Mahdtalhaus

Mahdtalhaus sits at 1,050m in the Mahd Valley (Mahdtal) in Vorarlberg's northern limestone ranges. The hut serves as a base for ridge walking and rock climbing on the surrounding peaks. Access is straightforward: drive to the trailhead near Dornbirn and hike 2–3 hours upvalley. The approach follows the creek and gains elevation gradually through mixed forest before opening to pasture near the hut.
The DAV Sektion Stuttgart operates this 30-bed hut year-round. It offers simple dormitory accommodation with good ventilation, showers, and a kitchen for self-catering guests. The hut keeper serves meals on request, typically hearty Austrian fare. Mobile reception is patchy here, and there is no WiFi—bring a paper map and compass. The hut works well for winter mountaineering, scrambling, and multi-pitch climbing on local sandstone walls.
Book directly by phone with the hut keeper several weeks ahead, especially for weekends and July–August. Winter reservations are less competitive but confirm avalanche conditions before departure. Drop-in stays are possible outside peak season. The hut closes briefly in November for maintenance. Pay cash on arrival or arrange a bank transfer when you call.