Presse-Info Achensee, Tirols Sport & Vitalpark Winter & Summer 2018 and 2019
The Achensee region – paradise for nature lovers and holidaymakers in the heart of Tirol.
Nestled in the breathtaking scenery of the Rofan and Karwendel Mountains is Tirol’s largest lake – Lake Achensee. The region around this natural gem is renowned for its unrivalled scenic beauty, while its wide range of sporting and leisure activities make it an enticing destination for visitors.
Since the Achensee region was first opened up to tourists, it has become one of the most popular destinations for holidays and excursions in Tirol. In 1887 the first steam ship, the St. Josef, cast off onto the lake and the resultant Achensee Shipping Company remains a tourist magnet to this day. The same is also true of the historical Achensee railway. Every summer, year after year, this steam-powered cog railway puffs its way from Jenbach station towards Achensee, covering an incredible 400 metres in altitude over 6.7 km, with a maximum gradient of around 16 %. The towns and villages dotted around Lake Achensee have also long been popular for winter tourism. Gently undulating hills are particularly suitable for family skiing, while an extensive network of cross-country trails has helped to build the region’s reputation as the best cross-country skiing area in Tirol. The Achensee region also became famous for its “black gold” – Tiroler Steinöl®. This fossil oil has been mined in the region for over a century and has been used in the treatment of a wide variety of ailments.
Lake Achensee – the Tirolean fjord When looking out over the dark blue waters of Lake Achensee and its unparalleled mountain backdrop, comparison with the fjords of Norway springs immediately to mind. Formed during the last ice age, the largest lake in Tirol is flanked by the slopes of the Karwendel and Rofan Mountains and plays host to swimmers, surfers and sailors every summer. The Achensee is fed by subterranean tributaries from the Ampelsbach and Dürrach streams, and from the Achenkircher springs. In 1927 an underground shaft was constructed from the tip of the lake to the hydroelectric power plant in Jenbach, making Lake Achensee into a natural reservoir. It also serves as a reservoir for the power station of the same name in Jenbach. In order to take full advantage of Lake Achensee’s hydroelectric power, the lake’s southern outflow was re-routed to the power station in Jenbach. The drop in height of 400 metres is used to generate energy. As part of the reservoir management, more water is removed from Lake Achensee during the winter months (October to April) than flows into it, causing the water level to drop by up to five metres. Precipitation, melt water and tributary streams replenish the lake’s water reserves until the summer months, and the water level usually returns to its previous level by the middle of June at the latest. Lake Achensee has some of the most favourable wind conditions of any lake in Austria, with winds even reaching a strength of five on some days thanks to strong gusts from Bavaria. Divers will be in their element too, as the bottom of the lake holds plenty of historical treasures just waiting to be discovered. Achensee Tourismus | Achenseestraße 63 A-6212 Maurach am Achensee Fon: +43 (0) 59 | 5300-0 [email protected] | www.achensee.com
Lake Achensee – the statistics Altitude: 929 metres, 400 metres above the Inntal valley Area: 719 hectares Depth: 133 metres Temperature: Approximately 20 degrees in the summer months Cruises: May until early November
Karwendel und Rofan – the mountain landscape around Lake Achensee Lake Achensee and the Achental valley form the border between the Karwendel and Rofan Mountains. The Karwendel Mountains are a 40-km range belonging to the Northern Limestone Alps. The name Karwendel can be traced back to the Bajuwaric settler by the name of Gerwentil who settled in the area around the year 1,000. Today the Karwendel Mountains form the largest region in Central Europe that is not permanently inhabited. With approximately 200 peaks, this secluded mountain paradise is an enticing destination for alpine climbers, photographers and nature lovers from all over the world. The Karwendel range is also home to Austria’s largest nature reserve – the Karwendel Nature Park. The park has an above-average level of natural habitats and is home to countless indigenous species of alpine flora and fauna such as golden eagles, sandpipers and German tamarisk.
