MATRASHAUS

The picturesque and varied ascent from Arthurhaus (1,503 m) to Matrashaus (2,961 m) on the Hochkönig requires some practice, endurance, and basic alpine safety knowledge. The right equipment is also a must. Finally, it’s interesting to check the day’s weather, as this hike leads to high altitudes…

The path from Arthurhaus to the Hochkönig (2,961 m), the highest peak of the Berchtesgaden Alps in the Hochkönig region of Salzburg, is very popular with experienced hikers because it offers the best compromise in terms of simplicity and brevity. During the hike, you not only experience the picturesque landscape of the Mandlwand and the beautifully situated Mitterfeldalm, but also the path under the Felsbug gate column and finally the remains of the former plateau glacier “Übergossene Alm” to the Matrashaus at the highest point of the tour. The ascent is rewarded on clear days with a magnificent sunset and a splendid view.

The Matrashaus is one of the highest mountain huts in the Alps. The hut stands at 2941m directly on the summit of the Hochkönig. The owner of the Franz-Eduard-Matras-Haus is the Austrian Tourist Club (ÖTK). Due to its unique location, you have a particularly unique view: it extends from the Dead Mountains (Totes Gebirge) over the Großglockner to the Zugspitze. Sunrises and sunsets at the Matrashaus are famous. Because all access routes from the valley are very narrow, the hut is supplied exclusively by helicopter.

History of the Matrashaus: In 1865, a small hut was first built on the Hochkönig. In 1894, the ÖTK was commissioned to build a new hut, and on August 15, 1898, this new hut was inaugurated to commemorate the 50-year reign of Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria. In 1913, the famous Franz Ferdinand, appointed by Emperor Franz Joseph as his successor to the throne, was supposed to receive this hut. The then president of the ÖTK, Franz Eduard Matras, was able to prevent this after a conversation with the emperor. It is due to this incident that the hut was named after him in 1932. The Matrashaus completely burned down on May 4, 1982. After reconstruction, it was reopened on September 1, 1985.

Hike to the Matrashaus: The Matrashaus can be reached by experienced hikers via two main routes:

  • From Arthurhaus (1502m) along Mitterfeldalm (duration: 5 hours)
  • From Werfen (548m) over Dielalm (1026m) and the Ostpreußenhütte (1625m) (duration: 6-8 hours)

Other possible routes (for advanced mountain hikers):

  • From Dientner Sattel (Birgkarhaus 1546m) along the Birgkar (duration: 4-6 hours)
  • From Hinterthal (1020m) along the Teufelslöcher (duration: 7-9 hours)

Much important information and reservation options for the Matrashaus can be found on its homepage: www.matrashaus.at

The tour is not suitable for dogs and children.