km. Even if the snow melts, there are snow canons to guarantee good skiing on all slopes and at all times. Non-skiers will take pleasure in tobogganing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice-skating and curling. The natural arena of Achensee is highly recommended to those who want to indulge in the latter two.

Golf.
You can take golf lessons from top professionals in Achensee region, and play on many excellent courses with putting and chipping greens, bunker practice areas, pitching zones and driving ranges. You will be taught good practices regardless of your level there are lessons for amateurs, more advanced players and even pros.

The Achenseebahn.
This steam-cog railroad is an attraction in itself. Over a century old, it is the oldest transport facility of its kind on the continent. The engines consume 3 cubic meters of water and 300 kilograms of fuel over 14 km on the way up through the villages of Eben and Maurach. Tourists often ride the train to the Seespitz station on Lake Achen, but others opt for the road up to Pertisau, a charming town.

Nearby towns.
In the past the rulers of Tyrol enjoyed hunting in the area of Pertisau. The mountains in the backdrop were a source for a special kind of oil, fossil oil called ichthyol that was used in homeopathic treatments. There was once an ichthyol mine near Seefeld. Another notable town in this area is Rattenberg, home to a world-renowned glass-blowing facility. You can visit it after sailing across the lake.