Austria
Achensee Explorers - Water - Mountains - Adventure
Achensee Explorers - Water - Mountains - Adventure
Duration
4 days
Start/End
Achenkirch
Tour type
Individual · Group
Level
Simple
Accommodation
Hotel
Overview
Between the Karwendel and Rofan mountains lies Lake Achensee, Tyrol’s largest lake. You hike along the shore to the Gaisalm, through the Ampelsbach Gorge and on the Eagle Walk to the Kaiserhaus – short stages of about three hours, ideal for families with children aged around ten and up.
Lake Achensee is Tyrol's largest lake – and it lies in the most beautiful location: nestled between the majestic peaks of the Karwendel mountains to the west and the sun-drenched heights of the Rofan range to the east. Nine kilometers of radiant turquoise water, framed by imposing mountain slopes, blooming alpine meadows, and fragrant forests – no wonder it's affectionately known as the Tyrolean Sea. This tour combines the best of both worlds. It begins right by the water, on the famous lakeside path to the Gaisalm – the only alpine pasture in the Alps located directly on the lake shore. Then it plunges into the tranquil mountain world beyond: through a wildly romantic gorge up to the rustic Gufferthütte, onward to the traditional mountaineering village of Steinberg am Rofan, and finally along the Steinberger Ache valley to the historic Kaiserhaus, where the turquoise-green Brandenberger Ache rushes impressively through the Kaiserklamm gorge. The best part for families: The car stays parked at the hotel in Achenkirch the entire time. A boat, regional bus, and a convenient return transfer take care of all the logistics – and on the last day, the lake belongs entirely to your guests.
Tour Code
Tour language
GermanItinerary
Day 1
Arrival at the lake & shore stroll to the Gaisalm
approximately 3 km, very easy
A gentle start that leaves plenty of time for the journey: After checking in in Achenkirch and a first snack, the family can only go as far as they like. Those who are already feeling energetic can take the boat across to Pertisau and hike the short, level stretch of shoreline to the Gaisalm – the only alpine pasture in the Alps directly on the lakeshore – and then return by boat. Those arriving later can simply stay by the water: the lakeside promenade, toes in the lake, ice cream in the sun.
Arrival at the lake & shore stroll to the Gaisalm
Day 1
approximately 3 km, very easy
A gentle start that leaves plenty of time for the journey: After checking in in Achenkirch and a first snack, the family can only go as far as they like. Those who are already feeling energetic can take the boat across to Pertisau and hike the short, level stretch of shoreline to the Gaisalm – the only alpine pasture in the Alps directly on the lakeshore – and then return by boat. Those arriving later can simply stay by the water: the lakeside promenade, toes in the lake, ice cream in the sun.
Day 2
Through the Ampelsbach Gorge to Steinberg
approx. 6–7 km · approx. 3 hours · easy–moderate
Take the regional bus to Köglboden, where the geological trail along the Ampelsbach Gorge begins: Eleven stations tell the story of the rushing water far below, how the rock strata piled up, and how the Alps were formed. The trail leads across wide alpine meadows to the Gufferthütte at 1,475 meters, where plenty of activities await children both inside and out – the perfect lunch break. Those staying overnight at the hut have the afternoon free; those sleeping in the valley can enjoy a leisurely hike down to the mountaineering village of Steinberg.
Through the Ampelsbach Gorge to Steinberg
Day 2
approx. 6–7 km · approx. 3 hours · easy–moderate
Take the regional bus to Köglboden, where the geological trail along the Ampelsbach Gorge begins: Eleven stations tell the story of the rushing water far below, how the rock strata piled up, and how the Alps were formed. The trail leads across wide alpine meadows to the Gufferthütte at 1,475 meters, where plenty of activities await children both inside and out – the perfect lunch break. Those staying overnight at the hut have the afternoon free; those sleeping in the valley can enjoy a leisurely hike down to the mountaineering village of Steinberg.
Day 3
On the Eagle Walk to the Imperial Palace
approx. 8–9 km, approx. 3–3.5 h
An atmospheric, yet deliberately short, stage along a section of the Tyrolean Eagle Trail. The regional bus takes the family partway down into the Steinberger Ache valley, leaving only the most scenic, predominantly downhill section to hike – past rock faces and small waterfalls, always with the Rofan mountains as a backdrop. At the end awaits the Kaiserhaus, a historic mountain inn named after Emperor Franz Joseph I, who once oversaw the perilous timber rafting from here. Finally, a short path leads through the spectacular Kaiserklamm gorge; the turquoise-green Ache river invites you to cool your feet. Return transfer to Lake Achensee. (Those who prefer a shorter hike can opt for the Kaiserklamm loop (approx. 1.5 hours)) (The stage can be shortened by bus. The Kaiserklamm can only be done as a short hike.)
