Aarbiwak
1.7
2,731m
Bernese Oberland, Switzerland
About
Aarbiwak sits at 2,731m in the Bernese Oberland, accessible via the Pilatus region. Reach it from Alpnachstad in 5–6 hours on foot, climbing steadily through Alpine meadow and rockfields. The hut serves as a base for ascents in the Pilatus massif and onward trekking through high terrain. Approach routes vary depending on your starting point; confirm current conditions with the hut before departure.
The SAC-managed hut has 17 beds across basic dormitory rooms. Drinking water is available on-site. There is no self-catering kitchen, so you depend on the hut's meal service—book your dinner and breakfast in advance. The hut operates seasonally; confirm opening dates before planning your trip. Expect simple Alpine hut conditions: no frills, no shower, no electricity in sleeping areas. This is a working mountaineers' hut, not a hotel.
Contact the hut by email to book beds and meals. Book 2–3 months ahead for July and August weekends. May through September are the prime hiking months; expect the hut to fill on fair-weather weekends. Winter and shoulder seasons are quieter but verify the hut is open before making the journey. Bring cash for any extras; card payment availability varies.
The SAC-managed hut has 17 beds across basic dormitory rooms. Drinking water is available on-site. There is no self-catering kitchen, so you depend on the hut's meal service—book your dinner and breakfast in advance. The hut operates seasonally; confirm opening dates before planning your trip. Expect simple Alpine hut conditions: no frills, no shower, no electricity in sleeping areas. This is a working mountaineers' hut, not a hotel.
Contact the hut by email to book beds and meals. Book 2–3 months ahead for July and August weekends. May through September are the prime hiking months; expect the hut to fill on fair-weather weekends. Winter and shoulder seasons are quieter but verify the hut is open before making the journey. Bring cash for any extras; card payment availability varies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact the hut by email as early as possible, especially for summer weekends; with only 17 beds, availability fills quickly.
The hut is staffed seasonally during the Alpine hiking season, typically June to September—confirm exact dates by email before planning your trip.
Hike 5–6 hours from Alpnachstad, gaining elevation steadily through Alpine meadow and rockfields to reach 2,731m.
The hut provides drinking water; there is no self-catering kitchen, so bring food or arrange meals with the hut in advance.
No—the 5–6 hour approach and 2,731m elevation make it suitable for hikers with solid Alpine experience and good fitness.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- SAC
- Season
- –
- Total
- 17
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- [email protected]
- Phone
- Website
- https://www.sac-pilatus.ch/