Kröntenhütte SAC – Alpine Hut & Krönten Hiking Base

The Kröntenhütte SAC is a traditional alpine hut located above the Maderanertal in the Canton of Uri, on the lower slopes of the Krönten massif. Despite its relatively moderate altitude, it serves as a strategic base for demanding alpine hikes and the ascent of the Krönten (3,108 m), acting as a transition point between valley hiking and serious alpine terrain.

• Hut Overview

  • Location: Maderanertal / Krönten massif, Canton of Uri, Switzerland

  • Altitude: 1,903 m

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

  • Capacity: Approx. 35–40 sleeping places

  • Season:

    • Guarded: usually mid-June to mid-September

    • Winter room: accessible outside the guarded season

  • Managed by: Swiss Alpine Club (SAC)

• Access & Approaches

  Access is alpine hiking but physically demanding.

  • Main approach: From the Maderanertal

  • Hiking time: ~3.5–5 hours

  • Elevation gain: ~900–1,100 m

  • Terrain: Alpine paths, steep grassy slopes, rocky sections

  • Difficulty: T3–T4

  No glacier travel is required to reach the hut.

• Facilities & Comfort

  Traditional and functional SAC-standard facilities.

  • Dormitories with mattresses and blankets

  • Half-board meals during guarded season

  • Drinking water available

  • Indoor toilets

  • Limited electricity

  The winter room is basic and intended for autonomous use.

• Food & Atmosphere

  Calm and mountaineering-oriented.

  • Simple, hearty alpine meals

  • Clientele mainly composed of strong hikers and alpinists

  • Evenings focused on route planning and weather assessment

• Prices & Booking

  • Rates: Standard SAC hut prices

  • Discounts: SAC member discounts apply

  • Booking: Recommended due to limited capacity

  • Payment: Cash preferred

• Routes & Alpine Context

  The Kröntenhütte is well positioned for:

  • Krönten (3,108 m) – demanding alpine ascent (exposed, rocky terrain)

  • Alpine hikes and scrambles in the Maderanertal

  • Training routes before entering higher, glaciated terrain

  Glacier equipment is not required for normal routes.

• When to Go

  • Best season: July to September

  • Main risks: Exposure, thunderstorms, early snow on upper routes

• Who Is This Hut For

  • Experienced alpine hikers

  • Mountaineers targeting the Krönten

  • Visitors seeking a quieter SAC hut below the high-glacier zone

  • Not suitable for beginners or casual hikers

Why This Hut Is Worth Visiting

At 1,903 m, the Kröntenhütte SAC plays an important transitional role in the Uri Alps: low enough to be accessible without glacier commitment, yet ideally placed for serious alpine objectives above. It is a hut defined by progression, preparation, and classic alpine effort, rather than altitude alone.