Camping by the Achen lake

White beaches with turquoise-blue water, sailing boats and the mighty peaks of the Rofan Mountains behind them: Lake Achensee in Tyrol offers unexpected maritime flair in the middle of Austria's mountains. Thanks to a huge range of leisure activities around the lake, Lake Achensee is a popular destination for camping holidays, especially for families with children. The lake is also a wonderful place for swimming fans and water sports enthusiasts to relax and pursue hobbies such as sailing or surfing. Active holidaymakers will find numerous opportunities for hiking, mountain biking and skiing in the impressive mountain world of the Karwendel Nature Park and the Rofan Mountains.

Special features of camping at Lake Achensee

Lake Achensee is the largest lake in Tyrol and lies between the Inntal valley and the Karwendel mountains. Thanks to its turquoise waters and numerous beautiful beaches, the Achensee is often referred to by locals as the "Tyrolean Sea" - ideal conditions for anyone who doesn't want to choose between a camping holiday in the mountains and a beach holiday. There are a whole range of recommended campsites around the lake, most of which are right by the water. A popular starting point is the small town of Maurach in the south. It is not far from the campsites to the famous Rofan cable car, which takes guests up into the surrounding mountains. Pertisau is very close by. With its own dog bathing beach, the village is an insider tip for guests on holiday with their four-legged friends.

From the campsites on the northern shore of the lake, guests are only a short drive away from the idyllic village of Achenkirch, which overlooks the deep waters at an altitude of around 930 metres. Families will find perfect conditions for swimming on a headland in the lake. There are also campsites on the east coast directly on the lake. The 15 km long Achensee circular trail also passes by here. Dogs are allowed on the public bathing beaches, provided they are kept on a lead.

Popular campsites at Lake Achensee

The facilities at the campsites on Lake Achensee are excellent. In addition to pitches for caravans, motorhomes and tents, there are usually also comfort pitches near the lake, rental accommodation and mobile homes. The hygiene standards are high. Most pitches offer modern sanitary facilities, family bathrooms and extras such as baby changing rooms.

Achensee Camping Schwarzenau

Beautifully situated on a peninsula on the eastern shore of Lake Achensee, the Schwarzenau campsite is a favourite destination for nature lovers and those seeking peace and quiet. The shady pitches on the terraces offer fantastic views of the lake. The surrounding area is perfect for excursions by bike or on foot.

Alpen Caravan Park Achensee

The popular Alpen Caravan Park on the northern shore of Lake Achensee offers top-class comfort camping. Spacious pitches, state-of-the-art sanitary facilities and perfect access to the lake guarantee carefree days in Tyrol. Numerous great hiking trails start directly at the campsite, and there is an indoor children's club with a varied leisure programme for children. Motorhome enthusiasts will be delighted with the motorhome harbour with pitches in front of and behind the barrier.

Camping Karwendel

The family-friendly Karwendel campsite is located directly on the lake not far from the small town of Maurach. The site boasts a newly renovated leisure and bathing centre with state-of-the-art sanitary facilities, a dog shower and a wide range of leisure activities for children. The entrance to the Bärenkopf climbing garden is very close by. The on-site restaurant with local specialities is also very popular with locals.

Favourite destinations in the region

The region around Lake Achensee is extremely diverse. A popular destination for holidaymakers is the small town of Maurach on the southern shore of the lake. There are numerous leisure activities on offer here, especially for families. A dream for nature lovers and active holidaymakers is the Alpbachtal, which is one of the most beautiful valleys in Tyrol and a wonderful excursion destination with its beautiful, authentic mountain villages. The medieval town of Schwaz with its silver works, planetarium and Tratzberg Castle is well worth a cultural visit. The Wolfsklamm gorge, one of the most impressive gorges in the Karwendel mountains, can also be visited on a hike from here.

Maurach

Maurach is the tourist centre of southern Lake Achensee and a popular starting point for exploring Lake Achensee. From here, for example, you can set sail on the Achensee excursion boats or take the Achensee steam cog railway from Maurach to Jenbach in summer. The nearby Rofan mountains are the perfect destination for hikers and are easily accessible thanks to the Rofan cable car. A popular attraction for families is the Atoll Achensee. The ultra-modern water play park offers unique holiday experiences for young and old on over 6,500 square metres.

Alpbachtal

The beautiful Alpbachtal valley is surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Rofan mountains and the Kitzbühel Alps and is one of the most unspoilt Alpine valleys in Tyrol. The Alpbachtal is a dream come true, especially for active holidaymakers and nature lovers. Family-friendly hikes lead through the Tiefenbachklamm and Kaiserklamm gorges, for example. The idyllic Berglsteinersee lake in the middle of the forest is also a great excursion destination. The Alpbach Valley is also home to 10 beautiful, authentic mountain villages. The most famous is Alpbach, situated on a sunny plateau at 1000 metres, which was named "Austria's most beautiful village" thanks to its unique wooden houses.

Schwaz

The silver town of Schwaz in the Inn Valley has retained its medieval flair from the heyday of silver mining and is a great destination for a stroll and exploration of the historic old town. Most of the sights are within easy walking distance, such as the town hall from the early 16th century, the Franciscan monastery with its impressive cloister or the impressive Maria Himmelfahrt parish church, which is considered the largest Gothic hall church in Tyrol. In the surrounding area, the Karwendel mountains offer many opportunities for excursions: the hiking trails lead to sights such as Freundsberg Castle, the mysterious Wolfsklamm gorge or the popular viewpoint on the Kellerjoch.

Sights and excursion tips

• Rofan cable car: The Rofan mountains are a great area for hiking and offer wonderful views of Lake Achensee. The easiest way to reach the mountains is to take the Rofan cable car from Maurach. In addition to numerous hiking trails, there is also an interesting practice via ferrata.
• Atoll Achensee: The huge water park near Maurach offers sports pools, an infinity pool, a large adventure playground and its own penthouse spa for those seeking relaxation. Fantastic views of Lake Achensee are included free of charge.
• Boat trip on the MS Achensee: A boat trip on the Achensee excursion boats is the perfect opportunity to experience Tyrol's largest lake from an unusual perspective. The boats depart from six landing stages around the lake.
• Wolfsklamm gorge: The Wolfsklamm gorge near the municipality of Stans is one of the most impressive gorges in the Karwendel mountains and a great destination for a hike. Hikers walk along the impressive gorge trail right next to the mighty masses of water into the heart of the gorge.
• Dinoland Tirol: the perfect bad-weather excursion destination for families. In Dinoland Tirol near the famous Wolfsklamm gorge, the giants of prehistoric times are brought back to life. The exhibition shows more than 60 lifelike dinosaurs that can also move.

Tour tip

Still have some time after your camping holiday at Lake Achensee? Then we recommend this fantastic motorhome tour, which is one of the most beautiful routes in Tyrol. The High Alpine Road over the Timmelsjoch is the highest pass crossing in Austria and connects the Ötztal valley with the spa town of Merano in South Tyrol. The high alpine road offers spectacular views of the high alpine landscape between mighty peaks, ice giants and sparkling glacier fields and is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful panoramic roads in Europe! Afterwards, Merano in sunny South Tyrol is the perfect place to relax and process all the impressions.

Find out more