Walcheralm

Walcheralm sits at 1,560m in the Tennengebirge massif, 50km southeast of Salzburg. Reach it from Annaberg-Lungötz via the Schärding valley trail—a 2-hour push with 600m elevation gain. The hut is also accessible from Abtenau in 3 hours. Most hikers use it as a basecamp for day trips into the surrounding limestone ridges and to Hochkönig (2,941m), or as a stopping point on the Tennengebirge traverse. The final approach crosses high alpine meadows with views across the Salzburg basin.
Walcheralm is run by the OeAV (Österreichischer Alpenverein) and sleeps around 50 people in simple dormitory and double rooms. The hut serves dinner and breakfast daily; packed lunches are available. Self-catering is not permitted. Water comes from a mountain spring. There is no shower. The season runs from late May through mid-October, depending on snow. Winter access is only possible to ski tourers with overnight permission. The hut has reliable mobile signal.
Book 8 weeks ahead for July and August weekends. Contact the hut directly by phone: +43 6468 8237. The OeAV website (www.alpenverein.at) lists availability. Payment is cash only on arrival; credit cards are not accepted. The hut closes during spring storms and heavy autumn snow—confirm status before making the drive.