Culture & tradition at Lake Achensee

Tirol is steeped in tradition. The customs and celebrations that comprise today’s quintessential Tirolean lifestyle started centuries ago. Traditional folk culture is also characterized by religious and rural festivals, and the Achensee region is no exception. Each autumn, villagers celebrate the cattle drives, which mark the return of the cattle from the summer pastures, with parades and feasts. Religious ceremonies on public holidays, such as the Corpus Christi or Pentecost processions, are also kept alive. In addition, the region hosts many events centering on folk music. What all festivals have in common is that locals put on their best festive dirndls and lederhosen, which vary in design between regions. 

In winter, typically on December 5, people dress up as demonic creatures for the traditional exuberant Krampus runs. Later in the winter, carnival is celebrated with much festivity and colourful parades. On the longest day of the year in June, summer solstice bonfires are lit in the mountains surrounding Lake Achensee. Very often the fires are religious themed.

The Achensee holiday region is also known for the work of Saint Notburga, a simple maid who was committed to helping the poor and sick. The Notburga Museum in Eben, located in one of the country’s most beautiful baroque buildings, is dedicated to Tirol's only female saint, who is also the patron saint of servants and peasants.

Many churches and chapels in the Achensee region are also testimony to the country’s long cultural history. More information is available in the culture guide and the brochure "Wiesinger Kirchen- und Kapellenweg".