Photo by C.Stadler/Bwag · license: CC BY-SA 4.0
Tyrol · Austria
Nassereith.
Castles
Nassereith is a small village in Tyrol, sitting at 843 metres on the old Via Claudia Augusta road near the Fernpass. The area is defined by its Alpine landscape of dense forest, rocky outcrops and clear mountain lakes. The main draw is Schloss Fernsteinsee, a castle dating to the 12th century that now operates as a hotel, set directly on the shores of the turquoise Fernsteinsee lake. King Ludwig II of Bavaria regularly retreated here and the castle retains the atmosphere of a 19th-century Alpine residence. Nearby, the ruins of Sigmundsburg Castle sit on a small island in the lake, reachable only by boat. The village itself is known for its tradition of clay nativity figures, distinct from the wood-carved versions found elsewhere in Tyrol. The surrounding area is excellent for hiking, cycling and swimming.
Schloss FernsteinseeAlpine lake settingLudwig II connection
What you'll do here
Things to do.
- 01Stay at or visit Schloss Fernsteinsee, the historic castle hotel on the shores of the emerald Fernsteinsee lake
- 02Take a rowing boat out to the island ruins of Sigmundsburg Castle in the middle of the Fernsteinsee
- 03Hike up to the Adlerhorst viewpoint platform above Nassereith for panoramic views over the Inn Valley
- 04Swim or dive in the crystal-clear Fernsteinsee, one of the cleanest lakes in the Tyrolean Alps
- 05Walk or cycle along the old Via Claudia Augusta Roman road route through the valley
- 06Browse the local tradition of hand-made clay nativity figurines, a craft unique to Nassereith
Within a short drive
Nearby attractions.
ZugspitzeGermany's highest peak with cable car access from the Austrian side at Ehrwald, 20 km north
Fernpassa dramatic Alpine pass with scenic views, lake reflections and a historic toll road
Imsta lively market town with a famous gorge, Rosengartenschlucht, 15 km south
Lermoosa charming ski and hiking village at the foot of the Zugspitze plateau
Reuttea Tyrolean market town with a historic old quarter and the nearby Ehrenberg castle ruins
A year in Nassereith
Monthly weather.
Best weatherLeast crowded
january1°/-7°
Least crowded65mm
Cold and snowy. Beautiful for winter walks but limited facilities.
february3°/-6°
Least crowded55mm
Quiet winter month. Good for a peaceful escape near the Zugspitze area.
march8°/-2°
60mm
Early spring, still cold. The landscape begins to thaw.
april13°/2°
75mm
Fresh and green. Good for walks, some rain expected.
may17°/6°
90mm
Lovely spring scenery. The lake is cold but the surroundings are lush.
june21°/10°
Best weather100mm
Warm and vivid. One of the best months despite occasional thunderstorms.
july23°/12°
Best weather110mm
Peak season. Warm, busy and the lake is perfect for swimming.
august23°/12°
Best weather105mm
Great for outdoor activities. Afternoon storms are common.
september19°/8°
85mm
Mild and clear. Ideal for hiking and castle visits.
october13°/3°
70mm
Autumn colour is beautiful. Cooler temperatures and fewer visitors.
november5°/-2°
Least crowded65mm
Quiet and cold. The valley winds down for the season.
december1°/-6°
60mm
Snowy and atmospheric. The castle hotel is a special retreat.
Averages from the last decade · source: local weather records
Common questions
Asked & answered.
- In Nassereith, visitors can enjoy Stay at or visit Schloss Fernsteinsee, the historic castle hotel on the shores of the emerald Fernsteinsee lake, Take a rowing boat out to the island ruins of Sigmundsburg Castle in the middle of the Fernsteinsee, Hike up to the Adlerhorst viewpoint platform above Nassereith for panoramic views over the Inn Valley and Swim or dive in the crystal-clear Fernsteinsee, one of the cleanest lakes in the Tyrolean Alps. Located in Tyrol, this destination is ideal for slow travellers seeking authentic, unhurried experiences.
- The best months to visit Nassereith include: May — Lovely spring scenery. The lake is cold but the surroundings are lush.. July — Peak season. Warm, busy and the lake is perfect for swimming.. June — Warm and vivid. One of the best months despite occasional thunderstorms.. Overall, summer is considered the best season.
- Nassereith offers castle stays and historic accommodations. Located in Tyrol, Austria, it's ideal for travellers who prefer authentic, unhurried experiences over typical tourist itineraries.
- Near Nassereith, you can explore Zugspitze — Germany's highest peak with cable car access from the Austrian side at Ehrwald, 20 km north, Fernpass — a dramatic Alpine pass with scenic views, lake reflections and a historic toll road, Imst — a lively market town with a famous gorge, Rosengartenschlucht, 15 km south and Lermoos — a charming ski and hiking village at the foot of the Zugspitze plateau. These nearby destinations complement a slow travel itinerary through Tyrol, Austria.