Ricovero Casera Chiarzò
2.4About
Ricovero Casera Chiarzò sits at 1,393m in the Carnic Alps of Friuli Venezia Giulia. The hut occupies a working mountain pasture above the Val di Gorto, roughly 2–2.5 hours' walk from Ovaro village. Most hikers approach from the south via the CAI 401 trail, which climbs steadily through beech forest before breaking into open moorland. The setting is pastoral rather than dramatic—this is working farmland, not a high alpine cirque.
The rifugio operates as a simple pasture shelter with a capacity of around 20 beds in shared rooms. Meals are basic and hearty: pasta, polenta, stewed meats, local cheese. The hut serves as a working daytime refuge for herders and a stopping point for trekkers on the longer Carnic ridgeline routes. Water comes from a nearby spring. There are no showers. Toilet facilities are basic but functional. The season runs June through September, depending on snow melt and pastoral activity.
Book through the managing association or contact the hut keeper directly in advance. July and August see moderate traffic; June and September are quieter. This is not a destination hut—it's a working shelter on a serious trekking route. Come prepared for minimal services and genuine mountain hospitality.
The rifugio operates as a simple pasture shelter with a capacity of around 20 beds in shared rooms. Meals are basic and hearty: pasta, polenta, stewed meats, local cheese. The hut serves as a working daytime refuge for herders and a stopping point for trekkers on the longer Carnic ridgeline routes. Water comes from a nearby spring. There are no showers. Toilet facilities are basic but functional. The season runs June through September, depending on snow melt and pastoral activity.
Book through the managing association or contact the hut keeper directly in advance. July and August see moderate traffic; June and September are quieter. This is not a destination hut—it's a working shelter on a serious trekking route. Come prepared for minimal services and genuine mountain hospitality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 weeks ahead during summer weekends; weekdays have more availability. Contact the hut directly or check rifugio.net and cai.it for current contact details and booking options.
Typically open June through September when the pasture is actively grazed; staffing depends on pastoral operations. Check ahead before visiting outside peak summer months.
Start from Ovaro village and follow CAI 401 south through beech forest for 2–2.5 hours to reach the hut at 1,393m.
As a working pasture shelter, expect basic facilities: simple sleeping quarters and modest meals based on what's available; bring a sleeping bag and check conditions ahead of time.
Yes for fit families and experienced hill walkers; the 2–2.5 hour approach and modest elevation make it accessible, though rustic conditions suit those comfortable with basic mountain accommodation.
Location
46.4522, 12.8104
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2.4
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Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- CAI
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