Birkachalpe
3.1
Allgaeu Alps, Germany
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About
Birkachalpe sits at 1,832m in the Allgäu Alps, a long day's walk from the valley. The hut occupies a remote position that makes it ideal for traverses across the range rather than a destination in itself. Reach it from Oberstdorf via the Oytal valley in around 5 hours, or approach from the Trettachtal. The final approach is steep and exposed in places—solid mountain sense required, especially in poor visibility or snow.
The hut is basic and small, with capacity for around 25 people in dormitory beds. It serves hot meals and drinks; bring cash. Flush toilets are available, but there's no piped water—collect from the spring near the hut. No showers. The DAV (Deutscher Alpenverein) section SSV Ulm runs it as a traditional mountain shelter, not a comfortable base camp. It opens from mid-June through September, depending on snow. Winter access is unreliable.
Book direct with the hut keeper at least a month ahead for weekends in July and August. The hut fills quickly in good weather because it's the only shelter within reach of several high passes. Expect it to be crowded during school holidays and on settled weekends. Arrive early in the day if you're turning up without a booking—beds go fast. The location demands self-sufficiency; assume nothing, carry what you need, and be prepared to go without if the hut is full.
The hut is basic and small, with capacity for around 25 people in dormitory beds. It serves hot meals and drinks; bring cash. Flush toilets are available, but there's no piped water—collect from the spring near the hut. No showers. The DAV (Deutscher Alpenverein) section SSV Ulm runs it as a traditional mountain shelter, not a comfortable base camp. It opens from mid-June through September, depending on snow. Winter access is unreliable.
Book direct with the hut keeper at least a month ahead for weekends in July and August. The hut fills quickly in good weather because it's the only shelter within reach of several high passes. Expect it to be crowded during school holidays and on settled weekends. Arrive early in the day if you're turning up without a booking—beds go fast. The location demands self-sufficiency; assume nothing, carry what you need, and be prepared to go without if the hut is full.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 months ahead for summer weekends; weekdays and shoulder season (May–June, September–October) need less notice.
Birkachalpe is staffed from June to October, weather permitting; winter access is possible for experienced mountaineers only.
From Oberstdorf, hike via the Oytal valley in around 5 hours; the final approach is steep and exposed, requiring good mountain sense and route-finding skills.
Birkachalpe has flush toilets and dormitory beds for around 25 people; there is no shower or drinking water, so bring a water bottle and refill in the valley before departure.
No—the steep, exposed final approach and remote location demand solid hill-walking experience and competent navigation; it's best suited to mountaineers doing traverses.
Location
47.4893, 10.1710
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This hut takes bookings direct, so beds go to whoever asks first. Tell us your dates and we'll email you when it's time to reserve — with the hut's contact details.
HutLists Score
3.1
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- DAV DAV Sektion SSV Ulm 1846 e.V.
Facilities
Meals served
Flush toilets
Contact & Booking
- Website
- https://dav-ssvulm1846.de/alpe-birkach
Activities
Featured In
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