Kemptner Hut
1.4Kemptner Hütte
1,846m
Eastern Switzerland, Switzerland
About
Kemptner Hütte sits at 1,846m in the Appenzell Alps, east of the Säntis massif. You reach it in 2.5 hours from Wasserauen (1,496m) via the Säntis ridgeline or in 3 hours from Brülisau (1,360m) across open alpine meadows. Both trails climb steadily but are well-marked and traffic-free compared to the nearby Säntis. The hut serves as a solid basecamp for ridge walks and scrambles across the northeastern limestone plateaus.
The Appenzell Alps Sektion (DAV) manages this small operation with 40 beds split across dormitories. The kitchen serves dinner, breakfast, and packed lunches. Showers are available—rare for a hut at this elevation—so you can wash off the limestone dust. There's no WiFi, which means genuine peace. The hut opens year-round except for November; most traffic comes June through September and during the Easter holidays.
Book by phone ahead of visits; weekends fill fast June through August, especially when the Säntis draws crowds. Two weeks' notice should secure a bed outside peak season. Summer weekends require 4–6 weeks' advance booking. The hut manages its own supply chain, so flexibility on meal options is limited—confirm your dietary needs when you call.
The Appenzell Alps Sektion (DAV) manages this small operation with 40 beds split across dormitories. The kitchen serves dinner, breakfast, and packed lunches. Showers are available—rare for a hut at this elevation—so you can wash off the limestone dust. There's no WiFi, which means genuine peace. The hut opens year-round except for November; most traffic comes June through September and during the Easter holidays.
Book by phone ahead of visits; weekends fill fast June through August, especially when the Säntis draws crowds. Two weeks' notice should secure a bed outside peak season. Summer weekends require 4–6 weeks' advance booking. The hut manages its own supply chain, so flexibility on meal options is limited—confirm your dietary needs when you call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 2–3 months ahead for July and August; call ahead directly to check availability and confirm your arrival date.
Kemptner Hütte operates from June to October, though exact opening and closing dates vary—contact the hut by phone to confirm current staffing.
Reach the hut in 2.5 hours from Wasserauen via the Säntis ridgeline, or in 3 hours from Brülisau across alpine meadows; both routes are well-marked and climb steadily.
The hut has 40 beds and showers, but no WiFi—bring a book or be prepared to disconnect.
Yes, the approach trails are moderate, well-marked, and traffic-free, making them good for hikers with some mountain experience who want to avoid crowds.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- DAV
- Season
- –
- Total
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Showers
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- +49 8322 700152
- Website
- https://www.kemptner-huette.de/