South Tyrol's highest mountain hut is a popular post card motif and a truly astounding building standing at 3,195 m. The Becherhaus was built in 1894 by DÖAV, the German-Austrian Alpine Club, which was in existence from 1873 to 1938, on an elevation on the south ridge of the Wilder Freiger (3,418 m). The position on the Becher peak on the South Tyrol side of the Stubai Alps is as breathtaking as the view it offers from the top.
The first ascent of the mountain was made only a few years earlier, in 1886. Six years later, the chairman of the Hanover section of the DÖAV reached the summit, and this led to the idea of building a refuge here. Although the project was backed by the DÖAV, none of the 118 sections at the time dared to undertake its construction, so finally, the Hanover section itself decided to make an attempt. Key figures during the construction phase included the restaurateur from Ridanna, Stefan Haller, who organized the transportation of the materials, and master carpenter Johann Kelderer, from Pflersch, who drew the plans for the hut. Construction finally took place between March and August 1894, and involved the transportation of 25 tons of material up to the summit from Maiern. In the same year, the hut was opened under the name "Kaiserin-Elisabeth-Schutzhaus" [Empress Elisabeth mountain refuge].
Meanwhile, the Becherhaus was upgraded and extended several times.
The hut offers overnight accommodation for 100 people, it has running water and hot food. Depending on the weather, it is open to guests from around the end of June to September.
The ascent
The Becherhaus can be reached in around 7 hours with a challenging hike covering an altitude gain of 1,725 meters. The starting point is the head of the Ridanna Valley. From there, hikers follow trail no. 9 to the Aglsalm mountain cabin and the Grohmann mountain refuge. The path then leads to the Teplitzer mountain refuge, then further on across boulders and cliff formations until it reaches a small glacier tongue, that must be crossed. At the foot of the Becherfelsen, hikers then meet a well-secured trail with winding paths that lead up to the Becherhaus.
The hike is very challenging and requires surefootedness, a head for heights, good physical condition and equipment, as well as sufficient provisions.
We hope you enjoy an unforgettable trip up to South Tyrol's highest mountain refuge.