Riffelseehütte

Daytrip destination and base for mountaineering challenges
German Alpine Club, Frankfurt am Main Division

A mountain refuge hut in a fabulous location, the Riffelseehütte can be found in the Pitztaler-Kaunertaler Glacier Park above Rifflsee lake. This impressive mountain lake at 2,232 metres above sea level is often referred to as Austria’s highest mountain lake. It is a cold, moraine reservoir, in other words not suitable for swimmers, although char certainly thrives in it. Daytrippers are made to feel very comfortable at the Riffelseehütte in both summer and winter. It is only a 15-minute walk uphill from Rifflsee lake to this great place to stop. Children love it here too: the area is used for grazing sheep and horses in summer, and you may even catch a glimpse of some marmots if you keep your eyes peeled. The views are magnificent and extend primarily over the tributary Taschachtal Valley.

How to get to the Riffelseehütte

From Mandarfen in the Pitztal Valley with the Rifflseebahn cable car, past Rifflsee lake and on to the hut. You can also easily walk to the lake and hut from Mandarfen through the Hirschtal Valley, (2.5 hours); there are also other variants for an ascent from the Pitztal Valley.

Walks and hikes in the area (walking time to summit)

Seekogel (3,358 metres), 4.5 hours, difficult (rock climbing sections rated up to III)
Löcherkogel (3,326 metres), 4.5 hours, difficult
Rostizkogel (3,392 metres), 4 hours, difficult (glacier equipment required)
Wurmtaler Kopf (3,228 metres), 4.5 hours, difficult (glacier equipment required)
Walk around Rifflsee lake, 45 minutes, intermediate

Further huts in the area, long-distance hiking trails

Kaunergrathütte, 3.5 hours
Taschachhaus, 3.5 hours
Braunschweiger Hütte, 6 hours

The Riffelseehütte hut is located on the Verpeilrunde and the Pitztaler Runde, Via the Braunschweiger Hütte it is possible to access the Ötztal Trek (Stage 18).