Hiking to a Hut in Switzerland - Good to Know

Imagine waking up here!

Seriously, if you have not yet experienced Swiss hut life, it is time to give it a try. One of our favorite aspects of living in Switzerland is the remarkable hut system accessible to residents and non-residents.

If you are interested in staying in a hut, we provide a few tips to help you get started below. If you are looking for an in-depth overview of Switzerland's Swiss Alpine Club (SAC/CAS) huts, of which there are 153 look no further! We also cover, mountain inns, mountain hotels and more in our book,

Fresh Air Kids Switzerland - Hikes to Huts

Our second book, Fresh Air Kids Switzerland - Hikes to Huts is also available in German & French.

*This book is available in German & French.

All of the information you need (whether or not you have kids) for a successful and memorable overnight stay is included in chapter two of Hikes to Huts. It's easy to read with practical advice and tips from people who have spent 15 years in Switzerland. We have also personally hiked to and stayed in each hut recommended in the book! Now, onto some tips.

Tip One: Reserve Early!

Book your overnight stay early and please know that most huts are typically open from mid/late June through October, depending on the weather and snow fall of the previous winter! The Swiss huts are remarkable places and people know it! If it is your intent to hike to and stay overnight in a hut, mountain inn or mountain hotel this summer, book now!

On a personal note, I tried to book one of my favorite mountain inns in January for a late August stay and they were already booked out. True story!

Tip Two: Online Reservations

Many huts provide an online registration option. Booking your reservation online is any easy way to see which dates are available and to secure your reservation! Make sure you receive a confirmation of your stay via email before your arrival. In fact, most will send confirmation immediately upon your reservation request. If you do not receive the confirmation, assume there was an error with your registration and phone the hut!

Please determine the hut's cancellation policy in advance! Some will charge your full stay if you cancel.

Please never rely on there being space at a hut should you decide to just "turn up." Most huts book up months in advance, if not the year prior.

Tip Three: What is Provided by the Hut?

Inquire or thoroughly read about what types of provisions (running water, showers, linens, etc.) are available and required of you to bring to the hut. For example, do the beds/bunk bed rooms or private rooms (stipulate your preference at your time of booking) have sheets and blankets or must you bring your own sleep sack?

Do they provide towels if there is a shower (some do not offer showers) and/or running water?

Determine if the hut provides drinking water or tea for filling your water bottle or must you purchase water at the hut? Some huts are in locations that make drinking water unsafe for consumption, therefore, all drinking water must be brought in and can be rather pricey. Pay the fee, it's worth your hydration!

Step Four: Stipulate Meal Preferences at Your Time of Booking

Most huts are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions, if you book them in advance!

Vegetarians meals are almost always possible, though vegan meals are harder for huts to accommodate. Whatever your dietary restriction may be, please, please, please let the huts know this in advance!

Please never expect a hut to meet your needs day of, as many huts are so remote that their provisions are delivered by helicopter. They order food in advance and receive helicopter deliveries a few times per month, if that.

This year, do yourself a favor and stay in one of the many incredible Swiss huts! The locations are oftentimes remote with some of the most stunning scenery in the country.

If you have questions, please never hesitate to reach out! We'd love to hear from you!