Albert Heim Hütte

Introduction

The Albert Heim Hut is an alpine hut located in the municipality of Realp in the canton of Uri, Switzerland, at an altitude of 2,542 metres. It stands on a rocky outcrop near the Furka Pass, at the foot of the Tiefengletscher and below the Galenstock massif, offering an important foothold for hikers, climbers and skiers in the heart of the Urseren high valley.

Description

Founded on 22 September 1918 on the initiative of Albert Heim, a Swiss geologist and glaciologist, the facility was chosen for its strategic location close to the main Alpine routes and notable natural emergencies. It originally accommodated 18 guests, but was expanded in 1936, 1971 and more recently in 2019, reaching today a capacity of 80 beds and 8 in the winter room. It is owned by the Uto section of the Swiss Alpine Club and managed by Roman Felber.
The hut is a crossroads of Alpine experiences in every season: during the summer, it can be reached in about an hour and a half from the Tiefenbach hotel (Tätsch car park, altitude 2,272 m), following a well-marked hiking trail, with the possibility of panoramic variants such as the one across the Schafberg or along the Tiefenbach stream. In winter, when the Furka Pass is closed, the most usual access route is from Realp, which takes around three hours. The hut is used as a base for ascents to the Galenstock, climbs on the Bielenhörner and Winterstock rock faces, ski tours to the same summit and traverses along the 'Urner Haute Route', which connects Realp with Engelberg via some of the iconic peaks of the Uri Oberland.
In terms of history and nature, the presence of the nearby Tiefengletscher has prompted glaciological studies since the first half of the 20th century. In the surrounding area, the high-altitude environment is home to pioneer flora and represents an open-air natural laboratory for many. The rocky environment, characterised by granite and gneiss, is also an object of interest for climbers and geological scholars.
The hut is guarded (half board and hot meals) with accessible winter rooms; it offers essential services, accepts electronic payment, and provides overnight accommodation in dormitories and family rooms. Drinking water, lighting and device charging facilities are provided. Bookings via the official website and the Alpinres platform.
Opening period: management is seasonal, with winter rooms always accessible; generally closed in May and November. It is advisable to check specific situations and trail conditions in relation to the seasons and snowfalls.

Curiosities

The site was chosen directly by Albert Heim, who first realised its scenic and strategic potential. The surrounding walls offer granite routes of considerable interest to experienced rock climbers. The facility also maintains a constant link with the area thanks to the hut book and a webcam accessible online.

Information

Location: Furkapass, Tiefengletscher, Galenstock - municipality of Realp (UR), Switzerland
Height: 2.542m
Ownership: CAS section of Uto
Manager: Roman Felber
Seating places:80
Winter Local: 8
Lighting:
Wifi:
Device charging:
Water:
Refuge book:
Opening times: seasonal, winter room always accessible

Contacts

Telephone: +41 (0)41 887 17 45
Cellphone:
Reservations: alpinres.org/hut/CH8301
Web: www.albertheimhuette.ch
email: info@albertheimhuette.ch
Webcam: www.albertheimhuette.ch/index.php?id=411
Bookings: alpinres.org/hut/CH8301