Wasseralm celebrates 150 years: Bavaria's model hut for environmental protection!

Wasseralm celebrates 150 years: Bavaria's model hut for environmental protection!

In the picturesque Berchtesgaden Alps, the Wasseralm, a charming accommodation run by the German Alpine Club, recently celebrated a remarkable success: it was awarded the environmental seal of approval. This award, presented by the Bavarian Environment Minister Thorsten Glauber, marks an important step towards ecological responsibility and sustainability. Chiemgau24 reports on the comprehensive measures that have been implemented in recent years to improve the hut's ecological quality. This includes a newly installed photovoltaic system that helps the Wasseralm meet its energy needs more sustainably.

The Wasseralm, which sits at an altitude of 1,416 meters and is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, is also a popular destination for ski tourers on the “Große Reibn” in winter. The team, led by Horst and Monika Schellmoser, has invested a lot in the hut to increase its attractiveness. Old wooden buildings were replaced and 20 new sleeping camps were added. A special highlight is the winter room, which is open all year round, which not only increases the comfort of the guests, but also offers a significant improvement in water hygiene and the wastewater system.

Sustainable development and environmental awareness

The award of the environmental quality seal is not just a nice certificate, but also represents a high level of responsibility in the use of natural resources. The criteria for the seal of quality include measures for energy efficiency and supply, wastewater treatment and waste avoidance and disposal, such as Alpenverein.de explained. The seal of quality has been awarded for over 25 years to huts that can demonstrate sustainable and climate-friendly management. After all, only about a quarter of the huts in the Alpine region have received this special seal of quality.

Gabi Schieder-Moderegger, the first chairwoman of the DAV Berchtesgaden section, has already announced the next step. Another photovoltaic system is to be installed at the technology hut in order to cover energy needs even more with solar energy. The aim is to further reduce the dependence on conventional energy sources and minimize the environmental impact of the operation.

Challenges and progress

Another aspect that Roland Stierle from the Bavarian Alpine Club addresses is the challenge of finding tenants who are willing to implement environmentally friendly measures. This is an essential prerequisite for optimizing the ecological footprint of mountain huts. Alpenverein.at highlights that environmentally conscious cabins are often located in undeveloped areas, which makes it necessary to focus on a respectful approach to nature right from the start.

The Wasseralm has proven in recent years that it is possible to combine the comfort typical of a hut with modern, ecological standards. Just a few years ago, the situation in the hut was critical: hygiene problems and break-ins were the order of the day. But through continuous improvements and a clear focus on sustainability, the Wasseralm has transformed from a problem child into an exemplary example.

We can't wait to see what other sustainable projects and developments the Wasseralm will implement in the future. One thing is certain: a good bit of Tyrolean hospitality is lived here with love for nature and the environment.