The best mountain huts in the Alps
Are you planning a trip to the Alps and want to stay in the most epic mountain huts? Look no further!
We’ve created a collection of the top mountain huts across Switzerland, France and Italy for hikers. None of these huts require technical gear to reach them - no glacier crossings, no via ferrata, no climbing equipment etc. Most are located in alpine areas and therefore all you need to reach them is good fitness. These huts are also situated either along or close to one of the legendary multi-day trails of the Alps, such as Tour du Mont Blanc, Walker’s Haute Route, Tour of Monte Rosa, Alta Via 1 (Dolomites) and Bernese Oberland Traverse.
Mountain huts, or cabane/refuge (French), rifugio (Italian) or hütte (German) are not like other mountain shelters around the world you may be familiar with. The main difference is that most alpine huts are staffed, which means they serve delicious hot meals, provide clean bathrooms - often hot showers and warm rooms with comfy mattress and blankets. After a tough day hiking these huts are extremely welcoming! Read our detailed blog post to learn more about what it’s like to stay in a mountain hut.
Click on the red hut icons on the below interactive map to start exploring the top mountain huts of the Alps, or click the below link to scroll down to a detailed summary of each hut:
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Albert 1er (Premier) Hut (France)
What makes it awesome? It’s right next to the Le Tour glacier.
Location: Located in the Chamonix Valley, France. This hut is used primarily in summer for climbers accessing nearby peaks such as Aiguille du Tour and Grande Fourche. It is the only French Alpine Hut that doesn’t require a glacier crossing to reach its location so it’s great for hikers! In winter it is a popular hut for ski touring, particularly those completing the Haute Route.
Elevation: 2,707m / 8,881ft
Accommodation: Sleeps 140
Day Hike Access: The return trail is 15km / 10mi and 1,318m / 4,324ft in elevation gain and loss. To shorten the hike, you could take the gondola & chairlift from Le Tour to Autannes. See our detailed day hike itinerary & map.
Multi-Day Trail Access:
Walker’s Haute Route (alternate route)
Tour of Mont Blanc (alternate route)
Hornli Hut (Switzerland)
What makes it awesome? This is the “basecamp” for those climbing the Matterhorn.
Location: Located above Zermatt, Switzerland at the foot of the Matterhorn.
Elevation: 3,260m / 10,696ft
Accommodation: Sleeps 170
Day Hike Access: The return trail from Zermatt is 22km / 14mi and 950m / 3,117ft elevation gain and loss. To shorten the hike, you could take the gondola from Zermatt to Schwarzsee.
Multi-Day Trail Access:
Tour of Monte Rosa (Alternate Route)
Rifugio Lagazuoi (Italy)
What makes it awesome? The sunset views across the Dolomites are unparalleled from the deck. You can even enjoy a sauna to soothe those sore muscles!
Location: On the summit of Monte Lagazuoi, in Dolomites
Elevation: 2,752m / 9,028m
Access:
Hiking trail from either Passo Falzarego, diversion from the main Alta Via 1 trail or alternate route via Forcela de Salares.
Cable car from Passo Falzarego
Accommodation: Private and dormitory rooms
Multi-Day Trail:
Britannia Hut (Switzerland)
What makes it awesome? The comfy chairs that overlook the Hohlaub and Allalin glaciers.
Location: Located above Saas Fee in Switzerland, this is one of the most popular Swiss Alpine Club huts. It has spectacular views over the Hohlaub and Allalin glacier to the South. There is an extensive menu and a terrace with very comfy chairs!
Elevation: 3,030m / 9,940ft
Accommodation: Sleeps 115
Day Hike Access: The recommended route is to start from the top of Plattjen Gondola, stop at Britannia Hut for a break and then complete the Glacier Trail down to Mattmark. This route is 11km / 7mi, 710m / 2,329ft elevation gain and 1,086m / 3,563ft elevation loss.
Multi-Day Trail Access:
Tour of Monte Rosa (Alternate Route)
Refuge Lac Blanc (France)
What makes it awesome? Unparalleled views of Mont Blanc, the Chamonix Aiguilles and Mer de Glace.
Location: Above Chamonix in France, this is a super popular day hike destination due to its accessibility via gondola.
Elevation: 2,352m / 7,717ft
Accommodation: Sleeps 40
Day Hike Access: The return trail from La Flegere gondola is 6km / 4mi and 500m / 1,640ft elevation gain and loss. Due to its popularity, it is best to set off early to avoid the crowds.
