Welcome to the majestic Austrian Alps, where adventure awaits along with stunning vistas and cosy mountain huts. Embark on a unforgettable overnight adventure to Erfurter Hütte, a mountain refuge nestled amidst breath-taking alpine scenery. Here’s everything you need to know before you embark on this night among mountains.
Experience an overnight adventure in a gorgeous alpine hut just a short trip away from Innsbruck, Austria. This guide tells you everything you need to know to get out of the city and into the mountains. This trip is perfect for those who are short on time while maximising the time spent in the mountains. Stay overnight in Erfurter Hütte, enjoy traditional foods and hike with breathtaking views of the Austrian Alps.
Overnight Adventures
This hike is the first in a series called overnight adventures. Overnight adventures are short adventures designed to get explorers out into the world when they’re short on time. Each overnight adventure is crafted so that you can start in a larger city, use public transport and provide a memorable experience all within just one night!
Starting point: Innsbruck
Type: Hiking
Accommodation: Erfurter Hütte – Be sure to book in advance.
Budget: 40-70 euros per person for this overnight adventure. This depends on your room type and what you eat.
It’s also possible to do this hike as a day trip but I would recommend staying overnight if at all possible. I found that the price for an overnight stay was similar (if not cheaper) than the budget options in Innsbruck. Plus there’s something so special about sleeping in the mountains.
Getting to the Hike
From Innsbruck you’ll need to get a train and bus. The journey will take about one hour. You can find detailed directions here.
- Train Journey: Start your adventure by taking the train from Innsbruck Main Station (HBF) to Jenbach – approximately 20 minutes.
- Bus Ride: From Jenbach, take the bus to Maurach.
Buy tickets using the OBB website/app or from the ticket station in Innsbruck HBF.
The Hike Details
- Distance: 5-7 kilometres one way.
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Elevation Gain: 800 meters.
- Difficulty Level: moderate, suitable for most hikers.
Tip – Take the Scenic Route
For a (slightly) less steep and more enjoyable high take the longer route via Durrach Alm and Dalfazalm. Just follow the signs to Durrach Alm and Dalfazalm.
Note: Be sure to check the weather before heading off, the mountains can be unpredictable and the weather can rapidly change.
Where to Start
The Lazy Option
If you want to stay overnight in Erfurter Hütte but don’t want to hike there’s a chairlift that goes from Maurach to right next to the hut. But if you can, please please hike up. It’s so much more rewarding!
What to Pack
- Sturdy Shoes: Wear comfortable shoes with good traction.
- Layer Up: Bring layers to adapt to changing weather conditions.
- Hydration: Carry plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Snacks: Pack energizing snacks to keep you going.
- Overnight Gear: If you plan to stay overnight in the hut, ensure you have the necessary gear including sleeping bags, toiletries, and extra layers for warmth.
Note: You’ll need a sleeping bag, inner sheet or some kind of cover while sleeping in the huts. They do provide a blanket and a pillow but that’s it. I just carry a lightweight inner sheet which is more than adequate.
Travel Tip – Luggage Storage
If you’re on a larger journey and don’t want to carry all your belongings, take advantage of the luggage lockers available at Innsbruck HBF. Just carry up a smaller backpack with what you’ll need for an overnight stay at Erfurter Hütte.
Hiking to Erfurter Hütte
The first thing you need to know about this hike is to be prepared for a lot of up-hill. The second thing to know is that it’s worth it for the sense of achievement when you arrive.
The hike begins in the small town of Maurach and ascends through lush forests before emerging into the open, surrounded by towering peaks. In this summary I take the scenic route via Durrach Alm and Dalfazalm.
Starting the Walk
Start the walk by heading through Maurach and up past the chairlift. The trail begins here. Make your way through lush forest alternating between a road and single track. You’ll cross winter ski runs and walk under the chairlifts.
Many Nice Spots for a Break
With only 7km of hiking total, I encourage you to take the time and relax whenever needed, enjoy the walk. There are some nice places to stop at both Durrach Alm and Dalfazalm.
