Casera Palussa
1.5About
Casera Palussa sits at 791m in the Carnic Alps of Friuli Venezia Giulia, in the upper Degano Valley near Paularo. Reach it from Paularo village (about 30km north of Tolmezzo) by following the valley road to the trailhead at Forcella Lavardet. The hut lies 3–4 hours' walk from there via marked paths through beech and spruce forest, gaining roughly 400m. The approach is straightforward but steep in sections. In winter, snow can block access above 600m.
The hut operates as a simple mountain shelter with capacity for around 20 guests in basic dormitory rooms. A wood stove provides heating. Meals are available on request—book ahead if you want dinner or packed lunches for onward walks. Water comes from a spring; there is no shower. The hut stays open year-round but staff presence is seasonal; contact ahead between November and March. This is working mountain country, not a staffed rifugio, so expect rustic conditions and self-sufficiency.
Use Casera Palussa as a base for ridge walks into the Carnic high country, or as a night stop on longer traverses toward Sella Chianzutan or south toward the Zuc del Bacacornu. Phone ahead to confirm opening dates and book meals: the hut keeper's contact details are available through the local CAI section in Tolmezzo or via rifugi.net.
The hut operates as a simple mountain shelter with capacity for around 20 guests in basic dormitory rooms. A wood stove provides heating. Meals are available on request—book ahead if you want dinner or packed lunches for onward walks. Water comes from a spring; there is no shower. The hut stays open year-round but staff presence is seasonal; contact ahead between November and March. This is working mountain country, not a staffed rifugio, so expect rustic conditions and self-sufficiency.
Use Casera Palussa as a base for ridge walks into the Carnic high country, or as a night stop on longer traverses toward Sella Chianzutan or south toward the Zuc del Bacacornu. Phone ahead to confirm opening dates and book meals: the hut keeper's contact details are available through the local CAI section in Tolmezzo or via rifugi.net.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 weeks ahead for weekends and summer season; weekdays are usually flexible. Contact the hut directly or check rifugio.net and cai.it for availability and current contact details.
Typically open June through September; check current hours before visiting as it operates as a simple shelter with limited staffing. Winter access is unreliable above 600m due to snow.
Drive to Paularo village, then follow the valley road to the Forcella Lavardet trailhead; the marked hike gains 400m over 3–4 hours through beech and spruce forest with steep sections. The approach is straightforward but exposed to weather.
As a simple mountain shelter at 791m, expect basic accommodation and likely no on-site meals; bring your own food and check ahead about water and heating. Facilities are minimal compared to staffed rifugis.
The 3–4 hour approach with 400m gain suits hikers with basic fitness; families with older children can manage it in good conditions, but the steep sections and remote location demand experience. Not ideal for young children or inexperienced mountaineers.
Location
46.1255, 12.5861
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