For many, climbing is a quick escape from everyday life. To extend the experience a little and make it more impressive, you can simply extend the whole thing and spend the night in a nearby hut.
This time, we don't hurry at the end of the day to catch the last cable car down to the valley or to make the descent before dark. No, we just stay up there and enjoy the last quiet hours of the day. We watch the sun slowly disappear behind the peaks and set up camp in a cozy Alpine Club hut.
Those who are early can enjoy an impressive sunrise, photo: Matthias Bader
The next morning, we start early before the first day tourists and secure pole position. The easy climbing turns into an unforgettable overall experience.
There are several huts with climbing facilities in the area. We'll introduce you to a few options:
1. Solsteinhaus
The Solsteinhaus in the Karwendel. Photo: Solsteinhaus
Beautifully situated between Erlspitze and Grosser Solstein in the Innsbruck vacation region, this Alpine Club hut offers overnight accommodation for 85 people. The Solsteinhaus can be reached from Hochzirl in a comfortable 2 to 3 hours.
There is a climbing garden near the hut with routes of difficulty levels II to V, which is perfect for beginners and children. We also recommend a visit to the nicely laid out practice via ferrata. Due to the alpine environment, don't forget to wear a helmet. Additional information on sport climbing, alpine climbing and other options can be found on the Solsteinhaus homepage.
The climbing garden in the immediate vicinity of the Solsteinhaus is also perfect for children, photo: Matthias Bader
2nd Erfurter Hütte
High above the Achensee is an Alpine Club hut with climbing opportunities for an entire summer: the Erfurter Hütte. Thanks to the Rofan cable car, access is extremely easy, as the hut is right next to the mountain station.
There are countless climbing gardens and alpine climbing routes in the area. From beginner and children's climbing gardens, such as at the Mauritzalm, to high-end sport climbing areas, there is something for everyone. What they all have in common is the compact limestone rock and the sublime view of Achensee, which nestles like a fjord in the idyllic mountain valley.
You can also hike the beautifully constructed "5 summit via ferrata". For connoisseurs, we recommend that you don't do the whole via ferrata in one day, but simply split it over two days.
Information and route descriptions for all climbing options and via ferratas can be found on our pages about the Achensee region.
The 5-summit via ferrata in the Rofan combines a sporting challenge with a mountain experience. Photo: Christina Schwann
3rd Alplhaus
The insider tip above Wildermieming for climbers who prefer multi-pitch routes: the Alplhaus.
The Alplhaus above Telfs. Photo: Simon Schöpf
A lot has happened in terms of climbing in the area around the hut in recent years: some wonderful multi-pitch tours have been created on the Karkopf. All with the rating "recommended". The easiest route is the "Secret of the Gauls". 8 routes up to the fourth degree of difficulty. Perfect for getting in the mood. For those who like it a little more sporty, we recommend "Pflück den Tag" or "Heimatliebe". The 7th level of difficulty is already reached here. AO also possible in places.
Information and topos for these and other routes can be found on our pages about multi-pitch tours in the Innsbruck region.
4th Muttekopfhütte
The last meters: Shortly before the Muttekopfhütte. Photo: Simon Schöpf
The Muttekopfhütte in the Lechtal Alps is the perfect base camp for climbing families. Without exaggerating, it is the perfect base camp for anyone who wants to spend a few days climbing in the wilderness of the Lechtal Alps. Easy access, outstanding location, a whole climbing guide full of vertical options, legendary catering - climbers' hearts, what more could you want?
In the Eisenhut climbing garden above the Muttekopfhütte. Photo: Simon Schöpf
Find out more about the base here, all topos and routes can be found here.
