Fernsteinsee in Tyrol
Information regarding Parking Fernsteinsee at the end of this page.
The Fernsteinsee is privately owned but is freely accessible. Only a few lawns are reserved for guests of the Hotel Schloss Fernsteinsee. A hiking trail leads around the lake in about 30 minutes. The Fernsteinsee is known for its crystal-clear water and is therefore very popular with divers. The ruins of Fernstein Castle are located directly on the mountain above the lake and the castle is just below it. The castle was a customs post and dates back to the 13th century.
In winter, the Fernsteinsee becomes a place of quiet contemplation. Even on beautiful, sunny winter days, only a few visitors come to the Fernsteinsee. With a little luck, you might come across a swan enjoying its peace and quiet. Important: Visiting the lake in winter is not without its risks. Read the information at the end of the page.
General information
Directions: By car via the Fernpassstraße, about an hour from Innsbruck.
Park: There are a few parking spaces, but they fill up quickly on sunny summer days. Parking spaces: 1) Directly on the Fernpassstraße by the Fernsteinsee Raststation restaurant and on the opposite side of the street. 2) A hundred meters before the Fernsteinsee Raststation restaurant (if you are coming from the direction of Innsbruck / Inntal) a narrow road leads down to the lake. There are more parking spaces there.
Restaurant: Right by the lake there is a good restaurant (like a gas station restaurant) to stop off at – Fernsteinsee Raststation.
Bathe: The water is very cold, but it's worth a quick dip in the summer.
Winter: Please note that the footpath to the lake and the path around the lake are not cleared in winter. Visiting is therefore at your own risk, as it can be slippery. Parking is also difficult, as some of the parking spaces are closed. You will therefore have to find out where you can park on site. And under no circumstances should you walk on the ice of the frozen lake: there is a high risk of falling through.
Dive: Diving is only allowed with permission (info at Hotel Schloss Fernsteinsee).
The Fernsteinsee is a mountain lake in Tyrol at 934 m above sea level. It lies on the Fern Pass, a popular transit route between Germany and Tyrol. Although it is directly on (under) the road, you hardly notice the traffic on the lake shore. Swimming is allowed, but the water is very cold.
The Fernsteinsee is privately owned but is freely accessible. Only a few lawns (the best bathing spots) are reserved for guests of the Hotel Schloss Fernsteinsee. A hiking trail leads around the lake. A leisurely stroll takes about 30 minutes. The Fernsteinsee is known for its crystal-clear water and is therefore very popular with divers. Diving is only permitted with a permit (info at the Hotel Schloss Fernsteinsee).
The ruins of Fernstein Castle are directly on the mountain above the lake and the castle is just below. The castle was a customs post and dates back to the 13th century.
In winter, the Fernsteinsee becomes a place of quiet contemplation. Even on beautiful, sunny winter days, only a few visitors come to the Fernsteinsee. With a little luck, you might come across a swan enjoying its peace and quiet. Important: Visiting the lake in winter is not without its risks. Read the information at the end of the page.
General information
Directions: By car via the Fernpassstraße, about an hour from Innsbruck.
Park: There are a few parking spaces, but they fill up quickly on sunny summer days. Parking spaces: 1) Directly on the Fernpassstraße by the Fernsteinsee Raststation restaurant and on the opposite side of the street. 2) A hundred meters before the Fernsteinsee Raststation restaurant (if you are coming from the direction of Innsbruck / Inntal) a narrow road leads down to the lake. There are more parking spaces there.
Restaurant: Right by the lake there is a good restaurant (like a gas station restaurant) to stop off at – Fernsteinsee Raststation.
Bathe: The water is very cold, but it's worth a quick dip in the summer.
Winter: Please note that the footpath to the lake and the path around the lake are not cleared in winter. Visiting is therefore at your own risk, as it can be slippery. Parking is also difficult, as some of the parking spaces are closed. You will therefore have to find out where you can park on site. And under no circumstances should you walk on the ice of the frozen lake: there is a high risk of falling through.
Dive: Diving is only allowed with permission (info at Hotel Schloss Fernsteinsee).