Autumnal mood at Lake Achensee

The Lake Achensee lies like a fjord in a deep incision between the Rofan and Karwendel mountains. On its shores, mountain forests rise steeply towards rocky peaks and ridges, while the villages of Achenkirch, Maurach and Pertisau lie in the flat valley sections amidst still-green meadows. The autumn-coloured larches add splashes of colour to the dark green of the spruce and pine forests. A white veil of clouds hangs in the sky, which has a warm, milky effect on the light of the already low-lying sun and, in combination, creates a light and colour atmosphere that is unique throughout the seasons.

In the northeast, the ‘Unnütze’ – Vorderunnütz (2,078 m) and Hinterunnütz (2,075 m) – tower over Achenkirch. Due to their isolated location, they offer an excellent panoramic view far beyond the Karwendel, Rofan, Guffert or Blauberge. The Unnütze also offer a wonderful but demanding circular hike crossing both peaks, with a short, exposed passage on the ridge. In contrast, the ascent to Vorderunnütz (2,078 m) from the Fischerwirt in Achenkirch is easy, leading via the Kögelalm and the broad mountain ridge through mountain pines and alpine meadows to the summit. Depending on the wind direction, the summit meadow is also a popular launch site for paragliders.