Refuge Carate Brianza
Luca Casartelli / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0

Refuge Carate Brianza

4.1

Rifugio Carate Brianza

2,636m Lombardy, Italy Write a review
Demanding

About

Rifugio Carate Brianza sits at 2,636m on the Grigna Settentrionale plateau in Lombardy. Reach it from Lecco via the Piani dei Resinelli parking area. The approach takes 3–4 hours depending on your route. Most hikers use the trail from Resinelli that climbs steeply through limestone terrain. The hut marks a natural stop for traverses across the Grigna massif.

The rifugio has 24 beds across mixed dormitories and a few double rooms. Meals are simple and hearty—expect pasta, polenta, and local specialties. The kitchen provides hot drinks and packed lunches if you order ahead. Water comes from a spring nearby. Facilities are basic but clean. The hut operates year-round, though snow closes the high approach trails from November to April. Summer crowds are heavy; autumn is quieter.

Book directly with the hut by phone or email at least 2–3 months ahead for July and August weekends. The CAI manages the rifugio. Contact via the hut's direct line or check CAI's rifugio listings on cai.it. Half-board rates are standard. Winter visits require calling ahead to confirm the hut is staffed and accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Book at least 2–3 weeks ahead during summer weekends; weekdays are more flexible. Call ahead on the phone contact listed or check rifugio.net for availability.
Open June through September in normal conditions; check current status before visiting as high-altitude huts close early in bad weather or snow.
Start from Piani dei Resinelli parking area near Lecco and follow the steep limestone trail up the Grigna Settentrionale—plan 3–4 hours depending on fitness and route choice.
Simple mountain food: pasta, polenta, and local cured meats. The 24 beds are in mixed dorms and a few double rooms; basic washing facilities typical of high-altitude rifugi.
The 3–4 hour approach on steep limestone terrain is moderate-to-demanding; families with confident young hikers and beginners in good fitness can manage it, but it's not an easy option.

Location

46.3302, 9.9019

Plan your visit

Reservation recommended.

Visit official site Get directions

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4.1
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Quick Facts

Managing club
CAI Club Alpino Italiano
Total
24

Facilities

Breakfast Half board Meals served Drinking water

Contact & Booking

Phone
+39 0342 452 560
Website
https://www.caicaratebrianza.it

Free Packing Checklist

Get the printable Alpine Hut Packing Checklist, plus route guides and booking tips.

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