Kasseler Hütte

The Kasseler Hütte, also known as Rifugio Roma alla Vedrette di Ries or Hochgallhütte, is a mountain hut (Schutzhütte) situated at 2,276 metres above sea level in the Rieserfernergruppe of South Tyrol, Italy. It lies on the northern side of the Rieserferner main ridge, high above the Bachertal valley, within the Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park. The hut is a key base for hikers and climbers exploring the surrounding peaks, including the Hochgall (3,436 m), Schneebiger Nock (3,358 m), Magerstein (3,273 m), Wildgall (3,272 m), and Lenkstein (3,237 m). The original structure on the site was built in 1877 by the Sektion Taufers of the DuÖAV and named Rieserfernerhütte. In 1894, the Sektion Kassel of the DuÖAV began construction of a new hut, which was inaugurated on 24 July 1895 with 17 sleeping places. The following year, it was renamed Kasseler Hütte. During World War I, the hut remained closed. In August 1926, after being expropriated by the Italian state, it was handed over to the Club Alpino Italiano (CAI) and assigned to its Rome section, which renamed it Rifugio Vedrette Giganti, though the simpler name Rifugio Roma became commonly used. The local population continued to call it Kassla-Hütte. From 1959, the Seeber family began managing the hut. Ernst Seeber operated it until 1964, after which it was closed until 1970 due to South Tyrolean attacks. Ernst Seeber returned in 1970 and managed it until his death in 1992. Since then, his youngest son Arnold Seeber, his wife Silvia, and their son Janis have run the hut. In 1999, along with 24 other expropriated huts, the Kasseler Hütte became the property of the Autonomous Province of Bozen – South Tyrol. The CAI's concession to manage it expired at the end of 2010. Since 2015, the province has been assisted by a parity commission including the AVS and CAI in administering the hut. The hut offers accommodation, meals, and is a starting point for numerous hikes and alpine tours. The easiest approach is from the Bachertal valley, taking about two hours through larch forests, past the Ternerhütte and Eppacheralm. More challenging routes come from Antholz over the Antholzer Scharte or Schwarze Scharte. The hut is a popular destination for excursions, ski mountaineering, and climbing in the Trentino-Alto Adige region.

The Kasseler Hütte has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. The first building at this location was erected in 1877 by the Sektion Taufers of the DuÖAV (German and Austrian Alpine Club) and named Rieserfernerhütte. It was a simple self-catering shelter for 30 people. The current Rieserfernerhütte is located at Gemsbichljoch, south of the Schneebiger Nock. On 1 April 1887, the Sektion Kassel of the DuÖAV was founded. A year later, the board began looking for a suitable hut site in the Rieserfernergruppe. In summer 1894, construction began, and the hut was ceremonially inaugurated on 24 July 1895 with 17 sleeping places. The following year, the Sektion Kassel agreed with the Sektion Taufers to rename the hut Kasseler Hütte. Around 1910, mountain guides and porters used the hut as a night camp. During World War I, the hut remained closed. In August 1926, the hut, which had been expropriated by the Italian state, was handed over to the Club Alpino Italiano (CAI) and assigned to its Rome section. The section renamed it Rifugio Vedrette Giganti, but the simpler name Rifugio Roma became commonly used among Italians. The local population continued to call it Kassla-Hütte, partly because the Sektion Kassel had repeatedly supported the Reiner population financially. In 1927, the Sektion Kassel built a replacement hut of the same name in the Austrian Zillertal. The era of the legendary Seeber family began in summer 1959 when Ernst Seeber took over management until 1964. The hut was then closed until 1970 due to South Tyrolean attacks. From 1970, Ernst Seeber and his wife managed it again. The legendary hut keeper died at the age of 60 on 8 December 1992. Since then, his youngest son Arnold Seeber, his wife Silvia, and their son Janis have run the hut. In 1999, along with 24 other expropriated huts, the Kasseler Hütte became the property of the Autonomous Province of Bozen – South Tyrol. The CAI's concession to manage it expired at the end of 2010. Since 2015, the province has been supported by a parity commission including the AVS and CAI in administering the hut, including leasing, supervision, and renovation measures.

• 2015

  Parity commission including AVS and CAI established to assist province in hut administration.

• 2010

  CAI concession to manage hut expires at year end.

• 1999

  Hut becomes property of Autonomous Province of Bozen – South Tyrol.

• 1992

  Ernst Seeber dies on 8 December; family continues management.

• 1970

  Ernst Seeber resumes management.

• 1964

  Hut closes until 1970 due to South Tyrolean attacks.

• 1959

  Ernst Seeber begins managing the hut.

• 1927

  Sektion Kassel builds replacement Kasseler Hütte in Austrian Zillertal.

• 1926

  Hut expropriated by Italian state and handed to CAI Rome section, renamed Rifugio Vedrette Giganti (commonly Rifugio Roma).

• 1896

  Hut renamed Kasseler Hütte after agreement with Sektion Taufers.

• 1895

  Hut inaugurated on 24 July with 17 sleeping places.

• 1894

  Construction of the new hut begins in summer.

• 1887

  Sektion Kassel of the DuÖAV founded on 1 April.

• 1877

  First building on site erected by Sektion Taufers, named Rieserfernerhütte.

Historic alpine refuge in the Rieserfernergruppe, offering authentic mountain hospitality and access to high alpine terrain.

• Overnight accommodation

  Dormitory-style lodging for hikers and climbers.

• Meals and drinks

  Traditional South Tyrolean dishes and refreshments.

• Alpine tours

  Base for ascents of Hochgall, Schneebiger Nock, Magerstein, Wildgall, and Lenkstein.

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2. 2Kasseler Hütte (Rieserfernergruppe) - Wikipediade.wikipedia.org
3. 3Kasseler Hütte - Wikidatawikidata.org