Herrgottschnitzerhütte

The Herrgottschnitzerhütte, officially known as the "Herrgottschnitzer – Franz Kaupe-Haus", is a mountain shelter (Schutzhütte) of the Österreichischer Touristenverein (ÖTV) located on the Kampstein in southern Lower Austria. It sits at an elevation of 1,318 metres on the eastern slope of the 1,467-metre Kampstein, within the municipality of Aspangberg-St. Peter. The hut was built in 1925 by the Viennese alpine society "d’Herrgottschnitzer" and has served hikers and mountaineers in the Wechsel region ever since. The hut's history is closely tied to its founding society. In 1980, the Alpine Gesellschaft "D’Hergottschnitzer" joined the Österreichischer Touristenverein (ÖTV), transferring ownership of both "Herrgottschnitzer" houses — one on the Kampstein and one on the Hohen Wand — to the ÖTV. The hut was connected to the electricity grid in 1984. Major expansions followed in 1990, when a sanitary and utility wing was added, and in 1997, when a new tenant apartment was built. After the death of long-serving ÖTV chairman Franz Kaupe on 17 May 1995, the house was renamed "Hergottschnitzer – Franz Kaupe-Haus" by unanimous decision of the ÖTV central board and the members of the "Herrgottschnitzer" group. Today the Herrgottschnitzerhütte operates as a traditional mountain inn and refuge, offering food, drink and accommodation to visitors exploring the Wechselgebirge. It is a well-known destination for hikers in the region and maintains a strong connection to its alpine club heritage. The hut is marketed under its own website and brand identity, presenting itself as an "old hut" with a long history dating back to 1925.

The Herrgottschnitzerhütte was built in 1925 by the Viennese alpine society "d’Herrgottschnitzer" on the eastern slope of the Kampstein, at an elevation of 1,318 metres, in what is now the municipality of Aspangberg-St. Peter in southern Lower Austria. The hut was intended as a shelter for members and hikers exploring the Wechselgebirge. For decades the hut was owned and maintained by the alpine society. In 1980, the Alpine Gesellschaft "D’Hergottschnitzer" joined the Österreichischer Touristenverein (ÖTV), and ownership of both "Herrgottschnitzer" houses — the one on the Kampstein and another on the Hohen Wand — passed to the ÖTV. This marked a significant organisational change, bringing the hut under the umbrella of a larger, nationwide tourist association. In 1984, the hut was connected to the electricity grid, modernising its facilities. Further improvements followed: in 1990, a sanitary and utility wing was added, and in 1997, a new tenant apartment was constructed. These expansions allowed the hut to better serve visitors and to operate year-round. A major change came after the death of long-serving ÖTV chairman Franz Kaupe on 17 May 1995. In his honour, the ÖTV central board and the members of the "Herrgottschnitzer" group unanimously decided to rename the house "Hergottschnitzer – Franz Kaupe-Haus". The hut continues to operate under the ÖTV and remains a popular destination for hikers in the region.

• 1997

  New tenant apartment constructed.

• 1995

  After the death of ÖTV chairman Franz Kaupe on 17 May, the house is renamed "Hergottschnitzer – Franz Kaupe-Haus".

• 1990

  Sanitary and utility wing added.

• 1984

  Hut connected to the electricity grid.

• 1980

  Alpine Gesellschaft "D’Hergottschnitzer" joins the Österreichischer Touristenverein (ÖTV); ownership of both Herrgottschnitzer houses passes to ÖTV.

• 1925

  Herrgottschnitzerhütte built by the Viennese alpine society "d’Herrgottschnitzer".

Traditional alpine mountain hut and refuge in the Wechsel region, operated by the Austrian Tourist Club (ÖTV).

• Mountain hut accommodation

• Food and beverage service

• Hiking and alpine refuge

1. 1Herrgottschnitzerhütte official websiteherrgottschnitzerhuette.at
2. 2Herrgottschnitzerhütte – Wikipediade.wikipedia.org
3. 3Herrgottschnitzerhütte – Wikidatawikidata.org
4. 41318m.at1318m.at