Multi-Day Trail Access:
Tour du Mont Blanc (alternate route)
Rifugio Coldai (Italy)
What makes it awesome? Located nearby to Lago Coldai, an alpine lake great perfect for a late afternoon swim in the cool, fresh water.
Location: Northern end of Civetta mountain range, Dolomites
Elevation: 2,135m / 7,000ft
Access:
Hiking trail or cable car/chairlift from Civetta ski area
Accommodation: 93 beds in dormitory rooms
Multi-Day Trail:
Cabane de Moiry (Switzerland)
What makes it awesome? A huge glass facade that allows guests to enjoy views of the stunning Moiry glacier from the comfort of the dining room.
Location: Above Lac de Moiry, in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. It is a meeting point for ice climbers and those who wish to summit nearby peaks such as Pointes de Mourti at 3564m. Glacier walks are also possible, although you’ll need to request these ahead of time to determine if they will be available during your stay.
Elevation: 2,825m / 9,268ft
Accommodation: Sleeps 100
Day Hike Access: The return trail from parking lot is 7km / 4.3mi and 500m / 1,640ft elevation gain and loss. The trail has some chains to assist which are helpful early season if there is still snow on the trail.
Multi-Day Trail Access:
Hotel Schwarenbach (Switzerland)
What makes it awesome? Built in 1742, this alpine hotel has gone through many transformations from a customs station to a stop-over for today’s hikers. It is located along the Gemmi Pass, an ancient trade route that connects two Swiss cantons; Bernese Oberland and Valais.
Location: Halfway between Kandersteg and Leukerbad
Elevation: 2,060m / 6,758ft
Access:
Hiking trail from either Kandersteg, Leukerbad or Engstligenalp
Accommodation: Private rooms and 4/6 bed dormitories
Multi-Day Trail:
Rifugio Barmasse (Italy)
What makes it awesome? The views of the Cervino valley and Lake Cignana.
Location: Situated in Aosta Valley in the North of Italy.
Elevation: 2,200m / 7,218ft
Access: Hiking trail from Valtournanche
Accommodation: Sleeps 25 in 2, 4 and 6 bed rooms.
Multi-Day Trail:
Alta Via 1 - Aosta Valley
Cabane du Col de Mille (Switzerland)
What makes this hut awesome? It's eyeline panoramic views of the Mont Blanc massif.
Location: Located above Orsières in Switzerland, this hut was completely rebuilt for the 2014 to offer more comfort and an autonomous energy system.
Elevation: 2,473m / 8,114ft
Accommodation: Sleeps 59
Day Hike Access: Most direct route is from Liddes. Return route is 13km / 8mi, 1,100m / 3,600m elevation gain and loss.
Multi-Day Trail Access:
Prarayer Hut (Italy)
What makes it awesome? It is nestled in a beautiful remote valley between 4000m+ peaks, glaciers, woods, streams and lakes, yet offers comfortable rooms, a sauna, bar and restaurant serving typical Aosta Valley cuisine.
Location: In the upper Bionaz valley of Aosta Valley in Italy, Rifugio Prayer is situated next to the beautiful Lac de Places de Moulin
Elevation: 2,005m / 6,580ft
Accommodation: 4 private 2-3 bed rooms and 4-20 bed dorm rooms accommodating more than 50 guests
Day Hike Access: Hiking trail from Place Moulin dam carpark which is 9km past the village of Bionaz where public transport ends.
Multi-Day Trail Access:
Cabane FXB Panossiere (Switzerland)
What makes this hut awesome? A sunny patio overlooking the Corbassière Glacier that leads all the way up to the Grand Combin massif peak at over 4,000m / 13,100ft.
Location: Located on the Grand Combin massif in Switzerland, this hut is the starting point for mountaineering summits of the nearby peaks and must see stops on hiking tours. There is no car access which means only those with the energy to reach the hut will enjoy the stunning views and hospitality it offers.
Elevation: 2,645m / 8,678ft
Accommodation: Sleeps 100
Day Hike Access: One of the best routes is to start/end from Mauvoisin Dam (accessible by bus). The return trail is 14km / 9mi and 1,000m / 3,300ft elevation gain and loss.
Multi-Day Trail Access:
Rifugio Lavarella (Italy)
What makes it awesome? The hut boasts the highest microbrewery in Europe, including a tangy wheat beer and an unfiltered lager beer.
Location: Situated in the Fanes Sennes Braies natural park in Northern Italy
Elevation: 2,050m / 6,725ft
Access: Hiking trail from Rifugio Pederü
Accommodation: Private rooms and dormitories with 5, 7 or 10 beds.
Multi-Day Trail: