Winter hiking at Lake Achensee
There is something truly magical about hiking in winter. Hear the snow crunch under your boots as you discover the stunning white landscape, your cheeks turning rosy in the crisp, cold air. Lake Achensee is the perfect destination for nature-loving explorers.
Hiking is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the spectacular scenery. The region boasts over 150 kilometres of cleared winter hiking trails: wander along the lakeshore, stroll into the Karwendel valleys, or hike up into the mountains. In the Karwendel valleys, the Pletzachalm and the Alpengasthaus Falzturn are popular destinations, just an hour from Pertisau. A walk to the Gramaialm takes at least two hours. After an invigorating walk, treat yourself to Tirolean delicacies in the toasty comfort of a cosy mountain hut. The paths along the lakeshore between Pertisau, Maurach, and Achenkirch provide a beautiful setting for leisurely winter strolls. If you are looking for a storybook winter idyll, put Steinberg am Rofan on your must-visit list. This romantic village features a charming circular walking trail which is beautifully lit after dark.
Achensee Winter Hiking Programme
If you enjoy hiking in groups and appreciate the knowledge imparted by local guides, join our guided winter walks. Our nature park rangers conduct a series of tours where they share interesting information about the local flora and fauna.
Safety tips
The Achensee region has countless designated routes for winter hiking and snowshoeing that invite you to explore the breathtaking winter wonderland. To ensure that your adventure is both safe and enjoyable, it's important to keep a few essential tips in mind. By following these guidelines, you can minimize your risks and fully enjoy the beauty of nature.
Mountain & ski guides and mountain hiking guides
Many of our mountain & ski guides and mountain hiking guides hail from the Achensee region and know the area inside out. They take you to the most scenic spots and are happy to share their insider tips for the best mountain huts where you can refuel with Tirolean delicacies. Mountain & ski guides and mountain hiking guides are two different types of professionals:
Mountain & ski guides are proficient in all areas of mountaineering. In summer, they take you into high alpine terrain on “black” (difficult) trails and guide you over steep and trackless terrain. They also conduct rock climbing and glacier tours. In winter, the experts offer guided snowshoeing tours, ski touring, freeride and backcountry skiing, and ice climbing. In addition, they conduct a variety of skill courses. Mountain & ski guides have been trained according to international standards. Notice: However, they may only do this within the authorised scope/terrain according to the Bergsportführergesetz, 2. Abschnitt § 3 (Mountain Guides Act, 2nd section § 3).
Mountain hiking guides are certified to guide people on blue (easy) and red (moderately difficult) trails, on hut-to-hut tours plus nature and herb walks up to the treeline. Mountain hiking guides may also guide visitors on easy summit tours. They are authorized to guide these tours in trackless terrain that is at most moderately difficult. In winter, they also offer guided snowshoe walks on terrain which is obviously not prone to avalanches. Notice: However, they may only do this within the authorized scope/terrain according to the Bergsportführergesetz, 3. Abschnitt § 15 (Mountain Guides Act, 3rd section § 15).
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The Achensee region boasts over 150km of cleared winter paths. Whether you're looking for a gentle stroll or something more challenging, you can check out the exact routes and difficulty ratings on the interactive map at maps.achensee.com.
Yes, they are. All our winter hiking routes are clearly marked with magenta (pink) signs, so you’ll have no trouble finding your way or staying on the right path.
For safety reasons, parts of the Gaisalmsteig and the Mariensteig (the paths connecting Pertisau and Achenkirch) are closed during the winter months. Please refer to the trail’s details page for the most up-to-date information on winter closures.
Stick to waterproof, insulated hiking boots to stay warm. A high-grip sole is a must for staying steady on packed snow and icy patches.
Yes. Depending on the snow, you can join a guided walk or snowshoe trek through the Nature Park Karwendel as part of the Achensee winter hiking programme . These excursions are both active and educational, offering a chance to spot local wildlife, learn about the winter environment, and understand how to protect this beautiful landscape. All tours are led by expert rangers and guides from the Nature Park Karwendel.
Many of our mountain and ski guides and hiking guides grew up right here at Achensee and know the area like the back of their hand. They’ll show you the region’s hidden gems and, of course, lead you to the best mountain huts for a well-earned Tirolean treat.
Since snow levels can change day-to-day, the most reliable way to check is via our live webcams. Alternatively, you can always ask for a fresh update at one of our local information offices for the latest on trail accessibility.
English speakers are more than welcome to join our winter hiking programme. Our guides generally try to cater to everyone; if the group is mixed, they’ll provide information in both German and English, so nobody misses out.
