Naturfreundehütte Planai
3.7About
Naturfreundehütte Planai sits at 1,641m on the Planai mountain above Schladming in the Dachstein region. Reach it from the Schladming cable car station—take the Planai Bahn gondola to the mid-station at 1,894m, then walk 20 minutes downhill on marked trails. Alternatively, hike from the Schladming town center in 2 to 2.5 hours via the Ritzing forestry road. The hut sits on the main ridge traverse between Schladming and the Dachstein massif, making it a logical stop on multi-day traverses or a base for day hikes across the Planai plateau.
The hut is managed by Naturfreunde Österreich and accommodates around 40 guests in mixed dormitory rooms. Meals are available at lunch and dinner. The kitchen serves straightforward Austrian mountain food. Water and basic toilets are on-site. Opening hours are typically mid-May through October, though check ahead for exact dates as staffing varies. The hut has no showers—this is a basic mountain facility, not a resort hut.
Book directly through Naturfreunde Österreich or contact the hut by phone in advance, especially for weekends and July-August. Summer weekends fill quickly. Mid-week and shoulder season (May-June, September-October) are quieter. Half-board (bed plus dinner and breakfast) is standard and reasonably priced. Note that the hut is a genuine working shelter for serious hikers, not a destination in itself—plan your itinerary around onward routes to the Dachstein or adjacent peaks.
The hut is managed by Naturfreunde Österreich and accommodates around 40 guests in mixed dormitory rooms. Meals are available at lunch and dinner. The kitchen serves straightforward Austrian mountain food. Water and basic toilets are on-site. Opening hours are typically mid-May through October, though check ahead for exact dates as staffing varies. The hut has no showers—this is a basic mountain facility, not a resort hut.
Book directly through Naturfreunde Österreich or contact the hut by phone in advance, especially for weekends and July-August. Summer weekends fill quickly. Mid-week and shoulder season (May-June, September-October) are quieter. Half-board (bed plus dinner and breakfast) is standard and reasonably priced. Note that the hut is a genuine working shelter for serious hikers, not a destination in itself—plan your itinerary around onward routes to the Dachstein or adjacent peaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 months ahead for July and August; weekends fill faster than weekdays.
The hut is open year-round, though staffing is heaviest from June to October.
Take the Planai Bahn gondola from Schladming to the mid-station (1,894m) and walk 20 minutes downhill, or hike from town in 2–2.5 hours via the Ritzing forestry road.
The hut serves hot meals and drinks; beds are in dorms, and there's running water and basic toilet facilities.
Yes—the gondola approach makes it accessible for families with young children, and the ridge position offers straightforward day walks.
Location
47.3753, 13.7304
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This hut takes bookings direct, so beds go to whoever asks first. Tell us your dates and we'll email you when it's time to reserve — with the hut's contact details.
HutLists Score
3.7
Overall
Facilities
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Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- Naturfreunde
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