Drought forces mobile toilets at Vorarlberg mountain refuge

Water shortages caused by heat and drought have forced the Freschenhaus mountain refuge in Vorarlberg to close its toilets and washrooms, ORF Vorarlberg reports. Mobile toilets have been installed beside the refuge because there is not enough water to flush them.

The refuge is in the Hohen Freschen area near Laterns. Its sanitary facilities and washrooms are currently closed. Guests can use a unisex washroom for one hour each in the morning and evening, while all water must be used sparingly.

Drinking water is also severely rationed. Guests can refill bottles at the counter for a fee, but the amount is limited per person.

Hikers and other visitors are being asked to plan their trips accordingly and take the water restrictions into account. The Freschenhaus is a mountain refuge run by the Vorarlberg section of the Austrian Alpine Club, at an elevation of 1,846 metres.