Emperor Maximilian I at Lake Achensee
Long before modern tourism began, Austria’s sovereigns, emperors, and kings discovered the allure of Lake Achensee, coming here to hunt and fish. As the "first guest at Lake Achensee", Emperor Maximilian I laid the foundation for the region's tourism history, although visits were then strictly reserved for a small aristocratic elite and their entourages. Emperor Maximilian had a country house and lodge built in Pertisau specifically for his hunting and fishing trips - a site which today is home to the Hotel Fürstenhaus. A historical illustration, with the original safely housed in the Austrian National Library and a large-scale replica proudly displayed in the Fürstenhaus stairwell, captures one of these royal excursions. It paints a vivid picture of the era: chamois roaming the rugged peaks, Lake Achensee teeming with fish, the Emperor on horseback, and boats gliding across the water like Venetian gondolas.
Maximilian himself praised the Achensee region in glowing terms in a hunting and fishing book compiled during his reign. This royal legacy lives on in the region's rich hospitality tradition. As history has proven, the striking combination of dramatic mountain peaks and shimmering lake waters will retain its captivating charm for generations to come.
Five centuries after his death, Emperor Maximilian I took center stage during the 2019 anniversary year. To honour his enduring connection to the area, a larger-than-life "Emperor's Throne" (Kaiser-Maximilian-Rast) was erected along the hiking trail from Achenkirch to the Köglalm, offering hikers a breathtaking panoramic view of the lake below.
Achensee audio tour experience
The interactive audio tour takes you to 24 attractions around Lake Achensee. Learn interesting facts about our region and listen to fascinating stories narrated by Emperor Maximilian I and his court jester, Kunz von der Rosen.
The best time to hike to the Kaiser-Maximilian-Rast at Lake Achensee is during summer and autumn. Much of the route runs through shady woodland, making it pleasant to walk even on warm summer days. Along the way, you can enjoy frequent, stunning views of Lake Achensee, with the turquoise lake glinting through the conifers. In autumn, the colourful changing leaves create an especially atmospheric backdrop. This easy trail is also an ideal choice for a family day out in nature.
The walk to the Kaiser-Maximilian-Rast at Lake Achensee is a beautiful, easy mountain walk for the whole family. With an elevation gain of just 270 metres and a length of 5.4 kilometres, it is not particularly demanding and can easily be completed in around two hours, even by beginners.
