Pertisau am Achensee
Pertisau is a picturesque village in Tyrol, situated directly on the western shore of Lake
Achensee—Tyrol’s largest lake. With a population of around 730, it is part of the
municipality of Eben am Achensee. Pertisau is renowned as an ideal holiday
destination, combining a stunning aquatic landscape with the peaks of the Karwendel
Mountains.
Location and Nature: The village sits at an altitude of approximately 950 meters, right
at the foot of the Karwendel Nature Park—Austria’s largest nature park. Across the
lake, the Rofan Mountains rise majestically. Thanks to its distinctive color, Lake
Achensee is often referred to as the "Caribbean of Austria."
Summer Activities: Hiking and climbing: Pertisau is the perfect starting point for
excursions into the Karwendel valleys. A popular destination is the Gaisalm, the only
alpine pasture in Tyrol accessible solely on foot or by boat. Mountain lifts: The
Karwendel cable car takes you quickly up the Zwölferkopf, offering magnificent views of
the lake. Water sports: You can swim, sail, windsurf, or stand-up paddleboard in the
clear waters of the lake. Trips on the large excursion boats are also very popular.
Winter Activities – Cross-country skiing: Pertisau is a cross-country skiing paradise,
featuring numerous perfectly groomed trails that lead directly into the natural
landscape. Skiing and snowboarding: The ski area on the Zwölferkopf is small and very
family-friendly. Winter hiking: The snow-covered valleys invite you to enjoy peaceful
walks or snowshoeing tours.
Local Highlights: Pertisau is the site where the famous Tyrolean Shale Oil (Tiroler
Steinöl) is produced. The village is home to the Vitalberg Visitor Centre, an interactive
museum where visitors can learn how this healing oil is extracted from the mountain's
shale rock.