Alpine Hut at 1,663 m · Totes Gebirge
The Albert Appelhaus
Your retreat in the heart of the unspoilt mountain world of the Totes Gebirge. Refreshments, overnight stays and genuine hospitality – far from roads, everyday life and phone signal.
Welcome
About the Hut
The Albert Appelhaus is a staffed mountain hut at 1,663 m altitude in the Totes Gebirge – nestled in a rugged karst highland landscape above Grundlsee. Far from roads, phone signal and the daily grind, this is a hut as authentic as they come.
Whether you are stopping in for the day or spending the night, you will find peace, genuine hospitality and the feeling of truly having arrived. Open from mid-May to early October, weather permitting.
Why visit the Appelhaus?
Surrounded by rugged rocks, alpine meadows and a breathtaking panoramic view of the Alps.
Creaking wooden floors, a warm common room, simple rooms – everything that belongs to a real alpine hut.
No Wi-Fi, no mobile signal – but birdsong, mountain silence and a star-filled sky.
From Kaiserschmarrn to a hearty soup – honest, regional, home-made.
Whether you just stop in for a bite or stay overnight: the Albert Appelhaus is a place to pause, recharge and simply be.
About the hut
Einfach. Echt. Erholsam.
The Albert Appelhaus is a place with character, history and soul. Named after Albert Appel, a dedicated mountaineer and club official, the hut stands remote and idyllic on a vast karst plateau in the Totes Gebirge above Grundlsee. This is not about comfort – it is about what matters: nature, community, simplicity.
At 1,663 m altitude, in a completely secluded setting, free from noise, roads and light pollution. All around: karst plateaus, mountain lakes, sweeping highland plateaus and rocky ridges – perfect for nature watching and quiet moments. The sunrise? An experience you will never forget.
Simply furnished shared rooms and cosy dormitory bunk beds. Blankets are provided – please bring your own sleeping bag liner. The nights are quiet, cool and clear – exactly as you would want them in a mountain hut.
Electricity comes from the hut's own solar panels – used sparingly and consciously. No power for devices – just for lighting, emergencies and essentials. No showers, but cold, clear spring water for freshening up.
No Wi-Fi, no signal – but real conversations, board games, reading or simply marvelling at the world. A genuine opportunity to switch off.
If you are looking for a place where simplicity becomes an experience, you have come to the right place. The Albert Appelhaus is no mountain hotel illusion – it is a real alpine hut. And that is precisely what makes it magical.
A closer look
The Appelhaus in motion
Getting here & routes
Approach routes
Grundlsee
Loser Restaurant
Offensee
Almsee
Kitchen & common room
Food & refreshments
After a strenuous hike in the Totes Gebirge, you have earned a proper meal. At the Albert Appelhaus you will find home-made regional specialities, lovingly prepared and served with a view of the Alps.
In the cosy hut common room with its wood-burning stove you can recharge, warm up, dry your clothes and enjoy authentic hut life.
- Home-made soups, alpine snacks & pastries
- Hot dishes with regional ingredients (including vegetarian options)
- Breakfast & dinner for overnight guests
- Common room with wood-burning stove & cosy atmosphere
Gallery
Around 70 sleeping places
Staying overnight at the hut
Want to experience the silence of the mountains not just during the day? Then the Albert Appelhaus is the perfect place for you. Our sleeping places at 1,663 metres have everything you need for a genuine alpine overnight stay in the Totes Gebirge: simple shared rooms and rustic dormitory bunk beds – clean, traditional and welcoming.
There are no showers, but you will find clear spring water, a peaceful night's sleep and authentic hut atmosphere.
- Sleeping bag liner required
- Shared rooms with blankets
- Dormitory max. 10 people per room with blankets
- Cold water for washing – no showers
- Simple, clean, traditional
Before you set off
Good to know
Cash only
Please bring sufficient cash – no card payment available.
70 sleeping places
Shared rooms and dormitory bunk beds. Please bring a sleeping bag liner – for hygiene reasons.
Season
Open: mid-May to early October – weather permitting.
No mobile signal
In emergencies, a hut telephone is available.
Pack out your rubbish
Please take your waste back with you.
Reservations by phone only
Daily 9 am–5 pm. No WhatsApp, no SMS, no online booking.
Frequently asked questions
How do I reserve a sleeping place?
Reservations are accepted by phone only – daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Please call the innkeeper directly: +43 (0)676 333 666 8. No WhatsApp, no SMS, no online booking.
Can I pay by card?
No. Card payment is not available at the Albert Appelhaus. Please bring sufficient cash.
How many sleeping places are there?
The hut has around 70 sleeping places in shared rooms and dormitory bunk beds. Blankets are provided – please bring your own sleeping bag liner.
Which is the shortest approach route?
There are four main approach routes: from Grundlsee (approx. 4 h), Loser Restaurant (approx. 4 h), Offensee (approx. 5 h) and Almsee (approx. 6 h). The most popular route starts from Grundlsee.
When is the hut open?
The Albert Appelhaus is generally staffed from mid-May to early October. Exact opening dates depend on the weather – in uncertain conditions please check by phone beforehand: +43 (0)676 333 666 8.
Is there mobile signal or Wi-Fi?
No. There is no mobile signal and no Wi-Fi at the Albert Appelhaus. In emergencies, a hut telephone is available.
When can I make a reservation?
Reservations are taken by phone daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Please call during these hours: +43 (0)676 333 666 8. No answering machine is active outside these hours.
Are there showers?
No. There is cold, clear spring water for washing – but no showers. Electricity comes from the hut's own solar panels and is limited to essentials.
Is there a winter operation or winter room?
No. The Albert Appelhaus is only staffed during the summer season (mid-May to early October). There is no winter operation and no winter room. The hut is closed outside the season.
Important to know
Payment & cancellation policy
Bookings are only possible by calling +43 3622 94102 – daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. No WhatsApp, no SMS, no online booking. To make a reservation, you will be asked for the date, your name and phone number. The booking is confirmed upon acceptance by the innkeeper.
After a successful phone reservation, a deposit of EUR 10.– per person per night is to be transferred. The deposit is credited against the final bill on site. In the event of a no-show, the deposit is forfeited as a cancellation fee.
The ascent and descent to the hut are entirely the responsibility of the guest. Bad weather does not entitle you to cancel without a fee. Cancellation without a fee is only possible in cases of force majeure – e.g. extreme avalanche danger or mudslides.
Ready for the ascent?
We look forward to welcoming you in the Totes Gebirge.
Reserve by phone now