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Lake Achensee & its Mountains
Visitors have long been drawn to Lake Achensee, whose glittering waters reflect the imposing Karwendel Mountains which shelter it. On its western shores lies the pleasant, typically Tyrolean village of Pertisau, which in turn guards the entrance to two valleys leading deeper into the mountains. It is one of those places where it is tempting simply to soak up the restful atmosphere and admire the grandeur of the surrounding mountains. To do so, however, would be to miss out on some fantastic walking. Inviting paths lead around the lake, through the valleys and along panoramic ridges in the mountains high above, thus giving you different perspectives of this Tyrolean jewel. Hotel Wiesenhof, PertisauYour base is Pertisau and the Hotel Wiesenhof. It is one of the most popular hotels from our ski programme, and justly so – English-speaking hosts Hansi and Alexandra Entner have created a relaxed, convivial atmosphere. Dating from the 18th century, the building has belonged to the family for generations, gradually evolving from a farmhouse with a few guest rooms to a 4-star hotel of the highest quality. We reserve you spacious rooms with a balcony, sweeping views of the lake, mountains or village, pine furniture, a seating corner and a queen size Austrian twin bed (two separate mattresses with individual bedding on one large base). Please let us know if you would like to upgrade to one of the even larger rooms or a junior suite. The cuisine, like the bedrooms, tends to be typically Austrian, with delicious Tyrolean dishes, but you usually have a choice of four different menus each night, some of which might have Italian or Mediterranean influences, for example. The vast spa complex is truly state-of-the-art. It occupies the entire first floor of the hotel. Among the astonishing range of facilities are: an indoor swimming pool measuring 10 metres by 5 metres; a 60ºC herbal steam sauna that uses locally grown camomile, sage and lavender; a saline steam sauna in which brine is sprayed into the air to help the respiratory system; a Finnish sauna; a soft sauna, suitable for those who find Finnish saunas too hot; a ‘grotto’ where you can relax to the sound of a fountain; vitalising showers and foot spas; two relaxation rooms with views of the mountains, one of which has heated loungers; hay ‘baths’; Tyrolean shale oil baths; massages; facials and other beauty treatments; and a gym with a treadmill, rowing machines, exercise bikes and steppers (plus there is a weights room on the ground floor). Use of the facilities of free of charge, but you should pay locally for treatments. Walking & exploringWith a lake, mountains and the entrance to two lush green valleys on its doorstep, Pertisau is a walker’s paradise. We provide you with route notes for six different walks - all of them accessible to walkers of average fitness – while your visitor’s card entitles you to free travel on the local buses. Around Lake Achensee: this is a long but gentle walk. By leading around the shores of the lake, it serves as an excellent introduction to the area, and on a still day you can enjoy looking at the reflection of the mountains in the blue waters. Weißenbachalm: paths lead over the panoramic Weißenbach Ridge to the Alpine meadow of the same name (1,695 metres). The views down the lake to the village of Achenkirch at the far end are truly breathtaking. The Gern Valley: to explore further into the mountains, away from the lake, walk along the pretty Gern Valley and ascend over Feilalm (1,380 metres) back to Pertisau. Gramaijoch: this wonderful walk (another route in the mountains behind the lake) begins with a short bus ride to the end of the Falzthurn Valley, after which you ascend the slopes of Gramaijoch (1,903 metres) for an unforgettable 360-degree panorama. Along the Ridge: catch a boat (pay locally) along the lake to the village of Achenkirch and then follow the spine of the mountains above the lake back to Pertisau. This walk takes in the second highest point of the week: Seebergspitze ('Lake Mountain Summit') at 2,053 metres. Naturally, the views from the peak stretch for miles on a clear day. Rotspitze: this high-level walk starts from Maurach on the opposite shore of the lake (which you can reach by train, bus or on foot) and then ascends to Rotspitze (2,067 metres) for a different perspective of Pertisau. For a change from walking, local guide Christophe Leithner can arrange mountain-bike hire or an introduction to Nordic walking (pay locally), an activity which has become very popular in the Alps in recent years due to its great health benefits. It is best described as cross-country skiing without the skis (or the snow!). Alternatively, take the bus and train (pay locally for the latter) to Innsbruck. With the Dolomites to the south and the Tyrolean peaks to the north and west, this fairy-tale city boasts a splendid mountain panorama. From its sheltered position on the broad River Inn, this imperial city has always been an important trading crossroads, and the delightful centre is full of charming ancient buildings. Admire the Baroque façades of the houses lining Herzog Friedrich Strasse, and do not miss the Imperial Palace and the beautiful Goldenes Dachl ('Golden Roof'), an extraordinary Gothic bay window with 2,657 gilded copper tiles dating from the rule of Emperor Maximilian I. Prices & travel 2008
Recommended destination airports: Innsbruck & Munich > Any queries? Let us call you back |
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