A True Delight: Top 5 Mountain Hut Hikes for Advanced Hikers

We start in an area where the density of rustic huts is almost unmatched anywhere else in the world: the alpine pasture paradise of Gaistal. The hiking possibilities here are endless, and so are the opportunities to stop for a meal. Why is that? Anyone who has been here can answer this question. The beauty, character, and views from the huts in Gaistal are truly unique. The following route includes three of these huts and connects them with a truly beautiful hiking trail. Starting from the "Stupfer" parking lot, the path initially climbs steeply, gaining 400 meters in altitude—because a hut break should be well-earned! At the "Waldsteig" junction, you turn towards Wettersteinhütte and Wangalm. Since these two huts are quite close to each other, hikers have a tough choice to make! Both are popular destinations, offering excellent Tyrolean cuisine and breathtaking views. Once you've decided and refueled, head back to the Waldsteig junction. Here, Trail No. 9 leads you leisurely to the third hut in the trio.

The second mountain hut hike for advanced hikers takes us right through the Karwendel Nature Park. Specifically, it starts at the gateway to the Karwendel, summits two peaks along the way, and includes a break at the Oberbrunnalm. With 794 meters of elevation gain, you'll need to "climb" a bit higher than on our first tour, but the reward is just as sweet. The starting and ending point is the Nature Park Information Center in Scharnitz. From there, the route leads past the Mühlberg parking lot towards the Bärenklamm. Here, you'll encounter narrow, sometimes steep trails that demand the surefootedness of a bear! The trail winds through the pleasantly cool high forest until it reaches a forest road. Along this road, you'll pass the former mountain station of the Mühlberg lift, where today a beautiful heart-shaped viewing platform stands. Shortly after, you can celebrate a double summit victory on the Mittagskopf (where it can get quite warm at noon) and Zäunlkopf.

Ranked third on our list, this is probably the easiest tour on the list. The circular hike to the Rauthhütte has just over 400 meters of elevation gain, yet still rewards you with breathtaking views! It’s no wonder it’s one of the most popular routes among locals. The starting point is the "Munde" parking lot, from where the trail initially leads through dense forests and over picturesque alpine meadows. The path through the Katzenloch requires a bit more stamina before Trail No. 99 takes you directly to the Rauthhütte. The effort is rewarded with stunning views of the Wetterstein mountains and the surrounding valleys. At just over 1,600 meters above sea level, you'll reach the Rauthhütte, where stopping for a break is a must! Why? Since 2018, this rustic hut has been recognized annually by the gourmet guide "Gault&Milleau" as one of the best restaurants in the country. The hut delights its guests with traditional Tyrolean cuisine and often offers unique specialties, especially on weekends. The best way to enjoy these is from the cozy terrace.

The fourth "stage" of our hut tour takes us to the Pleisenhütte, another local favorite and an absolute must for view enthusiasts. From the Nature Park Information Center, you'll stroll along the Hinterautalstraße for about 2 km—plenty of time to build anticipation for the hike ahead. Then, take a left turn and begin your ascent. The trail winds gently upward in switchbacks until you reach Lablehner, a stunning meadow with views of Brunnstein and the Karwendel Valley. Here, you can take a deep breath and fully soak in the alpine atmosphere. Afterward, the trail continues in more switchbacks, climbing steadily higher. The ascent requires a bit of perseverance, but the reward is well worth it. After nearly 800 meters of elevation gain, the Pleisenhütte greets you with its sunny south-facing terrace. Here, you can kick off your hiking boots, put your feet up, and enjoy the panoramic views while indulging in a well-deserved snack. Pop a cork (or at least crack open a soda) and relish this unique experience.

The grand finale of this list is the majestic "Royal Tour", a challenging hike that truly lives up to its name. This demanding trek begins with a funicular ride on the Rosshütte cable cars up to Seefelder Joch at 2,064 meters. Here, the real adventure begins. From the mountain station, you'll cover nearly five kilometers, but be warned—this stretch is not for the faint-hearted! You'll summit the peaks of Seefelder Spitze (2,220 m) and Reither Spitze (2,373 m), which require solid footing and careful navigation. After about three hours of hiking, you'll reach the beautiful Nördlinger Hütte at 2,230 meters, where a well-deserved break awaits. The return journey takes about an hour to the mountain station of the Härmelekopf cable car, from where you can comfortably ride back down to the valley. For those who prefer to hike down, there is a roughly two-hour trail with a delightful stop at the Reitherjoch-Alm (1,500 m).