Around Lake Fernstein

At an altitude of 934 m, Fernstein Lake lies wonderfully idyllic at the entrance to the Gurgltal valley and directly on the Fernpass road. On the western shore of the lake, Fernstein Castle sits dreamily and romantically. Today, the castle, dating back to the 14th century, houses a hotel, which also includes a 50,000 m² holiday park with numerous secluded spots.

King Ludwig II of Bavaria greatly appreciated the area around Fernstein Lake. He often came here from Linderhof Palace or Hohenschwangau to enjoy the seclusion and tranquility of the lake. In winter, he liked to travel in a ceremonial sleigh, accompanied by torchbearers, and at Fernstein Castle he even had two rooms reserved as a "secret quarters".

Until 1856, the old Fernpass road led directly past Fernstein Castle, then it was expanded and moved a bit. The large bridge, which the road still crosses today, was also built. The old, former pass road is now completely available to hikers and excursionists. In leisurely boat trips, you can explore the entire lake, and on warm summer days, it is also wonderful for swimming.

For divers, Fernstein Lake is a very special paradise, with fantastically beautiful underwater landscapes making every dive an experience. However, since the lake is privately owned, diving is reserved for hotel guests.

On an island in the middle of the lake lies the half-hidden ruins of the medieval hunting lodge Sigmundsburg. Only a few remaining walls give a hint of the appearance and dimensions of the castle, which Archduke Sigismund the Rich in Coin had built in the 15th century. It served as a hunting lodge and pleasure palace and was probably also intended as a retirement residence for his first wife, Eleanor of Scotland. However, Sigmundsburg may not have been completely finished. After Sigismund's death, Emperor Maximilian I also used the castle for hunting excursions in the Außerfern. In the following years, however, the castle soon fell into disrepair, as no one felt responsible for it anymore, and today it presents itself to visitors as a romantic ruin overgrown with trees.