Allgäu Alps offer year-round mountain huts and winter shelters

The Allgäu region features approximately 700 alpine pastures, including over 40 Sennalpen. While most are only open during the summer, certain gastronomic locations remain operational throughout the winter. One such location is the Mittelalpe near Balderschwang, situated at 1,429 meters near the Riedbergpass. Formerly a Sennalpe, it now functions as a Galtalpe for young cattle and is managed by the Obermaiselstein forest and pasture cooperative. The site is accessible via a well-maintained path suitable for winter hiking, taking between 30 and 45 minutes from the Riedbergpass parking area.

Additionally, several mountain huts in the Allgäu Alps provide winter rooms (Winterräume) to serve as emergency shelters for hikers and climbers. These spaces offer basic amenities such as cooking facilities, firewood, and limited sleeping areas. According to the German Alpine Club (DAV), these are not substitutes for hotels but are intended for emergency use. Available locations include the Bad Kissinger Hütte, Fiderepasshütte, Kemptner Hütte, and Rappenseehütte, among others. Access requirements vary, with some rooms requiring a key and others being accessible without one. The Mindelheimer Hütte winter room has been closed following incidents of vandalism.