Spotting Local Wildlife
I was lucky enough to spot my first ever marmot on this hike! When I first heard its high-pitched call, i was looking in all the trees thinking it was a bird. Turns out should have been looking on the ground for a Marmot! These ground dwelling squirrels live in burrows and are very social, using their high pitched calls to communicate.
Emerging into the open
Continuing along the hike, as I emerged from the tree line, my breath caught (and not just from walking uphill) as I took in the incredible views of the valley below. Archen Lake sparkled below in the sunshine calling me to walk back down for a swim. Around me cattle grazed on grassy slopes, their bells creating a pleasant chiming. In the distance I could see Dalfazalm and other hikers sitting outside enjoying the sunshine.
Another Rest Stop
After making my way around multiple cows which had decided to sit in the middle of the trail I arrived at the small hut at Dalfazalm. It has a lovely deck area and sells drinks in the warmer months. It would have been rude not to take another break here and sit in the sunshine knowing that the steepest parts of the hike were behind me.
Onwards to Erfurter Hütte
The walk from Dalfazalm to Erfurter Hütte is relatively easy. Unlike the rest of the hike there is minimal elevation change until just before you arrive at Erfurter Hütte.
About Erfurter Hütte
Erfurter Hütte is perched at 1834m and overlooks the valley. It has a fantastic balcony to sit and relax as you take in panoramic views. I was here on a weekday so it wasn’t too busy, but for those arriving on a weekend be prepared for crowds of people as it’s a popular day-trip destination with many people taking the chair lift.
Where to Eat
There’s only one place to eat, the hut itself, which provides breakfasts, lunches and dinners. The food was good and the portions adequate for a day spent hiking around the mountains.
- Lunch/dinner: €10-20 per meal.
- Buffet Breakfast: €14,99 (no other breakfast options available)
Overnight in Erfurter Hütte
Spend the night at Erfurter Hütte for an authentic alpine experience, just be sure to book online beforehand.
One of the benefits of staying overnight is the opportunity to witness some incredible sunsets. I’ve been here multiple times and each time it did not disappoint. Sitting on the deck, I was able to bear witness to one of the best sunsets I’ve ever seen. If this isn’t enough to convince you, the crisp mountain air is as the sun rises is something that needs to be experienced to know just how special it is.
Rooms and prices (as of early 2024):
If you’re planning on staying overnight at Erfurter Hütte, there are two main options:
- Mattress Camp (mattresses together)
- Shared Room (bunk beds)
| Mattress Camp | Shared Room | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | € 23,00 | € 30,00 |
| Junior (19-25) | € 20,00 | € 29,00 |
| Youth (7-18) | € 17,00 | € 22,00 |
| Children (0-6) | € 10,00 | € 17,00 |
Money Saving Tip
If you want to save some money while staying overnight at Erfurter Hütte, consider bringing your own lunch and breakfast. You’ll have to carry the food uphill when you hike but can save a lot of money.
Exploring Around the Hut
The hut is a popular base for both summer and winter activities. There’s an abundance of things to do in the area. During winter season it’s popular with skiers. In the warmer months you will find all sorts of people, including hikers, climbers and parasailers.
After lunch if you’re feeling energetic, spend the afternoon exploring the epic surrounds. There’s also a zipline and parasailing for those looking for an additional adventure.
Leaving Erfurter Hütte
This overnight adventure at Erfurter Hütte concludes with either a walk or chairlift back to Maurach.
It’s possible to combine this hut with a larger walk to one of the nearby huts.
- Beyruther Hütte
- Lamsenjoch Hütte (back down the valley and up the other side)
Conclusion – Erfurter Hütte Overnight Adventure
A overnight trip to Erfurter Hütte is an excellent way to have a taster of alpine huts in the Austrian Alps. It’s a perfect place for exploring without committing to a larger walk. Getting there is easy, as it’s accessible with public transport from Innsbruck. The hike and the hut offer some absolutely stunning mountain vistas. If you’re looking for an overnight adventure from Innsburck, while staying in an alpine hut, Erfurter Hütte is an excellent option.
What are some of your favourite alpine huts near Innsbruck? Let me know in the comments below!
Happy Hiking!
Kieren