Difficult to find a tenant

Relocated hiking trail keeps hut operators away

Hiking trails leading into the Kreuzeck Group are damaged by tree trunks.(Bild: zvg )

Hiking enthusiasts are annoyed by a path leading to the Polinikhütte in Obervellach, where a leisurely hike turns into a gauntlet run. What's more, the refuge is now without a tenant. 

Many hikers are drawn to the Polinikhütte in the Kreuzeck group. But this year, they had to fight their way through a few obstacles to get there. "The route is blocked by branches and tree trunks," mountain enthusiasts complain.

The Mölltal Alpine Club is aware of the problem. "There are seven different forest owners who clear damaged wood whenever they want. Although it was agreed that there would only be short-term closures," says Arnold Bucher from the Alpine Club.

But the damaged access road is also causing concern. "This would also have to be renovated for the hut operator - but the money is missing, the owners are waiting for funding."

These two circumstances make the search for a new tenant more difficult. "This makes running the hut unattractive."

Nevertheless, the Alpine Association is hoping for new interested parties for the summer of 2025. "The nearest refuge, the Feldnerhütte, is a whole eleven hours' walk away," says Bucher, pointing out the importance of managing the hut and hiking tourism.