{{filter.label}}
Holiday houses and apartments in Maurach | Italiavillas
Maurach am Achensee – An Alpine Gem in Tyrol
Located on the sunny high plateau on the southern shore of Tyrol’s largest lake, Maurach am Achensee is the epitome of an Austrian Alpine gem. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing holiday or an adrenaline-fuelled mountain journey, this charming village serves as the ultimate base.
Description
Maurach am Achensee is a picturesque oasis that perfectly bridges the gap between the vibrant lakeside life and the serene Alpine heights. As a first-class holiday destination, it caters beautifully to travellers seeking independence and luxury. The village is renowned for its exceptional accommodation options; you can easily find a cosy, rustic apartment close to the water or book an elegant, traditional Alpine villa equipped with private wellness facilities. From the modern Atoll Achensee leisure centre on the lake to the historic streets, Maurach feels less like a transient resort and more like a welcoming holiday home where you can relax in style.
History
Maurach’s roots are deeply rooted in agriculture and faith. It developed in the late Middle Ages as a quiet farming community and is famous as the home of Saint Notburga, Tyrol’s only female saint and patron saint of farmers and servants. You can still visit her pilgrimage church and museum in the Eben district. The area transformed from an isolated valley into a beloved holiday resort in 1889 with the opening of the Achenseebahn – the world’s oldest steam-powered cogwheel railway, which still winds its way up from the Inn Valley to the lake today.
Nature
Maurach is uniquely situated between two breathtaking natural wonders. To the west you’ll find the Karwendel Nature Park, Austria’s largest nature park with pristine and rugged habitats, home to golden eagles and chamois. To the east the Rofan Mountains rise with dramatic, jagged limestone peaks that contrast with wide, rolling green alpine pastures. In between lies Achensee – the crystal-clear glacial lake known as the “Tyrol Fjord” or “Tyrol Sea”. The lake reaches a depth of 133 metres and is famous for its intense, deep blue hues.
Typical Foods
Tyrolean cuisine is hearty, comforting and designed to energise hikers and skiers. When dining out on your holiday, try Tiroler Gröstl, a tasty pan-fried dish of potatoes, onions and minced beef or pork topped with fried eggs. Kaiserschmarrn is a fluffy, shredded pancake caramelised in a pan and served with stewed plums or applesauce. Schlutzkrapfen are crescent-shaped pasta pockets filled with ricotta or local quark and spinach, drizzled with melted browned butter. Almkäse and local Speck are perfect for an afternoon snack on the balcony, while a glass of local schnapps traditionally rounds off the meal.
Summer & Winter Activities
Maurach is a year-round playground for outdoor enthusiasts. In summer, you can take the Rofan cable car up the mountain for endless hiking and climbing opportunities. For adrenaline seekers, the AIRROFAN Skyglider offers a spectacular high-speed experience with stunning views. The lake's strong thermal winds make the area ideal for sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing.
In winter, the Rofan ski area offers family-friendly slopes, while the valley transforms into a cross-country skiing paradise with kilometers of groomed trails. Snowshoeing, winter hiking and romantic horse-drawn sleigh rides are also popular activities.
Festivals and Events
Local culture is carefully preserved in Maurach, making the town a vibrant cultural stop all year round. The Almabtrieb in September is the region's most famous festival, where cows return from the mountain pastures adorned with flowers and bells, accompanied by folk music and traditional dishes. In June, the Rofan and Karwendel mountains are illuminated by spectacular summer solstice bonfires arranged in religious and traditional symbols.
The lakeside Wingfoil Testival brings a modern sporting atmosphere to the area, while the winter Krampus races and Christmas markets bring traditional Alpine folklore to life with festive markets and costumed parades.
Click to show the map