Weekend cabin reservations are now being made - Weekend cabin reservations are filling up rapidly
Dramatic Uptick in Reservations for German Alpine Club Huts
The Alps are calling: With the start of the hiking season, mountain huts managed by the German Alpine Club (DAV) are already experiencing a surge in bookings, with some facilities fully booked during certain periods.
"Bookings are going exceptionally well," says DAV spokesperson Miriam Roth. Particularly on weekends and holidays, many huts have already filled up weeks in advance. Limited sleeping capacity, combined with increased reservation numbers reported by hut keepers, contributes to this pattern.
A New Trend Emerges
This trend mirrors recent years' trends, as overnight stays at DAV huts have grown significantly in popularity. The Corona pandemic temporarily slowed this increase, but booking numbers have since rebounded and are approaching pre-pandemic levels. In 2023, the number of overnight stays in DAV huts surpassed the figures before the pandemic and approached one million. In comparison, 890,000 overnight stays were reported in 2018, and 923,000 in 2019.
Multi-day hut tours are gaining popularity, according to DAV, with many people discovering hiking and mountain experiences as a connection to nature and a mindful alternative to daily life. Additionally, hut reservations have become more convenient through the online system "Hut Reservation."
Swarms of Hikers Descend on Accessible Huts
Anselm Greulich, treasurer of the Turner-Alpenkranzchen section of the German Alpine Club, also notes increased demand, particularly for huts that are easily accessible as day trips. During nice weekends, these huts can become quite crowded. For example, the Rotwandhaus, owned by Greulich's section, welcomes over a thousand hikers on sunny weekends.
Book Early or Miss Out
To secure a spot, some huts are already fully booked several weekends a year in advance. "It can be quite challenging to find a place then," admits Roth. For larger groups, securing reservations can be particularly challenging. Keeping an eye on the cancellation deadlines can help, as spots sometimes open up again.
In summary, early booking is key for those planning a hut trip, especially during peak seasons. Choosing less busy days, like weekdays outside of holidays, can also improve chances of finding available accommodations. By doing so, hikers and climbers can better enjoy their Alpine adventures.
Community aid could be utilized to develop the fisheries sector, providing funding for infrastructure and resources, while promoting sustainable fishing practices and supporting local lifestyles. With the rise in bookings for mountain huts, it might also be beneficial to consider travel packages that combine sports activities, such as hiking or climbing, with a visit to a nearby fishing village, offering a unique blend of lifestyle, travel, sports, and cultural experiences.
