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.
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.
Location
46.4031, 9.4019
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Don't forget to book
This hut takes bookings direct, so beds go to whoever asks first. Tell us your dates and we'll email you when it's time to reserve — with the hut's contact details.
HutLists Score
5.0
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- CAI CAI - Sezione di Chiavenna
- Season
- Jun-Sep
- Total
- 68
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- [email protected]
- Phone
- +39 0343 50490
- Website
- https://www.rifugi.lombardia.it/de/sondrio/campodolcino/hutten-chiavenna.html
Activities
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