Photo Spots Achensee: The 7 Most Beautiful Places and Sights + Hiking Tours

The Achensee is one of the most beautiful lakes in Tyrol and the Austrian Alps. It glitters in azure blue between the steep mountain slopes of the Karwendel and the Rofan Mountains. The Achensee is often referred to as the “Tyrolean Fjord” – a homage to its elongated shape and idyllic setting. We will show you the breathtaking places on Lake Achensee, as well as the strategic and most beautiful photo spots for landscape photographers.

Discover the most beautiful viewpoints and photo spots on Lake Achensee (with hiking tips)

The Achensee is probably Tyrol’s most beautiful mountain lake, and it is easily and quickly reached from southern Germany. Whether right on the lakeshore or high up in the surrounding mountains, in sunny summer weather you can often experience several adventures.

The best-known viewpoints and Instagram spots on Lake Achensee are the Bärenkopf above Pertisau, as well as the views from the Rofan cable car (you can take rather short hikes from there).

Viewpoints: Hochiss and Rotspitzwand

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Sometimes it gets a bit crowded at the Rofan cable car, but the view from the Hochiss definitely takes away the stress. After just under 2 hours – the last meters are relatively steep – you reach the Hochiss from the Rofan (Erfurter Hütte).

The view to the east of the Rofan Mountains and the Chiemgau Alps is picturesque.

The Achensee cannot be seen in a westerly direction, but the massive Rotspitzwand quickly steepens. It is one of the most beautiful photo opportunities on Lake Achensee with a view of the Inn Valley.

Dalfazalm: one of the most beautiful panorama huts on the Achensee

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There are many picturesque huts around the Achensee, and our favorite is the Dalfazalm. It is easy to reach it from the Rofan cable car, but if you prefer, you can first go to it via the Hochiss. Delicious Tyrolean specialties and gorgeous views of Lake Achensee await you there.

Pertisau – one of the most beautiful Achensee motifs

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You have a beautiful view of Pertisau from the opposite side of the Achensee: the east bank. There is a lovely photo spot right on the public bathing beach in Maurach (near Atoll Wellness).

Alternatively, there are two parking bays on Achenseestrasse, which provide an outstanding view of Pertisau and the Falzthurntal valley in the background.

Photo point: Dalfaz waterfall (bonus: via ferrata)

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The Dalfazer waterfall is one of the most popular photo locations on the Achensee. A hike of around 1 hour is well described (yellow signposts) from Maurach, and it is an uphill battle.

On hot summer days in June, when the snowmelt is not over yet, there’s an extremely pleasant opportunity to cool off.

The more sporty hikers can also tackle the short but beautifully situated via ferrata. Rent a via ferrata set beforehand and bring it with you!

Difficult hike: Crossing the Seekarspitze-Seebergspitze

Viewpoint: Bärenkopf – great hike and ski tour (advanced)

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Probably the most beautiful view of the “Tiroler Fjord” is from Bärenkopf. If the 1000 meters are too much for you, the mountain hike can be shortened with the Karwendelbahn. But be careful: the last 200 meters are steep and partly exposed and only recommended for experienced hikers.

The tour is a wonderful ski adventure in winter, but be sure to pay attention to the avalanche threats.

Alternatively, if you don’t want to hike, the view from the mountain station of the Karwendel mountain railway (Pertisau) is also pretty nice.

Interesting facts about nature and mountain photography at the Achensee

Arrival in Achensee

By car: From Bad Tölz and Tegernsee via Achenseestrasse directly from the north by car. From Munich you can also take the Inntal Autobahn. From the Inntal motorway, follow the signs towards Achensee.

By train: To Jenbach Bhf. From here go by bus (bus stop on the south side of the station) to Maurach (south bank) or Achenkirch (north bank). You can go to Pertisau from Maurach by bus or boat, or go on foot. The nostalgic Achensee Railway also runs from Jenbach train station to the Achensee stop. The bus is definitely cheaper and faster.

What to watch out for

Many of the parking spaces come with a price. On sunny weekends, during the Christmas and summer holidays, it is often crowded. The early bird catches the worm, as they say.

Weather and snow

Often, there is still snow well into May! Even in October or November, the onset of winter can make a hiking tour more difficult. Here you have to adapt to nature. Without knowledge and skills, you shouldn’t go into the free, snow-covered mountains!

Another danger is summer thunderstorms. They can move up quickly in the Alps and quickly become dangerous. In any case, it is advisable to ask locals in case of doubt, they know the mountains better than the average lowland Tyrolean.

Important: When taking pictures, please pay attention to the environment and property, as some photo spots are on private property.

Tip: Would you like to take photos of the most beautiful places on Lake Achensee? Have a look at our current photo course dates . Nothing found? Contact us directly for your exclusive photography course.