Fernstein Castle (Ruin)

Fernstein Castle was first documented in 1288. Early on, it served as a customs post, leading to complaints about long waiting times for merchants in 1312. Between 1308 and 1339, initial construction work took place. Duke Sigismund the Rich in Coins commissioned extensive renovations starting in 1451, which included a wall from the upper tower to the lower house in the valley. Simultaneously, a chapel was built, completed in 1478. In 1543, the customs road was relocated and now passed below the old tower through a lockable passage. This newly fortified customs post proved its worth in 1552 when it held back Elector Moritz of Saxony for 36 hours during the Schmalkaldic War. Towards the end of the 18th century, the customs station was moved to the Fern Pass, and Fernstein was auctioned off. After several changes of ownership, the Köhle family acquired the complex in 1960 and still owns it today.

The Fernstein Castle Ruin is located in Nassereith-Fernstein in the Imst district, Tyrol, Austria. It stands at an elevation of approximately 987 m above sea level.

The Fernstein Castle Ruin is accessible to visitors and can be explored. The oldest part is a high-lying, now ruinous residential tower. Other preserved structures include parts of the defensive wall, the three-story Klausen building with a half-hipped roof, the scribe's house with its round towers, and the former customs officer's house. The chapel from 1478 is also still present.

• Sigmundsburg Castle Ruin (Castle), approx. 0.5 km away
• Sterzinger Manor (Manor House), approx. 3.6 km away
• Felsenheim Manor (Manor House), approx. 7.7 km away
• Dietrichscher Manor (Manor House), approx. 7.9 km away