Hörnerhaus

The Hörnerhaus sits at 1,563m in the Allgäu Alps, a quieter corner of the German Alpine range between Oberstdorf and the Austrian border. Reach it from Oberstdorf in 2.5 hours via the Heini-Klopfer-Steig trail, a popular route that climbs steadily through beech forest and alpine meadow. The hut makes a solid base for day hikes across the Hörner massif, particularly the traverse to Kratzer (1,679m) or scrambles toward the Austrian peaks visible from the ridge.
The hut operates as a simple mountain base with 30 beds in mixed dorm rooms. Meals are straightforward: expect hearty soups, schnitzel, and local cheeses rather than refined cooking. The kitchen serves breakfast from 7am and dinner from 6pm; book meals when you reserve your bed. Water comes from the mountain spring. The hut closes mid-October through mid-May, though the exact dates shift yearly. Winter mountaineers sometimes use it as a base for ski tours in the Hörner region.
Book directly by phone—this is a small operation that fills predictably on weekends year-round. July and August demand booking at least 4 weeks ahead. May through September weekend beds vanish 6-8 weeks out. Call ahead even for weekday visits in July; the hut often hosts groups. Arrive before 5pm if you're not eating dinner; the team heads home after service ends.