Kaltwiesen Hut

Kaltwiesen Hütte sits at 1,680m in the Sölk Valley, a quiet corner of the Niedere Tauern range in Styria. The hut is reached via the Sölktal valley road from Irdning; park near Sölk and hike 2.5 hours on marked trail 12 through beech forest and alpine meadow to the hut. The approach is straightforward with steady elevation gain and no scrambling. From Kaltwiesen you can traverse east to Preber Hütte (4 hours) or continue up-valley toward the Hochsölleck pass.
The hut is a simple, traditional Austrian mountain shelter managed by the OeAV. It sleeps around 20 people in dormitories and offers basic comfort—no private rooms. The kitchen provides hearty half-board meals (dinner and breakfast). Water comes from the spring; there's no shower. The hut has a small common room with a wood stove. Open from June to September, with variable weekend service in shoulder months—confirm before traveling off-season. Cell reception is poor.
Book directly with the hut by phone or email at least 2 weeks ahead, longer if visiting in July or August. Weekends fill quickly in summer. The hut is popular with Austrian hikers doing the Sölktal traverse but remains less crowded than higher-elevation huts. Arrive with your own sleeping bag and towel. Payment is cash only.