Q: When should I come to Austria for a hut-to-hut hike?

The hiking season usually lasts from mid-June to late September. It depends on the snow conditions in the higher sections of the Alps, as lots of hiking routes go over high mountain passes. You should check the current situation if you are visiting in early summer, especially for Stubai High Trail, as large parts of the route run above 2000 meters of elevation. The huts close their doors once the season ends as well, so you cannot plan any multi-day tours outside this time window . You can read more about the hiking season in Austria here.

Question 1

When should I come to Austria for a hut-to-hut hike?

Accepted Answer

The hiking season usually lasts from mid-June to late September. It depends on the snow conditions in the higher sections of the Alps, as lots of hiking routes go over high mountain passes. You should check the current situation if you are visiting in early summer, especially for Stubai High Trail, as large parts of the route run above 2000 meters of elevation.

The huts close their doors once the season ends as well, so you cannot plan any multi-day tours outside this time window.

You can read more about the hiking season in Austria here.

Question 2

What do fitness and technical difficulty mean?

Accepted Answer

We've rated our tours on a difficulty scale from 1 to 5 — with 1 being the easiest and 5 the most difficult.

The difficulty level of a tour tells you how fit you need to be and how much hiking is involved. Most of our tours are appropriate for people who are regularly active and can hike for about five to seven hours per day.

Technical difficulty means how skilled you need to be to hike on the path. Level 1 means the trail is smooth and wide (like a gravel road), while 5 means the surface is uneven and exposed, and you have to use your hands to help yourself move forward. In practice, that means that the higher the level, the more surefooted and skilled in scrambling you need to be.

Question 3

Should I book the tour in advance?

Accepted Answer

You should book your tour as soon as possible, as many accommodations along the trail fill up quickly. That way, you can ensure that you have a place to stay.

Question 4

What if I can’t continue the tour?

Accepted Answer

In case of an injury, it is best to call the local emergency services. You might find yourself in the wilderness, unable to continue without worsening your situation.

Do not worry too much, though. You will be hiking along popular trails, so you will not get stranded even if something happens.

On the other hand, if you feel too tired to continue hiking, you can always stop in any of the towns and villages along the way and use public transport to get to where you want to be in Austria.

Question 5

Are there showers in the mountain huts?

Accepted Answer

Most huts along our hut-to-hut hikes are equipped with showers, but they might be a matter of whether there has been any rainfall lately. Do not expect too much, as mountain huts are not luxurious hotels.

Read more about the mountain huts here.

Question 6

Do I need a sleeping bag?

Accepted Answer

No. The huts provide blankets and pillows for comfort. However, you should bring your sleeping liner so they will not have to wash their bed linen every day.

Question 7

How good is the cell reception in the mountains? Is there wi-fi in the huts?

Accepted Answer

Cell reception is unreliable in the mountains. If you can see a town, you will likely have a reception. The same goes for mountain huts. If you cannot get it inside, try stepping outside. Wifi is available only at select lodges; most do not have it.

Question 8

What if the weather is bad?

Accepted Answer

If you dress appropriately, most stages can be done even in light rain. However, if a storm is forecasted, do not hike. In that case, you should wait until the storm passes, even if that means spending a day at the hut.

Question 9

Are there food options for vegetarians and vegans?

Accepted Answer

If you'd like to eat a vegetarian meal, it's usually available at most accommodations. Vegan options are harder to find in huts, but we'll let you know about them in advance so you can plan accordingly.

Question 10

Do I need insurance?

Accepted Answer

We do not demand that you have insurance before booking, but it is advisable to do. Joining the Austrian Alpine Club gets you covered in case anything unexpected happens to you on your way.

Question 11

What kind of accommodation do the mountain huts provide?

Accepted Answer

Mountain huts are not luxurious, but they are cozy and comfortable. You will not lack a warm bed, delicious meals, and toilets. They offer private rooms and dormitories, so you should be prepared to book enough time in advance if you do not want to share a room with other people.

Read more about the Austrian mountain huts.

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