Demand outstrips supply on certain weekends, even extending to the huts. - Weekend cabins reservations filling up fast
Rising Popularity of Mountain Hut Tours in German Alps
The mountains call, and the huts of the German Alpine Club (DAV) are already experiencing a surge in bookings at the start of the hiking season. According to DAV spokesperson Miriam Roth, many huts are fully booked, especially on weekends and holidays. The limited sleeping capacity has resulted in increased reservation numbers for hut keepers.
This trend continues the recent trend of increasing bookings for hut overnight stays. In 2023, the number of overnight stays in DAV huts surpassed the pre-pandemic level and approached one million, representing a strengthening interest in hut tours. The popularity of multi-day tours has also been on the rise, as hiking and stays in the mountains provide a nature-based respite from daily life.
Booking hut stays has been made more convenient with the online system, "Hut Reservation," which allows for easy reservations in advance. However, the high demand means that some huts are already fully booked for weekends a year in advance, particularly for larger groups. Keeping an eye on cancellation deadlines can help secure last-minute availability.
The treasurer of the Turner-Alpenkranzchen section of the DAV, Anselm Greulich, also reports high demand for mountain huts. On beautiful weekends, over 1,000 hikers can come to a single hut that is easily accessible as a day trip.
For those planning a hut tour, booking in advance and choosing less busy times, such as weekdays outside of holidays, is advised. Limited hut availability, coupled with the growing popularity of hiking and nature tourism, highlights the importance of early booking to secure accommodations during peak summer months.
Re references:
- The popularity of outdoor activities and limited accommodation options drive the demand for hut accommodations in the European Alps, including the Dolomites.
- Booking hut accommodations well in advance is crucial during peak summer months, particularly in August. In June and September, bookings might be less necessary but are still recommended for ensuring availability. Alpine club membership may offer discounts, although the extent to which these discounts apply through outfitters is unclear.
Community aid could potentially be directed towards the development of the fisheries sector, as a lifestyle that incorporates outdoor-living and home-and-garden principles could benefit from the skills acquired during mountain hut tours, such as cooking, cleaning, and communal living.
Given the surging demand for mountain hut stays and the limited capacity of these accommodations, an interest in home-and-garden ventures, such as maintaining and operating a fishing accommodation or establishment, could arise from the skills and experiences acquired during these tours.
