Achensee

Feature: Tyrol's deepest lake
Suitable for: Swimming enthusiasts of all ages

© Achensee Tourism

Lake Achensee is quite rightly called the Sea of the Tyroleans. At almost 6.8 square kilometers, the turquoise-blue body of water is the largest lake in the province, but also the deepest at 133 meters. You can go diving - or use one of the numerous bathing spots and enjoy the impressive mountain scenery all around. Sightseeing spots await divers: from a statue of the Madonna to an old Opel Blitz, also known as Dodge by divers, which mysteriously sank. If you want to be active, there are 250 kilometers of bike routes, 183 kilometers of running trails and numerous climbing opportunities. You can also do a balloon ride in the early morning or at sunset and take in the beautiful landscape. Paragliding also opens up completely new perspectives.

Highlight: The incredible color of Lake Achensee - and all the opportunities you can choose from here.

Rifflsee

Feature: Austria's highest lake
Suitable for: Summer visitors looking to cool off

© Pitztal Tourist Office

Austria's highest mountain lake lies at 2232 meters and is surprisingly easy to reach: the Rifflseebahn takes guests effortlessly up to 2300 meters above sea level. When it gets unbearably hot in summer, you can enjoy cooling off here, but hiking is also an option. There's a diverse network of easy to moderately difficult high-altitude hiking trails - and the restaurant Sunna Alm, affectionately known as the living room of Tyrol. Not only does it have a beautiful sun terrace, but as a passive house with solar technology and geothermal energy generation, it's also a flagship in terms of sustainability. The lake itself is best explored on a raft trip. The greenish water comes from the glaciers that feed the lake. Unfortunately, swimming isn't allowed - but the water would be too cold for that anyway due to the altitude.

Highlight: Enjoy a cool breeze high above the Pitztal on hot days.

Walchsee

Feature: Tyrol's warmest lake
Suitable for: Anyone looking for a recreational paradise for the whole family

© Tirol Werbung, Neusser Peter 

Walchsee is located in the district of Kufstein, at the foot of the imposing Kaiser Mountains. Hiking and swimming vacations can be ideally combined here, and there are also two campsites. The region is particularly popular with families because the lake has pleasant temperatures of up to 24°C. From water skiing to stand-up paddling - there's a wide range of activities on offer. To the north-west of Lake Walchsee you'll find the Schwemm nature reserve, the largest moorland area in North Tyrol, which is home to many rare plants and animals that can be explored on guided moorland tours. In the village of Walchsee there are also rustic inns, a schnapps distillery and exciting historical buildings to explore: For example, one of the largest bat colonies in Tyrol lives in the roof truss of the church.

Highlight: A warm swimming lake, ideal for families. There are also many opportunities for excursions into the mountains.

Read more: Find dreamlike views in Tyrol