Hut guide in summer

It goes high up: after a long ascent, not only does the stopover taste twice as good, but the views are also well deserved. At the following huts, you will find spectacular views and excellent food:

The Nördlinger Hütte has a very special location: its position below the Reither Spitze in the Karwendel is almost dizzying. At 2,238 m, it is the highest located hut in the Karwendel mountain range. From here, you have arguably the most beautiful view of the entire region and into the sunrise and sunset, and you certainly should not miss the various Kaiserschmarrn variations and the vegan lentil dal. Several paths lead to the hut, whether with the help of a cable car or in connection with the newly created panorama climbing trail to the Seefelder Spitze.

One also has special panoramic views from the highest alpine pasture in the Gaistal, the Rotmoosalm. It sits at an elevation of 2,030 meters above the valley, but not only its panoramic views are well-known, but also its handmade dumplings.

The Karwendelhaus has a lot to offer at 1,765 m: after a vigorous ascent (best done by bike), you can overlook the entire Karwendel valley and the impressive rock walls and peaks all around. Coming back down, you will safely roll through the mentioned valley with a full stomach, because everything from curd, potato, or yeast dumplings to goulash and cake is simply delicious here.

The panorama from the Pleisenhütte at 1,757 m is unique: from the Lechtal Alps to the Samnaun group, the Stubai Alps, the Wetterstein mountain range, and the Karwendel, you can overlook all mountain ranges. Moreover, there are particularly many hours of sunshine here, and the friendly hosts serve culinary highlights such as homemade venison goulash and much more. It's worth every meter of elevation!

In these huts and pastures, alpine life is still as it once was: the menu is small but fine and mainly consists of their own products. The service is warm-hearted, but one should bring a little time, as the livestock comes first. The location is hidden but beautiful, nestled in the alpine mountain world.

Those who are looking for exactly this must absolutely visit the Scharnitzer Alm, which has been restored in its old style by hut owner Christl and herherder Roland and is run according to ancient philosophy.

Further hidden in the Karwendel mountains lies the Kastenalm idyllically nestled between the massive rock walls of the Karwendel mountain range, where its long-time hosts serve homemade cakes and a good "Brettljause."

Hikers with enough strength in their legs for a long ascent should not miss the Steinernes Hütt'l at the foot of Hochwanner, Germany's second highest mountain. It's best to help yourself to drinks from the ice-cold well; there is no menu, as the very few – but good – dishes are preferred to be counted by the host personally. The tranquility and solitude at an altitude of 1,925 m make this rustic retreat perfect.

Enjoyment – by definition, it is a sensory experience associated with physical or mental well-being. Where better to enjoy than in the alpine meadows? For those who feel the sun's rays tickling their noses on the terrace, while the Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancakes) is fragrant on the table and vies for attention with breathtaking mountain views, they sense: here, one can enjoy with all senses.
True connoisseurs must not miss the following huts and alpine lodges:

Particularly recommended for cozy hikers, cyclists, and families looking for the best alpine retreats are the lodges in the Gaistal valley. The Gaistalalm entices with a wonderful sun terrace overlooking the Hohe Munde with a large menu full of culinary highlights. Just a short distance away, the next stop is the friendly hosts of the Tillfussalm, who serve delicious homemade yogurt and buttermilk from those very cows that can be observed peacefully grazing from the terrace.

At the Hochegg Alm on the Rosshütte in Seefeld, spectacular views await after a short climb. Not far away is the Reitherjoch Alm with a delightful playground for children and excellent cuisine.

The Eppzirler Alm in the Karwendel mountains is famous for its particularly good cheese dumplings and attentive service. Both can be enjoyed after a approximately 2-hour hike that can only be done on foot and is frequently chosen by locals as well.

Excellent culinary offerings – quite literally – can be found at the Rauthhütte above Leutasch. Year after year, the scenic hut at the foot of the Hohe Munde is awarded by the gourmet magazine Gault Millaut. True connoisseurs simply must have visited this place!

One does not always have to tackle strenuous ascents to reach the best huts. For a relaxed meal with the whole family or on days without sports, there are many huts and alpine pastures that are easily accessible.

