Riffelseehütte

Riffelseehütte sits at 2,293m on the northern shore of Riffelseee in the Zillertal, below the Zillertaler Hochgebirge. Reach it in 2.5 hours from Mayrhofen via the Ahornbahn cable car (ascending to 2,000m), then hike south through alpine meadows to the hut. The trail is well-marked and moderately graded. You can also approach from Tuxertal in 3 hours, climbing steadily through larch forest before breaking onto open slopes.

The DAV Sektion Cottbus-managed hut holds 60 beds in shared rooms. Half-board and full-board meals are available, with a typical dinner of soup, main course, and pudding. The kitchen caters to vegetarian diets with advance notice. Hot showers are available (small charge). The hut operates from late May through mid-October, with staffing dependent on bookings outside peak season—contact ahead if visiting in shoulder months. Drinking water comes from a mountain spring. No mobile signal; use the payphone or hut radio for emergencies. Riffelseehütte serves hikers targeting the Zillertal high routes and day trips around Riffelseee.

Book directly by email or phone, especially for July and August weekends when the hut fills 4–6 weeks ahead. The hut accepts credit cards and cash. Groups of eight or more should book 2 months in advance. The approach trail can be snow-covered until June; check conditions before traveling in late May. Dogs are welcome with advance notice.