The Muttekopfhütte in the Lechtal Alps is the perfect base camp for climbing families. An exploratory journey through this high alpine paradise - and the little details along the way.
The most interesting things are often the inconspicuous details along the way. These are the things that we as adults tend to overlook due to our age-related ignorance - or is it our lost curiosity about the world? - usually overlook.
For example, the broken stone that sparkles so beautifully on the inside. The mountain stream that is so wonderfully suitable for damming up. The jet-black alpine salamander that sneaks through the wet grass in front of the hut after a downpour.
Exposed and panoramic from the mountain station via the Drischlsteig to the hut. Photo: Simon Schöpf
We adults are more interested in what we like to call the "big picture". The short, spectacular path from the mountain station. The imposing location of the hut, which will be our destination and overnight stop today. The large selection of climbing routes in various degrees of difficulty and rock types that we find around this high alpine gem. And last but not least, the gourmet four-course menu that will be served to us by hut host Patrik at 18:00 sharp. That interests us, but is that really the most important thing?
A high alpine dream spot
Almost there: arriving at the Muttekopfhütte. Photo: Simon Schöpf
The Muttekopfhütte high above Imst in the Tyrolean Oberland is certainly a picture-book dream location. 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 - what more could a climber's heart want?
Exactly, like this little stream with bubbling spring water to dam up and cool your feet. It's a good thing that it also flows alongside the hut. And when even the children don't whine on the way up, but say without being asked: "Wow, Dad, that was a cool route", then you know that they really enjoy being up here. It's also not far to the practice crag after a short refreshment stop at the hut. It's only another 15 minutes up to the "Felswurm" climbing garden. At the top, you'll find the perfect vertical playground: a newly renovated practice climbing garden in the solid comglomerate rock, which also has plenty of holds for small children's hands. And generally a very cozy place to linger.
Where even little ones can feel big: Felswurm climbing garden above the Muttekopfhütte. Photo: Simon Schöpf
Imst rock diversity
The fascinating thing about the Muttekopf area is not only its obvious beauty but also the geology hidden beneath it. In addition to the conglomerate rocks near the hut, you will find completely different textures in the area of the Blauer Kopf, limestone rocks with a good grip. And a little further down at the Rote Wand, you will find completely different rocks, red and overhanging, where the hard movers are drawn.
Hüttenwirt Patrick says: "A geologist once spent 10 years writing about the complex structure of the rock here". Groups of researchers and students regularly come to "Steinderlklopfen". The trained mechanical engineer has been the tenant of the Muttekopfhütte for five years now. "Before that, my father was the landlord up here for 19 years, I practically grew up here".
Hut landlord Patrick Zangerl in front of his shingled hut. Photo: Simon Schöpf
With so much rock diversity, there is also a lot of movement in the area - Patrick reveals that a new edition of the climbing guide is already being worked on. Over 150 new routes have been added in recent years. So you won't get bored up here any time soon - and if you do, there's always a bubbling stream that you can dam up.
Info: Climbing at the Muttekopfhütte
The Muttekopfhütte with its variety of rocks in the background. Photo: Simon Schöpf
Access to the hut: A12 exit Imst, exit 4 in the direction of Hoch-Imst. Take the lift to the Alpjoch mountain station and via the Drischlsteig (exposed - be careful with children) in 30 minutes to the Muttekopfhütte. The hut can also be reached on foot in approx. 2.5 hours from Hoch-Imst. Or alternatively, with smaller children or people who are not free from giddiness, from the middle station of the mountain railroad through the very beautiful fairytale forest and past the Latschenhütte in approx. 1.5 hours. By mountain bike / e-bike you can get to the material cable car, from here it's another 1 hour walk. From the hut to the individual sectors in 15 - 30 minutes. Find out all about opening times, prices and reservations on the Muttekopfhütte website.
Teufelskralle climbing garden: ideal for beginners. Photo: Simon Schöpf
Climbing around the hut All climbing gardens and topos are listed here. We also recommend the informative climbing guide by mountain guide Alfred Flür, which is also available to buy at the hut. In addition to all the routes in the area, you can also learn a lot about the alpine history and geology of the area.
The rocks around the hut are a bouldering paradise for children. Photo: Simon Schöpf
