Highlight • Mountain Hut
Soilaalm
Hiking
4.9
(489)
Mountain biking
4.9
(69)
Mountaineering
4.8
(23)
Cycling
5.0
(1)
Snowshoeing
5.0
(1)
Soilaalm is a charming mountain hut, or "Alm," nestled at an elevation of approximately 1326 meters in the heart of the Ammergau Alps, above the picturesque village of Oberammergau, Germany. This traditional Jausenstation serves as a popular destination for hikers and mountain bikers seeking tranquility and natural beauty. It offers a welcoming stop with facilities and a viewpoint, making it a beloved landmark in the region.
Visitors consistently praise the Soilaalm for its rustic and authentic atmosphere, often described as "wie es früher war" – like it used to be. A standout feature that delights many is the unique self-service system for cold drinks, cooled naturally in a fountain or water trough outside the hut. Guests can also savor homemade cakes, fresh coffee, and hearty traditional snacks, known as "Brotzeit," featuring local sausage, bacon, and cheese, all enjoyed on a sunny terrace amidst the sound of cowbells.
Reaching the Soilaalm hut location involves a scenic journey. From Oberammergau's Laber mountain railway valley station, the hike typically takes about 1.5 to 1.75 hours. Alternatively, a shorter route from the Laber cable car mountain station can be completed in about an hour. For those starting further afield, a hike from a parking lot near Ettal Monastery offers a longer, approximately 2.5-hour trek that passes by the impressive Ettaler Mandl. While the hut provides refreshments, it does not offer overnight accommodations.
The best season to hike Soilaalm is generally from June to the end of October, when the hut is open daily without a rest day. This period offers ideal conditions for exploring the surrounding meadows and trails. The Soilaalm serves as an excellent resting point on various popular hiking routes, including those leading to the Ettaler Mandl and the Laber mountain, making it a central hub for outdoor activities in the Ammergau Alps.
Many describe the experience of arriving at Soilaalm as stepping into a peaceful retreat. The simple act of selecting a drink from the fountain and paying into the cash box adds to the charm and trust-based atmosphere. Enjoying a slice of homemade cake with a view of the surrounding peaks, perhaps after a challenging climb, creates a memorable moment for many. The hut's solid wood construction, recently renovated in parts, maintains its traditional character.
Whether you're looking for Soilaalm hut family friendly walks or more challenging routes, the area around Oberammergau offers a diverse range of options. To discover the best hiking routes near Soilaalm hut and plan your visit, explore the many trails available on komoot. You can find detailed maps and route suggestions for hiking, mountain biking, and leisurely strolls, ensuring you make the most of your time in this beautiful part of the Ammergau Alps.
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Tips
August 3, 2017
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Soilaalm
4.2
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201
riders
14.2km
01:24
540m
540m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.2
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132
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03:18
880m
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Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
4.2
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138
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570m
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Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
Details
Informations
Elevation 1,330 m
Weather
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Sunday 10 May
13°C
5°C
92 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 21.0 km/h
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of food and drinks are available at Soilaalm?
Soilaalm is renowned for its traditional Bavarian snacks, known as Brotzeit, which typically include local sausage, bacon, and cheese. They also offer homemade cakes, fresh coffee, and cow's milk. A unique feature is their self-service system for cold drinks, which are kept cool in a natural fountain or water trough outside the hut.
Are there any specific parking options for hikers heading to Soilaalm?
Yes, a common starting point with parking is near the Ettal Monastery. From there, the hike to Soilaalm takes approximately 2.5 hours. Another option is to park at the valley station of the Laber mountain railway in Oberammergau, which leads to a hike of about 1.5 to 1.75 hours.
Is Soilaalm accessible by public transport?
While direct public transport to the hut itself is not available, you can reach Oberammergau by bus or train. From Oberammergau, you can then start your hike to Soilaalm, for example, from the Laber mountain railway valley station.
What is the typical hiking difficulty to reach Soilaalm?
The routes to Soilaalm are generally considered intermediate. While some paths are well-maintained, they involve elevation gain. For instance, the hike from Oberammergau's Laber valley station takes 1.5 to 1.75 hours, and from the Laber cable car mountain station, it's about an hour. The longer route from Ettal Monastery is around 2.5 hours.
Is Soilaalm suitable for a winter hike?
The Soilaalm is typically open from June to the end of October. While winter hiking in the Ammergau Alps is possible, the hut itself is closed outside of its operating season. Always check local conditions and trail accessibility if planning a winter visit to the area.
Are dogs allowed at Soilaalm and on the surrounding trails?
Generally, dogs are welcome on the hiking trails in the Ammergau Alps, including those leading to Soilaalm. It's always advisable to keep dogs on a leash, especially near grazing animals, and to ensure you clean up after them. The hut itself is a traditional mountain hut, and while dogs are often tolerated in outdoor seating areas, it's good practice to be mindful of other guests.
Are there any circular walks that include Soilaalm?
Yes, Soilaalm is a popular stop on several circular routes. Many hikers combine a visit to the hut with a trek to the Ettaler Mandl or incorporate it into a longer loop involving the Laber mountain. You can find various detailed circular route suggestions on komoot to plan your hike.
Does Soilaalm offer overnight accommodation?
No, Soilaalm is a Jausenstation (snack station) and does not offer overnight accommodation. It serves as a day-use resting point for hikers and mountain bikers.
What are the opening hours and season for Soilaalm?
Soilaalm is typically open from June to the end of October. During this period, it operates daily without a rest day, offering refreshments and a welcoming stop for visitors.
Are there any scenic viewpoints or natural features near Soilaalm?
Absolutely! Soilaalm itself offers beautiful views of the surrounding Ammergau Alps. Just below the hut is the Soila-See (Soila Lake), which can sometimes dry up in summer. The nearby Ettaler Mandl is another prominent natural landmark and a popular hiking destination offering panoramic vistas.
How crowded does Soilaalm get, especially on weekends?
As a popular destination, Soilaalm can get quite busy, especially on sunny weekends and during peak season (July-September). Arriving earlier in the day is often recommended to secure a spot on the terrace and enjoy a more tranquil experience.
Are there any facilities for families with young children at Soilaalm?
Soilaalm is considered family-friendly, offering a relaxed atmosphere and simple, hearty food. The surrounding meadows provide space for children to play. While the trails to the hut are intermediate, there are options for family-friendly walks, and the unique self-service drink fountain is often a hit with kids.