Hirzerhütte, Mountain refuge in Sarntal Alps, Italy
Hirzerhütte is a mountain refuge on the western side of Mount Hirzer in the Sarntal Alps, located at roughly 2,000 meters elevation. The building offers sleeping quarters for guests and a restaurant with a terrace for dining and rest.
The refuge was founded in 1874 and later managed by different owners who maintained it across the decades. This evolution reflects the growing importance of mountaineering culture and tourism in the Alpine region.
The refuge restaurant serves South Tyrolean specialties prepared from local ingredients like smoked ham, sausage, and homemade nut bread. Visitors gather on the terrace to enjoy regional flavors and views of the surrounding peaks.
Access is available on foot via well-marked hiking trails or by cable car from the lower station. Visitors should bring warm clothing since temperatures stay cool even on sunny days at this elevation.
The facility has raised alpacas at this elevation since 2012, allowing visitors to observe and interact with the animals. This unusual mix of mountain refuge and alpaca farm creates an unexpected experience for families and nature enthusiasts.
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