Achensee holidays

Affectionately known to locals as the Sea of Tyrol, Lake Achensee is one of the best and largest swimming lakes in the region. The surrounding mountains are reflected in the lake, and you'll find pebbly and sandy patches of beach along the shoreline.

On the southern shore of the lake is Maurach, where you'll find a sandy beach that's popular with the locals and visitors alike.

There's a popular grassy spot in Pertisau which hosts a diving platform, water inflatables, a jetty and a little café - the perfect place to enjoy views of Lake Achensee.

The cuisine on offer in Achensee is exceptionally varied. There are inns and restaurants - including four award-winning eateries - offering everything from local specialities like kaiserschmarrn to pizza and pasta dishes. Most restaurants are on the lakefront and some are dotted around near the golf club.

Take the Karwendel cable car up the mountain and you'll find a small café with incredible views of the hills. You can simply relax with a cold drink or choose something from their extensive menu.

A bus service runs throughout the region, and there are lots of stops. You can also step back in time with a trip on the nostalgic bus between Pertisau and the Gramai Alm.

The most relaxing way to see the lake is by ferry, and there are lots of boats to choose from.

There are three gondolas in the area. Whichever you take, you'll be rewarded with breath-taking views of the lake and the mountains.

The nearest train station is down the valley in Jenbach. Catch the cog railway there and then jump on a train to other towns and sights in the area.

There are 450km of trails around the region, with plenty of gentle lakeside strolls as well as trails through the Karwendel Naturpark.

With 450km of trails, every type of walker is sure to find their perfect route in Achensee. Start with a gentle stroll around Lake Achen, which is 9km from end to end.

Get a perfect overview of the area by jumping on the Karwendel cable car and taking it up to the peak. Follow the Seespitz forest path over the ski slopes and along the avalanche gallery. The path gently rises and falls as it leads to Maurach and, from there, you can walk back around the lake.

This route has something for everyone, and is a great place to start exploring the area. From Pertisau, follow the lakeside path which leads around the shore and up into the mountains. Stop at an Alpine hut, wander through the village of Achenkirch and pass the beaches of Buchau.