Schiestlhaus
Michael Schmid / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0

Schiestlhaus

3.1
2,156m Styria, Austria Write a review
Demanding

About

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
Directions OpenStreetMap

Plan your visit

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Don't forget to book

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.

We can't watch this hut's availability — it books direct. Give us your arrival date and we'll email you when it's time to get in touch, with the hut's phone and email.

Independent of the hut and its alpine club. We never book or hold beds — the reminder just tells you when to get in touch, with the hut's own contact details.

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

Hiking Mountaineering Ski Touring

Featured In

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