Hut tours for a (long) weekend

A hut-to-hut trek combines several Day Hikes into an immersive mountain experience. Instead of returning to the valley every evening, you spend the night in Mountain huts in the heart of the Tirol Alps and experience the mountain world from sunrise to sunset. Each stage takes you through varied landscapes – from alpine meadows and mountain lakes to passes offering spectacular views. The focus is therefore not just on reaching a summit, but on an immersive experience of nature over several days. Alongside the experience of nature, mountain lodge/hut culture is also one of the highlights of a hut-to-hut hike. Many mountain lodges/huts have been run by the same families for generations and offer a warm atmosphere, simple accommodation and traditional Tyrolean cuisine. Those who hike from Mountain Lodge to Mountain Lodge experience the mountains at a more leisurely pace and discover new views and landscapes every day – an experience that goes far beyond a Classic day hike.

Yes, if you’re planning a mountain hut tour in Tirol, it’s essential to book your accommodation at the Mountain Huts in advance. Many Mountain Huts fill up quickly, particularly during the summer months, at weekends and during the school holidays. Without a booking, you may find that there are no beds left. A booking not only helps with planning but also makes it easier for Mountain Lodge/Hut owners to organise accommodation and meals. If plans change, bookings should be cancelled in good time or the Mountain Lodge/Hut should be informed so that the places can be reallocated and staff are not left waiting in vain for your arrival. It is best to plan your route well in advance and book each Mountain Lodge/Hut along the route directly with the respective operator. Many Mountain Lodges/Huts offer online booking via their website or through the booking system of the alpine clubs.

Good preparation is essential for a hut-to-hut hike in Tirol, as you’ll be carrying all your luggage in your rucksack for several days. Your kit should therefore be practical, weatherproof and as light as possible. Essential kit includes well-broken-in walking boots with a sturdy tread, weatherproof clothing in a layered ‘onion’ style, a warm layer for cool evenings, and protection against rain and sun.

Your rucksack should also contain plenty of drinking water, a water bottle or hydration system, small snacks for the trail, a first-aid kit, blister plasters, sun cream, a head torch, a mobile phone with a charger or power bank, and a hiking map or GPS device. For an overnight stay in a Mountain Lodge/Hut, you’ll usually need a hut sleeping bag, a small towel and personal toiletries. Depending on the Lodge/Hut, it may also be a good idea to bring your own pillowcase. If you’re heading to higher altitudes, you should also pack gloves and a hat – even in summer, temperatures on the mountain can drop significantly. Depending on the difficulty and the time of year, additional equipment such as crampons or via ferrata gear may be required. Click here for our packing list for a hut hike. 

Good planning is crucial for a successful hut-to-hut trek. Before setting off, you should check the route, Hiking Times, Altitude and the Level of Difficulty for each stage. Current weather conditions, alpine conditions and the opening times of the Mountain Huts are also important factors, as many Mountain Huts are only open during the summer season.

Accommodation at the Mountain Lodges/Huts should be booked well in advance – particularly during the Peak Season and at weekends. Depending on the Mountain Lodge/Hut, various types of accommodation are available, such as dormitories, shared rooms or private rooms. Non-members can also stay at Alpinist Association Mountain Lodges/Huts, but members often benefit from discounted rates.

Mountain Lodges/Huts have their own rules: a Mountain Lodge/Hut sleeping bag is compulsory, electricity is often limited, and Wi-Fi or mobile phone reception is not available everywhere. As card payments are not accepted at many Mountain Lodges/Huts, you should carry sufficient cash.

Serviced Alpine Huts usually offer breakfast and hot meals, but for the stages of the route you’ll be covering, it’s still advisable to take a small snack and plenty of drinking water. At Self Catering Mountain Lodges, you’ll need to bring your own food and cooking equipment.

In addition, you should allow for plenty of extra time. A hut-to-hut hike takes you into alpine terrain – even easy paths can become more challenging due to sudden changes in the weather, wet conditions or changing terrain.

Yes. In Tirol, you’ll find several hut-to-hut walks that are suitable for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness and some basic mountain experience. These walks follow well-marked paths, have shorter stages and do not require any climbing skills. Here are a few suggestions:

• WaiWi – from Waidring to the Wildseeloder in the Kitzbühel Alps
• 3-day family tour in the Alpbachtal
• 2-day tour on the Zahmer Kaiser near Kufstein
• Virgentaler Sonnseitenweg in East Tyrol

The best time for a hut-to-hut hike in Tirol is generally between mid-June and the end of September. During these months, most Mountain huts are open, the trails at higher altitudes are free of snow, and conditions are usually at their best for multi-day hikes. However, the hiking season can vary depending on altitude, route and weather conditions.

Early summer offers flowering alpine meadows and even quieter conditions, whilst in high summer, stable spells of weather and many open Mountain Lodges/Huts create ideal conditions. In September, clear visibility, more pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds on the trails are often a draw.

Before any hut-to-hut hike, you should check the current conditions and the opening times of the individual Mountain Lodges/Huts. At higher altitudes, snowfields may still be present even in summer, and in changeable mountain weather, certain passes or paths may become more difficult to traverse at short notice. Flexible planning and suitable equipment are therefore essential at any time of year.

Yes, many hut-to-hut walks in Tirol can be reached by public transport. Numerous starting and finishing points for Multi-Day Tours are located in towns and villages that are well connected to the rail and bus networks. This means you can make your arrival more environmentally friendly and, on many Tours, avoid using your own car.

Depending on the route, you’ll usually travel by train to the nearest station and then continue into the valley by regional buses, hiking buses or seasonal shuttles. Some tours also offer the option of returning from a different Starting Point, without having to hike back to the car park at the Starting Point.