Carschinahütte SAC – High-Alpine Stage Hut & Rätikon Limestone Base

The Carschinahütte SAC is a renowned high-alpine hut in the Rätikon range, Canton of Graubünden, positioned below the dramatic limestone walls of the Sulzfluh and surrounding peaks. It functions as a key stage hut for alpine hikers and as an important base for classic limestone climbing routes, combining route connectivity with access to some of Eastern Switzerland’s best alpine rock.

• Hut Overview

  • Location: Rätikon range, Canton of Graubünden, Switzerland

  • Altitude: 2,218 m

  • Type: Serviced SAC alpine hut (with winter room)

  • Capacity: Approx. 60–65 sleeping places

  • Season:

    • Guarded: usually late June to late September

    • Winter room: accessible outside the guarded season

  • Managed by: Swiss Alpine Club (SAC)

• Access & Approaches

  Approaches are alpine but well established.

  • Main approaches:

    • From St. Antönien

    • From Partnun (via Carschinasee area)

  • Hiking time: ~4–5.5 hours (route-dependent)

  • Elevation gain: ~1,200–1,400 m

  • Terrain: Alpine paths, scree slopes, limestone slabs

  • Difficulty: T3

  Sure-footedness is required; exposure increases near the hut.

• Facilities & Comfort

  Well equipped for multi-day alpine stays.

  • Dormitories with mattresses and blankets

  • Half-board meals during guarded season

  • Managed drinking water supply

  • Indoor toilets

  • Electricity and lighting

  The winter room is basic and intended for autonomous use.

• Food & Atmosphere

  Lively yet alpine-focused.

  • Substantial Swiss alpine meals

  • Mixed clientele: alpine hikers, climbers, and traverse parties

  • Social evenings, especially during stable summer periods

  Despite its popularity, the hut retains a strong mountain character.

• Routes & Alpine Context

  The Carschinahütte is ideally placed for:

  • Alpine hiking traverses across the Rätikon

  • Classic limestone climbs on Sulzfluh and neighboring peaks

  • High-alpine scrambles and ridge routes

  • Cross-border routes toward Austria and Liechtenstein (route-dependent)

  Climbing objectives require appropriate technical equipment.

• When to Go

  • Best season: July to September

  • Conditions: Snowfields may persist early in the season

  • Main risks: Rockfall in hot weather, sudden storms, fog

• Who Is This Hut For

  • Experienced alpine hikers

  • Rock climbers and scrambling enthusiasts

  • Multi-day traverse parties

  • Not ideal for beginners without alpine experience

Why This Hut Is Worth Visiting

At 2,218 m, the Carschinahütte SAC stands at the heart of the Rätikon limestone world. Its combination of strong route connectivity, access to iconic climbing terrain, and classic SAC hut culture makes it a must-leep stop for hikers and climbers seeking structure, altitude, and dramatic geology in Eastern Switzerland.