On the Eagle Walk to the Imperial Palace
Day 3
approx. 8–9 km, approx. 3–3.5 h
An atmospheric, yet deliberately short, stage along a section of the Tyrolean Eagle Trail. The regional bus takes the family partway down into the Steinberger Ache valley, leaving only the most scenic, predominantly downhill section to hike – past rock faces and small waterfalls, always with the Rofan mountains as a backdrop. At the end awaits the Kaiserhaus, a historic mountain inn named after Emperor Franz Joseph I, who once oversaw the perilous timber rafting from here. Finally, a short path leads through the spectacular Kaiserklamm gorge; the turquoise-green Ache river invites you to cool your feet. Return transfer to Lake Achensee. (Those who prefer a shorter hike can opt for the Kaiserklamm loop (approx. 1.5 hours)) (The stage can be shortened by bus. The Kaiserklamm can only be done as a short hike.)
Day 4
The lake belongs to you
For a perfect ending to your trip, you can spend a day at Lake Achensee, a paradise for sailors, surfers, and stand-up paddleboarders. While the entire lake can be explored with the Achensee boat tour's hop-on-hop-off ticket, those who love panoramic views can take the Rofan or Karwendel cable cars to the surrounding peaks. For a more leisurely experience, you can ride the historic steam cog railway or spend a day at the exclusive day spa in the "Atoll Achensee."
The lake belongs to you
Day 4
For a perfect ending to your trip, you can spend a day at Lake Achensee, a paradise for sailors, surfers, and stand-up paddleboarders. While the entire lake can be explored with the Achensee boat tour's hop-on-hop-off ticket, those who love panoramic views can take the Rofan or Karwendel cable cars to the surrounding peaks. For a more leisurely experience, you can ride the historic steam cog railway or spend a day at the exclusive day spa in the "Atoll Achensee."
Child-friendly stages:
The walking distances are deliberately kept short (days 2 and 3 are each under 9 km) and utilize the regional bus for access – easily manageable for children aged 10 and up. Those who wish can further shorten each stage by bus or boat; the bus is free with the AchenseeCard.
Child-friendly stages:
The walking distances are deliberately kept short (days 2 and 3 are each under 9 km) and utilize the regional bus for access – easily manageable for children aged 10 and up. Those who wish can further shorten each stage by bus or boat; the bus is free with the AchenseeCard.
Price from
€435.00
Services
What's included
2 nights in one of our partner hotels including half board
1 overnight stay in a mountain hut including half board
Journeys by public bus and lifts according to the program
Guided hikes with a mountain guide according to the program
Local and tourist taxes
Achensee shipping
Insurance certificate/Insolvency protection
What's not included
Individual travel to and from the destination (we are happy to put together a suitable offer)
Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)
Personal equipment
Tips
Drinks, packed lunches or lunch
Character of the trip
Fitness
Simple
Altitude
Low
Culture / nature
Nature-led
This trip is a leisurely hiking week, not a challenging mountain tour – the focus is on scenery, experiences, and spending time together, not on kilometers and elevation gain. After a deliberately flexible arrival day, there are two short hiking days of approximately three hours each, followed by a free day at the lake. This makes the week well-suited for families with children aged ten and up who can already walk for a few hours at a time and enjoy nature. The trails are mostly well-maintained and marked, with gentle inclines and no exposed or rope-secured sections. A reasonable level of fitness and sure-footedness on forest and gravel paths are required – alpine experience is not necessary. Because buses and boats provide access to the starting points and each stage can be shortened, the pace can be flexibly adjusted to suit the youngest hikers; a spontaneous rest day at the lake is also possible at any time. This week is not suitable for very young children who need to be carried, nor for guests seeking a challenging summit or hut-to-hut tour.
Dates and prices
Individual dates
2 participants · €535.00 per person
Notes on the trip
Accommodation
You'll spend the first and last nights with half-board in a three- or four-star hotel in Achenkirch – depending on your preference and availability. Parking is available there for the entire night. For the middle night, you can choose between a guesthouse in the mountaineering village or an unforgettable overnight stay in a mountain hut.
Additional nights
Upon request, we also offer additional overnight stays in our partner hotels before or after the program (subject to availability).
Program adjustments depending on weather conditions
The safety of our participants is our top priority on our active tours. Since we often travel in alpine or remote regions, weather conditions such as strong winds, fog, persistent rain or snowfall, as well as other unforeseen circumstances, can affect the execution of the planned route. In such cases, our experienced local guide will react flexibly and adjust the route or program accordingly to ensure the safety of everyone involved. These decisions are always made in the best interests of all participants, so that the tour remains safe and as enjoyable as possible. Any claims for compensation are excluded in such cases.
Travel flexibly with your guest card
Free travel on the regional bus throughout the Achensee region.