Franz-Eduard-Matras-Haus

Spending the night at Matrashaus on the summit of Hochkönig, which towers over everything in the Berchtesgaden Alps, is an unforgettable experience. High above the Übergossene Alm plateau glacier, the exposed Matrashaus awaits you—accessible only via alpine trails.

Although Hochkönig is located in Austria, it is part of the Berchtesgaden Alps. At 2,941 meters, Hochkönig is the highest peak in the Berchtesgaden Alps. You’ll find Franz-Eduard-Matras-Haus right at the summit of Hochkönig—the highest mountain hut in the Berchtesgaden Alps. Its location at nearly 3,000 meters makes the Matrashaus one of the highest mountain huts in the Eastern Alps.

The history of Matrashaus

In 1982, the original building—whose origins date back to 1856—burned to the ground, leaving only the foundation walls; attempts to extinguish the fire were futile. The new building was then opened in 1985. In its current form, Franz-Eduard-Matras-Haus offers over 100 beds, most of them in dormitory-style accommodations.

2,941 meters—at the summit of Hochkönig

You can only reach the Matras House via a long and challenging ascent up the 2,941-meter-high Hochkönig. The exposed location at the summit also makes supplying the hut extremely difficult. Food and other goods are transported entirely by helicopter. Water is also a precious resource up here: meltwater is collected below the summit and pumped up to the hut. Therefore, please use water sparingly during your stay.