Austrian Mountain Hut: Booking Your Alpine Adventure

Planning a trip to the Austrian Alps? There are over 8000 alpine pastures across the country, with more than 2000 in Tirol alone. These mountain huts, known as hütten, offer a cosy retreat amidst breathtaking landscapes. While some can be booked online, others require an email or phone call. Some popular huts may even require a deposit. Although reservations are no longer mandatory, booking in advance is imperative as hikers tend to reserve beds months ahead. So, get ready to plan your Austrian adventure and book your hütten stay!

Booking methods: online, email, phone

There is no uniform system for booking mountain huts in Austria. Some huts can be booked online, while others are best reserved over email or phone.

Online

If you want to book online, you can use the Austrian Alpine Club's Hut Reservation platform (formerly Alpsonline). You don't need to be a member of the Austrian Alpine Club to use this platform. It is recommended to book 2-5 months in advance, especially if you want to sleep in a private room. If you are flexible and happy to share a room with other people, you don't need to book as far in advance.

Email

If you can't make a reservation by email, try calling the hut directly. If the dates are not published, you can email the hut directly to find out when they are open.

Phone

If you can't make a reservation by email, you can call the hut directly. To make international calls, it is recommended to use Skype. You can purchase Skype credits and then make international calls until your credit runs out.

Other options

If you need support booking huts, you can work with a self-guided hiking company like Alpenventures Unguided. These companies can make reservations on your behalf and provide additional support.

If you join the Austrian Alpine Club, you will enjoy discounts for overnight stays in the huts, priority treatment, and insurance for mountain rescue with your membership card.

Payment methods: cash, card

When it comes to payment methods, it's best to be prepared with cash as many Austrian mountain huts are cash-only. While some huts do accept credit cards, this is not guaranteed, and you don't want to be caught out. It's a good idea to check the website of the hut you plan to stay at to see if they specify their accepted payment methods.

If you are a member of an alpine club, you may be entitled to a reduction in bed charges of up to €10 per night in all huts in Austria belonging to the ÖAV (Austrian Alpenverein) and DAV (German Alpenverein). Similar reductions are available in huts belonging to members of the Association of Alpine Clubs of Austria (VAVÖ) and over 70 private guesthouses and hostels.

It's worth noting that if you are hiking and staying in multiple huts, you will need to pay for your stay and any food or drink you consume at each hut individually, as each hut manages its own finances and payments.

In terms of the cost of staying in an Austrian mountain hut, prices vary, but a standard night in a dormitory can be expected to cost between €15-25 for a bed, with an additional €30-€40 for half board. Members of alpine clubs can expect to pay less, while non-members will pay around €10-20 more per person, per night.

It's also important to remember to cancel your reservation in advance if your plans change, as huts may charge you if you don't show up without cancelling.

Accommodation types: dormitories, double rooms

When it comes to accommodation, Austrian mountain huts offer a range of options to suit different preferences and budgets. The two main types of accommodation found in these huts are dormitories and double rooms.

Dormitories in Austrian mountain huts are a great choice for those seeking a more affordable and social sleeping arrangement. These shared rooms can vary in size, accommodating up to 14 people or more. Beds are typically arranged in bunk beds or single beds, with each guest provided with a pillow, blanket, and sometimes a mattress. The cost of a bed in a dormitory ranges from €15-25 for members of mountain clubs and €25-35 for non-members.

For a more private and intimate experience, double rooms are also available in some Austrian mountain huts. These rooms typically accommodate two people, offering a cosier and more exclusive stay. Double rooms can be harder to come by, and you may need to book well in advance to secure this option. The price for a double room usually falls between €30 and €40 for half board, which includes breakfast and dinner.

It is worth noting that the availability of these accommodation types can vary from hut to hut, and some huts may only offer dormitories or double rooms. Additionally, while some huts provide the option to choose between dormitory and private rooms, others may be exclusively one or the other, particularly those with space constraints.

When booking your stay, it is essential to consider your preferences and budget. Dormitories offer a more economical and sociable experience, allowing you to connect with other hikers. On the other hand, double rooms provide added privacy and comfort, making them a preferred choice for those seeking a quieter stay.

To secure your preferred accommodation type, it is advisable to book in advance, especially during the peak hiking season, which typically runs from June to September.

Amenities: food, water, bedding

When it comes to food, most Austrian mountain huts offer half-board, meaning a hearty dinner and breakfast. The food is usually simple, delicious, and packed with the necessary carbohydrates and fats. It often features local specialties, fresh bread, cheese, beer, and warm drinks. In Switzerland, there are some places that will prepare and cook your food, but you need to provide them with the ingredients. In most cases, Austrian mountain huts will be able to accommodate dietary restrictions with enough notice.

Mealtimes are very social, with lots of banter between walkers, climbers, and mountaineers from around the world. Drinks are paid for separately, although a cup of tea or coffee after a meal or during breakfast is generally included.

Water is normally free of charge, although in some rare and remote locations, it is not readily available, and bottled water is the norm. Some huts, particularly the higher ones or those in limestone areas, have very limited water supplies. Some washrooms are only open first thing in the morning and last thing in the evening, so it's important to conserve water and limit the use of soap for environmental reasons.

As for bedding, blankets and pillows will be supplied, but you need to bring your own sheet sleeping bag with a pillow pocket. These are mandatory in Austrian Alpine Club huts. The lightest ones are made of silk. In some mountain huts, the blankets will be labelled 'Fußende' (foot end), so make sure to use them the right way up. Most sleeping accommodation is in multi-bedded 'dormitories', either Mehrbettzimmer (multi-bedded rooms) with bunk beds or the more traditional 'Matratzenlager' with sleeping places side by side across a wide bunk.

Etiquette: footwear, children, dogs

Etiquette: Footwear, Children, and Dogs

When visiting Austrian mountain huts, it is important to follow some basic etiquette to ensure you do not disturb other guests and to preserve the natural environment. Here are some key points to keep in mind regarding footwear, children, and dogs:

Footwear: It is considered rude and unhygienic to walk around in your outdoor shoes inside the huts. Guests are expected to remove their shoes and hiking poles at the entrance and place them in a designated drying room or area. This helps to keep the indoor areas clean and free from dirt, mud, and moisture. Make sure to bring appropriate indoor footwear, such as slippers or indoor shoes, to wear inside the hut.

Children: Mountain huts are generally welcoming to children and offer discounted rates. Children typically receive a discount of 20-30% on the standard rates. However, it is important to supervise your children and ensure they respect the rules of the hut, such as maintaining quiet hours and being considerate of other guests.

Dogs: While some mountain huts may allow dogs, it is important to check the policy of each individual hut before bringing your dog along. Some huts may have restrictions or specific rules regarding pets. Make sure to clean up after your dog and keep them under control at all times. It is also a good idea to bring your dog's own food and water bowls, as well as any other necessary supplies, such as poop bags.

When staying in Austrian mountain huts, it is important to be mindful of other guests and the natural environment. Following the proper etiquette regarding footwear, children, and dogs will help ensure a pleasant experience for everyone. Remember to respect the beauty and serenity of the surroundings and leave no trace of your visit behind.

Frequently asked questions