High on the list for cozy dining is the Triendlsäge, which can be accessed via an easy footpath, a picturesque ride in a carriage, or even by car. Whether you prefer to relax in the traditional parlor or on the sun terrace, the cuisine is sure to make the hearts of all Kaiserschmarrn lovers soar. The Ropferstub’n can be reached via the same routes and is another insider tip for fantastic cuisine, especially at sunset, which is best enjoyed from here.

The Lottenseehütte is a charming destination with great food, accessible via easy paths on foot, by bike, by carriage, or by car. Not far away is the Wildmoosalm, best reached by hiking bus or romantically by carriage. The alpine pasture is a tip for anyone who enjoys kitsch and FC Bayern Munich. By the way, in front of the Lottensee and Wildmoosalm lie two real natural phenomena: the a-periodic lakes are not visible every summer, and to this day scientists are puzzled as to why.

Speaking of lakes: bathers are well taken care of at the Möserer See and the Möserer Seestub’n. The lake is the warmest natural bathing lake in Tyrol, making it perfect for hot days, and in the Stub'n, there is homemade ice cream and other cool refreshment options. By bike or on foot – best from the Seewaldalm parking lot – it is quickly accessible.

Also known for a short hike or a carriage ride is the Hämmermoosalm in the Gaistal, where one can enjoy cozy dining year-round. That’s why families particularly love coming here. The Polis Hütte enjoys a splendid location in the sunny and flat Leutaschtal: in summer, it can be easily reached by bike, on foot, or by car or hiking bus, and the terrace invites for hours of sunbathing.

For summer outings, the Katzenkopfhütte is a readily accessible retreat. From the terrace, one can not only see up to the Zugspitze, but also watch the bikers on the trails. The Katzenkopfhütte is quickly reachable on foot and by train. The same goes for the Sonnenalm on the Gschwandtkopf. Here, one loves to stay for the entire day in a sun chair, ideally from second breakfast to late afternoon coffee. At the foot of the Gschwandtkopf, with a magnificent view over Reith and the Inn Valley, the Enzianhütte welcomes guests. In autumn, the surrounding larch forests here are particularly beautiful as they change color. Families feel very comfortable at the Rosshütte: the lift is quick using the railway, and there’s a playground for the kids and a sun terrace for the parents waiting above.

A night amidst the impressive mountain landscapes, far above the valley and the stars almost within reach: an overnight stay in the hut is a special adventure. From the joyful arrival after a long ascent, through the delicious reward in the form of apple strudel, schnitzels, and more, to fun game nights with other mountain enthusiasts, one experiences so much in just a few hours that is rarely found elsewhere. Cozy snuggled up in a dormitory or a room, one already dreams of the adventure the next day. Here are the most beautiful huts for an overnight stay in the mountains:

The beautiful and historic Hallerangerhaus is located deep in the heart of the Karwendel Nature Park at 1,768 meters above sea level. The nature around the refuge is unique, but also inside the four walls, one simply feels at home – not least because of the warm-hearted and very humorous hosts.

Just a stone's throw away is the Hallerangeralm. Here, too, there is a rustic parlor, cozy rooms & mattress dormitories, truly good cuisine, and right next door the picturesque chapel, which is even used occasionally for mountain weddings. What more could one want for a romantic night in the mountains?

Speaking of romantic: Those looking for a special overnight stay amidst the mountains will find it around the Wangalm. Located directly beneath the impressive walls of the Schüsselkars, it is not only an ideal starting point for enthusiastic (alpine) climbers but also a true power place for all who value peace, relaxation, and really good food. Here, one enjoys the sunset with a wide view over the mountain world – and with a bit of luck, there will also be a sociable evening with a shot of gentian schnapps.

Particularly spectacular for a night in the mountains is the Nördlinger Hütte – but beware, one doesn't want to sleep too much here. This is not due to the uncomfortable beds, but to the truly unique location: at the Nördlinger Hütte, one experiences probably the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises in the Alps. This is almost unique and an absolute must for every mountain sleeper.