Winter conditions arrived in the high altitudes last weekend, bringing deep snow and increased avalanche risk. As a result, the DAV has closed several mountain huts in the Bavarian Alps, with many access routes now impassable. Here's what hikers need to know.
Several mountain huts have been closed by the DAV due to current weather conditions in the high mountains.
In response to an inquiry from BR, the DAV Munich section reported that the Heinrich Schwaiger Haus has ended its season early because of heavy snowfall. While some huts remain open, they are currently inaccessible, such as the Höllentalangerhütte, which is unreachable due to deep snow. The Höllentalklamm and Stangensteig trails have also been closed due to avalanche risk, and the Knorrhütte is likewise buried in deep snow, posing avalanche danger.
Above 1,200 Meters: Winter Equipment Required The DAV Munich section emphasizes that huts above 1,200 meters can only be reached with winter gear and proper experience. Hikers should check weather conditions and contact the huts before setting out. "In general, it can be assumed that huts along the main Alpine ridge are either inaccessible or difficult to reach. We strongly recommend confirming hut accessibility and trail conditions before any tour," the DAV advises.
Berchtesgaden Section DAV Huts Closed All DAV Berchtesgaden section huts are closed until further notice, and all reservations are canceled without charge.
The section's spokesperson warns against approaching these huts using snowshoes or skis due to increased avalanche risks. At altitudes above 1,500 meters, more than a meter of snow has already accumulated. The approach to the Kärlingerhaus via Saugasse is blocked due to avalanche threats, and the crossings between huts in the Steinernes Meer are completely snow-covered and impassable. Access to the Wasseralm is also impossible due to snow damage along the trails.
The Stöhrhaus on the Untersberg has been buried in snow from strong winds, with frozen entrances that require shoveling out. Meanwhile, the Schneibsteinhaus near the Jennerbahn mountain station is also hazardous to approach. Its landlord, Stefan Lienbacher, advises against the climb, citing avalanche-prone ditches and waist-deep snow that obscures the paths.
In the Berchtesgaden National Park, the hiking trail along the Obersee toward Röth/Fischunkelalm ("Hochstieg", No. 424/491) is also closed until Wednesday, September 18.
Allgäu Alps: Hut Accesses Blocked In the Allgäu Alps, most huts and alpine pastures remain open, but access routes around Oberstdorf, Bad Hindelang, and the Hintersteiner Valley are currently impassable due to the weather.
According to the latest mountain sports report from the Oberstdorf market, all hut approaches are currently inaccessible, with only three listed as "conditionally accessible." Similar conditions exist for tours and climbing routes near Bad Hindelang, where high-altitude tours are strongly discouraged. Above 1,400 meters, trails are snow-covered, winter conditions prevail, and there is avalanche risk. Early morning hours present added dangers with icy or frozen trail sections.
DAV: Snow Not Unusual for This Time of Year While better weather is expected starting Wednesday, the DAV notes that snowfall in the Allgäu Alps at this time of year is not uncommon and had been predicted. "With a bit of experience, you wouldn’t go out there just to get snowed in," says Heidi Thaumiller, managing director of the DAV Oberstdorf section.
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