Weekends Already Fully Reserved in Advance - People rushing to book cabins for the weekend as weekend stays are filling up quickly.
Mountain Hut Rush: German Alpine Association Huts Fully Booked Weekends Ahead Amid Pandemic Recovery
In a significant surge following the pandemic, reservations for mountain huts under the German Alpine Association (DAV) have been booming. Miriam Roth, a DAV spokesperson, reports that the demand for overnight stays, particularly during weekends and holidays, is high and many huts have already reached full capacity for certain periods.
This trend continues a pattern of increased interest in mountain hut stays, which has picked up post-pandemic. Despite a slight decline during the height of the Coronavirus crisis, booking numbers have been on an upward trajectory ever since, surpassing pre-pandemic levels in 2023. In 2018, overnight stays totaled 890,000, while in 2019, it was 923,000. The numbers are expected to rise further, driven by various factors.
Hut tours, especially multi-day tours, are becoming increasingly popular. More people have found hiking and mountain stays as a peaceful retreat from urban life, offering a chance to reconnect with nature. Additionally, the availability of online booking systems like "Hut Reservation" has made reservations more convenient and accessible.
Anselm Greulich, treasurer of the Turner-Alpenkranzchen section of the DAV, shares a similar sentiment, reporting high demand, especially for day trips to easily accessible huts. For instance, the Rotwandhaus, belonging to his section, receives over 1,000 visitors during peak weekends.
Given the high demand, early bookings for overnight stays are advisable. Some huts are already booked up a year in advance, especially for weekends and for larger groups. Keeping an eye on the cancellation deadlines can help secure a spot, as cancellations often make rooms available again. The DAV advises planning ahead and choosing less crowded times, such as weekdays outside holidays.
The surge in bookings can be attributed to several factors. The pandemic has heightened awareness of the importance of mental and physical health, encouraging more people to engage in outdoor adventures. Additionally, the safety and controlled nature of alpine huts, coupled with the convenience of online booking systems, have made overnight stays more desirable.
The popularity of multi-day hut-to-hut hiking experiences, combined with organized outdoor events and improved infrastructure, has contributed to the increased demand for mountain huts. However, it is essential to note that hut availability and conditions can vary, so hikers are encouraged to plan carefully and stay informed.
Community aid could potentially focus on the development of the fisheries sector as an alternative leisure activity for those seeking a change from the hustle and bustle of city life, prompted by the growing popularity of outdoor adventures and desire for a healthier lifestyle post-pandemic. During travel, one might incorporate a visit to alpine huts, especially in the German Alpine Association (DAV) network, to experience the unique sports activities offered among the mountains, such as hiking and mountain climbing.
