Krimmler Tauernhaus

The Krimmler Tauernhaus is an Austrian Tauernhaus that has been in existence for over 600 years. It is located at an elevation of 1622 m above sea level.Höhen is situated in the Krimmler Achental, along the transalpine mule track that connects Krimml, Austria with Kasern in South Tyrol, Italy.

The Tauernhaus was initially mentioned in a document dating back to 1389. It has been documented as an inn, specifically referred to as a “taberna,” since 1437.The wooden building from the 16th century has undergone multiple reconstructions and expansions. Throughout these changes, the old wood-panelled room with various inscriptions has been carefully preserved, making it the oldest room in Oberpinzgau.

The Tauernhaus was a fiefdom that was legally associated with a farm. Its main responsibility was to offer food and lodging to travelers passing through, free of charge if needed. Additionally, it was tasked with maintaining the accessibility of the Tauernweg.The innkeeper received an annual grain allocation from the archbishop’s court chamber in Salzburg for this.During that period, the primary trade route across the main Alpine ridge, connecting Pinzgau to southern Tyrol, served as a means to transport various goods including salt, wine, brandy, and iron, utilizing pack horses.During that period, there was a fascinating collaboration with the “Ahrntaler Tauernhaus,” which is now known as the Berghotel Kasern.For instance, the local innkeeper named “Kasr am Taurn” was granted a piece of land under the condition that he provide hats, gloves, ropes, and similar items to migrants who lacked proper equipment.The items were handed in on this side of the pass at the Krimmler Tauernhaus and were later returned to Kasern in the opposite direction.

The Tauernweg was utilized during the Roman Empire by legions from the province of Noricum. This province encompassed the area on both sides of the pass at that time.During the Middle Ages, the route served as an alternative when other Alpine passes like the Brenner were unavailable due to political conflicts. For instance, Emperor Charles IV braved harsh weather conditions to travel through it in 1340.

During the 19th century, numerous farmers from the Tyrolean Ahrntal region obtained land in the Krimmler Achental. This particular high valley was highly sought after because it provided fertile pastures earlier in the year, thanks to a southerly wind. These pastures were much more productive compared to the steep and narrow Ahrntal.Since then, cows have continued to be driven over the narrow and challenging path of the Krimmler Tauern during the summer.

The significance of the pass increased significantly in 1947 when the Jewish aid organization Brichah (meaning “escape”) facilitated the smuggling of 8,000 Eastern European Holocaust survivors through the Achental to Italy. Their ultimate goal was to reach Palestine by boarding ships at the port of Genoa.The reason for selecting this route was that it was the sole section of the American occupation zone that shared a direct border with Italy.The Americans were more tolerant of the passage, unlike the British and French occupying forces.The treks began at a displaced person camp (DP camp) located in Saalfelden.In 2009, the Jewish Agency posthumously recognized Liesl Geisler, a remarkable humanitarian who passed away in 1985. Liesl Geisler had dedicated herself to assisting Jewish emigrants who had faced persecution based on their race, religion, or political beliefs until the end of the war. The Jewish Agency honored her with an honorary certificate to acknowledge her significant contributions.

The Krimmler Tauernhaus underwent a structural expansion in 2016.To accommodate the increased demand, we have added more comfortable rooms with private bathrooms to our existing options of simple rooms and dormitories.In 2011, a small hydroelectric power plant was established to harness the steep gradient of the Rainbach before it joins the Krimmler Ache.