Information regarding Parking Fernsteinsee at the end of the page.
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 the 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 (information at the hotel Fernsteinsee Castle).
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.
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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: 1) Directly on the Fernpassstraße at the restaurant Fernsteinsee rest stop and across the street. 2) Hundred meters in front of the restaurant Fernsteinsee rest stop (if you come from the direction of Innsbruck / Inntal) a narrow road leads down to the lake. There are more parking options there.
Restaurant: There is a good restaurant (like a gas station restaurant) right by the lake – Fernsteinsee rest stop.
Bathe: The water is very cold, but it's worth a quick dip in the summer.