Fantastic late-autumn weather and the urge to try something new: that’s what led us to Lake Achensee, Tirol’s largest lake.
For sport climbing, we chose the Bärenkopf crag in Maurach – partly because it’s accessible without a lift. The two of us set off from Innsbruck around midday and reached Lake Achensee quickly and easily.
Text: Eva Marthe
The starting point is well signposted. You can park right next to the Karwendel Camping site – though the car park is quite small.
The access is quite a challenge: it’s a fairly gruelling 10-minute climb up winding paths to the lower sector. A sign warns of possible rockfall, so make sure to pack your helmet in your rucksack. On the plus side, the autumn atmosphere along the way is simply wonderful.
We were thrilled right from the very first route: compact limestone, brilliant holds, and a surprising number of threads and holes. The rock is still rough and has hardly been worn smooth. The spacing between bolts is well chosen, the routes are logical – nothing stands in the way of a great climbing experience.
In the lower sector, we counted one route graded 4, four graded 5 and one graded 6. We were particularly taken with the so-called ‘Johannis’ routes: there’s a fun surprise waiting right in the middle of the rock – but we won’t give any more away.
And then there’s the view: the vista stretches far across the Rofan range and down to Maurach. Only Lake Achensee itself remains hidden from view here.
Anyone who still has the strength and stamina can tackle the upper sector. During our visit, there were nine grade 6 routes waiting there – and they were actually called Bounty, Mars, Snickers and so on.
Our tip: In late autumn, the sun only shines here in the morning. So set off early – don’t do as we did and wait until around midday.
Have fun – Eva and Maggi
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