The Best Alpine Huts for a Mountain Experience in Tirol

The traditional Almhütte Hoanza at 1,770 metres above sea level welcomes its guests with spectacular views of lush alpine meadows and the highest mountains in the Eastern Alps. Located on the edge of the Hohe Tauern National Park, it is is divided into two parts and offers 60m² of living space sleeping up to six guests. The equipment and furnishings are simple but comfortable. Right next door is the Almhaus, where guests can (if they so wish) have lunch and dinner. There is also the opportunity to purchase excellent local produce. The hut can be reached on foot or using a private cable car.

Located in the idyllic Stillupptal Valley, between the Main Alpine Ridge and the Stillupp reservoir, lies the Ferienhaus Stillupp at 1,200 metres above sea level. It offers fine views of the Stillupkees glacier, several rushing waterfalls and the mighty 3,000-metre peaks of the Zillertal Alps. Inside, holidaymakers will find everything they need for an enjoyable stay, including a fully equipped kitchen and beds for five people. There is also the option of having breakfast or half-board next door in the Gasthaus Stillupperhaus. The Ferienhaus Stillupp can be reached by car.

Not far from the busy Inn Valley, hidden away in the Tux Alps, lies the Grafenser Sennerhütte (1,750 metres) in a quiet area popular with walkers and hikers. The views of the Hirzer and Hippold mountains at the end of the valley are spectacular. The hut, which offers 45m² of living space and sleeps up to six people, was re-opened in 2016 following extensive renovation work. The two floors have separate entrances. Nearby there is a farm and a dairy where children can visit the animals and see how cheese, butter, etc. is made. The Weidener Hütte is just 45 minutes on foot and serves excellent local food.

Perched at 1,357 metres above sea level, the Mucheler Kaser is a traditional hut in the remote Valsertal Valley with fine views of the Main Alpine Ridge. Just five kilometres further out of the valley is the idyllic village of Vals popular with hikers and mountaineers. The hut itself is 70m² in size and sleeps up to six people. The highlight is the cosy snug with its old wooden beams, tiled stove and cosy sitting area. Electricity is generated by solar panels, while warm water comes from a gas-fired water heater (in summer). The "Jausenstation Touristenrast" snack station is just a short walk away and serves food and drink.

Twenty cows grazing around the hut, rolling green hills giving way to the craggy peaks of the Kasier Mountains, a sunny terrace with dechckairs and a BBQ area. The Dagnalm at 954 metres above sea level is located in the beautiful Kaiserwinkl region, just 15 minutes from the German border. Its living area spread over 80m² sleeps up to eight people. Highlights include a traditional tiled stove, a large and fully equipped kitchen, two bathrooms and even a sizzling sauna. The Wildpark Wildbichl animal park, an attraction popular with families, is just a 35-minute walk away.

Oberstaller Alm is home to a listed alpine village with 18 rustic alpine lodges that can be rented as holiday homes. The focus here is not on unnecessary luxuries, but the principles of tradition and authenticity. Fabulous hikes begin here, or guests can simply come to the village to relax. The chapel is a special highlight, one that attracts not only religious visitors and is a rarity in the mountains of Tirol.

Towering high above the village of Nauders, the 400-year-old Stableshof offers fine views of the Reschenpass area connecting Austria and Italy as well as over the border into the Swiss Engadin. Its altitude of 1,810 metres above sea level makes it one of Austria's highest mountain farms. The decor inside is traditional: wood-panelled rooms, a wood-burning oven and simple but rustic furniture. The Stableshof is a good starting point for hikes in summer. Those keen to experience life on the farm are also welcome to help farmer Josef Plangger with the annual hay harvest.

What a view! Perched at the top of a 750-metre-high rock face, the Armelen-Hütte in the Ötztal Valley resembles an eagle's nest overlooking the valley floor. Here, at 1,747 metres above sea level, visitors can enjoy a fabulous panorama of not only the southern Ötztal Valley but also the Inn Valley and the Mieming Mountains. The owners live in the hut themselves from late May until late September. During this time they offer accommodation in five simple but stylish rooms, including meals.

