Intro to Hut Trekking

What to expect

I’d like to gently introduce you to hut-trekking in the Alps. We ascend with a heavy backpack to the Otto-Mayr-Hütte on the first day and stay for two nights. The next day, we head out on a challenging yet enjoyable day hike - just enough to nudge you to the edge of your comfort zone. On day three, we’ll traverse to the next hut, where you’ll experience the true alpine hut-to-hut spirit. Throughout the trek, I share plenty of insights into the culture and traditions of hut life—what to do (and what not to), how to plan routes, read mountain weather, and handle emergencies safely. And of course, we talk about the best routes, gear, and little mountain hacks that make every tour even more enjoyable.

Physical requirements

You should be comfortable walking on narrow hiking trails, sometimes with loose rocks or tree roots underfoot. We’ll hike about 4 to 5 hours each day (plus breaks), mostly on gravel paths or small mountain trails. It is important to be sure-footed and not afraid of heights, as some sections are a bit exposed or uneven. In a few places, you’ll need to hold onto metal railings for balance or walk carefully on rocky or steeper slopes. Nothing extreme - but you should feel confident moving in this kind of alpine terrain.

Fitness	Medium (2/5) A mix of longer and shorter distances and altitude gain each day.
Difficulty	Medium (2/5) Mostly narrow hiking paths, which are at times steep.

Please note that it is your responsibility to make sure that you are fit enough and able to participate in this trip. If you have never hiked with me before or are unsure whether you meet the physical and technical requirements or whether you have the right equipment, I’d be very happy to speak over the phone with you about the trip in advance. Please keep in mind that, no matter how the routes are rated, multi-day hikes in the Alps may feel difficult if you have not hiked in the Alps before.

Service included

• Organised trip by a registered travel company
• Guided hikes by a fully qualified UIMLA & VDBS International Mountain Leader
• Information package about the trip and the area including a packing list
• 3xhut nights in shared rooms or dormitories incl. half-board

Extra costs on tour

• Public transport to the start and from the end of the trek
• Lunch, snacks and beverages during the trip

Accommodation

The huts are simple mountain huts, and all offer shared rooms, which are shared with other hikers if we do not fill all beds and the hut is fully booked. All huts have shared washing facilities, and some huts offer showers at additional cost. The huts serve buffet-style continental breakfast and a set multi-course dinner. The huts aim to cater for dietary restrictions; however it is not always possible given their simple facilities and remoteness of their location. If you have any dietary requirements, please communicate them in advance. We stay two nights in the valley in simple hotels that also offer shared rooms with private bathrooms.

Please note that the huts have not yet opened their booking process for 2026. Hence, route adjustments may be possible depending on availability. Any potential adjustments will not affect the overall tour experience, price, or cancellation terms.

Travel

Start: Munich main station at around 7:00 am on Day 1.
End: Munich main station at around 8 pm on the last day.

You can travel with me from Munich Main Station to the start of the hike and return to Munich on the last day. Once you have signed up, I will send you the train connections three months before the trip. Alternatively, you are welcome to travel individually and meet the group at the start of the hike, and leave the group at the end of the hike.

If you would like travel advice for getting to Munich or to the start and end points of the trek, as well as hotel recommendations in Munich or in the Alps before or after the trip, or holiday ideas to extend your stay, please feel free to contact me directly.

Programme

Day 1 – Otto-May-Hütte (1539 m)
7 km, ↑ 780 m, 3 hrs hiking, 4 hours in total
We meet at Munich main station and continue by public transport to Musau just sout of Füssen, where the ascend to our overnight hut starts. We hike on a wide forest path all the way to Otto-Mayr-Hütte. Halfway we can stop for lunch at Musauer Alm.

Day 2 – Dayhike
5 km, ↑↓600 m, 3 hrs hiking, approx. 5 hrs in total
There are several scenic peaks and trails around the hut, and you work in small groups using a paper map to decide which route to explore — based on the weather and what you’d like to practice or experience that day. We come together to discuss your route choices and decision-making, and I share helpful feedback and insights before we head out on the trail to put your plan into action.

Day 3: Bad Kissinger Hütte (1788 m)
8 km, ↑ 750 m, ↓450, 3.5 hrs hiking, approx. 5 hrs in total
Today, we really get into the spirit of hut trekking — carrying our gear and traversing in true Alpine style to the next hut. The route begins with a steep climb up to the Reintaler Jöchle pass, then continues over the Sefensattel. From there, the high trail leads through gentle green meadows along an educational Geo Trail to Sebenalpe, where we stop for lunch. From here, it’s not far to our day’s goal - the welcoming Bad Kissinger Hütte, where a well-earned rest awaits.

Day 4 – Pfronten
8 km, ↓ 1350 m, 3 hrs hiking, 4 hrs in total
After breakfast we embark to the peak of Aggenstein – only a short 30 minute ascend but secured with metal chains and a nice taster for more alpine style terrain. Back at the hut we pick up our heavy bags and descend towards the valley. We arrive in Steinach from where a train brings us back to Munich.

Note that our hiking days may differ from the described programme due to weather and path conditions or the physical ability of the group.

Payment Information

Price: 495 €

A deposit of €150 is required within seven days of booking, with the remaining balance due 30 days before the start date. Payment in instalments is possible; please contact me directly at info(at)shantitreks.com. Please note that the cancellation policy applies as outlined in the T&Cs.

Booking opens on Saturday, 15 November.