Berliner Hutte

Whilst being the biggest mountain hut I have ever visited, the Berliner Hütte still manages to retain an authentic vibe. For the most part all the interior is traditional, with modern bathrooms being a pleasant exception (showers are €2 p/m). It is also an ideally located hut for a trek throughout the Zillertal Alps between the Greizerhütte and the Furtschlaglhaus.

I visited the hut last weekend. I know the place for more than 10years and have to say it is amazing to see. BUT: there is a new boss and new people since last summer and the atmosphere of the peolple disappointed me completely. No answer on Hello between the door, stupid talking on the bar, slowly service (4 stuff people on the bar and maybe 20 guests) - waiting 15minutes for beer, slowly paying service. The family atmosphere i knew from the last Boss is gone, the place stays amazing. It smells more like money maker. Sorry DAV, i think you made mistake to let Rupert go.

I literally gasped when we entered the building. Not at all what I was expecting! Beautiful woodwork in the dining area, with lots of posters of the building’s history throughout. Multiple drying/shoe rooms, large bathrooms and shower rooms. The showers cost money for hot water but will run on cold water without tokens. Cards are accepted. Depending on what you’re going for, this may be great, or it may be the downfall. The ease of access and beauty of the building make it a much busier hut than others we visited. Definitely more of a hotel vibe. My husband wasn’t a big fan, but I appreciated the amenities ;). The food was excellent. The half pension included carrot soup (I’m definitely going to recreate the recipe at home), a salad bar, options for main couse, and tiramisu. We also had delicious gluhwein (we had just hiked through snow, so it was welcomed even in July)! The staff were friendly and checked on us often while in the dining room. Service was relatively quick. The bunkrooms themselves are the only reason I deducted a star. They were dark and crowded. The mattresses were laughably bad. Literally a small foam on top of a board. You sink straight to the board if you’re a side sleeper. I was pretty exhausted from the trek from Furstshagl so I didn’t mind though! If you’re hiking to Greizer/Ginzling or Furstshagl, make sure to pack gloves. You’ll want them for the mountain peaks where you need to grab cables for support. Some hiking guides list both hikes as about 4-5 hours, which is pretty optimistic unless you have perfect weather and knees. Definitely do not attempt the peaks without proper hiking boots! There are plenty of closer hikes to Berliner Hutte that can be done in regular sneakers though. Overall this is a great, family friendly hut! Of the ones we visited, this would be my recommendation for those new to hiking or those who want a more relaxing time in the Alps.