Rudolfshütte closes: Environmental conflict puts jobs in danger

Rudolfshütte closes: Environmental conflict puts jobs in danger

The Rudolfshütte, a well -known hotel in the Hohe Tauern, has closed its doors and thus marks the end of an era. Known for your breathtaking location and as a popular starting point for winter athletes, the closed operation is related to an increasing environmental conflict. The once simple mountaineering hut has developed over the years into a large -scale leisure complex that was able to accommodate up to 350 guests.

utendorf, the small community in which the Rudolfshütte can be found, makes headlines these days. What once started as a modest shelter has increased more than twice the size and capacity. These comprehensive construction work since the hotel sale so important for the region in 2004 came across massive resistance from environmental organizations. In view of the ecology of the area, experts fear that an increase in the number of guests could significantly disrupt the local wildlife and vegetation.

an environmental conflict as the cause of the closure

The Salzburg State Environmental Service has expressed concerns because the planned changes to the hotel capacity were promoted without an environmental impact assessment. These concerns are particularly drastic because the area is known for sensitive species whose reproduction could be endangered by additional human activities. Hotelier Wilfried Holleis answered after a long phase of dealing with environmentalists. "Now it's time to go," he said, making it clear that he would withdraw from the Weißsee Glacier world, since the political conditions are no longer sustainable for long -term development.

After an intensive discussion about the future of the hotel, Holleis also expressed that he was ready to sell the company for a symbolic euro. However, a potential buyer is not yet in sight, which makes the situation more complicated for the residents and the entire region. The mayor of Uttendorf, Hannes Lerchbaumer, emphasized that the community was unable to maintain the hotel companies themselves.

economic excursions through the closure

The closure of the Rudolfshütte has far -reaching economic consequences. Around 60 jobs are affected, which will be a significant burden on the local economy. The tourist record also suffers: Around 60,000 overnight stays were recorded in the hotel every year. In order to mitigate the effects, politicians try to find a new team of operators. The governor of Salzburg announced that there is interest on the part of an investor group, but details are not yet known.

The closure is particularly tragic because the winter season is just around the corner and many tourists hoped for the opening of the Rudolfshütte. While other ski areas in Austria are already open or prepared for the season, it remains uncertain whether the Rudolfshütte can start operating again. "A big setback for our region," fears a local politician. The pressure on those responsible is growing, because decisions must be made in December at the latest to ensure a winter season that could otherwise fail.

The whole situation remains tense. The hope of a fast investor is overtaken from time because the preparations for the winter season require Imminent decisions. In view of the complexity of environmental protection and economic necessities, the future of the Rudolfshütte is on the brink.