Sigmundsburg im Fernsteinsee, Medieval castle ruins on an island in Fernsteinsee, Austria
Sigmundsburg stands as castle ruins on a forested island in Lake Fernsteinsee, featuring corner towers and remnants of Gothic-style window openings. The structure retains visible remains that suggest its original form.
A duke commissioned this castle in the mid-15th century as a gift for his wife, a princess of royal descent. The construction was completed a few years later and marked an important building project of that era.
The architecture here shows influences that set it apart from traditional Tyrolean castle designs. This building reflects a different style that feels unusual for the region.
Visitors reach the ruins via a marked trail from the parking area near Nassereith, then cross a narrow bridge to the island. The path is easy to follow, though the terrain on the island itself is uneven and requires careful footing.
This castle provided shelter during a plague outbreak in the 1460s. Within its walls stood a two-story chapel oriented toward the east.
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