Winter magic at Lake Achen in Austria – a paradise for cross-country skiers

You will feel particularly at home on the medium-difficulty cross-country ski trail between Achenkirch and Steinberg on Lake Achensee in Tyrol if you prefer quiet and idyllic skiing. You glide over snow-covered meadows and through forests while your eyes wander to the surrounding mountains of Karwendel and Rofangebirge. In total, you cover nine kilometers on the demanding tour, 140 meters in altitude and 185 meters in descent.

The starting points of the cross-country ski trail are at the Almgasthaus Huber in Achenkirch or alternatively at the Gasthof Waldhäusl in Steinberg am Rofan - and of course there are perfect places to stop for refreshments and warm up. If you would like to extend the route, you can combine it with the challenging Pulverer Mahd trail after four kilometers. Apart from a short climb in the last third, this leads gently downhill into the town of Achenkirch.

You can park your car at the Steinberg cross-country skiing center or at the Wies car park. You can also travel easily using public transport. Take the train to Jenbach train station and from there you can take a bus or taxi to Lake Achensee. For more information visit the following link: maps.achensee.com/v2/de/gdi_summer/2d/-1/detail/12.612183284001803/47.517512878448315/11.80222185362743/18367/121160056

This scenic cross-country ski trail in the Karwendel Nature Park is recommended for well-trained beginners and advanced skiers. The moderately difficult route requires strength, endurance and technique. The approximately 14 kilometer long cross-country ski trail in Pertisau leads from the entrance to the Karwendel valleys through the Falzthurntal to the Gramai basin. There you will have a wonderful view of the Karwendel Mountains.

The cross-country ski trail starts on the left hand side of the valley, initially climbs steadily through the forest and, after a bridge, flows into the extensive meadow around the cultivated Falzthurn Alpine pastures. From there it continues uphill to the Gramaialm at the end of the Falzthurntal. There is a rapid descent back to the starting point. The trail is also suitable for cross-country sledging. You can find the route and the GPX track here: maps.achensee.com/v2/de/gdi_summer/2d/-1/detail/13.85546044226375/47.424431070088986/11.627973376518412/18367/121160055

The route into the Gerntal is suitable for experienced beginners and advanced skiers and is characterized above all by the alternation between flat sections and short climbs. Initially, the trail leads through the forest, on to the Pletzachalm and from there slightly uphill along the stream bed to the Gernalm. A relaxing stop is worthwhile here. Enjoy Tyrolean delicacies and the special hospitality of the region. On the way back to the start, the trail presents itself with a moderate gradient. In total, you master 228 vertical meters and ten kilometers. You can find the GPX track here: maps.achensee.com/v2/de/gdi_summer/2d/-1/detail/14.545425337192826/47.45163585950385/11.66025499730722/18367/121160059

In front of a wonderful backdrop, you run on a mainly flat two and a half kilometer long trail that is ideal for beginners - and also for cross-country sled skiing. You only have to overcome a small incline. On this round you get particularly close to the jewel of the region - the Achensee. You should always have your camera to hand. The route starts at the Buchau sports field. You can park your car in the parking lot of the Atoll Achensee leisure center.

Follow the trail north along the lake. After a small climb you can take a first look at the beautiful Achensee. He lies there quietly, his water glitters in the sun - take a moment to breathe deeply and enjoy! At the Tyrolean Sailing Club, the trail makes its turn in a large arc and leads you directly along the lake.

Here only a hiking trail and a few maple trees separate you from Lake Achensee. Passing the surf school and the children's playground you get back to the starting point. An ideal practice circuit for beginners with great views! You can find the GPX track and further information here: maps.achensee.com/v2/de/gdi_summer/2d/-1/detail/16.228517601790013/47.43173271220277/11.72798515327122/18367/117737590/false/-1 - 1/-1/eyJuZXR3b3JrUG9zaXRpb25GaWx0ZXIiOnsibGF0Ijo0Ny40MzM1MjY5MjQyNzY5NzUsImxuZyI6MTEuNzMyNjI1MjY1MzgzOTQ1fX0=/-1/-1/0/0/

Due to its flat course, the Seeloipe is perfect for beginners, more advanced skiers and cross-country skiers. The easy trail is seven kilometers long and runs its flat track from the starting point in Achenkirch in the direction of Achensee. You overcome a total of 138 meters in altitude. First it leads past the snow kite area and the Alpine Caravan Park Achensee (lake shore Achenkirch) and later on through sparse forest into the beautifully snow-covered Oberautal. On this scenically varied path, it goes back again, past the Schrambacherhof to the starting point, the Sparmarkt Eder in Achenkirch. You can find the GPX track for the route here: maps.achensee.com/v2/de/gdi_summer/2d/-1/detail/14.915345758740818/47.507239971116746/11.694365982958857/18367/117737831/false/-1 /-1 /-1/eyJuZXR3b3JrUG9zaXRpb25GaWx0ZXIiOnsibGF0Ijo0Ny40MzM1MjY5MjQyNzY5NzUsImxuZyI6MTEuNzMyNjI1MjY1MzgzOTQ1fX0=/-1/-1/0/0/

