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How’s how to traverse the stunning mountain pass by biking in Achensee, Tirol for some of the best views of the Austrian Alps.
Mountain biking in Achensee, Tirol counts as one of my most scenic bike rides in Austria. The area, famed for its gigantic turquoise lake and rugged mountain parameter has over 250km of cycling and mountain biking trails from which you can follow a designated path or craft your own with a guide.
“If you want a take the route with the best mountain view it will add an extra one and a half hours to the journey”, my guide said. And how could I refuse?
I started my tour in the village of Achenkirch with my local guide from Busslehner Sports for what would initially be an approximate three-hour e-biking introduction to the area taking the old Steinberg forest road to the little village Steinberg am Rofan located at 1,015 meters.
Start of the bike trail in Biking in Achensee, Tirol, Austria
The great expanse of Achensee Lake in Tirol
The bike trip would encompass a valley route through forest and meadow landscapes of an area called the Koeglalm, climbing towards the main trail of the Rund um den Unnütz. That was until my guide asked if I would like to extend my time out in the wilderness and get a better view of the mountain ranges.
Waterfalls on biking path in Achensee
It was an adventurous extension that turned into a glorious five-hour exploration complete with challenging inclines and a reward of whooshing downhill speeds.
It was a journey that became a never-ending path of dramatic cliff faces, soaring mountains, and alpine meadows that turned into another track known as the Schmalzklausen Runde, with lush forest with gravel tracks, rock tunnels, caves and waterfalls.
Elevated view of Achensee Lake Tirol from the mountain
Mountain Biking skills training in Achensee, Tirol
Some downhill biking tracks in Achensee to practice
Farmland on the Biking trails
The views from the mountains
Nature’s window in Achensee
View of the alps while biking in Achensee
In between the two main tracks, we rested at the viewing platform, Kaiser Maximilian Rast for a forest ledge panorama lookout. It’s more of an elevated wooden ‘throne’ in design, named in honour of Emperor Maximilian I of Austria, who was once partial to a woodland walk in these parts during his summer residency in the Achensee village of Pertisau.
Into the forests of Achensee
Panorama of Achensee from up high
Although, with a conveyor belt of scenery all the way you will find yourself often stopping to take it all in or capture some impressive imagery.
We ended the tour back in Achenkirch on a hunt for beer and a light snack, since we had passed the lunchtime slot. The beauty of guided bike tours is in the customisation to your interests, speed and skill and the spontaneity in just taking whatever comes.
While you know that mountain biking in Achensee will guarantee you a picture-perfect backdrop, the glory is that without a fixed plan, no two journeys are ever the same. Which is precisely how grand exploration, even on two wheels, should be.
READ MORE: Summer in Achensee: A Mountain Lake of 50 Adventures
Contents
Things to Know About Biking in Achensee, Tirol:
Planning and Booking Mountain and E-biking in Achensee
Busslehner Sports is located in the village of Achenkirch, providing everything you need for an active holiday where over 50 activities are on offer. You can both buy and rent equipment including e-bikes, stand-up paddleboards and hiking equipment (and ski, snowshoeing or tobogganing equipment in winter). Expert guides are also on hand for adventurous escapades or to dispense advice about sporting activities in and around Achensee.
Plan a Summer in Achensee
For further information on planning your summer trip to Achensee and all the activities, trips and tours available, visit the official tourism website for the Achensee Sport & Vital Park.
Where to stay in Achensee, Tirol
I shared an apartment in the 2,000 population village of Achenkirch (a 30-minute drive from the central train station in the area – Jenbach). The Tiroler Madl Chalet is a modern furnished mountain home, close to the northern end of the Lake Achensee. Being located in the centre of the village meant all stores and restaurants were nearby. Fully equipped with all amenities, each of the five rooms can sleep up to four people (a double bed and bunk beds). That’s one fun chalet with a group of friends.
Book a Hotel in Achensee
The challenge of my long adventure biking in Achensee was a part of the #Blogville Europe campaign showcasing the Emilia Romagna region of Italy and two regions of Tirol (one being Achensee). I took a train from Emilia Romagna to Tirol, which was a beautiful adventure in itself. All opinions of my daily adrenalin-fuelled sporting endeavours remain my own because I’m just a crazy adventure-seeking girl.
Albert says
Hi Becki,
Was this a difficult or scary ride, or is it one that you think anyone who is in decent shape can handle by themselves using an electric-mountain bike?
Thanks.
Becki says
There is nothing overly technical about it – more that it is long and arduous and a matter of stamina! The good thing about having a biking guide (anywhere in Austria in fact) is that you discuss your pace and ability and what you want to see and then it can be tailored to suit your needs and desires.
There’s no problem doing it by yourself either. You might just miss some secret, more off-track parts and insightful highlights.
Lydia says
Wow! I really didn’t know that Achensee is so stunning and picturesque, Becki. It is definitely a perfect spot for biking. Would you also recommend it for hiking and when would it be the best time of the year to explore Tirol?
Becki says
Absolutely, for biking and hiking! Tirol is great all year round – for skiing and other adventures in Winter and as the Spring months uncover the green around March time you have another six months of warm weather to explore differently. It all depends what you like more.
Eva says
Thanks for an inspiring post. I totally love these pics. The sceneries look like Milka’s homeland 🙂 I’m determined to see Tirol myself. Is it safe to go alone? I’ve already travelled solo and rented bikes, but these were cities with well-developed infrastructure and lots of people around. Would you explore the area if you were alone?
Becki says
Yes, Tirol is safe. I was on quiet woodland pathways and quiet roads with no issues. There’s always hikers and bikers about, and often the beauty of the region is in having moments alone and patches of land to yourself.
Logan M Gelowitz says
I adored this hike, also perfect to bring a picnic or hammock and just hangout and enjoy the scenery!
marie douglas says
These views are unreal!! Every summer vacation requires a hike!!
Katie says
Wow, this looks great. I am coming from the Czech Republic, so I have always neglected Austria as a place to travel, being it our neighbor country. Seems like I should reconsider!
Vera says
Stunning pictures! I think discovering an area by bike is always a nice solution because you can go whenever and wherever you feel like, and you don’t depend so much on roads and stuff. This bike trip looks amazing! And it is nice to be very well prepared like you