SHOCK in the Alps: After 142 years, the popular Zeppi” mountain hut is closing!

SHOCK in the Alps: After 142 years, the popular Zeppi” mountain hut is closing!

The Alpine world is upside down! After an incredible 142 years of service, the legendary Zeppezauer Haus mountain hut, better known by the warm name “Zeppi,” is closing its doors forever. The shocking news shocked not only hikers, but the entire Salzburg region. Today, July 10, 2025, we must say goodbye to this treasured place that has been a true refuge in nature for many. The reason? A catastrophic loss of Category 1 refuge status, resulting in the destruction of all the country's vital grants! Every mountain lover is horrified by this dramatic development.

The operators, Ursula Klumaier-Wiebeke and Anton Langer, who have been running the hut with love and dedication for six years, are completely shocked about the closure. “We are shocked!” said the landlady, who was known for her delicious hut dishes and the warm atmosphere. Due to the enormous costs for necessary modernizations, which total a shocking 1.2 million euros, the decision to close became unavoidable. The planned construction measures have long since fallen by the wayside because they are simply unaffordable. The lease has already been terminated – a final slap in the face to all Zeppi friends!

The decline of the refuge

The Zeppezauerhaus was much more than just a mountain hut; it was the place of memories for numerous long-distance hikers and spontaneous visitors. But now a dark fate is looming. The Salzburg Alpine Club is under fire and is facing massive financial problems. The hut has not only lost government subsidies, but also suffers from immense problems such as a lack of water and outdated sanitary facilities. Social media is flooding with outraged comments about those responsible. Amid this shockwave, courageous supporters have already launched an online petition that has collected over 3,000 signatures by July 9, 2025 - a desperate cry for the preservation of the Zeppi!

Gerd Frühwirth, chairman of the Salzburg Alpine Club, described the situation as “dramatic and worrying”. Investments need to be urgently reviewed, but hope for improvement is dwindling. “Action must be taken before it is too late,” he warns. It is currently impossible to operate the hut for the 2026 season, which means the final end for the beloved mountain hut.

Unexpected complications and a worrying trend

The impending demise of the Zeppezauer Hütte is an alarming sign for many other alpine refuges in Austria. Although the Alpine Association of Austria is committed to preserving these valuable huts - including 20 throughout the country - the situation is becoming increasingly serious. A shocking reality is that we need a rescue package of 95 million euros to secure the 272 huts and 50,000 kilometers of hiking trails. Will the time for these natural treasures soon run out?

At the same time, this dilemma gives us a worrying look at the challenges of Alpine tourism and the need for a sustainable, environmentally friendly awareness. In a world full of challenges, we must act decisively to preserve these historic places before it is too late!

Our beloved Zeppezauer Hut may close, but its spirit will live on in the memories of all hikers who experienced joy and community there. But the question remains: Which shelter will fall next? Stay tuned as we continue this gripping story!

For the latest developments and information, also read the reports from Mercury, Salzburg Alpine Club and Alpine Association Austria.