Arthur von Schmid House at Lake Dösener
Arthur von Schmid House at Lake Dösener
Highlight • Mountain Hut
Hiking
4.9
(123)
Mountaineering
5.0
(3)
The Arthur-von-Schmid-Haus is a welcoming alpine hut nestled at 2,281 meters (7,484 feet) on the shores of the stunning Dösener See, one of Carinthia's largest mountain lakes. Located deep within Austria's Hohe Tauern National Park, this Austrian Alpine Club (ÖAV) refuge offers a magnificent base for exploring the Dösental valley and its dramatic glacier-carved landscape, including views of the formidable Säuleck peak.
Visitors consistently praise the hut's idyllic setting and the breathtaking views it offers. The serene deep blue of…
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Tips
June 27, 2018
Hiking
July 28, 2015
Hiking

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Nearby routes
Best routes near Arthur von Schmid House at Lake Dösener

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Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
Details
Informations
Elevation 2,270 m
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Saturday 9 May
16°C
2°C
35 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h
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The hut serves as an excellent starting point for various tours. Popular summit ascents include Säuleck (3,086 m) and Ochladinspitze (2,776 m). It's also a key base for the Hochalmrunde trekking tour and lies on the Ruperti-Weitwanderweg, a long-distance hiking trail. For a unique natural experience, you can explore the nearby Dösener Blockgletscher via a dedicated national park themed trail.
The ascent from the Dösen car park is considered a moderately challenging hike, typically taking around 3 hours. While relatively accessible for an alpine hut, it involves a sustained ascent. Hikers should be prepared for alpine terrain and wear sturdy boots.
Yes, there is a car park in the Dösental valley, which serves as a starting point for the hike to the hut. However, parking can fill up quickly, especially during peak season and on weekends. Arriving early in the morning is highly recommended to secure a spot.
The town of Mallnitz is generally accessible by public transport, including train services. From Mallnitz, you would typically need to arrange further transport or hike to the Dösen car park, which is the starting point for the shorter ascent to the hut. It's advisable to check local bus schedules or taxi services from Mallnitz to the Dösen car park.
Generally, no specific hiking permits are required for day hikes on marked trails within the Hohe Tauern National Park. However, it's always good practice to check the latest regulations with the National Park authority or the hut wardens, especially for multi-day treks or if you plan to venture off marked paths.
While the hut is generally open during the summer and early autumn, winter access can be challenging due to snow and alpine conditions. The hut may offer a winter room, but full service is typically seasonal. Winter hiking in this high-alpine environment requires significant experience, proper equipment (e.g., snowshoes, avalanche gear), and careful assessment of weather and avalanche conditions. It's best to contact the hut directly for specific winter opening times and conditions.
Dogs are generally permitted on trails in the Hohe Tauern National Park, but must be kept on a leash. If you plan an overnight stay at the Arthur-von-Schmid-Haus with your dog, prior arrangement with the hut management is required, as specific accommodations or rules may apply. Always ensure your dog is well-behaved and doesn't disturb wildlife or other hikers.
Beyond the stunning Dösener See itself, a notable natural feature is the Dösener Blockgletscher. This fascinating permafrost phenomenon, a rock glacier, can be explored via a dedicated national park themed trail, offering insights into the geological processes of the Hohe Tauern.
The hut offers a comfortable stay with amenities including washrooms with warm water, warm showers, and separate WC facilities. Recent renovations have converted dormitories into more private bunks for 1-3 people, and bedrooms have new beds and mattresses. There's also a terrace, a winter garden with a climbing wall, and mobile phone reception is generally good, though you might need to move a few meters away from the hut for the best signal.
Yes, for climbers, there is a climbing garden and a challenging via ferrata (difficulty level E) in the immediate vicinity of the hut. The hut's winter garden also features an indoor climbing wall, providing options even in less favorable weather.
Absolutely! The Arthur-von-Schmid-Haus is a fully managed hut known for its hospitality. Visitors can enjoy hearty soups, snacks, and delicious homemade pastries. Many hikers specifically praise the 'cottage soup' as a perfect reward after the ascent.