Albert-Appel-Haus

The Albert-Appel-Haus is a large, staffed mountain hut (Schutzhaus) situated in the heart of the Totes Gebirge in Austria, near the border between Styria and Upper Austria. It stands at an elevation of 1,638 m (according to Wikipedia) or 1,663 m (according to the official website) on the Henaralm, a high valley surrounded by karst plateaus and alpine pastures. The hut is a key waypoint on numerous hiking routes, including the Welser Höhenweg, the Nordalpenweg 01, the European long-distance path E4, and the Via Alpina. It offers 70 sleeping places, simple rooms, and traditional hut cuisine, operating seasonally from mid-May to early October. There is no winter operation, no winter room, no Wi-Fi, and no mobile phone reception; payment is cash only and reservations are by telephone only. The hut is owned and operated by the Österreichischer Touristenverein (ÖTV) and is named after Albert Appel (1871–1947), the association's first chairman, who founded its predecessor organization in 1908. Inaugurated on 5 August 1928, the hut has been expanded and renovated several times, and in 1977 a six-kilometer material cableway was built to supply it. A tragic accident occurred on 8 February 2008 when a Bell 206 B helicopter collided with the cableway's supporting cable, killing both occupants. An annual mountain mass is held at the hut every August. The Albert-Appel-Haus serves as a base for summit climbs such as the Redender Stein (1,900 m), Woising (2,064 m), and Rinnerkogel (2,012 m), and for visits to nearby lakes including the Henarsee and Wildensee.

The Albert-Appel-Haus was built by the Österreichischer Touristenverein (ÖTV), an organization that emerged from the Christian Workers' Tourists Association founded in 1908 by Albert Appel (1871–1947) on the initiative of Leopold Kunschak. Appel served as the association's first chairman, and the hut was named in his honor. The hut was officially inaugurated on 5 August 1928. Over the decades, it has been repeatedly expanded and renovated to meet the needs of hikers. In 1977, a six-kilometer material cableway was constructed to facilitate supply transport to the remote location. On the morning of 8 February 2008, a Bell 206 B helicopter struck the cableway's supporting cable, resulting in the deaths of both occupants. The hut continues to operate seasonally and remains a central hub for hikers traversing the Totes Gebirge, including those on the Welser Höhenweg. An annual mountain mass is held at the hut each August.

• 2008

  A helicopter collides with the cableway's supporting cable on 8 February, killing both occupants.

• 1977

  A six-kilometer material cableway is built to supply the hut.

• 1928

  The Albert-Appel-Haus is inaugurated on 5 August.

• 1908

  Albert Appel founds the Christian Workers' Tourists Association, predecessor of the Österreichischer Touristenverein.

A remote, authentic alpine refuge emphasizing simplicity, nature, and hospitality, far from roads and digital connectivity.

• Overnight accommodation (70 sleeping places)

• Traditional hut meals

• Drinks and refreshments for day visitors

1. 1Albert Appelhaus – Schutzhaus auf 1.663 m, Totes Gebirgealbert-appelhaus.at
2. 2Albert-Appel-Haus – Wikidatawikidata.org
3. 3Albert-Appel-Haus – Wikipedia (German)de.wikipedia.org