Mountain huts across the Alps are grappling with severe water shortages this summer, forcing operators to ration supplies, close facilities, and resort to costly helicopter deliveries. The German Alpine Club, which maintains around 320 huts across the region, said nearly all its properties are experiencing supply shortfalls, according to spokesman Julian Rohn.
At the Blaueis hut near Berchtesgaden, drinking water is being flown in by helicopter at a cost of 600 euros per flight plus 31 euros per minute, with water sold to guests at four euros per litre. Washrooms there remain closed. Section chair Gabi Schieder-Moderegger said local springs had failed to produce water for the first time this year. The Neue Prager hut in the Hohe Tauern closed early twice in August, while the Watzmannhaus restricted washroom access to two-hour windows.
In Austria, the Happischhaus in the Tennengebirge halted operations entirely after its only spring dried up, prompting numerous booking cancellations. Operators are planning a rainwater collection and treatment system estimated at around 100,000 euros.