The village trail starts at the Steinberg cross-country skiing center. It climbs slightly in the direction of Rofanlifte II and meanders past the Silberwaldhütte and further through the meadows and scattered settlements of Steinberg. With short climbs and descents, the trail is more suitable for experienced cross-country skiers and is used in a classic style. The route is six kilometers long and you overcome a total of 140 meters in altitude. You can find the GPX track here: maps.achensee.com/v2/de/gdi_summer/2d/-1/detail/14.644162937718558/47.511383985690316/11.787658870220639/18367/8910721/false/-1/-1 - 1/eyJuZXR3b3JrUG9zaXRpb25GaWx0ZXIiOnsibGF0Ijo0Ny40MzM1MjY5MjQyNzY5NzUsImxuZyI6MTEuNzMyNjI1MjY1MzgzOTQ1fX0=/-1/-1/0/0/

The Gramaialm is a wonderful inn in the middle of the Oberautal in the Karwendel Mountains. Embedded in the snow-covered landscape, the magical Gramaialm is also open for you in winter. A warm dish from the best Tyrolean cuisine and a hot drink are waiting for you here. The Alm can be easily reached via a wonderful cross-country ski run or a rolled winter hiking trail. In summer you can also spend the night on the Alm and enjoy a comprehensive SPA program.

Since the Gramaialm cannot be reached by car in winter, no rooms are rented during the cold season. Only from the end of April does the snow situation allow driving on the road again. Active day trips in the snow-covered landscape in winter are absolutely recommendable because nature unfolds a very special charm in its snow cover. More information about the Alm can be found under this link: gramaialm.at/de

In the Alpengasthaus Falzthurn you can enjoy Tyrolean specialties with a wonderful view of the Karwendel Mountains. The cozy dining room invites you to eat, drink and linger. With a mulled wine or Jagatee you will experience the wonderful winter landscape in the heart of the Karwendel Nature Park. Even in winter, the Alm offers warm Tyrolean dishes all day from 11 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. For winter hikers, cross-country skiers, families and romantics, the Gasthaus Falzthurn is a snow-sure excursion destination.

From mid-December to the end of March you can reach the Falzthurnalm on cross-country skis from Pertisau on perfectly groomed cross-country ski trails or on the winter hiking trail. Or you can let yourself be driven by a horse-drawn sleigh through the dreamy valley - a slightly different experience! And as soon as it gets a little warmer from February, you can enjoy the sun on the terrace with a view of the snow-covered peaks of the Sonnjoch and Lamsenjoch. Here you can let your mind wander and let yourself be pampered by Tyrolean hospitality! You can find more information under this link: falzturn.at

The Pletzachalm is an alpine inn and is located at 1,056 meters at the foot of the Seebergspitze in the Ostkarwendel. The inn was built in 1914 and acquired by the current owners' great-grandmother, the Pfluger family, in 1916. The inn has been family-owned since then. The Pletzachalm is also open in winter from the end of December to mid-March, because the area around the Alm is a very popular cross-country skiing area. If you register, you can celebrate a hut evening with live music with your friends or spend a magical and hearty evening in the new grill hut.

In addition to the usual hut meals, you can also enjoy many Tyrolean delicacies, delicious cakes and desserts on the Pletzachalm. On sunny winter days you can also make yourself comfortable on the large sun terrace, which offers a wonderful view of the valley. You can find more information about the regularly changing rest days here: pletzach-alm.jimdosite.com

Peace, sun and pure relaxation - a stay on the Gernalm promises all of this in the middle of the unspoilt landscape of the Karwendel nature reserve. The Gernalm is only four and a half kilometers from Pertisau and can also be reached by car in winter. The hut is the starting point for wonderful winter hikes and is especially popular with cross-country skiers. The cozy parlor is equipped with a tiled stove. Look forward to family hospitality and delicious Tyrolean specialties!

On the Alm you can expect tasty dishes such as Achentaler Kaspressknödel, a hearty Tyrolean Brett'l Jause, Käsespätzle, Wiener Schnitzel and the house specialty: warm apple and curd strudel. Your mouth will water while reading. You can find more information about overnight accommodation under this link: gernalm.at/de

Pure adventure and relaxation in all seasons and in all weathers - that is what the Atoll Achensee promises! The sports and leisure center in Maurach, right on the Achensee, scores with an infinity pool on the roof, a penthouse spa for relaxing, a fitness studio with mountain views and a bouldering hall. As a leisure attraction, the Achensee Atoll offers the perfect conditions for a sporty and relaxing excursion.

Here you can relax, have a sauna, enjoy yourself and do sports on 50,000 square meters - right on the shores of the beautiful Achensee. The impressive glass building will cast its spell on you - only the views of the surrounding mountains and the sparkling water of the lake can top it! You can find more information on admission prices and offers under this link: atoll-achensee.com

The region is known as a top cross-country skiing destination due to its perfect cross-country skiing infrastructure and the beautiful landscape. The cross-country skiing camp for beginners and returnees therefore takes place under ideal conditions. In January there are two dates for classic cross-country skiers and for skaters to choose from. Whether classic or skating, the camps last three days and teach beginners cross-country skiing from the bottom up. If you already have some experience, you will receive valuable tips for getting back into it. The experienced trainers and professionals will guide you through the program in small groups. This includes material tests, waxing tips, technical training, applied training theory and a jointly planned final tour.

Of course, the cozy get-together and feasting is not neglected. Regular stops are mandatory. Participation includes, among other things, two nights at the Seehotel Einwaller in Pertisau am Achensee including half board, equipment, trainers, cross-country trail fees and much more. Three successful days with lots of adventure and relaxation potential await you. You can find more information here: achensee.com/erleben/winterurlaub/achensee-langlaufcamps