Alpine Clubs Warn of Bedbugs in Mountain Huts

July 8, 2026, 8:38 am | Read time: 2 minutes

When spending the night in the mountains, most people think of nature and relaxation–but uninvited guests can also await travelers there. Bedbugs are increasingly spreading in mountain huts. Alpine clubs in Germany, Austria, and South Tyrol are launching a joint campaign to show how the risk can be reduced with a few measures.

Bedbugs are not just a problem in hotels or guesthouses. The parasites are also found in mountain huts. Therefore, the German Alpine Club (DAV) and Alpine clubs in Austria and South Tyrol are urging hut guests to help prevent further spread through simple behavior.

According to the DAV, between five and twenty huts are affected each year–about five percent of all the club’s huts. “With an increasing trend, similar to accommodations in the valley,” says the DAV.

Also of interest: »Recklessness among hikers is noticeably increasing

Mountain Huts Offer Favorable Conditions

The construction of many huts favors the presence of the parasites. “Wood, winding rooms, and hard-to-reach areas create ideal retreats.”

Operators are already implementing inspections and structural measures to combat bedbugs. At the same time, it also depends on the guests. The insects often go unnoticed in backpacks or clothing from one accommodation to the next.

Here you will find content from third-party providers

To interact with or display third-party content, we need your consent.

In order to display embedded content, your consent to the processing of personal data, which can be revoked at any time (via the switch or via “Revoke tracking and cookies” at the bottom of the page), is required. Data may be transferred to third countries such as the USA (Art. 49 para. 1 lit. a GDPR). By switching to “on” you agree. You can find more information here.

Lightweight luggage and flight mode How to prepare for a trip with mountain hut stopovers

Cabin in Sight: Hikers Should Avoid Double Bookings–They Are Unfair to Other Guests and Cabin Staff

Alpine Club Criticizes “Recklessness Among Hikers Noticeably Increasing”

Store Backpacks and Clothing Securely

Since bedbugs must generally be expected when staying overnight in mountain huts, the DAV recommends preventive measures. Luggage and clothing should be stored in sealable bags whenever possible. So-called bug bags, special protective bags, are particularly recommended. In some huts, they are already mandatory. Alternatively, sealable garbage bags can be used.

Additionally, backpacks should not be placed on beds or directly next to them.

Before and after a tour, the DAV recommends emptying luggage in the shower and checking for bedbugs. Clothing should be washed regularly at a minimum of 60 degrees Celsius. Items not suitable for the washing machine should be placed in the freezer for three days as a precaution after hiking.

How to Identify Bedbugs

According to the Federal Environment Agency, bedbugs are five to six millimeters in size. They have a flat, reddish-brown body and six legs.

If you discover the insects or their shed skins, you should report this to the hut team immediately. This also applies if “tiny blood spots” are noticed on bedding or sleeping bags, or if small, itchy bites appear on the body.

With material from dpa

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of TRAVELBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@travelbook.de.