Achensee

Often called the "ocean of Tyrol" for its enormous size and the "fjord of the Alps" for its high water quality, the Achensee is one of the best lakes to visit in Austria for swimming. However, get ready - like many other Alpine lakes, the water temperature stays low, even on hotter days, reaching only around 20 degrees Celsius. The water quality is excellent, with views as far as the depths 10 meters, attracting not only swimming lovers but also scuba diving lovers. In addition, the hot winds on the lake make it an ideal environment for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

During summer in the Achensee, visitors can also rent a boat or go on a sailing excursion. Several modern steamboats circle the lake, stopping at six major points along the way. There are even murder mystery dinner tours and Christkindl (Christmas market) boat trips during the holiday season. The lake is surrounded by the Karwendel and Rofan mountains and offers many opportunities for hiking and cycling. Nearby Mount Bärenkopf offers excellent trails all the way to the top, from where travelers will enjoy panoramic views of the lake. Surrounded by picturesque mountains and lush green meadows, lake Achensee offers countless water sports activities including swimming, surfing, sailing, paddling, and diving.

• Location: Tyrol, Austria
• Altitude: 929m
• Max water depth: 133m