Jenbach
The Market Town of Jenbach is located about 35 km from Innsbruck in the south of Lake Achensee.
Altitude: 563 m asl
Jenbach is located in the south of Lake Achensee between the spur of the Rofan mountains and the Karwendel mountain chain. Jenbach, which literally translated means “on the other side of the river”, has been mentioned for the first time in 1296 AD. From 1410 the famous noble family of the Fugger has owned smelting works in this area, at first for silver and copper, later on for iron.
Jenbach station is also an astonishing facility, as there are railway lines with three different gauges: 1,435 mm (normal railway line of the ÖBB, national railway company), 1,000 mm (Achensee Railway) and 760 mm (Zillertal Railway). You shouldn’t absolutely miss a ride with the two latter ones, as the Achensee Railway is one of the oldest steam cog railways worldwide. The Emperor Franz Josef had this railway built, overcoming the 7 km long track from Jenbach to Lake Achensee within 45 minutes. Also the Zillertalbahn Railway is a steam train that runs from Jenbach to Mayrhofen in the Zillertal valley. In WWII the Jenbach station has continually been bombed and and heavily damaged.
One of the main sights in the village is the Museum of Local History, focusing on topics such as nature, sports, railways and the history of the municipality on a surface of 700 sqm. In summer not only the outdoor pool of Jenbach attracts plenty of people from all over, but of course also Lake Achensee, which is perfect for surfing, sailing and swimming. Another attraction is the world of mountains surrounding Jenbach. And where to sit back and relax? Visit one of the cosy little pubs and restaurants of the village! Also the ice rink in the centre of Jenbach, the refuge Jenbacher Rodelhütte and the nearby skiing areas of the regions Achensee, Karwendel and Zillertal valley provide even more fun and action for your holidays.
Our recommendation: Tratzberg Castle in the municipality of Jenbach is a real Renaissance jewel! The interior, which is of course lushly decorated, has still been preserved in its original state…
