If you’ve ever dreamed of hiking through the breath taking landscapes of the Alps or the Dolomites, you’re not alone. But when it comes to overnight stays, the idea of mountain huts (or “refuges”) might leave you wondering: What are they really like? Where will I sleep? Is there food and drink, or is it more like a Scottish bothy – just a simple shack with a wooden floor for camping gear? Read on for a beginner’s guide to mountain huts in the Alps.

Mountain huts are not only a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the alpine outdoors, but they’re also surprisingly comfortable, warm, and fun. They offer a unique glimpse into traditional alpine life, with many huts featuring facilities that make them especially appealing to families. Some huts have playgrounds, trampolines, and even friendly farm animals to keep children entertained. It’s the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation, making for an unforgettable experience in the mountains.

Beginner’s guide to mountain huts: Is “hut” the right word?

First things first: these places may be called “huts,” but don’t expect a tiny, drafty cabin with a leaky roof. While the word “hut” may sound rustic, many refuges in the Alps and Dolomites are surprisingly cosy. Most are sturdy, well-maintained buildings with extensive food and drink menus, as well as dormitories and private rooms for overnight guests.

You’ll find proper beds. Most huts provide blankets or bedding, though you’ll likely need a sleeping bag liner. Larger dormitories have multiple beds, meaning you’ll share the space with other hikers. Yes, there might be some snoring (read about our experience at the Hofpürglhütte here!) but after a long day of hiking, you won’t care too much. For added privacy and noise reduction, many huts offer smaller rooms for families or groups. These tend to book up early, so plan ahead!

  • Four hikers, dressed in outdoor gear and carrying backpacks, walk down a narrow dirt trail near a rustic mountain hut with red-and-white shutters. The building, marked with an "Alpenverein" sign, is set against a cloudy sky and surrounded by green grass and alpine terrain. The group appears cheerful, enjoying their descent from the hut.
  • A serene mountain lake reflecting the cloudy sky is surrounded by rocky terrain and green patches. A wooden lodge sits on the right, perched on a hill, with majestic rugged mountains in the background under an overcast sky.

Food and drink: A treat for the hiker’s soul

Let’s talk about the most important thing: food! Mountain huts are renowned for their hearty, delicious meals. After a long day of trekking, you’ll enjoy local specialties like stews, sausages, freshly made pasta (especially in the Dolomites!), and, of course, cheese. Expect filling meals made with local ingredients to refuel you for the next day. There’s usually an a la carte menu with a variety of choices to please all palettes!

Dietary preferences? Many huts cater to different needs, but it’s best to let them know in advance. Whether vegetarian, gluten-free, or a serious apple strudel craving, they usually have something for everyone. Drinks like local beer, wine, schnapps, or even Aperol spritz are often available too.

  • A wooden table with a breakfast spread including plates, silverware, various cheeses, deli meats, sliced vegetables, fruit, cereals, jams, honey, and tea bags, set in a rustic room with wood-panelled walls.
  • A group of six people sitting at a wooden table in a cozy room, enjoying plates of pasta. Two guitars hang on the wood-paneled wall behind them. They are smiling and have drinks in front of them, including a glass of lemonade.
  • Two people smiling and clinking glasses with a bright orange Aperol spritz drink at an outdoor wooden table. They are under a wooden shelter with mountainous terrain in the background. Its a sunny day.

Showers, drinking water, and facilities

Facilities vary, but here’s what you can usually expect:

  • Showers: Larger huts often have hot showers for an extra charge. Some smaller huts may not have showers at all.
  • Drinking Water: Many huts provide potable water, though some may rely on bottled water due to location. A great alternative is to bring a water filter and refill from the streams along your hike.
  • Electricity: Many huts rely on solar power, which means electricity can be limited. Some huts may have a few electrical outlets available for charging electronics, but others may have none at all. When outlets are available, they’re often in high demand, so it’s not guaranteed you’ll get access. It’s always a good idea to bring a fully charged power bank to keep your essential devices, like your phone with GPS routes, powered throughout your trip.
  • Other Amenities: Most huts have communal areas with games, dining rooms, or terraces. If you’re lucky they might have hammocks, or even a playground or farm animals to entertain the kids! Wi-Fi is rare, offering a chance to unplug and enjoy nature.

Getting food and supplies to the hut

You might be wondering: how do they get all that food and drink up into the mountains? Well, it’s no small feat. Many huts have their own private ropeways or cable lifts that transport materials and supplies from a roadhead in the valley below. For more remote locations, helicopters are often used to fly in supplies. The challenge of getting everything up to these high-altitude refuges can make things a bit more expensive, but it’s worth it for the convenience and comfort. So, when you sit down to your well-earned meal, you’ll appreciate the fact that you didn’t have to carry it up there yourself!

