Walking in Pertisau

Walking Trails:
500km

Terrain:
Diverse terrain from rugged peaks to wide valleys and the largest Alpine lake in the Tirol region

Pertisau at a glance

  • German
  • Euro (EUR)
  • Birmingham Int. (BHX), Edinburgh (EDI), London Gatwick (LGW), Manchester Int. (MAN)

Travel included to Pertisau

Depart on: Saturday or Wednesday

Fly into: Innsbruck

Transfer time: approx. 1 hour by coach

Included in your walking holiday to Pertisau

  • Achensee Guest Card (upgrade to the Achensee Holiday Card payable locally)

  • On holiday support and tailored advice from our Destination Experts based in Austria
  • Inghams Digital Resort Guide with things to do, walks and useful information on holiday

  • Flights from the UK, transfers and accommodation

Walking in Pertisau

Walks and hikes

Walking Trails:
500km
Terrain:
Diverse terrain from rugged peaks to wide valleys and the largest Alpine lake in the Tirol region

Pertisau offers excellent walking opportunities, with over 500 kilometres of marked hiking paths above the village and into local valleys Gerntal, Falzthurntal and the Tristenautal. Terrain ranges from flat walks to steeper trails up to the highest peaks accessed by two cable-cars. From most paths there are wonderful views of the lake and a great number of excellent mountain huts for refreshment stops.

The Achensee Tourist Office run their own hiking programme, included as part of your Achensee Guest Card given to you by your hotel.

Walks take place across different days of the week and different dates in the season and examples of walks that may be included are:

  • Guided herb walk or ranger guided nature walk
  • Panorama hike
  • Nature watch tour to the Feilkopf
  • Nature watch tour to the Moosenalm
  • Summit tour in the Rofan or Karwendel mountains

Please note cable cars, tolls and parking fees are not included and will incur an additional charge. These guided walks must be booked directly with the tourist office online no later than 8pm the day before the walk is set to take place.

Subject to change.

Our favourite self-guided walks in Pertisau

Pertisau Family Walk In Naturpark Karwendel Region Achensee Copyright Achensee Tourismus
  • Grade: Easy 
  • Distance: 8.4km 
  • Walking time: 2 hours 45 mins 
  • Terrain: Mostly single-track forest trail with some open sections near the hut 

A gentle forest walk above Pertisau with glimpses of the lake through the trees. Starting behind the lido, the trail climbs steadily through peaceful woodland to the Pletzachalm guesthouse – a lovely spot for a break surrounded by meadows. The return route takes a slightly lower trail through the forest, bringing you back to the lakeshore to complete the loop. 

  • Grade: Moderate-Challenging 
  • Distance: 4.6km 
  • Walking time: 2 hours 30 mins 
  • Terrain: Single-track forest trail 

This short but demanding trail begins at St. Notburga Church, dedicated to the Tyrolean patron saint of farmers. From there, it climbs steadily through pine forest to the remote Notburga Chapel at 1,483m. The route is quiet and scenic, with sweeping views over the Inn Valley once you reach the top – a peaceful, reflective walk with a touch of local history. 

Pertisau Alpengasthaus Karwendel
  • Grade: Moderate 
  • Distance: 5.2km 
  • Walking time: 3 hours 
  • Terrain: Mostly single-track forest trail 

This trail follows in the footsteps of the Austrian Emperor, Maximilian I, climbing to his favourite rest stop overlooking Achensee. Starting in Achenkirch, the trail weaves up through the forest to the Köglalm mountain hut, where you can take a well-earned break and soak in the spectacular views. From the hut the trail descends to edge of the lake. You can follow the shoreline back to Achenkirch, or hop on the local bus. The route is officially recognised as a ‘Tirolean mountain trail of distinction’ thanks to its natural beauty and rare plant life. 

Our accommodations in Pertisau

Discover Pertisau

  • Enjoy leisurely lakeside strolls and refreshing swims
  • Head up the Rofan or Karwendel cable-cars for impressive views
  • Take a relaxing cruise on Tyrol's largest lake

Beautifully situated on the scenic western shores of Lake Achensee, the largest and deepest lake in the Tyrol, Pertisau is known for its striking emerald waters, framed by the picturesque Karwendel and majestic Rofan mountain ranges. Popular day time activities include boat trips across the lake or exploring the lakeshore villages by bike or the famous Achensee steam railway. As well as easy promenade strolls around the lake, there is also extensive hiking above the village and an abundance of wildlife in what is Tyrol's largest nature reserve.

Pertisau is a compact and tranquil village, with a handful shops, cafés and restaurants, and there is regular live music and folklore entertainment at hotels and local alms throughout the summer.

It's a village with a great amount of history including being the getaway location for the ruler of the Holy Roman Empire – Emperor Maximilian. It's also known for its dark, rich, stone oils which have been extracted for an extraordinarily long time, which can be discovered at the Tiroler Steinöl Vitalberg visitor centre.

Stay put in Pertisau, or head down the lake to discover Maurach. Valleys leading from both villages will have you going deep into the surrounding mountain ranges, with many diversions and paths along the way – perfect for exploring on foot or by bike.

Pertisau’s location is ideal for all water lovers with its setting on the Western shore of lake Achensee. The Strandbad Pertisau Lido is great for soaking up the sun and soothing your skin in the cool glacier water. Or, feel the light spray as you glide across the lake on a boat. Within minutes you leave the sights of Pertisau to enjoy stunning greenery and shallow shores. Stroll along the lakefront, switching sights between the lake and the Karwendel Mountains - the largest mountain range of the Northern Limestone Alps. A popular lakeside walk is to follow the undulating path from Pertisau to Gaisalm, then finish off with a boat ride back to where you started.

Head up the Rofan cable car to check out the breath-taking views of Lake Achensee from above. See how the region takes to responsible tourism along the educational nature trail, located close to the mountain lift station - featuring seven stations across 1.9 kilometres of trail, you’ll step into nature and see how to respect the local people, wildlife and environment – all while enjoying the spectacular views below you. If you're feeling brave, take to the skies in a paraglide and effortlessly float high above the pristine blue lake. Or, keep your feet on the ground and explore the 500 kilometres of marked hiking paths at your own pace.

Bathe in the lake's clear waters, or relax on the lawn with an ice lolly in-hand. Let the kids go wild with the other little ones within the Pertisau beach area. They can swim in the children's pool, jump off the tower, slip down the slide and play in the large playground – plenty to keep them occupied. Or, discover beautiful shallow water spots in Maurach for a splash around with the kids.

Prefer to be on the lake, rather than in the lake? What better way to cool down than the refreshing spray of fresh lake water as you glide across the surface. You can rent pedalo boats, balance on stand-up paddle boards, relax in a canoe or get those arms working on a rowboat. The whole family will love the water sports on Lake Achensee.

Away from the water, in the heart of Pertisau the little ones can get their imagination fired up as they visit the adventure fire station playground. Climb to the top of the house, crossing obstacles before escaping down the yellow slide.

Pertisau and lake Achensee has a great network of public transport and lifts that make getting around the area really easy.

Lifts

There are two lifts around Lake Achensee that operate during the summer, helping you reach the mountain tops to unlock a hiking paradise.

The Karwendel cable car departs from Pertisau and transports you to the Zwölferkopf area, where you can then walk onwards to the Bärenkopf or even further to the Stanserjoch.

The Rofan cable car departs from the south of the lake, in the village of Maurach. This cableway takes you up to heights of 1,840 metres, where beautiful walking routes start from the second you step foot out of the lift.

Tickets can be purchased locally from the ticket window in each of the lift stations.

Buses

With use of your included Achensee Guest Card, you can hop on the barrier-free regional buses, offering frequent services between the villages of Pertisau, Maurach, Achenkirch and Steinberg. Wiesing and Jenbach can be reached too, however these routes are not included in the Guest Card and will be payable locally. This is an excellent way to reach new hiking areas, increasing your walking route options excessively.

Boats

The boats on Lake Achensee take you to multiple destinations efficiently, saving your time and energy reaching new hiking points to try out.

The piers around the lake are:

  • Pertisau / Bridge 1 and 2 / Cash desk & office
  • Gaisalm
  • Achenseehof / Seehof Chapel
  • Scholastica / Achenkirch
  • Seespitz / Achenseebahn
  • Buchau

Tickets for the boat services can be booked online in advance, directly from Achensee Schifffahrt, or purchase an Achensee Holiday Card from the hotel reception to include ships, lifts and more to make getting around the area simple.

Achensee Guest Card

When staying in the Achensee region, you'll receive a complimentary Guest Card from your hotel. This handy pass includes free use of the local Regiobus, access to a guided walking programme, a children’s activity programme, and discounted rates for cable cars, lake boat trips, and various local attractions. It’s a great way to explore more of the region while keeping costs down. (Offers are subject to change.)

Achensee Holiday Card

For even more benefits, you can upgrade to the Achensee Holiday Card (Erlebnis Card), available locally from hotel receptions, lift stations, or Tourist Offices for around €98 for seven days. This upgraded pass includes unlimited rides on the Karwendel and Rofan cable cars, the Achensee lake boats, and the scenic Achensee steam cog railway—just show your card before boarding. You’ll also enjoy free entry to selected museums. Cable cars run from early May to late October, with the cog railway and lake boats typically operating from late April to late October. (All services subject to seasonal changes.)

