Dr.-Friedrich-Oedl Shelter - Building at an altitude of 1,575 metres
The exploration and development of the Eisriesenwelt and the construction and expansion of the Dr Friedrich Oedl refuge are inextricably linked. Today, the refuge offers visitors from all over the world a place to stop for food, drink and accommodation. We take a look at the history of the hut on the Achselkogel.
Start of construction in 1922: Namesake and initiator Dr Friedrich Oedl
In 1920, the Eisriesenwelt was opened to the public for the first time as the largest ice cave in the world. Even then, it was clear that the natural wonder near Werfen would attract many adventurous nature lovers. Accordingly, the lawyer and pioneer of the Eisriesenwelt, Dr Friedrich Oedl from Salzburg, recognised the need for a shelter.
Just two years after the opening of the guided tour (1922), construction of the shelter began. The entrance fees earned were used for this purpose. Dr Friedrich Oedl took over the management and the shelter was designed by master builder-architect Heinrich Fischer from Werfen.
Dr Friedrich Oedl shelter location (1575 metres above sea level)
To reach the entrance to the Eisriesenwelt, a challenging three to four hour walk from the valley was necessary. The refuge is located on the Achselkogel at an altitude of 1575 metres above sea level - directly below the entrance to the Eisriesenwelt.
The original plans included
- Catering facilities
- Changing and drying rooms
- Sanitary facilities
- Dormitories
1924 / 1925-1926: Opening of the restaurant & dormitories
Two years after construction began, the restaurant in the Dr Friedrich Oedl shelter opened. Visitors to the cave and mountaineers could take a break there and enjoy hot meals.
In 1925-1926, the dormitories on the upper floor were also completed. These made it possible for mountaineering groups to spend the night there before setting off further into the mountains.
- 7 overnight rooms with two beds each
- 1 x men's dormitory
- 1 x ladies' dormitory
- Total capacity: 64 people
On some nights, however, up to 200 overnight stays were counted in the shelter. Floors, tables and benches were used as improvised sleeping quarters. The cave guides themselves continued to live in the explorer's hut.
Procurement of materials and construction in the mountains - a challenge
Building in an exposed location in the mountains 1575 metres above sea level proved to be difficult. The materials either had to be sourced locally or brought up the mountain from the valley at great expense. Raw materials from the surrounding area were therefore used:
The masonry of the ground floor was built from quarry stone. This was extracted from the numerous rocks available. The lime required for the mortar was also burnt directly in the mountains. For the timber construction of the upper floor, the builders had to fell the trees on the mountain and then work them with axes and saws so that the wood could be processed.
Werfen up to Achselkopf: transporting materials by hand
The materials that had to be procured from the valley had to be brought to the Achselkopf on foot. This was done almost exclusively by hired porters. These were often local men - farmers' sons and lumberjacks. The ascent had to be managed with a load of 70 to 80 kilograms. A real back-breaking job. A Kopfkraxen (rucksack with a support function on the head) was used. It was only later that pack animals - such as mules - were used or, from the construction of the transport cable car(s), the time-consuming hauling was dispensed with.
Water and electricity supply to the Oedlhaus
The Poldi well was used to supply fresh water. A water pipe was built from this to the shelter. The Poldibrunnen is a spring near the cave entrance to the Eisriesenwelt.
Of course, there was no electricity connection. Therefore, for many years, a generator had to be used to provide electrical power.
35 years later: Expansion of the Oedlhaus
As the number of visitors to the Eisriesenwelt increased, the shelter also had to be expanded. This was necessary in order to be able to cater for as many visitors as possible. An extension was built to the north and a new kitchen was constructed.
In 1970, a large waste water and sewage treatment plant was built and the sanitary facilities were also extended. The terrace, which offers a marvellous view, also had to be enlarged several times.
The history of the Dr Friedrich Oedl House at a glance:
- 1922: Start of construction
- 1924: Opening of the inn (February 1924; 53 million crowns in debt)
- 1926: Completion with dormitories etc.
- 1929: Takeover of all rights and obligations by newly founded Eisriesenwelt GmbH
- 1970: Construction of the 100 cubic metre sewage treatment plant
- 1977–1980: Northern building extension - extension with new kitchen and new toilet facilities
- 1989: Attic extension with construction of two washrooms and toilets as well as an emergency exit
- 1994: Completion of a large drinking water reservoir
- 2000–2006: Construction and connection of a sewage system into the valley
- 2017: General refurbishment of the kitchen with completely new installations and new tiling
- 2018/19: Renovation of the balcony and the south facade with new shingle cladding
Today in 2024, the guest room offers space for 60-70 people, so that larger groups can also be catered for. Cosy tiled stoves ensure a comfy atmosphere even in bad weather. In the somewhat smaller parlour, 40 to 50 people are catered for with food and drinks.
Accessibility of the shelter today:
Since the cable car was put into operation in 1955, the Dr Friedrich Oedl house and the Eisriesenwelt can also be reached by inexperienced mountaineers. The public road to the "Eisriesenwelt car park" can be reached by car or bus from the valley. After a short walk, the cable car takes you to the Oedlhaus near the mountain station.
Alternatively, the steep and rocky trail 212 also leads to the shelter. The ascent takes around 1.5 hours and should only be chosen by tourists with mountain experience.
From there, the entrance to the Eisriesenwelt can be reached within a few minutes via an elaborately prepared path. But the Dr Friedrich Oedl shelter is not only important for visitors to the Eisriesenwelt:
It also serves tourists and mountaineers as a starting point or resting place for challenging expeditions and tours on the high plateau of the Tennengebirge.