Hintere Scharnitz-Alm

Hintere Scharnitz-Alm sits at 1,420m in the Karwendel range near Scharnitz in Tyrol. The hut is reached from the village of Scharnitz via the Engtal gorge—allow 2.5 to 3 hours for the 7km walk-in. The final section climbs steeply through the gorge before opening into the Scharnitz valley proper. Summer access is straightforward; winter approach requires avalanche assessment and may be impassable. This is genuine backcountry terrain, not a day-trip destination.
The DAV-managed hut sleeps 14 across simple dormitory rooms. A small kitchen provides hot meals; bring your own groceries or pre-order dinners and breakfasts. Water comes from a spring. The hut operates year-round but is staffed reliably only from June through September. Outside these months, expect a self-service setup with limited facilities. Heating is basic. This is a working alpine pasture hut, not a hotel—expect minimal luxury and weather-resistant walls.
Book directly through DAV Sektion Turner-Alpen-Kränzchen for July and August weekends. Contact the section office or check their website for current opening dates and keyholder information if visiting outside peak season. Spring and autumn visits are feasible but confirm availability first. The hut serves as a base for Karwendel ridge routes and climbs into the surrounding limestone peaks.