Berghütte

Berghütte, literally "mountain hut," is a shelter located in or near mountains, used by hikers, climbers, and mountaineers. They provide basic lodging, meals, and protection from the elements, enabling multi-day treks and ascent routes that pass through remote terrain. In German-speaking regions, the term is closely linked to a network of alpine huts operated by clubs and local organizations.

Most Berghütten are reached on foot, by ski, or via a cable car in some cases, and are situated along long-distance trails or near passes. Many are at high elevations and can be isolated in winter, requiring advance planning and weather awareness.

Facilities vary from simple emergency shelters with a few bunks to staffed refuges offering meals, bedding, showers, and communal rooms. Modern huts may have solar power, basic sanitation, and heated spaces, while more remote huts provide only rudimentary comfort. Reservations and hut fees are common, particularly in peak season.

Operated by national or regional Alpine clubs, private operators, or government entities, Berghütten are part of a broader alpine infrastructure. Access arrangements differ; some huts welcome non-members, while others require club membership or advance booking.

Historically, mountain huts emerged to support exploration and safety in the Alps and other ranges. Today they serve as practical bases for routes, as cultural touchstones for mountaineering communities, and as examples of alpine architectural and environmental considerations.