Dr.-Friedrich-Oedl-Haus, Mountain refuge at 1575 meters in Werfen, Austria
The Dr.-Friedrich-Oedl-Haus sits near the upper station of the Eisriesenwelt cable car at about 1575 meters (5170 feet) and provides direct access to the largest ice cave system in the world. The building functions as a mountain lodge with sleeping and dining rooms for visitors arriving in this alpine setting.
The building was constructed starting in 1922 under the direction of Dr. Friedrich Oedl, with dining facilities opening in 1924 and sleeping quarters completed in 1926. These construction phases show how infrastructure was gradually adapted to meet the growing needs of cave explorers.
The refuge is named after a cave explorer who shaped the region and serves as a gathering point for mountaineers studying the Tennengebirge. Visitors meet people from different places who share interests in climbing and cave exploration.
You can reach the lodge by cable car from the Eisriesenwelt parking lot or via a hiking trail that takes about 90 minutes over rocky ground. The cable car is faster, while the walking route requires more time and suitable footwear.
The location offers views of high mountain formations and connects several hiking trails leading to different alpine destinations. This strategic position makes it a natural junction point for mountaineers who want to explore different routes in the area.
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