The wood-burning stove is the heart of the Luggenalm, a cosy wooden hut in the Dolomites far from civilisation. Despite only being 45 square metres in size, it is big enough to sleep four people. Indeed, it is this small and basic nature which gives the hut its charm. Guests have everything they need: two bedrooms, a BBQ spot, warm water and solar panels to generate electricity. The highlight is the view of the Lienz Dolomites from up here at 1,700 metres above sea level. There are few holiday homes quite this remote and far from the madding crowd in the valley below.

Almost a century old, the rustic Neurauth Hütte is nestled solitarily on a sunny south-facing slope of Neurauth-Alm in Zillertal at 1,700 metres above sea level. Those lucky enough to spend their holidays here can savour the natural landscapes and get right away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The panoramic view of the Zillertal Valley is a unique experience in itself. In addition to a welcoming farmer’s lounge, the lodge is equipped with a modern kitchen, bathroom with family shower and two bedrooms. Both furnishings and amenities are rustic, as befits an alpine lodge. Heating is provided by an easy-to-use wood burner. House guests can barbeque on the spacious sun terrace in summer.

The recently refurbished Kohler Hütte is a quaint and rustic self-contained cabin in an awesome location, with direct access to Zillertal Valley’s longest top-to-bottom ski run with snowmaking. The hut affords stunning views of the foothills of the Zillertal Alps. It is easily accessible by car all through the year. The secluded mountain setting ensures your peace and privacy. This hut is ideal for a families and groups, sleeping up to eight people in full comfort. The Kohleralmhof on-mountain restaurant is within 100 metres of the hut and can be used for breakfast and dinner. Lively après-ski bars are within easy reach on skis. Plan on bringing your pet? The Köhler Hütte is a specially designated pet-friendly accommodation.

The Gföll-Hütt'n in the Brixental Valley has been used as a farmhouse since the 18th century. The current owners have now decided to transform it into a holiday home, maintaining all the rustic charm which makes it so special. Here, high on a sunny plateau at over 1,000 metres above sea level, visitors will enjoy fabulous views of the valley far below. The 100m² building is spread over two floors and has three bedrooms sleeping up to six people. In true farming tradition, the interior is basic and minimalistic.

Kelchsau is a beautiful, unspoilt valley that branches away from the Brixental Valley – nestled in the midst of the popular Kitzbühel Alps, yet far enough away from the large ski areas and noisy main roads for those visiting to be able to enjoy the alpine tranquility. The Ursteinhütte for two to eight persons blends perfectly into this wonderful valley. Completely refurbished in the autumn of 2016, it stylishly combines an original exterior with brand new furnishings and fittings. A kitchen with modern facilities, two bathrooms and two separate WCs lend just as much to the contemporary ambience as the geothermal underfloor heating, beautiful wood-burning stove and exposed rafters with an upstairs open gallery, all spread over 130m². Impressive views of the surrounding mountains await on the south-facing terrace. Here, hikers and ski tourers can start their adventures right from the front door.

Rocky-Docky is a newly refurbished, 300-year-old farmhouse in a peaceful and serene setting, 1,600 metres above sea level. Surrounded by lush and verdant meadows, the village centre of Galtür is about 200 metres away. Rocky-Docky is a self-contained home with eight bedrooms across three floors, sleeping up to 25 people. All rooms are wood-panelled and furnished in traditional Tirolean style. The wonderful stone pine parlour with tiled stove evokes holidays from a century ago. There is free parking for guests and the ski shuttle bus stop is within easy walking distance. The ski resort of Galtür is only two kilometres from Rocky-Docky.