Karwendel Alpine Park – the statistics: Area: 920 km² (of which 727 km² is in Austria) Flora and 1,305 species of plant, 2,035 species of animal, the highest fauna: concentration of golden eagles in the Alps Altitude: 600 to 2,749 metres (the Birkkarspitze) Land usage: 101 alpine pastures with approximately 10,000 hectares of forage area Visitor Approximately 1 million visitors per year numbers:
Known simply as “Rofan” to the locals, the Rofan Mountains loom large between the Inntal valley and Lake Achensee. These mountains most likely took their name from a hefty rock fall in the 4th or 5th century BC. In pre-Roman Alpine language the word “rova” was equivalent to “landslide” or “mudflow”. The Rofan Mountains are famous for their jagged rock formations which enclose broad high alpine pastures. Hikers and climbers can be found here during the summer months, while it is transformed into a paradise for skiers and ski tourers in the winter.
Flora and fauna in the Achensee region – a natural alpine paradise The Karwendel Nature Park and Lake Achensee itself are an unsurpassed refuge for countless species of plant and animal. There are few other spots that offer as undiluted an experience of alpine nature. The region has also become a retreat for endangered species and is home to golden eagles, chamois, adders, alpine newts, bullhead and the sandpiper. This rare bird can find the safe retreat that it needs in the Karwendel Nature Park. Specially protected areas ensure that its breeding ground is preserved and that this sensitive wader is able to survive.
Achensee Tourismus | Achenseestraße 63 A-6212 Maurach am Achensee Fon: +43 (0) 59 | 5300-0 [email protected] | www.achensee.com
For many years it was feared that the golden eagle, the king of the skies, was at risk of complete extinction. It has since found a new home in the Karwendel Nature Park. With 21 breeding pairs, the Karwendel now has the highest concentration of golden eagles in the Alps. Its jagged ridges and peaks are the perfect habitat. The rare alpine rose can also be found in abundance in the Karwendel Mountains, while the moist northern slopes are home to magnificent mixed woodlands consisting of larch, spruce, birch, fir and beech. However, it is the sycamore maple that is most characteristic of this region. The largest stand of maples, which consists of approximately 2,500 specimens, is located in the area around the Almendorf Eng pastures. These giant gnarled trees with their flaming red leaves create an especially impressive natural spectacle in autumn. Despite the lively boating activity on the lake, it is home to a diverse range of fish. The cool waters contain char, roach, tench, perch, pike, and lake and rainbow trout. Secluded, tranquil bays provide nesting places for countless wild ducks.
Towns and attractions in the Achensee region Five towns and villages around Lake Achensee have joined forces to create a tourist region: Achenkirch, Maurach, Pertisau, Steinberg am Rofan and Wiesing.
Achenkirch Height above sea level: 930 m Inhabitants: 2,168 This 22-km long municipality stretches from the northern shores of Lake Achensee to the German border and thus represents the shortest connecting route between the Inntal valley and Munich. This favourable location was used to erect a defensive fortification as far back as during the Thirty Years’ War. Achenkirch has several cultural and scenic attractions that are well worth a visit. The Sixenhof, a 650-year-old farming estate situated right by the lake, provides visitors with an insight into farm life in the Achensee region. History is brought vividly to life in the Sixenhof’s 19 rooms. Young and old alike can marvel at farming and commercial equipment, a blacksmith’s forge, a cobbler’s shop and a weaving mill, along with exhibits related to hunting and fishing. In winter, the Christlum ski resort and an extensive network of cross-country skiing trails provide winter sports fans with countless leisure activity options, while the largest private Lipizzaner stud farm in Europe really gets horse riders’ adrenaline pumping.
Municipality of Eben: Maurach am Achensee and Pertisau Height above sea level: 950 m Inhabitants: 3,191 A 15-minute drive along the main Achensee road from Wiesing brings you to the town of Maurach, which belongs to the municipality of Eben. Situated on the southern shores of Lake Achensee, this rambling village has been the terminus of the Achensee railway for over 120 years. This steam-powered cog railway is the oldest of its kind in Europe. Just as in imperial times, the train puffs its way along the seven kilometres to the Seespitz station in Maurach in just 45 minutes. The railway transports around 100,000 guests in the summer months.
