Birkachalpe
1.3
Vorarlberg, Austria
About
Birkachalpe sits at 1,900m in the Appenzell Alps of eastern Vorarlberg, on the border region between Austria and Switzerland. Reach it from Säntis or via the Appenzell Alps trail network. The hut serves as a base for day hikes across open alpine meadows and scrambles toward the higher ridgelines. Access takes 2 to 3 hours on foot from the nearest road access points, making it a serious but achievable walk for fit hikers.
The DAV-managed hut has 30 beds across simple dormitory rooms. Meals are available—the warden cooks hot food and simple dinners most days, though provisioning depends on visitor numbers and advance notice. Flush toilets are available. There is no shower facility and no piped drinking water; you'll need to collect water from mountain springs nearby or carry it with you. The hut operates year-round but is busiest in summer. Winter access is possible but more technical; check conditions before visiting outside the main season.
Book direct with DAV Sektion SSV Ulm 1846 e.V., or reserve through their website. July and August fill quickly—book at least 4 to 6 weeks ahead for those months. Weekend traffic is heavy in summer; weekdays offer better availability. Inform the warden of your arrival time if you plan to eat at the hut, ideally when you book. The hut is a working farm basecamp as much as a refuge, so expect a working environment and limited services compared to larger valley huts.
The DAV-managed hut has 30 beds across simple dormitory rooms. Meals are available—the warden cooks hot food and simple dinners most days, though provisioning depends on visitor numbers and advance notice. Flush toilets are available. There is no shower facility and no piped drinking water; you'll need to collect water from mountain springs nearby or carry it with you. The hut operates year-round but is busiest in summer. Winter access is possible but more technical; check conditions before visiting outside the main season.
Book direct with DAV Sektion SSV Ulm 1846 e.V., or reserve through their website. July and August fill quickly—book at least 4 to 6 weeks ahead for those months. Weekend traffic is heavy in summer; weekdays offer better availability. Inform the warden of your arrival time if you plan to eat at the hut, ideally when you book. The hut is a working farm basecamp as much as a refuge, so expect a working environment and limited services compared to larger valley huts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 months ahead for July and August; 4–6 weeks for shoulder season (June, September).
Birkachalpe is typically open from June to October, staffed during peak hiking season.
Hike 2 to 3 hours on foot from the nearest road access points via the Appenzell Alps trail network or from Säntis.
The hut has 30 beds in dormitory rooms, flush toilets, and serves meals; there is no shower facility or drinking water on-site.
No—the 2–3 hour approach and alpine terrain require solid fitness and mountain experience; it's better for experienced hikers and mountaineers.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- DAV
- Season
- –
- Total
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Meals served
Flush toilets
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website
- https://dav-ssvulm1846.de/alpe-birkach