For a holiday very much away from it all, escape to this snug mountain cabin set at the heart of the “Juwel” ski resort at an elevation of 1,800 metres. In the winter, the Schatzberghütte hut is only accessible on skis; during the warmer months it is accessible by car as well. It is very family friendly and offers fine children's facilities. Feast on the sights and sounds of nature by exploring the many walking tracks. The unit is fully furnished in modern Tirolean country-house style with warmth and comfort in mind. Designed to give you privacy inside and outside plus the added bonus of amazing views, it has everything you would expect from a modern hut including underfloor heating, wireless internet and a flatscreen television.

What a view! The Obere Regalm (1,315 metres) offers a spectacular panorama of not only the eastern peaks of the Wilder Kaiser Mountains – the Ackerlspitze and the Maukspitze to be precise – but also the Großvenediger, one of Austria's highest mountains. Built in 2008 in traditional Tirolean style, it has 95 m² of living space and offers everything you could wish for on holiday including solar panels to generate electricity and a fully equipped kitchen. On Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays the hut is open to hikers for food and drink. Guests staying at the hut can also enjoy a mountain breakfast every Wednesday.

This alpine accommodation in the village of Jochberg near Kitzbühel has a mixture of modern and traditional elements. Popular in both summer and winter, it is based in an old farmhouse dating from 1871 and sleeps up to 13 guests. The interior has been renovated in a light, airy and modern style with plenty of natural wood while at the same time maintaining traditional features such as a wood-burning stove in the kitchen and handmade wooden chests. There is a children's play area in front of the building. During the winter months the accommodation is just one kilometre from the lifts giving access to the Kitzbühel ski resort.

This pretty mountain hut is located a forest opening above Schwendt. Sleeping 2-6 people in a dormitory-style room in the loft, it has plenty of original features such as a wood-burning oven in the kitchen. In the summer months you will be able to hear the cows grazing outside on the pastures, while in winter the snow-covered meadows and forests provide an idyllic setting. On warm days, children will enjoy splashing around in the small paddling pool in front of the hut.

Plenty of space, fabulous views and total peace and quiet is what awaits guests at this accommodation high above the village of Jochberg in the Kitzbühel Alps. Here at 1,360 metres above sea level, close to the middle station of the Wagstättbahn cable car, this traditional hut sleeps up to six people and has a beautiful interior with lots of natural wood. Activities include walks to nearby destinations such as the Bruggeralm hut. In the evenings there is nothing better than gathering around the traditional wood-burning stove for a game of cards. The accommodation has its own freshwater spring bubbling with naturally filtered drinking water and even a small natural swimming pool.

Hidden away in a quiet location near Rettenschöss in the Kaiserwinkl Mountains, the Gabnalm is a traditional hut with plenty of authentic charm and room for all the family. It has four bedrooms, a cosy wood-panelled living area with a wood-burning stove, and a kitchen with a wood-burning oven. The Gabnalm can accommodate up to 26 guests in summer and 15 guests in winter. Facilities at the hut include fully equipped bathrooms with showers. On hot days we recommend a hike in the mountains followed by a refreshing dip in the waters of the Walchsee lake and a BBQ back up at the hut with spectacular mountain views.

Perched in the mountains between the villages of Hopfgarten and Kelchsau, in the heart of the Kitzbühel Alps, the Almhütte Kohlenau reopened in 2016 following extensive renovation work. The kitchen has a traditional wood-burning stove, while the bathroom has everything you could wish for. Two bedrooms with double beds and one with bunkbeds sleep between four and six guests, making this hut ideal for families.

Hidden away in the middle of a forest, the Waldhütte in Hochpillberg near the town of Schwaz is a charming hut with cosy rooms and an eye-catching bath made of wood. The kitchen and other fittings are modern (including electric stove and heating). Hikers can explore nearby mountains such as the Gilfert, Kellerjoch, Arbeser and Gamsstein either on foot or by mountain bike.

With lots of dark wood and a mighty balcony on the first floor, this classic alpine hut in the Wildschönau region is am impressive sight. It houses two separate apartments (one on the ground floor, one on the first floor) sleeping up to four guests. Heating is provided by a fuel-burning oven fired by either wood or pellets. The Zauberhütte (literally: Magic Hut) takes its name from an small side valley known as the Zauberwinkel. There is a hut serving food and drink nearby. Activities in the mountains include hiking, biking, etc.

