Volunteer at a High-Alpine Mountain Shelter in Austria

The experience

Join our high-alpine shelter in Hohe Tauern (2508 m)! Foot access only (min. 3 h steep climb). We seek active, experienced volunteers with fitness, all-weather gear, and insurance AV. Help with meals, cleaning, deliveries, and social media. Shared dorm accommodation, full board included (alcohol not provided).

What you offer

25 hours of help per week

Kitchen Hand: Help prepare, finish and serve meals.

What you get

2 days off per week

Shared Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other travelers.

Breakfast: You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.

Lunch: You are entitled to a free lunch, every day of your stay.

Dinner: You are entitled to a free dinner, every day of your stay.

Discounts on Drinks: Get discounts for drinks and beverages from our bar.

Free Laundry: You can use our laundry room freely.

Free Hiking Tours: We’ll take you on excursions and hikes around town. For free!

Use our equipped kitchen: Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.

Basic Internet Access: Basic speed internet for you to work remotely

Requirements

Fluent German or Intermediate English

Between 23 and 55 years old

Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

Program Details

Volunteer at a High-Alpine Mountain Shelter – Hohe Tauern (2508 m)

Location: Hohe Tauern National Park, Austria

Duration: 25.05.2026 – 30.09.2026]
Number of Volunteers: 1-2

Program Description:
Our mountain shelter is located at 2508 meters above sea level in the Hohe Tauern National Park. Access is on foot only, with the shortest route taking at least 3-5 hours with a steep climb.

We are looking for active, experienced volunteers with good physical fitness, reliable mountain gear, and insurance covering mountain rescue and helicopter transport (e.g., Alpenverein).

Tasks:

Assistance with meals, cleaning, and deliveries

Support in social media activities

Preparing the shelter for new guests, maintaining the terrace

Working Hours:

Flexible, approx. 4–5 hours/day, max. 20–25 hours/week

1/2 days off per week

Accommodation and Meals:

Accommodation in shared dormitories (no private rooms)

Full board (non-alcoholic drinks included, alcohol not provided)

Special Notes:

Snow in August is possible – equipment must be suitable for all weather conditions

Activities & Shift

Main Tasks / Activities:

Meal Assistance: preparing, serving, and cleaning up breakfast and dinner

Cleaning: guest rooms, beds, sanitary facilities, and preparing the shelter for new arrivals

Supplies / Logistics: refilling firewood, taking out trash, general material support

Social Media: taking photos and short videos (reels) for the shelter’s social media channels

Terrace Maintenance: watering flowers, preparing the terrace

Working Hours / Shifts:

Flexible shifts: approx. 4–5 hours/day, max. 20–25 hours/week

Days off: 2 days per week

Note: working hours may vary depending on guest numbers

Special Notes:

Tasks are always performed together with the team

Weather conditions can vary – all activities require appropriate high-alpine gear

Tasks are part of a cultural exchange program, not an employment contract

Rules

Safety first – always follow mountain safety rules and staff instructions.

Equipment & clothing – must have mountain boots and gear suitable for all weather conditions (snow in August is normal).

Insurance – mandatory, covering mountain rescue and helicopter transport.

Accommodation – shared dormitory, no private rooms.

Meals – full board included (alcohol not provided).

Teamwork – support others and help where needed.

Respect – maintain courtesy towards guests and staff, follow quiet hours.

No alcohol or drugs during work and shelter stay.

Responsibility – take care of shelter equipment and materials.

Flexibility & communication – shifts may vary depending on guest numbers and weather conditions.