Technical difficulty: 5/10
Fitness: 7/10
Objective danger: 3/10
Landscape: 8/10
Busy: 5/10

A great loop around Lake Achen - “the see of Tirol” along the surrounding mountains.

Starting point: Maurach Ski Center Parking Lot
Ending point: Maurach Ski Center Parking Lot
Length: 31km
Vertical: 2400m
Speed: mostly runnable terrain apart with two big climbs.

Route:

Lake Achen, often referred to as the "Tyrolean Sea", is the largest lake in Tirol. Surrounded by majestic mountains, this stunning body of water offers a unique setting for a running adventure. This route circumnavigates the lake, not along its shores, but on the tops of the mountains that cradle it.

Our adventure begins at a free parking lot next to the cable car in Maurach. From here, we waste no time and start with the first big uphill in the direction of Dalfazalm. The trail climbs steadily, taking us further up to the Steinernes Tor pass. As we ascend, we leave the lake behind, but the stunning views of the surrounding landscape more than make up for it.

From Steinernes Tor, we follow a gentle and very runnable downhill to Kögl Alm. This part of the route offers a pleasant run, with the trail winding its way through the rugged landscape. The downhill gets much steeper as we approach the northern end of the lake, close to the village of Achenkirch. This halfway point is also the only place to retreat and catch a bus back to the start, should you need to.

We start climbing again, this time to the western side of the lake in the direction of Seekaralm. After passing the hut of Seekaralm, we continue with a steep ascent on the ridge to Seekarspitze (2053m). Once on the summit, a really nice technical section on the ridge opens up. We continue in the direction of Seebergspitze (2085m), with great views of the lake unfolding in front of us. This part of the route is a highlight, offering a unique perspective of Lake Achen and some technical trails under your feet.

The downhill back to the lake is very steep and punishing for the legs, but the stunning views as you descend towards the lake make up for it. It almost feels like you're descending into the lake itself. Once we reach the lake at the village of Pertisau, we continue on the lakeside promenade back to Maurach. This section of the route is a cycling path and very flat compared to what we've already tackled. It's a pleasant end to a challenging run, offering a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy the serene beauty of Lake Achen. There are plenty of places to stop for food or drink along the lakeside if you want to take it easy and enjoy a summer day.

Tip: there are few good spots on the last section by the lake to go