Shelter Rettenstein

Schutzhütte Rettenstein sits at 1,845m on the Rettenstein massif in the Alpbach Valley near Kramsach. The hut lies on the main ridge walk between Alpbach and the Wildschönau. Most hikers approach from Alpbach village: take the trail via Alpbach Alm (roughly 2.5 hours) or from the Wildschönau side via Niederau (around 3 hours). The hut serves as a natural break point on multi-day ridge traversals across the northern Limestone Alps.
The shelter is a basic mountain hut with around 20 beds across simple dormitory rooms. Meals are available, including breakfast and packed lunches for onward days. Water and toilets are on-site. The hut opens year-round but is most reliably staffed from May through October; winter visits require advance notice. Expect solid Austrian mountain hospitality rather than luxury—the focus here is on function and location. The surrounding ridgeline offers moderate scrambling and hiking suitable for fit walkers comfortable on exposed terrain.
Book directly with the hut for July and August stays, especially weekends. Contact ahead for winter visits or group bookings. The hut is popular with ridge walkers but sees fewer crowds than valley-based huts, making it a sensible choice if you're planning a quieter Alpine crossing in high season.