The Achensee Steam Cog Railway is the oldest cog railway in the world and hisses and puffs its way up an impressive 7km of mountainside track to the Tyrol’s largest alpine lake at Seepitz.
Holidaymakers, day trippers and railway enthusiasts alike delight at the nostalgic and romantic journey through lush meadows and alpine forests, with magnificent views of the Tyrolean Alps and the winding path of the river Inn.
Club La Costa members and guests staying at our Alpine Centre can travel to the town of Jensbach, a 90-minute drive away for a fantastic day out on the railway.
The station in Jensbach is where the trip commences and with a whistle and a puff the train heads for the first stop of Burgeck.
From this point onwards the incline becomes apparent as the train enters the steepest part of the climb almost straightaway. Breathtaking scenery awaits as the surrounding mountain ranges of the Staubier Alps, the imposing Zillertaler Alps and the “Wilder Kaiser” form the backdrop before chugging deep into alpine forest.
Catch a glimpse of alpine cows grazing in meadows and ancient trees reaching to the skies as the next stop of Eben beckons. The majestic mountain ranges of the Rofan can be viewed from Eben and at this point, the deep blue Achensee Lake is just one more stop away.
The Maurach station at 956m above sea level acts as the gateway to the Achensee Lake at Seepitz where the train terminates.
After alighting, soak up the stunning natural beauty of this region with a lazy lakeside walk or mountain hikes at various levels for the more energetic. Many sports and leisure facilities are also on offer and give in to the tempting Tyrolean cuisine for an authentic Austrian experience.
Where the steam and water meet
Nowhere else can one take a train ride starting off in lush valleys and climb up to a lake to meet a steamship company! The Achensee Shipping Company has been in existence since 1889 and providing cruises on the Achensee Lake ever since.
Four steamships make up the fleet and can carry anywhere between 40 and 600 passengers, two of the ships provide onboard food and drink and wheelchair access. A cruise on the Achensee Lake is a very special experience as the Gaisalm passes by. The Gaisalm is unique in the fact that it is the only alpine pasture that can be reached solely on foot or by boat.
Club La Costa members and guests can have a truly unforgettable day out in Achensee. A date for the diary if you are staying at our Alpine Centre is Sunday October 30 2011, which sees the end-of-season ride that departs Seepitz at 4pm with the train festively decorated, returning to Jensbach for a festival that includes live music.
2011 Schedule
Peak Season: 28 May until 2 October
Off Season: 1 – 27 May and 3 – 30 October
Picture Credits: Herbert Ortner
Loading ...
