Wettersteinhütte

The Wettersteinhütte at 1,930 m is one of the most significant landmarks in the Gaistal – starting point for the famous high-alm circular hike, a popular overnight hut and a place with genuine alpine character. The hut of the Schütz family sits high above the valley floor, surrounded by rock faces and alpine slopes, with an impressive panorama of the Zugspitz massif.

The Hut and Its Special Feature

What makes the Wettersteinhütte special is the combination of traditional alm hospitality and alpine setting. At almost 2,000 m the hut is staffed, offers a hot kitchen and even overnight accommodation – and additionally the Kuschelhütte (cosy hut): a small, separate hut building for 2–8 people that lies apart from the main hut operation and allows for a particularly intimate overnight stay.

The Wettersteinhütte is not a mass accommodation facility – it is an honest mountain hut where hikers and mountaineers stop in, recharge and enjoy the beauty of the Gaistal at eye level with the peaks.

Location and Panorama

At 1,930 m the hut already sits well above the alm levels of the middle Gaistal. The view south into the Zugspitz massif and the Zugspitzplatt is breathtaking. To the north the Wettersteingebirge rises directly behind the hut – the rock faces feel close and impressive.

The hut is a central point on the high-alm circular hike and lies on the direct route to the Gehrenspitze (2,166 m) – the most popular summit objective in the Gaistal.

Food at Alpine Level

The Wettersteinhütte kitchen serves classic mountain hut fare: hearty soups, Brettljause with regional ingredients, hot daily specials and coffee and cake. After a long ascent everything tastes better here – the fresh mountain air sharpens the appetite.

The opening hours (8:00–19:00) are generous for a hut at this altitude and allow both an early stop after the ascent and relaxed evenings before the descent.

Overnight Stays: Main Hut and Kuschelhütte

The Wettersteinhütte offers two overnight options:

Main hut: 35 sleeping places in several sleeping rooms – the classic mountain hut overnight experience. Advance booking is required.

Kuschelhütte: A separate small hut building for 2–8 people. Perfect for couples, families or small groups who want a little more privacy and seclusion. The Kuschelhütte is particularly sought-after – book well in advance!

For both options: advance booking is required – phone: +43 660 3462100.

Season and Opening Hours

Season	Mid-June – end of September
Opening hours	Daily 8:00–19:00
Phone	+43 660 3462100
Dogs	Unfortunately not permitted
Overnight stays	35 places main hut + Kuschelhütte (2–8 persons)

Getting There

The ascent to the Wettersteinhütte starts at the Salzbach car park (P1) and follows the Gaistalbachgraben on a well-marked trail. Walking time: approx. 1.5 hours (approx. 730 m altitude gain from P2, or less from the upper car park).

The path first runs flat through the valley, then becomes progressively steeper through the stream ravine. In the upper section the landscape opens up and the hut comes into view. The final stretch requires sure-footedness – no technical terrain, but solid hiking boots are essential.

Alternatively start from the Stupfer car park (P2) – also well marked, similar walking time.

Combination Options

The Wettersteinhütte is the hub and starting point for several tours:

• High-alm circular hike (12.5 km, 650 m): The classic Gaistal loop – from P2 via the Wettersteinhütte, Wangalm, Hämmermoosalm and back
• Gehrenspitze (2,166 m): Direct summit ascent from the hut – approx. 2.5 hrs, 700 m altitude gain, demanding
• Scharnitzjoch: Alpine tour along the ridge towards Scharnitz – experienced mountaineers only
• Overnight tour: Day 1 ascent and overnight at the hut, Day 2 Gehrenspitze or high-alm circuit

Tips for Your Visit

• Book the Kuschelhütte: Extremely popular – reserve at least 2 weeks in advance
• Dogs: Not permitted at this hut – dog owners should head to the Wangalm or Rotmoosalm instead
• Best time: July and August – full operation, perfect views of the Zugspitze
• Early departure: For those targeting the Gehrenspitze, start in good time (thunderstorm risk from 13:00–14:00)

The Wettersteinhütte is the gateway to the high alms of the Gaistal – a place that stays with you.