Lower Austria's refuges: 300,000 euros for the preservation of cultural treasures

Lower Austria's refuges: 300,000 euros for the preservation of cultural treasures

In a recent press conference in the Speckbacherhütte in Breitenstein, the governor of Lower Austria, Johanna Mikl-Leitner, took stock of the promotion of refuges. Lower Austria is considered a pioneer as it was the first federal state in Austria to introduce a specific funding program for refuges. This was realized together with the large mountain clubs, such as the Alpine Club, the Nature Friends, the Tourist Club and the Mountaineering Association. These refuges, of which 95 are located in Lower Austria, make up a third of all refuges in Austria.

The refuges are crucial, not only for the climbers, but also for the local economy. Every year, no less than 200,000 hours of volunteer work are invested in the management and maintenance of the facilities. Despite these efforts, some of the huts are in need of renovation, which is particularly exacerbated by the effects of the weather. According to Mikl-Leitner, 300,000 euros in funding have already been accessed to advance renovations and modernizations. The state covers up to 80 percent of the costs for these projects.

Targeted funding and planned measures

This year, eleven hut projects in Lower Austria have already been supported. The supported measures include, for example, the renewal of the heating system in the Speckbacherhütte and the renovation of the windows and terrace in the Nebelsteinhütte. Gerhard Rosenits from Naturfreunde NÖ emphasized the importance of these investments for the hut infrastructure at the press conference. Franz Zehetmayer, President of the ÖTK, spoke about the challenges of maintaining paths and the enormous potential for regenerative tourism in Lower Austria.

For the future, 300,000 euros in funding are planned for refuges over the next three years. Hiking tourism plays an important role in the region, with over 500,000 day visitors and 11,000 overnight stays per year. Guests spend an average of around 100 euros per day, which not only contributes to added value but also to securing jobs. This underlines the importance of refuges as shelters and meeting places in the mountains.

A call to protect Alpine infrastructure

Parallel to the initiatives in Lower Austria, there is also a broader call to save huts and hiking trails in the Alps. Peter Habeler emphasized that the alpine region is essential for mountaineers. The refuges not only offer protection, but also space for community experiences. Other prominent voices, such as Heinz Fischer, former Federal President and Honorary President of Nature Friends Austria, are also calling for a comprehensive hut financing program.

Various voices from the alpine community, including Heinz Zak, an extreme climber, and Alina, an influencer, emphasize the relevance of the huts and trails for relaxation and inspiration. In view of the climate crisis, which is severely affecting the Alpine region, maintaining this infrastructure is crucial for the future of the region and its residents.

In summary, Lower Austria's approach to promoting refuges is not only an important measure in the field of nature conservation, but can also serve as a model for other regions. The initiatives to support this cultural and tourist infrastructure are not only important for the local population, but also contribute significantly to the preservation of the Alpine habitat.

More information can be found on Niederösterreich.gv.at and notruf-aus-den-alpen.at.