Mahdberg-Alpe

Mahdberg-Alpe sits at 1825m in the Bregenzerwald region of Vorarlberg, on the border between Austria and Switzerland. Reach it from Damüls via a straightforward 2.5-hour hike north through meadows and forest. The trail is well-marked and gains roughly 500m elevation. You can also approach from the Swiss side via Appenzell Alps routes, though Austrian access is more common. The hut works as a base for ridge walks toward Hochälpele and longer traverses across the Bregenzerwald high plateau.
Mahdberg-Alpe is a working alpine dairy farm that takes hikers. It offers 25 beds in simple dormitory-style rooms and a few double rooms. Meals focus on Vorarlberg specialties: käsespätzle, bread dumplings, and good dairy products from the alp itself. The kitchen provides packed lunches for onward routes. Water comes from a natural spring. The hut operates June through September; July and August see full capacity by mid-week. The setting is genuinely remote—no road access, no helicopter supply runs, no frills. Expect basic comfort and authentic alpine farming life.
Book directly with the hut keeper by phone or email at least 4 weeks ahead for July and August. Shoulder months (June and early September) fill less predictably. The hut prefers group bookings of 8+ people but takes smaller parties if space allows. Arrive with cash; card payments are not reliable at this elevation.