New mountain rescue hut inaugurated on the Feuerkogel
Ebensee branch, August 29, 2026
Ebensee Mountain Rescue now boasts a modern base following extensive new construction – a ceremony was held in perfect mountain weather with numerous guests.
Ebensee/Feuerkogel.
New mountain rescue hut on the Feuerkogel
Under perfect mountain weather, the new mountain rescue hut of the Ebensee mountain rescue service was officially opened on the Feuerkogel mountain. Numerous guests, members of the mountain rescue service, supporters, and representatives from politics and public life came to celebrate this special day with the team.
The new hut is far more than just a new building. It is the new base for a rescue team that has been volunteering for almost 80 years to help people in the mountains. The previous hut had served the mountain rescue service as accommodation and a base of operations for over 70 years. Many generations of mountain rescuers have personal memories and countless shared experiences associated with it.
The idea for a new building ultimately arose from the realization that the old hut no longer met the requirements. What had initially been a repeatedly postponed renovation project became the decision to build anew. Thus began a major collaborative project that could only be realized through the commitment of many people.
"What does it mean to be part of the mountain rescue service?" – this question was also central to the keynote address. Mountain rescue means far more than missions and technical assistance. It's about responsibility, camaraderie, and the willingness to be there for others when that help is urgently needed. And it's about a shared connection to the mountains.
The construction of the new hut was itself a community effort. Countless hours of volunteer work were contributed, plans were drawn up, discussions were held, financing was organized, and solutions were constantly found for the many challenges. The Upper Austrian Mountain Rescue Service provided reliable support, as did numerous supporters from the region. The Feuerkogel cable cars also contributed important financial and practical assistance.
“This hut is the result of an incredible amount of volunteer work and of people who were always willing to do more than was actually necessary. For this, I would like to sincerely thank everyone who contributed. Many individual hands and many hours of work have turned an idea into this place. This is something we as the Ebensee Mountain Rescue can truly be proud of,” said Hartmuth Hofstätter, head of the Ebensee Mountain Rescue branch.
Local branch manager Hartmuth Hofstätter thanks everyone involved. Local branch manager Hofstätter in discussion with Regional Councillor Martin Winkler Mayor Sabine Promberger
Special thanks go to everyone who contributed to the success of the project – the many volunteers as well as the supporters, sponsors, and companies from the region. A dedicated hut team also ensures the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the hut.
The importance of the mountain rescue service's work and the new base was also clearly emphasized by the official representatives at the ceremony. Provincial Councillor Martin Winkler stressed:
"For almost 80 years, the Ebensee Mountain Rescue team has been doing something that money can't buy: they're there when others are in need – in all kinds of weather, often in the middle of the night, always giving their all. With the new hut on the Feuerkogel, this team finally has a base that reflects the quality of their work. We owe this success to countless hours of volunteer work and the support from across the region. For that, I offer my sincere thanks!"
National Council Member Bettina Zopf then emphasized the special importance of the new infrastructure for the emergency response organization:
"The Ebensee mountain rescue team has a team that consistently takes responsibility during its operations. In addition, with the construction of this hut, they have created a structure that enables them to fulfill this responsibility in the best possible way. We cannot thank them enough!"
Deacon Fridolin Engl officiated at the festive dedication ceremony, which was particularly moving and dignified. Together with the guests and the mountain rescue team, they not only blessed a new building, but also expressed their hope that the hut would remain a safe and reliable place for mountain rescue for many years to come.
Under brilliant mountain skies, the inauguration ceremony concluded in a convivial atmosphere. The large number of visitors and the many personal encounters clearly demonstrated how deeply rooted the Ebensee mountain rescue service is in the region.
The new hut on the Feuerkogel thus represents both history and the future : it preserves the connection with past generations and at the same time creates a modern base for those who will be ready to help people in the mountains in the future.
Photo credit: The marked images are used with the kind permission of MecGreenie Production OG - MecGreenie
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