Pure Norway Feeling! Explore and Photograph Austria’s Lake Achen from Bärenkopf Summit
The largest lake in Tyrol, Austria, Lake Achen (also called Lake Achensee) digs deep (133m) into our subconsciousness no matter if we are on it, or looking down on it from the Bärenkopf summit. Nature can be a pretty good therapist, so step into the office and explore the hiking trail of this 16-kilometer route. Incredible sights await you, and that includes Dalfazer waterfall, as well as Pertisau and Karwendel mountains.
The lake stretches picturesquely between the Rofan and Karwendel mountains. The elongated lake appears squeezed into the steep mountain slopes like a classic Norwegian fjord. Probably the most beautiful view of the “Tyrolean Fjord” is from the Bärenkopf (Bear Head).
The approximately 1000 meter long, varied mountain hike to the 1991m high mountain southwest of the Lake Achen (Achensee) offers a great view of the full length of the mountain lake, the Rofan ski resort and into the large Karwendel mountains.
Nevertheless, caution is advised, the last 200 meters in altitude are steep and partly exposed and only recommended for experienced hikers. Other tours with great views, such as on the Hochiss (2299m), can complement the trip to the Achen. The tour is also a wonderful ski tour in winter (avalanche situation must be observed).
Directions for your hiking adventure at Achensee in Tyrol, Austria
From the Gasthof Hubertus bus stop, walk to the parking lot, cross the road and head directly uphill towards Bärenkopf (pathless via ski slope). At approx. 1080m take the forest road uphill. At the ski slope at about 1300m further uphill, now along the hiking trail to the Bärenbad hut (1457m). Directly at the alpine pasture steeply uphill to the left and follow the path to the summit Bärenkopf (1991m).
Some sections require surefooted and some head for heights. The most popular photo spot is a few meters behind the summit. Follow the same path downhill, but at the fork keep left towards Weißenbach saddle (1695m)/Weißenbach hut. At the saddle, take the hiking trail to the right in the direction of Bärenbadalm (hut)/Karwendel-Bergbahn (gondola).
At the mountain pasture, follow the hiking trail as you did on the ascent, but at the ski slope, instead of taking the road to the right, take the hiking trail to Sendemast/Pertisau on the left. Take the next turning on the right, after two hairpin bends turn left and right again. Downhill to the lake and back to the starting point.
Photo tips that will make your Instagram pop – Bärenkopf summit and Dalfazer waterfall
The view from the Bärenkopf summit to the Achen gives us a Norway feeling. The elongated Achen appears with the steep Rofan slopes like a classic fjord. The opposite slope with Dalfazer waterfall and Dalfazalm (Dalfa hut) are also worthwhile motifs.
At sunrise, a quick and worthwhile photo with Pertisau and Karwendel mountains can also be taken from the eastern shore of the lake at one of the car parking lots. Other wonderful views can be found at the Hochiss (2299m) and at the Rotspitzbahn (gondola) on the other side of the Achen. A beautiful hike here leads over the Dalfazalm (Dalfa hut).
Mountain Moments Photo Workshops provide Photo Tours for everybody, Alpine Experience for beginners and intermediate-level photographers with 3 to 6-hour routes, as well as Summit Experience for more advanced photographers and hikers. We have private workshops and group classes.
More information about this hiking route
How to get there by public transport: Train to Jenbach, continue with bus (4080) to Maurach and change, or directly to Pertisau (8332) stop Gasthof Hubertus, www.vvt.at.
How to get there by car: From the north B181 via Achenkirch to Maurach. From the south Inntal Autobahn A12 to Jenbach and B181 direction Achensee. In Maurach direction Pertisau and park at Gasthof Hubertus. Alternatively, drive to Pertisau and park at the cable car.
Start/finish: Pertisau am Achensee (930m) 47.429735,11.718550
Distance: 16km
Duration: 6:20h
Ascent/descent: 1240m/1240m
Highest point/lowest point: 1991m/930m
Hike difficulty level: medium/difficult
Special features: Mobility-impaired persons enjoy the no less impressive view at the mountain station of the Karwendel mountain railroad (Pertisau).
Meals: Bärenbadalm
Further tips: Also a rewarding tour for touring skiers in winter. Literature: Powderguide Tirol. The most beautiful freeride tours.
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Hi, i am Marius, i love exploring the mountains and nature. Friends say, i know the mountains better than most locals, but actually i get lost all the time while photographing ;). Read more about the Mountain Moments Team.
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