About
Rifugio Mulino Calzetta sits at 1,460m in the Ligurian Apennines, above the Val di Vara. The hut lies on the watershed ridge between Liguria and Tuscany. Reach it on foot from Pignone (90 minutes, mostly forest trail) or from Zeri in Tuscany (2.5 hours). Both approaches are well-marked. The ridge location offers views south toward the Ligurian coast and north into Tuscany when weather clears.
The refuge accommodates 25 people in basic dormitory rooms. Meals follow mountain hut standards: dinner and breakfast included with overnight stays. Water comes from a spring; there's no shower. The hut operates year-round but staff are present only Friday to Sunday outside July and August. Summer weekends and holidays fill quickly. Winter visits require advance notice—call ahead to confirm the keeper is present.
Book through CAI La Spezia via cai.it or contact the hut directly. This is a working mountain lodge, not a hotel. July weekends and August require booking 4–6 weeks ahead. The hut suits hikers linking the Apennine ridge trails between Emilia-Romagna and the coast, or as a base for exploring the quieter Ligurian mountains. Expect simple conditions and local hiking culture.
The refuge accommodates 25 people in basic dormitory rooms. Meals follow mountain hut standards: dinner and breakfast included with overnight stays. Water comes from a spring; there's no shower. The hut operates year-round but staff are present only Friday to Sunday outside July and August. Summer weekends and holidays fill quickly. Winter visits require advance notice—call ahead to confirm the keeper is present.
Book through CAI La Spezia via cai.it or contact the hut directly. This is a working mountain lodge, not a hotel. July weekends and August require booking 4–6 weeks ahead. The hut suits hikers linking the Apennine ridge trails between Emilia-Romagna and the coast, or as a base for exploring the quieter Ligurian mountains. Expect simple conditions and local hiking culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2-3 weeks ahead during July-August, earlier if possible since the hut only holds 25 people. Contact via rifugio.net or cai.it, or call directly to confirm availability and meal requirements.
Typically open June through September, staffed on weekends year-round and daily during peak season; confirm opening dates before your visit as staffing varies.
From Pignone (Liguria) takes 90 minutes via well-marked forest trail, or from Zeri (Tuscany) takes 2.5 hours; both are straightforward approaches without technical difficulty.
Basic dormitory accommodation for 25 in shared rooms with standard mountain hut meals (dinner and breakfast included); expect minimal shower facilities typical of mountain rifugi.
Yes for fit families and hiking beginners—the approach trails are non-technical forest walks, though the 2.5-hour Tuscany route suits those with steady endurance; it's accessible for anyone comfortable with basic mountain conditions.
Location
44.1743, 9.7165
HutLists Score
2.9
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- CAI Club Alpino Italiano sezione La Spezia
Facilities
Meals served
Drinking water
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