Highlight • Mountain Hut
Preintaler Hut
Hiking
4.9
(151)
Mountaineering
4.8
(20)
The Preintalerhütte is a renowned mountain hut nestled at an elevation of 1,656 meters in the heart of the Schladminger Tauern mountain range, within Styria, Austria. This large, rustic refuge serves as a popular destination and an ideal base for exploring the stunning alpine landscapes, offering panoramic views amidst lush meadows and forests.
Visitors consistently praise the hut's warm hospitality and the delicious regional specialties served, which can be enjoyed on the expansive sun terrace or in the cozy lounge with its tiled stove. The spectacular views from the terrace are a particular highlight, providing a perfect reward after a day of hiking. Many appreciate the friendly demeanor of the hut's owners, Rita and Wolfgang, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.
Accessing the Preintalerhütte typically involves a scenic hike of about two and a half hours from the Seeleiten car park in Untertal, near the impressive Riesachwasserfall. The route can include an idyllic valley walk followed by a thrilling ascent, with options like the "Die Höll" alpine trail featuring steps, stairs, and a 50-meter cable suspension bridge. The hut offers accommodation for up to 144 mountain hikers in rooms or dormitories, with essential amenities including electricity, toilets, washing rooms, and showers. While mobile phone reception is available, there is no Wi-Fi, encouraging a true disconnect from the digital world. Payment is exclusively with cash, and dogs are welcome in rooms by prior arrangement.
The Preintalerhütte is an excellent starting point for a variety of activities, especially during the warmer months. It serves as a crucial stage on multi-day hut tours, such as the Tauernhöhenweg, and is a popular base for summit climbs to peaks like Greifenberg (2,618 m), Hochwildstelle (2,747 m), and Waldhorn (2,702 m). A family-friendly hike to the crystal-clear Sonntagskarseen at 2,064 meters is also a highly recommended option.
The journey to the hut itself is often described as an experience, particularly the path leading past the Riesachwasserfall, Styria's highest. Hikers often mention the sense of achievement upon reaching the hut, where they can relax and soak in the "crazy prospect" from the sun terrace. The combination of challenging yet rewarding trails and the welcoming environment makes for memorable alpine adventures.
Whether you're planning a day trip or a multi-day trek, the area around the Preintalerhütte offers a wealth of routes for hikers of all levels. You can explore various trails and routes, from leisurely walks to demanding summit ascents. To discover the perfect path for your adventure, use the komoot route planner to find detailed maps and inspiration for your visit to this beautiful part of the Schladminger Tauern.
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
December 19, 2018
Hiking
Hut telephone:
+43 (0)664 / 144 88 81
More information at preintaler.at/agp/index.php/unsere-huetten/preintalerhuette.
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Details
Informations
Elevation 1,730 m
Good to know
Family Friendly
yes
Wheelchair access
no
Dog Friendly
yes
Overnight Stay
yes
Heating
yes
Luggage transport service
yes
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Thursday 7 May
11°C
1°C
52 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 6.0 km/h
Most visited during
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the recommended trails for beginners or families around Preintalerhütte?
For beginners and families, a highly recommended and family-friendly hike is to the crystal-clear Sonntagskarseen at 2,064 meters, which takes about an hour from the hut. This offers beautiful alpine scenery without extreme difficulty. The main trail from Seeleiten car park to the hut is also manageable for most, though it includes a thrilling ascent.
Are there any challenging multi-day hikes or summit climbs accessible from Preintalerhütte?
Absolutely! The Preintalerhütte serves as an excellent base for challenging multi-day hut tours and summit climbs. Popular peaks include Greifenberg (2,618 m), Hochwildstelle (2,747 m), and Waldhorn (2,702 m). It's also an important stage on the Tauernhöhenweg, connecting to other huts like Hans-Wödl-Hütte, Gollinghütte, and Breitlahnhütte.
What are the specific sleeping arrangements and amenities available at Preintalerhütte?
The hut is one of the largest in the Schladminger Tauern, offering accommodation for almost 100 mountain hikers. It has a total capacity of up to 144 sleeping places, divided between 54 beds in rooms and 90 mattress places in dormitories. Essential amenities include electricity, toilets, washing rooms, and showers. During the off-season, a freely accessible winter room with heating for four people is available.
Is Preintalerhütte suitable for a winter hike, and what safety precautions should be considered?
While the hut is primarily a summer destination, it does offer a freely accessible winter room with heating for four people during the off-season. However, winter hiking in the Schladminger Tauern requires significant experience, proper equipment (snowshoes, crampons, avalanche safety gear), and awareness of avalanche conditions. It's crucial to check weather forecasts and avalanche reports before attempting any winter tours.
What are the options for parking and public transport when visiting Preintalerhütte?
The primary access point is the Seeleiten car park in Untertal, near the Riesach waterfall. From there, it's approximately a 2.5-hour hike to the hut. Parking can fill up quickly, especially during peak season and on weekends, so arriving early is advisable. Information regarding public transport options to the Seeleiten car park would need to be checked with local transport providers, as direct routes are limited.
What food and drink options are available at the hut, and do they cater to dietary restrictions?
The Preintalerhütte is known for its delicious food, offering regional hut specialties. Visitors often praise the quality and variety. The hut also provides vegan options, ensuring a wider range of dietary needs can be accommodated. Meals can be enjoyed on the large sun terrace or in the cozy lounge with a tiled stove.
Is Preintalerhütte dog-friendly, and what are the rules for bringing pets?
Yes, the Preintalerhütte is dog-friendly, but with specific conditions. Dogs are welcome to stay overnight only in rooms, not in dormitories. It is essential to call ahead and arrange this prior to your visit to ensure availability and proper accommodation for your pet. This also applies to arranging luggage transport if needed.
What are the payment methods accepted at Preintalerhütte?
It is important to note that payment at Preintalerhütte is exclusively with cash. There are no facilities for card payments, so ensure you bring sufficient cash for your stay, meals, and any other purchases.
Are there any unique natural features or viewpoints near the hut besides the Riesach waterfall?
Beyond the impressive Riesach waterfall, the area boasts several stunning natural features. You can explore the picturesque Lake Riesachsee, Lake Duisitzkarsee, and the Giglach Lakes. The hike to the crystal-clear Sonntagskarseen at 2,064 meters is also a highlight, offering breathtaking views and a serene alpine environment.
What is the best way to contact Preintalerhütte for reservations or inquiries?
For reservations, inquiries about accommodation, or to arrange specific needs like bringing a dog or luggage transport, you can contact the hut directly. The hut telephone number is +43 (0)664 / 144 88 81. More information can also be found on their website, which is preintaler.at.