Pertisau

Pertisau is a lakeside resort village on the northern shore of the Achensee, Tirol's largest lake, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Karwendel Alpine range. At 930 m above sea level, Pertisau enjoys clean mountain air and a sunny, sheltered position that makes it a favourite year-round destination for families, sailors, and hikers. The village itself is compact and car-free in the core, with hotels, restaurants, and a lakeside promenade laid out along a single road that hugs the shoreline.

Achensee has been a tourist destination since the 19th century, when steamships first began crossing its icy-blue waters. The lake, often called the "Fjord of the Alps", is 6.8 km long and up to 133 m deep. In summer, the water warms to a pleasant 20–22°C, making it one of the more swimmable alpine lakes. In winter, Pertisau is quieter but offers winter hiking trails through snowy forests and views of the frozen lake.

By Plane

Innsbruck Airport (INN) is 55 km south-west (50 min drive). Munich Airport (MUC) is 150 km north (1 hr 50 min). From Innsbruck, a taxi to Pertisau costs €80–110.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Jenbach, 20 km south on the ÖBB main line (Railjet connections to Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck). From Jenbach, the Achenseebahn steam cog railway runs 7 km north to Seespitz at the southern tip of the lake (€10, 30 min, operates May–October). From Seespitz, the Achensee Schifffahrt boat crosses to Pertisau (€8, 30 min). Alternatively, bus 8332 runs from Jenbach station to Pertisau (25 min, €4.20).

By Car / Road

From Innsbruck, take the A12 east to the Wiesing exit, then the B181 north along the lake's eastern shore to Pertisau (50 km total, 50 min). From Munich, take the A8 to the Achensee/Pertisau exit at Achenkirch. Parking is available in several paid lots at the village entrance (€5–10/day).

Pertisau is a pedestrian-friendly village; most hotels, restaurants, and the lakeside are within a 10-minute walk. The Achensee Card (available at hotels and the tourist office) includes unlimited bus and boat travel around the lake. For longer distances, a free village shuttle runs every 30 minutes between the car parks and the centre in summer. Bicycles can be rented at several hotels and at Sport Nenner on the main street.

• Achensee: Tirol's largest lake, with water so clear it appears turquoise on sunny days. The lakeside promenade stretches 1.5 km east from the jetty, with benches, swimming platforms, and panoramic views of the Karwendel.

• Karwendel Nature Park visitor centre: An interactive exhibition on the flora, fauna, and geology of Austria's largest nature park. Located in the village centre. Free entry. Open daily 09:00–17:00.

• Notburgakapelle: A tiny Baroque chapel perched on a hill above Pertisau, built in 1720. The interior has delicate frescoes and a gilded altar. A 15-minute uphill walk from the church.

• Achenseebahn steam railway: A historic cog railway built in 1889, climbing from Jenbach to Seespitz. The steam locomotives still run. Round trip €18. A journey in an open-sided carriage is a highlight.

• Swimming & water sports: Two public lidos with beach volleyball courts, a waterslide, and dedicated swimming areas. Pedalos, SUPs, and small sailing boats can be rented at the jetty (€15–25/hr).

• Hiking: The 10 km lakeside trail (Achensee-Uferweg) from Pertisau to Achenkirch on the opposite shore is flat and easy, with cafés at both ends. For more challenge, the Karwendelsteig ascends from Pertisau into the high mountains (6 hr round trip).

• Boat cruise: Achensee Schifffahrt operates seasonal passenger boats across the lake. A round trip to Seespitz and back takes 1.5 hours (€12). Evening sunset cruises with dinner (€35) run once weekly.

• Winter hiking: 10 km of cleared winter walking trails along the lake and into the forest, starting from the village. Trail maps at the tourist office.

• Paragliding: Tandem flights from the Zwölferkopf (1,485 m) landing on the lakeshore, from €150. Achensee Paragliding operates year-round weather permitting.

• Fishing: A fishing licence (€15/day from the tourist office) permits angling from the shore. Lake trout and char are the main catch.

• Restaurant Seelust: Lakeside dining on the terrace — the grilled char (Saibling) with herb butter and potatoes is a house speciality. Mains €16–26. Closed Tuesdays.
• Hotel Post am See: Traditional Tyrolean cuisine in a wood-panelled dining room. Tiroler Schlutzkrapfen (filled pasta) and slow-cooked veal stew. Mains €12–20.
• Seehotel Einwaller (Michelin-starred, fine dining): Six-course tasting menus showcasing regional ingredients — game, lake fish, mountain herbs. Tasting menu €89–125. Reservations essential.
• Pizza & Pasta da Paolo (main road): Generous Italian portions at family-friendly prices. Pizza from €8. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
• Strandlärchen kiosk: A beachside snack stand open in summer — bratwurst, fried fish, ice cream, and cold drinks. €4–8.

• Strandbad Pertisau kiosk: The best spot for an after-swim drink — serve Aperol Spritz, Stiegl beer, and local sparkling water. Open daily in summer until 20:00.
• Café Schifffahrt: Coffee, hot chocolate, and homemade strudel by the jetty. The apple strudel with vanilla sauce (€5.50) is worth the trip. Open 09:00–18:00.
• Theresienbräu lounge (at Seehotel Einwaller): A sophisticated bar with 50+ Austrian gins and whiskies, plus a selection of local craft beers. Open from 17:00.

• Budget: Gästehaus Schönblick — simple doubles from €60/night, apartments with kitchenette from €80. Five-minute walk from the lake.
• Mid-range: Hotel Post am See — classic 3-star with lake views, indoor pool, and sauna. Half-board from €120/person/night.
• Upscale: Seehotel Einwaller — luxury 5-star with lakeside spa, private beach, gourmet restaurant. Doubles from €280/night.

• Spar (main road): Everyday groceries and a good selection of local wine and cheese. Open M–F 07:30–19:00, Sa 07:30–18:00.
• Seilerei Lachenmeier: A specialty shop selling handmade ropes, climbing gear, and distinctive Achensee souvenirs crafted from lake stone.
• Keramik Achensee: A ceramic studio and gallery with hand-painted plates, mugs, and tiles inspired by alpine flora.
• Weekly farmers' market (Wednesdays, 09:00–13:00, village square): local cheese, honey, baked goods, and crafts.

• Seespitz & Jenbach (7 km south, 30 min by boat/bus) — The southern end of the lake; ride the historic Achenseebahn steam railway down to the Inn Valley.
• Achenkirch (6 km north-east, 10 min drive) — The main town on the Achensee's eastern shore, with more dining, shopping, and the Achenkirch Golf Club.
• Innsbruck (55 km south-west, 50 min drive) — Tirol's capital: the Golden Roof, imperial palace, Nordkette funicular, and year-round Alpine city culture.
• Rattenberg (30 km east, 40 min) — Austria's smallest town, with a medieval walled old town and glass-blowing workshops.
• Swarovski Kristallwelten (40 km east, 45 min in Wattens) — A dazzling museum of crystal art installations, one of Tirol's most-visited attractions.