Gaisalm at Achensee: a trip along the Gaisalmsteig and Mariensteig
Gaisalm at Achensee is one of the most beautiful stops on the western shore of Tyrol’s largest lake. It lies right by the water between Pertisau and Achenkirch, and the charm of this place lies mainly in the fact that you can’t get here by car. The trip leads along a narrow path above Achensee, through rocky sections, scree slopes, stairs, and viewpoints. Alternatively, you can also arrive here by the Achenseeschifffahrt boat.
For us, Gaisalm is the ideal destination for those who want to enjoy more than just the lakeside promenade at Achensee. It’s not a high-mountain hike with huge elevation gain, but it’s not a classic walk by the water either. Sturdy shoes, sure-footedness, and respect for more exposed areas are recommended for this route. Before the trip, assess your current physical fitness and check the weather forecast.
Accommodation at Achensee
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Where to start for Gaisalm?
The most convenient starting point is Pertisau, especially if you want easier planning for the day. We start at the Achenseeschifffahrt parking lot in Pertisau and first walk along a short gravel section by the lake. This later turns into a rockier path towards Gaisalm. The advantage of Pertisau is the good facilities, parking, boat pier, and the option to shorten the trip with a boat ride.
The second option is Achenkirch. From here, you usually set off from the Heimatmuseum Sixenhof towards Alpen Caravan Park Achensee, then follow the signs for “Gaisalm” to Seewinkel and onto the Mariensteig. For us, this variant feels wilder and includes climbs, stairs, and narrower passages above the lake even before reaching Gaisalm. If you want to walk the entire route in one direction, we recommend the combination Achenkirch – Gaisalm – Pertisau and returning by boat or bus.
Gaisalm at Achensee / Photo was edited using AI
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Length and difficulty of the Gaisalm trail
We rate the Pertisau – Gaisalm – Achenkirch – Pertisau route as moderately difficult, 15.6 km long, with a total time of around 6 hours and an elevation gain of 230 meters. The Achenkirch – Gaisalm – Mariensteig – Pertisau – Achenkirch variant, according to our watch measurements, is 16.4 km, takes approximately 6 hours, and has 198 vertical meters.
In practice, however, most visitors don’t walk the entire loop back and forth. The most popular option is to walk only to Gaisalm and return by boat, or to continue to the second village and use the boat for the return trip. The exact length of the trip therefore depends on the chosen combination, and you should take our stated kilometers and hours as approximate figures for your reference.
The trail itself is not technically demanding or a climb, but you shouldn’t underestimate it. We want to point out the narrow sections where sure-footedness and a head for heights are needed. In some places, you walk along a rocky path above the water, sometimes over scree and roots, elsewhere on stairs and footbridges. In the rain, after a storm, or with small children, we would be really careful!
Gaisalm at Achensee / Photo was edited using AI
Description of the trip from Pertisau to Gaisalm
From Pertisau, you first walk comfortably along the lake. Gradually the town disappears and the path approaches the cliffs of the western shore of Achensee. This is where the most beautiful part of the trip begins: turquoise water below you, Rofan opposite, and Karwendel behind you.
The path to Gaisalm leads through narrower stony sections and occasionally rises high above the water level. There’s no need to rush, as the views are among the best in the entire Achensee region. Gaisalm soon appears in a small bay right by the pier. You’ll find a mountain inn here serving Tyrolean dishes, homemade cakes, and a terrace by the lake. For us, it’s a great place for lunch, a longer break, or deciding whether to continue further.
Gaisalm at Achensee / Photo was edited using AI
Continuing to Achenkirch
After Gaisalm, the path towards Achenkirch becomes more rugged. Expect a steeper climb through rocky terrain and several small viewing platforms. The northern shore at Achenkirch is not directly passable, so there is a small detour to the Scholastika pier. From there, you can continue by boat back to Pertisau or use regional transport.
Can you stay overnight at Gaisalm?
Don’t plan to stay overnight at Gaisalm. It is a typical excursion inn and a place for refreshments, not an accommodation hut. If you want to be closest to the route, stay in Pertisau or Achenkirch. We recommend Pertisau for a more convenient start, the boats, and a wider range of hotels. Achenkirch is better for a quieter stay at the northern end of Achensee and a start via Mariensteig.
Who is the Gaisalm trip suitable for?
The route is suitable for hikers who can handle several hours of walking and have no problem with a narrow path above the water. We don’t recommend it with a stroller, on a bike, or after rain. With school-aged children who have experience with longer mountain hikes, the trail can be beautiful, but expect a slower pace and keep an eye on the children in more exposed areas.
Gaisalm at Achensee / Photo was edited using AI
Practical recommendations
Set off for the trip in stable weather and preferably in the morning. In high season, it’s good to check the boat timetable in advance, as a boat trip is the easiest way to shorten the route. In 2026, Achenseeschifffahrt has the Gaisalm stop in scheduled service with separate prices, for example, for the Pertisau – Gaisalm connection.
Don’t count on Gaisalm in winter. During the winter period, it is not accessible either on foot or by boat. If you only have one day at Achensee and want a trip that best combines the lake, cliffs, views, and a mountain inn, the Gaisalmsteig is among the most beautiful choices.
