Meißner Haus, Alpine refuge in Ellbögen, Austria
The Meißner Haus is a mountain refuge at 1,707 m in the Viggartal Valley of the Tux Alps near Innsbruck. The building accommodates 69 guests in regular beds and mattress camps, accessible year-round from parking areas in the valley.
The hut was built in 1926 by the Meißen section of the German Alpine Club as one of several mountain refuges in the region. Ownership transferred to the Ebersberg-Grafing section in 1968, marking an important change in its management.
The building preserves traditional stone pine rooms and original tiled stoves decorated with Meissen porcelain, which showcase the craftsmanship of Alpine building traditions. These details tell the story of how mountain communities created warm and decorated spaces in remote locations.
The refuge requires a two-hour hike from the Mühltal parking area, making the approach straightforward and well-marked. Visitors should wear sturdy hiking boots and bring weather protection, as mountain conditions can change quickly at this elevation.
The building underwent significant renovation in 2015 that updated its facilities while keeping the original heating systems intact. This approach demonstrates how heritage mountain buildings can adapt to modern needs without losing their authentic character.
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