Naturefriends House Knofeleben
Naturefriends House Knofeleben
Highlight • Mountain Hut
Naturefriends House Knofeleben
Hiking
4.9
(242)
Mountaineering
5.0
(12)
The Naturfreundehaus Knofeleben is a welcoming mountain hut nestled at an elevation of 1,250 meters on a southern spur of the majestic Schneeberg, specifically on the Gahns plateau in Lower Austria, Austria. This modern refuge, known for its striking architecture and generous panoramic glazing, stands out as one of Austria's brightest mountain accommodations. Its name, "Knofeleben," fittingly comes from the wild garlic (Bärlauch) that flourishes in the area each spring, adding a unique natural charm to this scenic location.
Visitors…
Tips
July 31, 2019
Hiking
All information is available at knofeleben.at.
•April 17, 2016
Hiking
•May 14, 2022
Mountaineering
•Sign up for a free komoot account to get 16 more insider tips and takes.
Sign up for free
Nearby routes
Best routes near Naturefriends House Knofeleben
4.6
(24)
125
hikers
18.2km
06:45
810m
810m
4.8
(62)
485
hikers
17.4km
07:24
1,090m
1,090m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.7
(37)
250
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Details
Informations
Elevation 1,300 m
Contacts
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Sunday 15 March
9°C
0°C
69 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 6.0 km/h
Most visited during
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the typical opening hours and rest days for Naturfreundehaus Knofeleben?
The hut is generally open from mid-April to the end of November. During this period, it typically operates from Wednesday to Sunday. Mondays and Tuesdays are usually rest days, except on public holidays when it may be open.
Can I bring my dog to Naturfreundehaus Knofeleben, especially if staying overnight?
Yes, dogs are permitted in the private rooms at Naturfreundehaus Knofeleben. However, they are not allowed in the camp-style sleeping areas. It's always a good idea to confirm pet policies directly with the hut when booking.
Are there any family-friendly hiking routes to Naturfreundehaus Knofeleben?
The hut serves as an excellent destination for various hikes. While specific 'family-friendly' routes aren't detailed, the area offers diverse trails. Routes from Payerbach-Reichenau train station or from the Reichenau spa gardens via Thalhof are popular starting points, and you can find options suitable for different fitness levels. It's recommended to check trail difficulty and length before setting out with children.
How can I reach Naturfreundehaus Knofeleben using public transport?
Access to Naturfreundehaus Knofeleben is exclusively via hiking trails, as car access is not possible. You can reach the starting points of various trails by public transport. Popular options include taking a train to Payerbach-Reichenau train station, from where several hiking routes lead up to the hut.
What kind of accommodation options are available at the hut?
Naturfreundehaus Knofeleben offers accommodation for up to 59 people. This includes a mix of double, three-, four-, and five-bed rooms, which come with fresh linen. There are also camp-style sleeping areas available, for which a hut sleeping bag is required.
Is Naturfreundehaus Knofeleben suitable for winter hiking or overnight stays?
The hut is generally open from mid-April to the end of November. This means it is typically closed during the main winter months. Therefore, it is not usually suitable for winter hiking with the intention of staying overnight or using its services, as it will be closed. Always check their official website for exact seasonal opening dates.
What unique natural features or landmarks can be found near the hut?
The hut is located on a southern spur of the Schneeberg, known as the Gahns, offering expansive views. Its name, 'Knofeleben,' comes from the wild garlic (Bärlauch) that grows abundantly in the area during spring, making it a notable natural feature. The hut is also situated in an area without light pollution, providing excellent opportunities for stargazing.
What is the typical difficulty level of hikes leading to Naturfreundehaus Knofeleben?
Hikes to Naturfreundehaus Knofeleben vary in difficulty depending on the starting point and chosen route. Many routes are considered intermediate, requiring a reasonable level of fitness. For example, paths from Payerbach-Reichenau train station or from Reichenau spa gardens involve significant elevation gain. It's advisable to consult trail descriptions for specific routes to match your experience level.
Are there any other amenities or cafes nearby Naturfreundehaus Knofeleben?
Naturfreundehaus Knofeleben is a mountain hut located at 1,250 meters altitude, accessible only by hiking trails. As such, there are no other cafes or amenities directly adjacent to the hut. The hut itself provides excellent culinary services, having received the 'Genusshütte' award. Any other amenities would be found in the valley towns like Payerbach or Reichenau, which serve as starting points for hikes.
What makes the cuisine at Naturfreundehaus Knofeleben special?
The hut has earned the 'Genusshütte' (Pleasure Hut) award for its focus on seasonal and regional cuisine. Visitors can enjoy local specialties such as trout, char, lamb, sheep's cheese, and fresh produce, with ingredients sourced locally. The menu often features dishes with wild garlic, especially in spring, reflecting the hut's name and the surrounding nature.
What is the elevation of Naturfreundehaus Knofeleben?
Naturfreundehaus Knofeleben is situated at an altitude of 1,250 meters (approximately 4,101 feet) on a southern spur of the Schneeberg, known as the Gahns.