Burghütte SAC – Alpine Hut Guide

The Burghütte SAC is a traditional alpine hut located above the Lötschental, serving as a welcoming base for hikers exploring the valley and nearby alpine routes. Compared to high-glacier huts, Burghütte sits at a lower altitude and offers a more accessible alpine experience while retaining a strong mountain character.

• Hut Overview

  • Location: Lötschental, Canton of Valais, Switzerland

  • Altitude: 1,751 m

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

  • Capacity: Approx. 60 sleeping places

  • Season:

    • Guarded: usually late spring to autumn

    • Winter room: accessible outside the guarded season

  • Managed by: Swiss Alpine Club (SAC)

• Access & Approaches

  Access is straightforward and suitable for regular hikers.

  • Main approach: From villages in the Lötschental

  • Hiking time: ~1.5–2.5 hours

  • Elevation gain: ~400–600 m

  • Terrain: Forest paths, alpine trails

  • Difficulty: T2–T3

  This makes Burghütte a good option for shorter hikes or first hut experiences.

• Facilities & Comfort

  During the guarded season, the hut offers comfortable SAC-standard facilities.

  • Dormitories with mattresses and blankets

  • Half-board meals

  • Drinking water available

  • Indoor toilets

  • Electricity for lighting

  The winter room is basic and requires self-sufficiency.

• Food & Atmosphere

  The hut has a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

  • Traditional Swiss alpine cuisine

  • Simple, hearty meals

  • Popular with hikers and families

  It is less technical in spirit than high-alpine huts.

• Prices & Booking

  • Rates: Standard SAC hut prices

  • Discounts: SAC member discounts apply

  • Booking: Recommended in summer and on weekends

  • Payment: Cash preferred

• Best Routes From the Hut

  Day hikes in the Lötschental

  • Connections to higher alpine trails

  • Scenic valley viewpoints

  • Winter snowshoe routes (conditions permitting)

  Routes are mostly non-technical.

• When to Go

  • Best season: June to October

  • Conditions: Generally stable, weather-dependent

  • Winter: Accessible via winter room or snowshoeing

• Who Is This Hut For

  • Casual and regular hikers

  • Families with mountain experience

  • First-time hut visitors

  • Not intended for technical mountaineering

• Practical Tips

  • Start early for Lötschenpass crossings

  • Bring trekking poles for long ascents

  • Carry a hut sleeping bag liner

  • Check pass conditions early season

  • Combine with multi-day routes for best experience

Why This Hut Is Worth Visiting

At 1,751 m, the Burghütte SAC offers an accessible and authentic alpine hut experience in the Lötschental. It is ideal for hikers seeking mountain atmosphere without high-alpine exposure, making it a valuable contrast within your broader huts and bivouacs index.