Refuge Chiavenna

2.2

Rifugio Chiavenna

2,049m Lombardy, Italy
Demanding

About

Rifugio Chiavenna sits at 2,049m on the watershed between the Bregaglia and Madesimo valleys in northern Lombardy. Reach it from the village of Chiavenna by hiking 4–5 hours up the Val Bregaglia, following marked paths through alpine meadow and light forest. The hut also connects to multi-day ridge walks toward Pizzo Badile and the Passo del Forno. Most hikers approach from the south; the route is well-trodden but steep in sections.

The hut sleeps 68 across mixed dorms and private rooms. Half-board is standard: dinner and breakfast included with the room rate. The kitchen serves simple mountain food and stocks beer and soft drinks. Toilet and washing facilities are basic but functional. Water comes from the spring system. The hut opens June through September, closing in winter. Mobile phone signal is weak or absent.

Book directly with the CAI Sezione di Chiavenna by email or phone. July and August weekends fill fast—reserve at least 4–6 weeks ahead. July sees the most traffic. Midweek slots in June and September offer quieter alternatives. You can also book through rifugio.net or contact CAI's main booking office, though direct contact with the hut section is faster. Arrive by early afternoon to secure meals with dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Book 2–3 weeks ahead for summer weekends, earlier if you're planning July–August. Call the hut directly using the phone contact listed, or check rifugio.net and cai.it for online availability.
Most Italian Alpine huts at this elevation open late June and close by September; confirm exact dates by calling ahead, as staffing varies by season and weather.
Start from Chiavenna village and hike 4–5 hours up the Val Bregaglia on marked paths; the route is well-trodden but steep in sections, gaining roughly 1,400m elevation.
Expect half-board (bed and meals) with simple, hearty alpine food; the hut has mixed dorms and private rooms for 68 people, though showers may be cold water or limited—typical for huts at this elevation.
The 4–5 hour approach is manageable for fit hikers but steep in places, so better for experienced day-hikers than complete beginners; it's ideal for those interested in ridge walks toward Pizzo Badile and multi-day trips.

Quick Facts

Managing club
CAI
Season
Total
68
Dormitory
Emergency
Private rooms

Facilities

Breakfast Half board Meals served Drinking water

Contact & Booking

Phone
+39 0343 50490
Website
https://www.rifugi.lombardia.it/de/sondrio/campodolcino/hutten-chiavenna.html

Activities