Weichtalhaus

Weichtalhaus sits at 1,450m in the Weichtal valley, deep in the Sölk Alps of southern Styria. Reach it from the village of Haus im Ennstal: the walking route climbs steadily through forest for roughly 2.5 hours following the Weichtal stream. The trail is well-marked and moderate. Vehicle access via forest road is possible in summer, though the hut remains fundamentally a hiking destination. The valley closes in winter; plan visits May through October.
The hut offers 30 beds across simple rooms. Naturfreunde Österreich manages the building with a focus on accessibility rather than luxury. You get hot meals at dinner and packed lunches on request. The kitchen provides tea and coffee throughout the day. Basic facilities include running water and pit toilets—no showers. The alpine meadows surrounding the hut work well for day walks; nearby peaks include the Hochsölder (2,108m) and routes toward the Sölkpass.
Book well ahead for summer weekends and school holidays—July and August can fill 6-8 weeks prior. Contact Naturfreunde Österreich directly for reservations. The hut rarely turns people away completely, but expect to sleep dormitory-style during peak season. Confirm the current season dates when calling, as the Weichtal's winter conditions can force early closures. Arrive with cash; the hut's remote location limits electronic payment options.