Achensee Tourismus | Achenseestraße 63 A-6212 Maurach am Achensee Fon: +43 (0) 59 | 5300-0 [email protected] | www.achensee.com
The municipality of Eben is famous for being the area where Saint Notburga lived, worked and died. Probably the most popular Tirolean patron saint, the simple maiden Notburga would not let her hard-hearted masters sway her from her belief and her commitment to the poor and needy. Visitors can learn more interesting details about her life in the Notburga Museum. The Achensee Museum World, a museum village of approximately 8 hectares in size, focuses on indigenous customs and on the living and working conditions around Lake Achensee.
Due to its location right by the lake and close to the mountains, Maurach is a particularly popular destination with sports enthusiasts. The Rofan cable car is open both in summer and in winter. The mountain station is a perfect starting point for countless hikes in the Rofan Mountains. The Adlerhorst viewing platform on the Gschöllkopf mountain promises breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain scenery. Those who like a bit of adventure can get involved in paragliding, canyoning or kitesurfing in Maurach.
Pertisau also belongs to the municipality of Eben. The main landing stage of the Achensee Shipping Company is located here. Boats operated on the lake as early as prehistoric times, and it was later used as a transport route for wood, coal, salt and grain. Steam ships have been in operation on Lake Achensee since 1887. Five ships (MS Tirol, MS Stadt Innsbruck, MS Achensee, MS St. Josef and the motorboat Tirol) and a motorboat (Tirol) are currently used to transport hikers and tourists. The Achensee region can be explored from the deck of the ship on a journey lasting around two hours. Pertisau is also the home of the famous Tiroler Steinöl® (shale oil). Shale oil is extracted from bituminous shale, which contains fossilised deposits that are millions of years old. This natural product has been extracted at the shale oil factory in Karwendel since 1911, and it is used in the treatment of rheumatic diseases, sports injuries and for skin and hair care. In the Vitalberg, the shale oil museum in Pertisau, visitors can explore all things connected with the extraction and processing of Tiroler Steinöl®. Pertisau is the oldest tourist resort in the region. It was widely known as a superb recreational area as early as the middle of the 19th century, and the first golf course in Tirol was constructed in Pertisau in 1934.
Steinberg am Rofan Height above sea level: 1,015 m Inhabitants: 285 Approximately 10 kilometres from Lake Achensee you will find “the most beautiful end of the world”, as the little town of Steinberg is known. This municipality lies at 1,000 metres above sea level and is renowned for its idyllic location. Steinberg is the starting point for countless mountain tours. It is especially worth ascending the Guffert (2,196 m), the Unnutz (2,077 m) and the Rofanspitze (2,260 m). It is also well worth paying a visit to the romantic Steinberger Ache river gorge and the cave of inscriptions on the Schneidjoch. It was here in 1947 that an eight-line inscription was found carved in the rock near a small stream. The mysterious symbols, which probably came from the north Etruscan alphabet, have remained a puzzle to researchers to this day. It is presumed that the inscription refers to a holy stream.
Achensee Tourismus | Achenseestraße 63 A-6212 Maurach am Achensee Fon: +43 (0) 59 | 5300-0 [email protected] | www.achensee.com
Wiesing Height above sea level: 568 m Inhabitants: 2,055 The village of Wiesing lies at the foot of Lake Achensee between the approach to Achensee and the mouth of the Zillertal valley at 569 metres above sea level. Arrowheads and ceramic fragments provide traces of early settlements dating back to the Early Bronze Age. The name of the village can be traced back to the word "Visuinga", which is equivalent to “farm” or “settlement”. Wiesing experienced a pronounced economic upturn in the era of the Schwaz silver mines before agriculture then took over as the main source of income when mining ended in the 16th century. Wiesing was also a popular hunting ground for the Tirolean sovereigns for many years. The remains of a wall can still be seen along the Thiergarten hiking path. The wall was constructed by Ferdinand the Second in the 16th century to demarcate a game reserve. One ski lifts, some hiking paths, three tennis courts, an ice skating rink, a toboggan run and a riding stable complete the range of sporting activities on offer.
