Refuge Giovanni e Olinto Marinelli

Rifugio Giovanni e Olinto Marinelli sits at 2,111m in the Julian Alps of Friuli Venezia Giulia. Reach it from the Sella Nevea side of the range. The approach takes 2.5 to 3 hours on marked trails through alpine meadow and scree. Most hikers start from the Sella Nevea parking area at 1,400m. The hut serves as a basecamp for traversing the Julian crest and climbing peaks like Monte Canin to the north.

The rifugio has 30 beds across shared rooms. Meals are simple and filling—expect pasta, risotto, and polenta cooked on-site. Water comes from springs on the mountain. The hut runs from June through September, closing in winter and spring when snow blocks access. Owner Fedrica Ponzoni keeps standards high: the kitchen is clean, portions are generous, and the place fills with serious mountain folk rather than casual tourists.

Book through CAI Sezione di Udine directly by email or phone. July and August weekends book out 2 to 3 months ahead. June and September are quieter. Arriving mid-week gives you better odds of finding space. Bring cash—the hut doesn't always process cards reliably at this elevation. The caretaker speaks Italian primarily, though basic English works for booking requests.