Meeting fellow hikers and camaraderie

One of the most rewarding aspects of staying in a mountain hut is the chance to meet other hikers. These refuges tend to attract a mix of outdoor enthusiasts, from seasoned trekkers to first-timers and adventurous families, and there’s a real sense of camaraderie. You’ll swap stories, share hiking tips, and maybe even get inspired for your next multi-day adventure! If you’re lucky, you might even meet some locals who know the best hidden trails, or fellow travellers who will point you towards your next bucket list hike.

Can I bring the kids?

If you’re new to mountain huts, the idea of sharing a big dormitory with strangers may seem daunting. The good news is, while many huts do have larger dorms, they also offer smaller, private rooms where you and your family or group of friends can stay together.

Many families with kids in tow have found that staying in a mountain hut is not only manageable, but a really fun experience. You don’t have to sacrifice comfort to enjoy the mountains – a little bit of rustic charm combined with the warmth of a cosy alpine refuge makes for a memorable holiday. At one hut we stayed in, there was even a zip line, and the kids spent hours playing on it with some German kids who were also on a hut to hut hike. (Confusingly, they all had the same hiking shoes which became tricky when setting off the next morning!). It’s these moments of unexpected fun that really make the stay special!

  • A boy wearing sunglasses and a jacket is sitting at an outdoor table with a plate of food. They are in a mountainous area with green hills and a clear blue sky in the background. Red flowers decorate the railing beside the table.
  • A cozy wooden room in a mountain hut, featuring four simple single beds with checkered beige bedding. Red and white checkered curtains frame a small window, letting in natural light. Ideal for hikers seeking rustic accommodations during their trek.
  • A rustic mountain lodge with red-and-white shutters perched on a grassy hillside. A narrow dirt trail winds uphill toward the lodge, and hikers with backpacks are visible walking along the path. The sky is overcast, contrasting with the vibrant greenery of the landscape.
  • A young boy smiling widely while seated at a wooden table, holding a fork and ready to enjoy a plate of Kaiserschmarrn, a traditional Austrian dessert topped with powdered sugar and served with applesauce. The setting appears cozy and rustic, with a menu and decorations visible in the background.

How much does it cost?

The cost of staying in a mountain hut with half board (dinner and breakfast) varies depending on the region, the hut’s amenities, and whether you’re a member of a mountaineering association (such as the Austrian Alpen Verein). Here’s a very general breakdown:

Austria
  • Non-Members: €40–€80 per adult per night (half board)
  • Members of the Alpen Verein: €30–€70 per adult per night (half board)
  • Discounts for children are common, often reducing the price by around 30–50%.
Italian Dolomites
  • Non-Members: €50–€120 per adult per night (half board)
  • Members (e.g., CAI – Club Alpino Italiano): €40–€100 per adult per night (half board)
  • Again, children often receive discounted rates.
French Alps
  • Non-Members: €45–€70 per adult per night (half board)
  • Members (e.g., FFCAM – Fédération Française des Clubs Alpins et de Montagne): €35–€55 per adult per night (half board)
  • Special rates are often available for children and youth.
What’s Included in Half Board?
  • Dinner: Typically a hearty three-course meal (soup/starter, main course, and dessert).
  • Breakfast: Often a simple continental spread (bread, butter, jam, and sometimes cheese or cold cuts).
Extras to Keep in Mind
  • Showers may have a small additional fee (around €2–€5 for a few minutes of hot water).
  • Packed lunches can often be ordered for an additional charge (€7–€12).

Paying

Many huts only accept cash – so make sure you bring plenty with you, for accommodation and your food and drink!

These prices are approximate and can vary, especially in more remote locations or iconic locations like the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, where the huts we stayed in were definitely more expensive than the norm!

Ready for your mountain hut adventure?

So, there you have it! Mountain huts in Austria, the Dolomites, and the French Alps are not only a gateway to some of the most stunning landscapes in the world but can also offer a comfortable, enjoyable stay. Whether you’re hiking with friends, family, or going solo, these refuges offer a warm, welcoming and adventurous atmosphere where you’ll recharge, relax, and make memories that last long after you’ve left the mountains.

Find your complete packing list for hut hiking here

You’ll find some ideal route options here if you’re just starting out:

Where to next? More info for your adventures:

Bea Searle is the creator of Wild Bee Outdoors. Having lived in Austria as a kid, she fell in love with the mountains early on. Passionate about sustainable train travel and outdoor adventures with her family, Bea shares local insights, detailed routes, and plenty of tips for hut to hut hiking and multi-day cycling trips in the European Alps and beyond; along with ideas for worthwhile detours to make every journey unforgettable. Her goal? To inspire you to embrace the mountains, dodge the tourist traps, and explore with confidence.

You might also like these posts: