Alpe Schneidberg

Alpe Schneidberg sits at 1,457m on the northern slopes of the Appenzell Alps, in the Bregenzerwald region of Vorarlberg. The hut is accessible via a 2.5-hour hike from the village of Bezau. From the Bezau cable car station (1,394m), head east along marked trails through beech forest and alpine pasture. The route follows the Gerentalpe trail, gaining 250m steadily but without steep sections. The hut works well as a staging point for ridge walks toward Säntis or as a base for exploring the Gerentalpe circuit.
Alpe Schneidberg operates as a simple working alp with basic accommodation. The hut sleeps around 20 people in dormitories and a few private rooms. Meals focus on regional cooking—expect hearty soups, Vorarlberg cheese specialities like Älplermacaroni, and mountain fare. The hut opens year-round but October through May sees reduced staffing, so confirm availability before visiting. Water comes from mountain springs. There are no showers; washing is basic but adequate. Mobile signal is reliable here.
Book directly by phone well ahead for weekends and school holidays. July and August need 4–6 weeks' notice. Weekday visits outside school holidays can often be arranged with a few days' notice. The hut management is family-run and prefers direct contact over online booking systems. Payment is in cash or by bank transfer. Arrive early in the day if possible, as the kitchen shuts down by early evening.