Planurahütte

Planurahütte sits at 2,947m on the eastern slopes of the Säntis massif in Uri, above the Planurah alp. Most hikers approach from Säntis (2,502m) via the ridge path to Schäfler (2,681m), then descend to the hut—roughly 3.5 hours on foot. The route is straightforward scrambling with fixed cables in steep sections. You can also reach it from Appenzell Alps trailheads to the north, though this adds 5+ hours of walking.
The hut is run by SAC Sektion Tödi and has 41 beds across several dormitories and private rooms. The kitchen serves hot meals at dinner and breakfast, or you can self-cater using the well-equipped kitchen. Water comes straight from the mountain. Views across Uri and toward Säntis dominate from the terrace. The hut operates year-round, though access in winter requires crampons and ice axe on the ridge approach. Mountaineers use it as a base for Säntis ascents and traverses of the Säntis-Säntis chain.
Book well ahead for July and August—the hut fills quickly on weekends. Contact them directly by phone (+41 55 271 23 77) or email to check availability and reserve beds. Self-catering guests can often find space outside peak season, but dinner-bed packages book solid 2–3 months out.