Westfalenhaus

Westfalenhaus sits at 2273m on the Wilde Gerlos ridge in the Zillertal Alps. Reach it from Gerlos village (1531m) via the Gerlospass road to the Gerlos Alm car park, then 2.5 hours on foot heading northwest over alpine meadows and through light forest. The approach is steady rather than steep. From the hut you can continue east along the ridge to the Gamswiesenspitze (2535m) in under an hour, or west toward the Habicht massif. Most hikers arrive from the Zillertal side rather than the Ötztal.
Westfalenhaus is run by the German Alpine Club (DAV) and has capacity for around 40 guests in simple dormitory rooms with 2–8 beds. The kitchen serves hot meals at lunch and dinner, plus breakfast. Showers are available. The hut stays open from late May through late September, closing outside this window. Water comes from a mountain spring. Mobile signal is unreliable. The setting is working alpine pasture with animals grazing nearby—expect occasional noise in summer.
Book direct with the hut for July and August; aim for at least 6 weeks ahead. Outside peak season (June, September) you can often find space with a few days' notice. Contact them by phone (+43 664 310 0903) or email to confirm availability and special meal requirements. Arrive with small change for any incidentals.