 

Großmutters Haus (literally: Grandmother's House) is an over 300-year-old famrhouse in Westendorf with four bedrooms sleeping up to 12 people. On the lower floor there is a cosy panelled room with a wood-burning heater as well as a kitchen with mod-cons such as a dishwasher and washing machine. The bedrooms are heated using wood, while the kitchen has its own electric cooker. A stylish and rustic location with plenty of space and lots of charm.

A wood-burning stove, rustic interior design, spectacular mountain views and fabulous setting in the Villgratental Valley make the Almhütte Jenewein the perfect choice for holidaymakers keen to get away from it all. It is located near the Unterstalleralm, a charming mountain hut at the end of the valley serving food and drink. The Almhütte Jenewein itself has a bathroom with a wooden bathtub, a separate toilet, three bedrooms and a kitchen/living area.  The hut sleeps up to six people and is surrounded by meadowland where the local cows gently graze.

Located in a forest clearing at 1,000 metres above sea level, the Talsenalm in Waidring is a well-kept secret. This pretty wooden hut has been maintained in its original condition for over 100 years and has recently been equipped with electricity generated by solar panels. It has four bedrooms sleeping a total of up to ten guests, plus two bathrooms, a large kitchen/living area and a wood-burning stove. It is an excellent location for large families and groups. The views of the Loferer Rocky Mountains and the Chiemgau Alps over the border in Germany are spectacular.

This mighty 100-square-metre hut stands high and mighty like an eagle's nest at the Hitscheralm high above the Walchsee lake in the Kaiserwinkl region of Tirol. The views from the terrace overlooking the Kaiser Mountains are truly wonderful. Two bedrooms and a dormitory in the loft sleep up to ten people. Highlights include a private bar, a huge sofa, a wood-burning oven and a self-catering kitchen with all mod-cons. An electric fence protects the hut and the adjacent parking space from roaming cattle. There is also a small playground nearby.

The dark wooden beams in this small hut point to a long and eventful history. Perched at 1,220 metres on the Hochschwendberg in the Zillertal Valley, it is just 45 square metres in size but has everything you need to house up to four people. A wood-burning oven provides plenty of heat on cold days, while the kitchen has all the basics. On sunny days there is a bench out front where you can soak up the rays as you watch deer feeding nearby.

Old wooden beams next to a state-of-the-art kitchen – this 40m² hut located at the Aufinger Alm in Rettenschöss in the Kaiserwinkl area of Tirol is very much a harmony of contrasts. It sleeps up to four people and has a cosy tiled wood-burning stove for plenty of warmth even on the coldest of nights. The views of the Walchsee lake and the Zahmer Kaiser Mountains are fabulous. The nearest mountain summit is just 30 minutes on foot, so remember to pack your hiking boots.

There are few places more traditionally Tirolean than this. Measuring just 35 square metres, this hut is located high in the Zillertal Valley at 1,715 metres above sea level. It is the perfect place to get away from the stress of everyday life. Electricity and a wood-burning stove make things cosy, but hot water is only available from the solar-powered shower and drinking water must be collected from in front of the building. All in all a basic but beautiful place for up to four people with plenty of blueberries and blackberries growing on the bushes near the hut and good walking in the area, including to the top of the Kreuzjoch mountain (2,336 metres).

This mountain hut in the Wildschänau region of Tirol is decorated with great attention to detail. It is perched at 1,100 metres above sea level, just below the Sonnberger Jöchl ridge. The hut comprises three rooms covering a total of 65 square metres and sleeps up to eight people. Outside await fabulous views of the valley, while inside you will find colourful window frames, hand-painted wooden furniture, a traditional wood-burning stove and old beams. Hot water is provided by an electric boiler. There is a bathtub with a shower. Last but not least, out front you will find a terrace with plenty of deckchairs to lie back and relax in.