Pertisau lies on the southwestern shore of Lake Achensee. The valley station of the Karwendel mountain railway is in the village, along with various perspectives on the lake, mountains and local history. When planning, it helps to choose your focus first: a specific hike has different requirements from a railway ride or a visit motivated by an interest in cultural history. This makes it possible to assess activities according to their actual conditions.
Lake, mountain railway and hiking trail
The Pertisau–Gaisalm–Achenkirch hike begins with a short path along the shore. It then follows a trail cut into the rock along the western shore of Lake Achensee towards Gaisalm. Some sections are very narrow and highly exposed, and require sure-footedness and a head for heights. If you are considering this tour, take these requirements into account when making your decision.
Other viewpoints offer different perspectives on the lake and mountains: on excursions operated by Achenseeschifffahrt, you can see the Karwendel and Rofan mountain ranges. A ride on the Karwendel mountain railway offers views across the entire eight-kilometre-long Lake Achensee; its valley station is in Pertisau. The two views are therefore distinct: from the boat, the mountain ranges; from the mountain railway, the lake along its full length. In summer, Achenseeschifffahrt services run in conjunction with the Achenseebahn, allowing for short transfer times. If you are planning to use this seasonal connection, check the current timetable before travelling.
Winter and family activities
At Zwölferkopf, visitors can ski on groomed pistes and go winter walking. These are two different activities to consider when planning for winter. For the Alpentiere circular walking trail, accessibility for pushchairs is a specific feature: the trail has been designed accordingly. As trail facilities can change with the seasons, check the current conditions before your visit.
The Pertisau Discovery Trail is a family-oriented activity. The Tiroler Steinöl Vitalberg visitor centre offers special guided tours for children aged four to twelve. Together with the circular walking trail designed for pushchairs, this gives families with children two different planning options: a designated family activity and a trail with a specific accessibility feature.
Culture and history in Pertisau
Original tools are on display at the Tiroler Steinöl Vitalberg museum. The Fürstenhaus in Pertisau offers a different way to explore history: it is described as the former hunting lodge of Emperor Maximilian I. More than 500 years ago, the emperor regularly travelled to his hunting lodge in Pertisau. The steam-powered ship “St. Josef” is also connected to the village’s history: it was transported to Pertisau and assembled there.
These topics offer different perspectives: the museum focuses on tools on display, the Fürstenhaus on the building’s historical designation, and the “St. Josef” on its transport and assembly in Pertisau. Those interested in local history will find several specific points of interest without having them combined into a single story.
Golf and choosing accommodation
Pertisau is home to Golfclub Achensee, described as Tyrol’s oldest golf club. Its 18-hole course stretches from the village centre to the foothills of the Karwendel valleys. When choosing a hotel in Pertisau, you can start with your own daily itinerary: the summer boat connection, the requirements of the hike and the age range for the children’s guided tours each involve different planning considerations. First consider which of these matter for your activities, then compare hotels according to your personal requirements.
Discover more destinations: GmĂĽnd, Hochpillberg, Emberg, Stummerberg, Hart Im Zillertal, Eben Am Achensee, Buch In Tirol, Steinberg Am Rofan
Return to the main travel overview: Schwaz.
