Mountain Huts & Alpine Pastures for a Break

In spring, the animals leave the farms and move up to the Maiensäss or Vorsäß – temporary pastures at around 1,000 to 1,500 metres above sea level, before continuing to the high Alpine meadows. These grazing areas are typically used from May or June.

Many Maiensässe and Alpine pastures welcome hikers or run small snack stations, where visitors can enjoy regional specialities and gain a glimpse into the life of Alpine farmers.

When mountain huts are spruced up, cows, sheep and goats graze on Alpine meadows, and the scent of Alpine herbs fills the air, it can only mean one thing: Almsommer has begun.

Dining after a hike or spending the night at an Alpine hut is an experience in itself – breathing in the crisp mountain air, taking in the stunning panoramic views, hearing cowbells in the distance, and quenching your thirst after the climb with fresh spring water from the fountain.

In SalzburgerLand, around 165 certified Almsommer huts await – offering a genuine Alpine experience. Here, you can enjoy regional specialities such as Pinzgauer Kaspressknödel in a cosy, rustic setting. Some huts also have special features:

Kinderwagen-Almen (pram-friendly) are ideal for families, as they are easy to reach. Mountainbike-Almen offer dedicated trails for cyclists, and on Kunst & Kultur-Almen (arts & culture), visitors can enjoy special events.

If you’re looking for flavour without artificial additives, Styria’s Alpine pastures are the place to be. Here, delicious dishes are served with warm hospitality and breathtaking mountain views. Styria boasts 1,666 Alpine pastures, 801 of which are serviced. Huts can be found throughout the region, from national parks and a UNESCO biosphere park to numerous protected areas.

The Almenland Nature Park is one of Europe’s largest Alpine pasture regions. Here, it’s all about stepping inside, savouring the moment and discovering culinary delights from hut to hut.

In the UNESCO Nockberge Biosphere Park in Carinthia, alpine farming has a long tradition. The grassy slopes are carefully tended by both people and grazing animals. Some of Carinthia’s Alpine pastures have been farmed for over 400 years. The sun-weathered wooden façades and cosy parlours of the huts offer charming places to retreat.

When city dwellers began seeking out nature as a place to relax in the early 20th century, the first huts were built here too. The oldest of these is today’s Alexanderhütte.

Whether it’s a rustic Alpine hut or a modern mountain lodge, visitors can enjoy regional delicacies such as fresh bread, flavourful bacon and mountain cheese. Especially in the Kalkalpen, the Salzkammergut and the Mühlviertel, huts offer breathtaking views and warm hospitality.

Whether at 1,500 metres above sea level or surrounded by blooming Alpine meadows, every hut promises enjoyment and relaxation. After a refreshing break, it’s time to set off again and discover more of Upper Austria’s natural beauty.

Authentic, cosy and full of charm: The huts and Alpine pastures of Lower Austria – known as Schwaigen in the Wechsel region – invite visitors to relax and enjoy true mountain life. Far from noise and hustle, you can unwind and connect with nature. While the children play on the Alpine pasture, you can sit back and relax on the sun terrace.

Blooming meadows, impressive mountain peaks and grazing cows will soon make you forget the everyday routine.