Reichenhaller Haus

Reichenhaller Haus, often called Staufenhaus, is a mountain hut (Schutzhütte) owned and operated by the Bad Reichenhall section of the Deutscher Alpenverein (German Alpine Club, DAV). It sits at 1,750 metres above sea level in the Chiemgau Alps, just below the summit of the Hochstaufen, near Bad Reichenhall in Upper Bavaria, Germany. As the highest hut in the Chiemgau Alps, it commands wide views over Salzburg, the Alpine foothills, the Salzkammergut mountains and the Berchtesgaden Alps. The hut is open during the summer months and serves as a key base for mountain tours and climbing routes in the region. The building is a protected monument, listed in the Bavarian monument register under the number D-1-72-114-346. Its history reaches back to the early 20th century: a modest shelter was built near the Staufen summit in 1902, replaced in 1908 by the Rodelhütte moved from the Lochbründl. A licence to serve drinks followed in 1909, and in 1910 the hut was relocated to the south side, adding eight beds. After closure during the First World War, it was rebuilt at a new site between 1925 and 1928, complete with a telephone line and a fresco by Franz Murr. A 1928 earthquake loosened summit rocks, and a subsequent rockfall damaged the nearby Staufenkapelle, which was nevertheless consecrated in June 1929. The hut gained its current form through a renovation in 1974; a rainwater collection system was renewed in 1979, and a photovoltaic system replaced gas and candle lighting in 1989. In 1993 the then innkeepers were victims of a robbery-murder. Today the hut is supplied by helicopter with drinks and canned goods, while other food is carried up by the hut keeper up to three times a week in a traditional wooden backpack (Holzkraxn) over the secured north ascent, as there is no material cable car. Access routes include the Padinger Alm via Bartlmahd or the Steinernen Jäger (UIAA grade I, partly secured), Schloss Staufeneck, Aufham, Adlgaß and Jochberg, with walking times of three to four hours. The hut is a base for summit climbs of the Hochstaufen (1,772 m), Mittelstaufen (1,657 m) and the ridge traverse to Zennokopf and Zwiesel, as well as the Pidinger Klettersteig (C/D).

The history of Reichenhaller Haus begins in the mid-17th century, when mining was carried out near the summit of the Staufen; it is assumed that at least a modest shelter existed, though nothing specific is known. The first documented structure was a 'modest shelter hut' built at the Staufen summit in 1902. In 1908 this simple shelter was replaced by the Rodelhütte, which had previously stood at the Lochbründl on the ascent to the Zwiesel. The following year the then innkeeper received a licence to serve drinks, and in 1910 the next renovation became necessary: due to difficulties with the hunting lord of the Staufen north side, the hut had to be moved to the south side, and eight additional beds were created. From 1914 to 1918 the hut remained closed during the First World War. Between 1925 and 1928 the hut was rebuilt at a different location after several burglaries through the hut roof caused major damage. A telephone line was also laid to the hut. The fresco 'Die Stoanernen Jaga' (The Stone Hunters) in the guest room was created by Franz Murr. In autumn 1928 a violent earthquake loosened the summit rocks, and the following year a rockfall severely damaged the shell of the neighbouring Staufenkapelle. Nevertheless, the chapel was consecrated in June 1929. In 1974 the hut received its present form through a renovation. In 1979 the rainwater collection system was completely renewed. In 1989 the not-un-dangerous hut lighting by gas and candles was made obsolete by a photovoltaic system. On 23 September 1993 the then innkeepers were the victims of a robbery-murder. The hut is supplied by helicopter with drinks and canned goods. All other food is still carried up by the hut keeper up to three times a week in a traditional wooden backpack (Holzkraxn) over the rope-secured north ascent, as there is no material cable car to the hut. The hut is a protected monument, listed in the Bavarian monument register under number D-1-72-114-346.

• 1993

  On 23 September the then innkeepers were victims of a robbery-murder.

• 1989

  A photovoltaic system replaced gas and candle lighting.

• 1979

  The rainwater collection system was completely renewed.

• 1974

  A renovation gave the hut its present form.

• 1929

  The neighbouring Staufenkapelle was consecrated in June despite rockfall damage.

• 1928

  A violent earthquake loosened the summit rocks; the fresco 'Die Stoanernen Jaga' was created by Franz Murr.

• 1925

  Rebuilding at a new site began, lasting until 1928; a telephone line was installed.

• 1914

  The hut remained closed from 1914 to 1918 during the First World War.

• 1910

  The hut was moved to the south side and eight beds were added.

• 1909

  The innkeeper received a licence to serve drinks.

• 1908

  The shelter was replaced by the Rodelhütte moved from the Lochbründl.

• 1902

  A modest shelter hut was built at the Staufen summit.

A traditional, heritage-protected Alpine Club hut offering simple mountain accommodation and food in a high, panoramic setting, accessible only on foot.

• Mountain hut accommodation (summer operation)

• Food and drink service

• Overnight stays for hikers and climbers

1. 1Deutscher Alpenverein Sektion Bad Reichenhalldav-badreichenhall.de
2. 2Reichenhaller Haus – Wikipedia (German)de.wikipedia.org
3. 3Reichenhaller Haus – Wikidatawikidata.org