They are the favorite destinations of many hikers, but also the starting bases for the most incredible ascents. These are mountain huts, those that stubbornly resist thanks to the dedication of their managers and that welcome all lovers of walks. The huts are truly special places, where you can find shelter and refreshment. Each with its own characteristics and history, they offer hospitality, warmth, and essential services. If you stay overnight, it feels like touching the sky with a finger.
We have chosen the 10 most beautiful mountain huts, those to reach at least once in a lifetime. Because it's always worth putting in some effort. The reward? Breathtaking views, great cuisine, and all the love for the mountains.
Contents Index
- Rifugio Gonnella, Aosta Valley
- Capanna Margherita, Piedmont
- Rifugio Quinto Alpini, Lombardy
- Rifugio Brioschi, Lombardy
- Rifugio Settimo Alpini, Veneto
- Rifugio Roda de Vaèl, Trentino-Alto Adige
- Rifugio Antermoia, Trentino-Alto Adige
- Rifugio Sasso Nero (Schwarzensteinhütte), South Tyrol
- Rifugio Cesare Battisti, Emilia-Romagna
- Rifugio Duca degli Abruzzi, Aosta Valley
1) Rifugio Gonnella, Aosta Valley
Let's start with alpine huts, starting from Aosta Valley. In Courmayeur there is the unmissable Rifugio Gonella.
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At 3,071 meters altitude, it is located in the Mont Blanc massif. The original hut was a simple wooden cabin, but over the years it was expanded and modified until reaching the current modern structure. It is the starting point of the Italian normal route to Mont Blanc, in a spectacular glacial environment. To reach it, start from La Visaille, cut across the Combal lake, and from there face the crest of the Miage Glacier moraine. Then carefully cross the glacier.
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2) Capanna Margherita, Piedmont
Among the most beautiful alpine huts in Piedmont is definitely Capanna Margherita. A majestic hut, located at 4,554 meters on the Punta Gnifetti of Monte Rosa, it is the highest in all Europe! It is visible even from the valley floor and is famous, among other things, for hosting a scientific research laboratory inside. It is also an important reference for Alpine Rescue operations. It can be reached from Capanna Gnifetti, through the Lys glaciers, but also from Monte Rosa Hütte via the Grenz glacier or from Bivacco Resegotti, via the Signal Crest. In all cases, it is recommended to be accompanied by a local Alpine Guide.
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3) Rifugio Quinto Alpini, Lombardy
Among the huts of Lombardy, there is a beautiful hut with a yellow roof: the Quinto Alpini, in Alta Valtellina. At 2,877 meters and owned by the Milan CAI, it is located in the Stelvio National Park, among the peaks of the Ortles-Cevedale group, in a sheltered position on Monte Zebrù and its western crest. Due to its prominent position, the hut allows observation of many protected animals, like a beautiful pair of bearded vultures. Excellent typical Valtellina cuisine. From San Nicolò Valfurva, drive towards Niblogo where trail no. 29 starts. Enter the valley encountering the Zebrù torrent, Rifugio Campo, and the Shepherd's Hut.
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4) Rifugio Brioschi, Lombardy
In Lombardy there is another scenic hut: at 2,410 meters and perfectly nestled a few meters from the summit of the northern Grigna ("Grignone"), here is the Rifugio Brioschi. From up there, the view over Lake Como, the Po Valley, the Alps, and the Prealps is exceptional. The most popular ascent, all year round, starts from the east side, from Colle di Balisio or the town of Pasturo in Valsassina. Just follow signs no. 31 and 33, about three and a half hours of hiking. A notable point is the cuisine, offering tasty dishes based on game and polenta, as well as craft beers.
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5) Rifugio Settimo Alpini, Veneto
In Veneto, in the Belluno Dolomites National Park, we find the Rifugio Settimo Alpini, a little white house with small blue windows. In the center of a natural amphitheater and at the foot of the south face of the Schiara, the hut is the main mountaineering base of the area, as well as the final stage of the Alta Via no. 1 of the Dolomites. Several via ferratas, ascents, and traverses of the Schiara, Pelf, and Pale del Balcòn are possible. The accesses are varied: from Belluno follow trail no. 501 from Bolzano Bellunese; from Longarone follow trail no. 505 in Faé locality; finally from Sedico on trail no. 502 in La Stanga locality for Val de Piero.
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6) Rifugio Roda de Vaèl, Trentino-Alto Adige
In the middle of the Catinaccio - Rosengarten group is the Rifugio Roda de Vaèl, on the Ciampaz saddle, bordering several valleys and dividing Trentino from South Tyrol. The hut is a large, beautiful building with characteristic white and blue shutters. Start from the Passo Costalunga parking (1,745 meters) and follow the forest road along trail no. 548. After a first stretch in the woods, the altitude quickly rises in a lunar landscape. After about an hour, you arrive in a charming mountain place. The ascent is also possible from Vigo di Fassa and Ciampeide via the cable car of the same name.
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7) Rifugio Antermoia, Trentino-Alto Adige
The Catinaccio has its own charm and many other special huts. At the foot of Antermoia and very close to the homonymous lake – one of the most beautiful in all the Dolomites – we find the Rifugio Antermoia. Enjoy the typical Ladin dishes alongside traditional ones; the restaurant is truly gourmet. It can be reached from many points: Pera di Fassa, Mazzin, Campitello di Fassa, Val Duron, Fontanazzo, Alpe di Siusi, and Tires. If you want to combine it with another hut, start from Rifugio Passo Principe on trail no. 584. Like Rifugio Roda de Vaèl, Rifugio Antermoia is part of the “Friends of Catinaccio Huts.”
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8) Rifugio Sasso Nero (Schwarzensteinhütte), South Tyrol
A brand-new hut, inaugurated in 2017 and striking for its shape and color. The Rifugio Sasso Nero is in the Aurina Valley and takes four and a half hours to reach. The trail starts from San Giovanni and passes some snow tongues, glacier sections, large rocky boulders, and finally short equipped sections. Always follow trail no. 23, also for the descent. The climb to the Sasso Nero summit and its cross is unmissable. Interiors are light wood, and the stube, with its large windows, welcomes tourists offering a great panoramic view. Whether beautiful or ugly, it has a magnetic charm that fits well into its natural setting.
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9) Rifugio Cesare Battisti, Emilia-Romagna
Among the huts of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines is the Rifugio Cesare Battisti in Ligonchio. We are among the beech forests of the Abetina Reale, the Cusna Chain, and the Apennine ridge. The hut is nestled in a valley near the ancient Maremma route, at 1,765 meters altitude. In summer it offers a wonderful expanse of grass to relax. Trail CAI no. 631 is the easiest way to reach it, in only fifty minutes from Civago; it follows an asphalt road towards Case Cattilini and then a dirt road. Access to the hut is pedestrian only. The hut is also an excellent base for many trails, the first among them leading in thirty minutes to Lake Bargetana, or to the peaks of Prado and Cusna.
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10) Rifugio Duca degli Abruzzi, Aosta Valley
In the heart of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, very close to Corno Grande and the main peaks of the famous massif, stands the Rifugio Duca degli Abruzzi. It is considered the classic mountain hut, one that doesn’t offer too many comforts but represents an exceptional base for many hikers, a true oasis in the middle of nature. Owned by CAI Rome, it sits at 2,388 meters high. The shortest ascent starts from Campo Imperatore, lasting only forty minutes. With more time, you can start from Prati di Tivo and undertake a beautiful four-hour traverse. Many itineraries are possible in the area.
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