Travel to Pertisau

Travel by air

Flights to Innsbruck depart on Saturdays or Wednesdays between 24 May - 13 Sep 25 and 23 May - 19 Sep 26

Fly from:

  • London Gatwick (Wednesday or Saturday), Manchester (Saturday only), Birmingham (Saturday only) or Edinburgh (Saturday only)

Transfer time:

  • Approx. 1 hour by coach

Please be aware transfer times may vary depending on weather conditions and volume of traffic, especially during peak season.

Things to do in Pertisau

Lake Achensee Boat Copyright Achensee Tourismus

All aboard. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the panorama of Lake Achensee from the deck. Leisurely cruises with open air seating take sightseeing to a whole new level. Even better, the Achenseeschifffahrt boat tours combine with the Achenseebahn railway, making a great transport network exploration excursion. You can easily visit popular areas around the lake by boat like Maurach Seespitz, or Gaisalm, the haven of tranquillity.

Image: (copyright Achensee Tourismus)

Lake Achensee Gaisalmsteig Copyright Achensee Tourismus

Enjoy a dip in the lake at the Strandbad Pertisau lido. Top up your tan on the sunbathing lawn or cool down your skin in the fresh mountain water. With all the relevant facilities, set up camp as you have everything you need for a full day of shoreside entertainment.

Image: (copyright Achensee Tourismus)

Lake Achensee Kitesurfing Copyright Achensee Tourismus

Take on the waves of Lake Achensee as the wind whisks you up and down across the turquoise waters. Feel the thrill as you wind and kite surf. Due to the lakes positioning and surrounding mountains, its prone to light southerly wind conditions on the lake in the morning, making it the perfect place to skim and jump weightlessly over the water.

Image: (copyright Achensee Tourismus)

Lake Achensee Cycling Copyright Achensee Tourismus

Ride through the Falzturntal Valley along winding paths until you reach the Gramai Alm hut, perfect for a spot to eat before your seven-kilometre ride back to Pertisau. The Karwendel alpine park offers wide smooth paths down low, as well as rocky routes higher up – you may even need an e-bike to help with these more challenging incline routes.

Image: (copyright Achensee Tourismus)

Take to the green, bringing your putting skills from home all the way to the Alps. You can hire clubs, golf carts and trolleys on-site so all you need to do is bring your expertise. The breath-taking views and shining sun are a match made in heaven for any keen golfer.

Visit the Sportcentre Pertisau for a game of tennis. You have access to four outdoor sand courts, and two indoor courts, meaning its often easy to snap one up for a game. Swing your racket and tally up the score as you battle to be the best.

Lake Achensee Segway Tour Copyright Achensee Tourismus Fabio Keck Bergkult Productions

Give your legs a rest and glide your way along the lakeside sidewalks and bike paths – letting off zero emissions. Tour the area in style, but remember, sturdy shoes are required, so leave the flip-flops back at the hotel for this one.

Image: (copyright Achensee Tourismus Fabio Keck Bergkult Productions)

Lake Achensee Paragliding Copyright Achensee Tourismus Fabio Keck Bergkult Productions

Soar above the pastel waters on the south side of Lake Achensee as your flight experience descends from the mountains. On your way down, look out for the other paragliders and hang-gliders as the area is renowned for its air sports. There's two common starting points, the Karwendel zone or the Rofan zone.

Image: (copyright Achensee Tourismus Fabio Keck Bergkult Productions)

Get a sense of history as you visit the 130-year old Achensee steam cog railway – the oldest of its kind in Europe. Puffing out steam, it makes its way from the station at Jenbach, up the mountain to Lake Achensee.

Lake Achensee Atoll Centre Copyright Achensee Tourismus

Further down south and on the opposite side of the lake from Pertisau, you can swim in the bluest area of Lake Achensee. This modern leisure centre combines outdoor fun with indoor relaxation. Whizz down the 90-metre adventure waterslide and swim in the pool, or snorkel in the beautiful sand-lined shores of the lake.

Image: (copyright Achensee Tourismus)

Visit the AirRofan Skyglide and Adlerhorst viewing platform, just northeast of nearby Maurach. Accessible by public bus within 20 minutes of Pertisau, you have just a short time of anticipation before you zoom down the head-first zipline. Suitable for ages 10 and above, will you brave the 80-kilometre speeds with the young adrenaline junkies?

Lake Achensee High Ropes Copyright Achensee Tourismus Fabio Keck Bergkult Productions

On the north-eastern side of the lake, you can crawl through raised obstacles and climb over tricky platforms amongst the trees. Perfect for older children and teens, the Achensee adventure park is designed for thrill seekers and up-and-coming climbers.

Image: (copyright Achensee Tourismus Fabio Keck Bergkult Productions)

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