In Austria, over 1,000 mountain huts are ready to welcome you after a day in the mountains. These huts are great places to go if you want to eat, rest, get hold of some information, and meet other hikers.
You can choose from two main mountain huts in Austria: full-service and self-service huts.
Full-service huts provide most of what you need, such as pillows, blankets, meals, and sometimes even showers.
Self-service huts are more basic. They offer a place to sleep and a basic kitchen that you can use, but you need to bring your own food, cooking gear, and bedding.
Opening times and reservations
The huts usually publish their opening dates on their websites. If the dates are unavailable online, you can email the hut directly.
To make a reservation for a full-serviced one, it is most common to call the hut and ask if they have any available spots. Some huts also offer online booking, but this is not very common.
Self-service huts usually do not require reservations, but it is always a good idea to check availability or inform the hut beforehand, especially during peak seasons.
Get discounts through associations
Different alpine associations own most huts in Austria, and if you sign up for a membership, you can enjoy discounts at the huts.
You can find and contact Alpenverein's different huts here. They are listing both self-service and full-service huts.
HERE you can find information and contact details to all huts in Austria.
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What to think about before you go
It is essential to check the weather before the hike and bring the right clothes and equipment for unexpected changes, typical in the mountains.
It can be a good idea to wear different layers to adapt to temperature changes quickly.
If the hut is located in a more remote area, it is beneficial to check the hiking path in detail and plan for breaks and unexpected events so that you are able to reach the hut on time.
Some huts are rather basic, so it is good to find out what they offer before you go. Even the full-service one might lack some things you may expect, such as soap and other hygiene products.
It is also important to contact the hut in advance if you are following a special diet or have specific medical needs.
READ MORE: What to do during bad weather in the Austrian mountains
General hut rules
When staying in a mountain hut, you should keep the written and unwritten rules in mind.
Many huts have a so-called "quiet time" that starts around 10 pm and continues until about 6 am. During these hours, you are expected to keep noise to a minimum; sometimes, the lights even go out automatically.
It is also important not to waste water while spending time in a hut. Most huts have a limited supply available each day, and if the hut has a shower, you should not spend too much time using it.
You also need to prepare to bring your trash with you when you leave. Most huts have limited capacity for handling large amounts of waste, so you are expected to bring your own bag where you can put it.
You will usually be given a mattress and a pillow, but bed sheets are usually not provided. Therefore, you should bring your own sleeping bag suitable for the season.
You should also not forget your house slippers. You can find old ones in the huts, but they are sometimes a bit broken and smelly, so if you prefer something clean and comfortable, it is a good idea to bring your own.
Another important thing to remember is to always bring cash. Most huts do not accept card payments.
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READ ALSO: EXPLAINED: The associations to join if you love mountain sports in Austria
Food at the hut
Whether on a day hike or a multi-day trek, the huts usually offer the hearty meals you need to keep going.
The full-service huts mainly serve Austrian standard dishes. It is common for the huts to offer a special evening menu for a fixed price, which includes a starter (often soup), a main dish, and a dessert.
The huts also offer breakfast, sometimes as part of a half-board package that includes the dinner menu. The price for a half-board package often varies but can be around €45.
Self-service huts, on the other hand, are more basic and require you to bring your own food and cooking supplies and clean up after yourself. If you want to save money, this could be a good option since you are not allowed to bring your own meals to the full-service huts.
Here are some examples of typical mountain hut food served in full-service huts:
Wiener Schnitzel: thin, breaded and pan fried cutlets of veal, typically served with a side of potato or mixed salad.
Gulasch: beef goulash
Schweinsbraten: roast pork often served with dumplings and sauerkraut (cabbage)
Geselchtes mit Kraut und Knödel: cured meat with dumplings and sauerkraut (cabbage)
Blunzengröstl: blood sausage mixed with onions and potatoes
Zwiebelrostbraten: roast beef with onions, topped with gravy
Faschierte Laibchen mit Kartoffelpüree: minced meat patties served with mashed potatoes
Grammelknödel: greaves dumplings
Fleischknödel: meat dumplings
Käsespätzle: soft egg noodles sautéed with a variety of cheeses and garnished with fried onions and chive.
Eiernockerl: egg dumplings usually served with green salad
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