Schloss Fernstein, Medieval castle ruins in Nassereith, Austria
Schloss Fernstein is a castle ruin in Nassereith situated on a rocky spur overlooking the Fernpass Road. The remains display a rectangular residential tower and various building traces perched on a steep mountain at around 1,200 meters elevation.
First documented in 1288 under Rudeger von Verrenstein, the fortress served as a toll station in the years following 1308. Its position at this mountain pass made it strategically important for controlling trade routes.
The ruins show traces of different building sections that visitors can spot from the road today. You can see how the site grew over centuries and served various purposes.
The ruin lies around 6 kilometers north of Nassereith along the road from Imst to Reutte and is visible from the main road. The site sits on a steep mountain, so a visit is best made on foot from the roadside.
During the Schmalkaldic War of 1552, the fortress played a role in delaying military forces at this strategically important mountain pass. The exact timing of these events reveals how significant the position was for military movements of that era.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
