Schiestlhaus
3.1About
The Schiestlhaus stands at about 2,156 m high on the Hochschwab massif in Styria, in a saddle just below and northeast of the Hochschwab summit (2,277 m). It is the highest hut of the Österreichischer Touristenklub (ÖTK), which owns and operates it, and is named after Leopold Schiestl, an ÖTK president of the 1870s. The hut is best known as a pioneering environmental building: opened in 2005, it was the first high-alpine passive house (Passivhaus) in the Alps, using solar collectors, heat recovery, rainwater harvesting and large panoramic windows to remain largely self-sufficient. It offers about 15 beds and 44 dormitory (Matratzenlager) places, with a small winter room. The season runs from mid-May to late October. Approaches are genuine mountain undertakings of four to five hours: the standard route climbs from Seewiesen past the Voisthaler Hütte, while routes from Gasthaus Bodenbauer over the exposed, secured G'hackte or via the Trawiessattel are more demanding and require sure-footedness and a head for heights. Reservations are taken by phone only. The panoramic sun terrace and sweeping views over the Hochschwab plateau are a highlight of any visit.
Access Routes
From Seewiesen via the Voisthaler Hütte
4h
Moderate
The standard and least-exposed ascent, climbing steadily onto the Hochschwab plateau past the Voisthaler Hütte.
From Gasthaus Bodenbauer via the G'hackte
4h
Demanding
A steep, secured and exposed route onto the plateau; requires sure-footedness, and alpine equipment is advised when snow lingers in early summer.
From Bodenbauer via the Trawiessattel (Graf-Meran-Steig)
5h
Demanding
A longer alternative from Bodenbauer over the Trawiessattel, with fine views and sustained ascent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Booking is by phone only, on +43 699 10812199 — the hut does not take reservations by email or SMS. More information is at schiestlhaus.at.
The staffed season runs from mid-May to about 26 October. Outside that period only the winter room and toilets are accessible.
The standard, least-exposed route climbs from Seewiesen via the Voisthaler Hütte in around 4.5 hours — still a full mountain day rather than a short walk.
Not really. All approaches take four to five hours with significant ascent, and the routes from Bodenbauer over the G'hackte are exposed and secured. Fit, sure-footed hikers are best suited.
The hut is fully catered in season, with beds, dormitory places and a sun terrace. As a passive house it runs on solar power, heat recovery and rainwater, so guests are asked to use resources sparingly.
Location
47.6222, 15.1483
HutLists Score
3.1
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- ÖTK Hauptverein
- Season
- May – October
- Beds
- 15
- Dormitory
- 44
- Min hiking time
- 4.5h
- Nearest trailhead
- Seewiesen (via Voisthaler Hütte)
Facilities
Meals served
Flush toilets
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- +43 699 10812199
- Website
- https://schiestlhaus.at
Activities
Featured In
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