Alte Meilerhütte (Winterraum)

The Alte Meilerhütte sits at 2,537m in the Wetterstein massif between Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the Austrian border. Reach it from Garmisch town via the Partnach Gorge trail, then climb steeply through forest to the hut—roughly 4.5 hours on foot. Winter access requires mountaineering skills and avalanche awareness; most climbers approach via the Höllentalklamm or from Eibsee. The hut lies on established routes to Zugspitze (2,962m) and serves as a base for traverses across the Wetterstein ridge.
The main hut closes in winter, but the Winterraum (winter room) stays open year-round, offering basic shelter with heating and sleeping places for roughly 20 people. You'll find simple bunks, water, and a stove but no meals or hot drinks served. The summer building provides full facilities including hot meals, wine, and beer when staffed (typically late May to early October). This is a working mountain hut, not a hotel—bring food and fuel for winter visits, and expect minimal comfort.
Book the Winterraum directly via the DAV or contact the hut keeper well ahead for winter stays. Even with the winter room available, severe weather can trap you; be prepared to self-rescue or wait out conditions. Summer weekends fill quickly; book 2–3 months ahead for July and August. Access remains serious year-round—this is mountaineer terrain, not a casual hut walk.