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Omaela Story: Our Favorite Mountain Huts Around St. Anton am Arlberg
Omaela Story

Our Favorite Mountain Huts Around St. Anton am Arlberg

A hike isn’t complete without a stop at the right mountain hut. We grew up here and still go hiking almost every week. To be honest, the hut is often the reason we set out in the first place. Here are five we keep coming back to, ranging from a leisurely half-day hike to a more challenging trek.

The Malfon Alm:
the peaceful starting point

The Malfon Alm, at 1,687 meters, is located in the Malfon Valley near Pettneu am Arlberg. From the parking lot at the valley entrance, it’s about 3.5 kilometers and just under 460 meters of elevation gain along a well-maintained forest road (Trail No. 511)—about an hour and a half on foot. You can also take an (e-)bike, either directly from Omaela or from the parking lot.

The food up there is excellent. Vito and Carla are drawn first to the water—it’s a wonderful place to play. Anyone who’s still up for it afterward can continue on to the small Malfonsee at the end of the road.

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The Konstanzer Hütte:
great food and a view of the Patteriol

Three trails lead to the Konstanzer Hütte in the Verwall. The bike ride starts right here and takes about two hours; on an e-bike, it takes about an hour and a half. If you’d like to take it easier, start by bike or on foot from the parking lot at the Verwall entrance. Or take it really easy by taking the bus to the Wagnerhütte and continuing on foot from there.

The food there is excellent, and the view of the Patteriol alone is worth the trip. If you’d like, you can then turn right into the Schönverwall toward Langen See. That makes for a lovely day trip.

Opening hours and details

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The Fritzhütte:
short, steep, rewarding

The Fritzhütte is located at 1,736 meters above Schnann. From there, it’s a one- to one-and-a-half-hour hike uphill—somewhat steeper, but shorter. The most scenic route leads through the Schnanner Klamm. Alternatively, you can ascend from the front, enjoying views of the valley and passing through the “kleine Klamm,” a short, rocky section.

Above the hut lies the Fritzhüttensee, perfect for a quick dip to cool off. If you want to go further, head up to the Ansbacher Hütte. And if you pass the turnoff to the Fritzhütte in the gorge on your right, you’ll reach the Vorderen See and the Alperschonjoch.

Opening hours and details

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The Leutkircher Hut:
Martin’s recommendation for a great day

Take the Gampen and then the Kapall cable cars up to the Kapall mountain station, and from there follow the high-altitude trail to the Leutkircher Hut. About an hour and a half, with panoramic mountain views the whole way. You should be sure-footed. What did we encounter here once? Ibex, completely relaxed on a rock.

From the hut, you have a choice depending on your time, fitness level, and the weather: descend directly to us at Omaela, about an hour and a half. Or continue along the high-altitude trail to the Kaiserjochhaus and down to Pettneu am Arlberg. Or continue on to the Ansbacher Hütte and via the Fritzhütte to Schnann.

All the huts along the way are staffed, so you won’t arrive hungry anywhere.

Our story about this tour

Opening hours and details

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Rugged mountain peak in warm morning light near St. Anton am Arlberg

The Darmstädter Hütte:
the athletic route

Our favorite bike route, and the longest tour here. Starting at the old Rendlbahn, the route heads through the Moostal valley, with 1,160 meters of elevation gain; depending on your fitness level and bike, it takes two to three hours. Along the way, you’ll pass the Kartell Reservoir, the Tritsch-Alpe, and the Rossfall-Alpe. If you want to skip the first steep section, take the Rendlbahn up and start at the top.

The food at the hut is excellent, and you should definitely try the dumplings. Handy for e-bike riders: There’s a fast-charging station that brings empty batteries up to 80 percent in about 20 minutes.

Two tips from experience: Check your brakes and battery before the tour. And on the way back, ride the steep gravel sections with caution.

Opening hours and details

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Before You Set Out

  • Sturdy shoes; sure-footedness is also required for the high-altitude trail to the Leutkircher Hut.

  • Check opening hours in advance; the links are listed above for each hut.

  • The mountain railways operate on select days during the summer. It’s worth taking a quick look at the operating hours.

  • You can charge your e-bikes at our house using our own charging station.

Feel free to ask us before you set out. We usually know where the best weather and the most beautiful trails come together.

Lisa and Martin

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