Austria’s Hike-In Huts: An Alpine Wellness Adventure
On the hike to our Austrian Alpine hut Photo: Kirsten Harrington
Posted January 10, 2025
As we rounded the final curve to the Hallerangerhaus, the Austrian flag came into view. After 12 miles of hiking, with some calf-burning steep sections, the high mountain lodge in the Karwendel mountains was a welcome sight.
I’m not much of a cruise person, and I get restless after too long at the beach. My way of unwinding from the stress of daily life is to push myself into action. Trekking to one of Austria’s high mountain huts was an adventure that strengthened my body and spirit.
Leaving My Cares Behind
The final approach to Hallerangerhaus, one of Austria’s backcountry huts Photo: Kirsten Harrington
The alpine hut was the second stop on our multi-day hiking trip from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, to Innsbruck, Austria, and the one I looked forward to the most. Walking between villages was easy. I want to go up the mountain. Setting off with my husband and a friend, we climbed up 2,600 feet to reach the wilderness lodge.
Carrying a daypack for four days meant traveling light: one change of clothes, water, and a few snacks. A limited wardrobe and no makeup made getting ready easy. I left my laptop and iPad behind in a locked suitcase, along with my deadlines, bills, and emails. Even with 15 pounds on my shoulders, I felt light and free. My confidence grew from knowing I could be happy with less.
Spiritual Wellness
Small Chapel near the hut Photo: Kirsten Harrington
Small ornate chapels dot the remote landscape in Austria, offering locals and travelers a quiet place to reflect. I didn’t think my feet would carry me another step once we arrived at the hut, but I was intrigued by the tiny church that sat just on the rise of the next hill.
After a few more steps, I found myself alone in a miniature house of worship, a simple stone and wood structure. I glanced out the stained-glass windows, taking in the views of the surrounding mountains and feeling peace wash over me.
You don’t have to step into a church to discover serenity in the Alps. The six-hour walk to the hut from the trailhead was a tranquil trek along the Isar River, with only the sound of the rushing glacier melt breaking the silence. Our early start meant we were the only ones on the trail. I was lost in my own thoughts, watching the mountains play hide-and-seek through the mist.
Meals in the Mountains
The thought of a cold beer and warm meal propelled me the final sharp incline to the hut. Expecting simple camp cooking, I was surprised with the four-course spread. We feasted on split pea soup, a salad with fresh vegetables, and a choice of spinach dumplings with cheese sauce or chicken and rice. Just when I thought I would burst, a dense cheesecake arrived for dessert.
Breakfast was simple: bread with cheese and meat and yogurt with muesli. A few homemade berry jams were a nice touch. The coffee provided just what I needed to start the day: hot, strong, and plentiful.
Unplug and Connect
Our semi private room was simple but cozy Photo: Kirsten Harrington
Most Austrian alpine huts don’t have Wi-fi, and cell service is spotty at best. A few days without posting, texting, liking, and smiling for selfies felt like a relief. Being untethered from technology allowed me to soak up the spectacular scenery and just be present.
I watched the colors change in the sky, played cards, and browsed the hut’s supply of books and games. I chatted with fellow New York and the Netherlands hikers, sharing travel stories. There is a spirit of camaraderie in the huts that comes from the shared journey that doesn’t exist in city hotels.
Hitting the Spa
For a true Austrian wellness experience, combine your alpine hut trip with a stay at a spa hotel. Many hotels throughout the region have saunas, steam rooms, or even swimming pools. You can also plan a layover day between hiking days to rest and rejuvenate at a spa hotel before continuing.
Some studies show that sauna bathing improves circulation, boosts the immune system, and purifies the skin. I know that my whole body thanked me when I traded my hiking boots and rain gear for a fluffy robe and slippers and hit the sauna at our hotel on the last day of our trip. My muscles relaxed as I alternated between the sauna, steam room, and cool shower. I closed my eyes in the relaxation lounge and savored the memories of my time on the trail. It was the perfect re-entry from the wilderness to city life in Innsbruck, our final stop.
All You Need to Know
The state of Tirol (also spelled Tyrol) in western Austria has over 24,000 kilometers of well-marked trails, from short strolls through the meadow to multi-day peak bagging excursions. One of the best ways to embrace this healthy Austrian lifestyle is with an overnight stay in one of 170 mountain huts. Lodges house from 20 to 200 guests in dormitory-like or semi-private rooms and communal washrooms.
You’ll need sturdy hiking shoes and a daypack large enough to carry extra clothes, snacks, water, toiletries, a towel, and a sleeping bag liner (the hut provides a pillow and blanket). Trekking poles and sandals for wearing in the hut are handy.
Visit Tyrol.com for a list and description of the huts, along with a link to the reservation portal, which opens in February for summer 2025. It’s never too early to start planning your next alpine wellness adventure!