Hirnbodenhütte
3.2
Salzburg, Austria
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About
The Hirnbodenhütte sits at 2,105m in the Loferer and Leoganger Limestone Alps, south of the village of Lofer in Salzburg. Reach it from Lofer village (590m) via the Loferbach valley; the hike takes 3.5–4 hours through forest and alpine meadow. Alternatively, approach from Saalfelden via the St. Martin valley in 4–5 hours. The hut works as a base for ridge walks across the limestone plateaus and scrambling routes to peaks like Große Mühlstuhl (2,079m) and Hochkeil (2,116m). The terrain here is rougher than the Bavarian limestone Alps to the north; expect loose rock and cairn-marked routes.
The hut is managed by the Austrian Alpine Club (OeAV) and holds 20 beds in simple dormitory rooms. Meals are available for hikers; bring cash for payment. The hut operates from mid-May through September, closing during winter and early spring when snow makes access problematic. Water comes from a spring. This is a working mountain hut without showers; facilities are basic but adequate for a multi-day Alpine crossing.
Book ahead during July and August. Contact the OeAV directly or call ahead through Lofer tourist information. The hut fills on weekends and during school holidays; June and September are quieter. The valley approach makes this hut suitable for hikers of moderate fitness but not beginners—scrambling sections require sure-footed movement.
The hut is managed by the Austrian Alpine Club (OeAV) and holds 20 beds in simple dormitory rooms. Meals are available for hikers; bring cash for payment. The hut operates from mid-May through September, closing during winter and early spring when snow makes access problematic. Water comes from a spring. This is a working mountain hut without showers; facilities are basic but adequate for a multi-day Alpine crossing.
Book ahead during July and August. Contact the OeAV directly or call ahead through Lofer tourist information. The hut fills on weekends and during school holidays; June and September are quieter. The valley approach makes this hut suitable for hikers of moderate fitness but not beginners—scrambling sections require sure-footed movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 2–3 months ahead for July and August; shoulder seasons (June, September) need 4–6 weeks' notice.
The hut is staffed from late May to late October, depending on snow and weather conditions.
Hike from Lofer village (3.5–4 hours via Loferbach valley) or from Saalfelden (4–5 hours via St. Martin valley); both routes start at around 590m elevation gain to 2,105m.
Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) is standard; the hut has basic dorm beds and shared bathrooms with cold water—no showers.
Yes, for families with older children (10+) comfortable on steep paths; the 3.5–4 hour approach and limestone scrambling demand decent fitness and head for heights.
Location
46.9431, 13.9959
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3.2
Overall
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Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- OeAV
- Season
- Jul-Aug
- Total
- 20
Facilities
Meals served
Activities
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