The History of the Magdeburger Hütte
Between the German Alpine Club, the military, and the CAI. The Magdeburger Hütte has stood in Val di Fleres (Pflerschtal) since 1887. A story of ambition, expropriation, war, and new beginnings.
From the first plans to the present day
1883
First plans for a shelter
As early as 1883, initial considerations were made to build a refuge at this location in the Pflerschtal Valley. The Magdeburg section of the German and Austrian Alpine Club takes on the project.
1885
Land purchase & construction contract
The Magdeburg section buys the property and commissions a builder from Sterzing to build it. Construction starts.
1887
Ceremonial inauguration - August 17, 1887
The hut is opened: a wooden building on a stone base, panelled with pine wood on the inside. Consisting of an entrance hall, main room with stove and 8 beds, a separate women's room with 4 beds and a hay warehouse for 20-30 people in the attic. The hut is still unmanaged.
1889
Large extension — managed for the first time
An important extension significantly expands the hut: 17 beds and 12 mattress warehouses are now available. For the first time, management is possible — the hut is open as real accommodation for mountaineers.
1919
End of World War I — expropriation
After the First World War, the Magdeburgerhütte was expropriated from the state. The end of the German Alpine Club era begins.
1923
Transfer to Club Alpino Italiano
The hut became the property of Club Alpino Italiano (CAI) in 1923. A new chapter is beginning — initially under difficult circumstances.
1939
Many years of operational downtime
During and after the Second World War, the hut remained unmanaged for several years. The war years leave their mark.
1965
Occupation by the Italian military
From 1965 to 1970, the hut was occupied by the Italian military. It has not been accessible to mountaineers for five years.
1971
Repair by the CAI section in Sterzing
From 1971 to 1974, the CAI section in Sterzing repaired the hut again. A further expansion by the Italian Alpine Club followed in 1975.
1980
Last major renovation
The hut was last fundamentally rebuilt in 1980. Since then, apart from the extension of the terrace, only maintenance work has been carried out. The substance of the hut is retained.
2026
First season under Carmen & Jaro
The first season under the new hut management starts in mid-June 2026. Carmen and Jaro — with many years of experience in shelters in Austria, Switzerland, Slovakia and South Tyrol — bring new life to the almost 140-year-old house.
Almost 140 years old — and still a home.
The Magdeburger Hütte is today managed under the care of the Sterzing section of the CAI. What began in 1887 as a simple timber structure is now a fully staffed mountain hut with 49 sleeping places.
The Swiss stone pine panelling still defines the character of the rooms — warm, honest, and timelessly alpine.
Are you ready for your mountain experience?
Reserve your spot at the Magdeburger Hütte at 2423m now.
(e.g. no deposit - free cancellation up to 3 days in advance.)