Tourism in the Achensee region There is a long tradition of tourism in the Achensee region. As early as 1570, Emperor Maximilian I. constructed a Lusthaus country retreat for his numerous hunting guests, complete with stables for horses. After some renovation, the Fürstenhof has been used as a hotel since 1850. The construction of the Achensee railway and the development of the Achensee Shipping Company in the 19th century saw an influx in the number of visitors to the region, both from the local area and further afield. Countless poets and artists including Pirmin Pockstaller, Hermann von Gilm, Adolf Pichler and Peter Rosegger all shared their awe at the region’s breathtaking natural scenery. Lake Achensee and its municipalities have lost none of their appeal, and the region is one of the most popular holiday destination in the Alps. Achensee’s combination of mountain and lake makes it a popular destination in the Alpine region.
Summer tourism in the Achensee region:
• Occupancy rate In summer, the Achensee region is by far the leading Tirolean holiday destination in terms of occupancy.
• Hotels and gastronomy: 19 4-star hotels, eight 4-star superior hotels and two 5-star-hotels, plenty of additional excellent hotels, country inns, guest houses, private rooms and holiday apartments; more than 60 restaurants.
• Where visitors to the region come from: After Germany (66.08 %), Switzerland/Liechtenstein (9.42 %), and Austria (7.70 %), the Netherlands (5.00 %) are the main markets of origin for visitors to the Achensee region.
Achensee Tourismus | Achenseestraße 63 A-6212 Maurach am Achensee Fon: +43 (0) 59 | 5300-0 [email protected] | www.achensee.com
Infrastructure: Summer mountain railways: Rofan cable car in Maurach and Karwendel mountain railway in Pertisau Hiking trails: 500 km of well-kept and signposted hiking routes Climbing areas: 12 (250 sports climbing routes) 8 via ferrata climbing routes Cycling and mountain bike routes: 250 km of signposted and approved routes Running trails: 183 km marked running trails, 23 routes Golf: 18-hole golf course in Pertisau and a 9-hole golf course in Achenkirch Paragliding: 3 providers Sailing and surf schools: 5 providers of sailing, surfing and kite lessons Riding: 5 riding stables Boat hire in Maurach, Pertisau und Achenkirch Achensee Shipping Company: four ships with different capacities Achensee steam cog railway: Nostalgic railway line running from the Inn Valley to Lake Achensee Campsites: 5
Winter tourism in the Achensee region: Infrastructure: 4 ski areas and 2 practice terrains (a total of 53 km of ski slopes) Christlum ski resort (Achenkirch): 27 km of ski slopes Rofan ski resort (Maurach): 11 km of ski slopes Karwendel ski resort (Pertisau): 12 km of ski slopes Planberg- und Wiesen lift in Pertisau – 1 km – blue: 1 km Rofan lift in Steinberg: 1 km Practice lifts at Astenberg and Bühel lift (Wiesing): 1 km 213,5 km of cross-country skiing trails for classical cross-country skiers and skaters, special trails for wheelchair users and dog owners 6 ski schools in Achenkirch, Maurach, Pertisau and Steinberg Free ski bus throughout the entire region Two ski touring areas: Rofan and Karwendel Mountains 150 km of cleared winter hiking trails 5 illuminated toboggan runs
Achensee Tourismus | Achenseestraße 63 A-6212 Maurach am Achensee Fon: +43 (0) 59 | 5300-0 [email protected] | www.achensee.com
Central location right in the heart of Tirol
All five towns in the region are located in the centre of Tirol and are therefore easily accessible:
By car: By rail: Airports:
Via Kufstein: IC/EC railway Innsbruck Inntal motorway station in (approx. 40 A12 – Wiesing Jenbach. km), Munich exit – Achensee Onward journey (approx. 80 Bundesstraße by bus, taxi, km), Salzburg (main road). Achensee (approx. 150 railway or km) Achensee Shipping Company cruise ship. Via Tegernsee: Munich motorway A8 heading south – Holzkirchen exit – Tegernsee (or Bad Tölz) – Achenpass.
For further information Achensee Tourismus, Achenseestraße 63, 6212 Maurach am Achensee, Tirol / Austria, Tel. +43 (59) 5300-0, Fax +43 (59) 5300-19, [email protected], www.achensee.com
Photo archive Printable photographs can be downloaded from www.achensee.org. Please register first. Once you have confirmed receipt of the confirmation email you can then download the selected photographs.
Achensee Tourismus | Achenseestraße 63 A-6212 Maurach am Achensee Fon: +43 (0) 59 | 5300-0 [email protected] | www.achensee.com