Easy
About
Rifugio Riella sits at 1,275m in the foothills north of Como, accessible from the Val d'Intelvi. The main approach starts from Castiglione d'Intelvi village and takes roughly 2 hours on marked trails through mixed woodland. This is valley-level hiking, not alpine scrambling—good for building endurance or breaking in new boots before heading to higher peaks.
The rifugio operates year-round and sleeps around 30 people in basic dorm rooms. The kitchen serves simple evening meals and breakfast. Hot showers are available. This is a working hut, not a resort: expect practical comfort rather than amenities. The location makes it a natural base for day hikes across the Val d'Intelvi and into the Monte Generoso region, or a stopping point on longer traverses between the Lario and Lugano regions.
Book by phone directly with the rifugio. Contact the CAI Como section through cai.it for current details. June through September is busy; phone ahead even on quieter weekdays if you're arriving with a group. Winter opening depends on snow and staffing—confirm availability before planning a winter visit.
The rifugio operates year-round and sleeps around 30 people in basic dorm rooms. The kitchen serves simple evening meals and breakfast. Hot showers are available. This is a working hut, not a resort: expect practical comfort rather than amenities. The location makes it a natural base for day hikes across the Val d'Intelvi and into the Monte Generoso region, or a stopping point on longer traverses between the Lario and Lugano regions.
Book by phone directly with the rifugio. Contact the CAI Como section through cai.it for current details. June through September is busy; phone ahead even on quieter weekdays if you're arriving with a group. Winter opening depends on snow and staffing—confirm availability before planning a winter visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 2–3 weeks ahead for weekends, especially in summer and autumn; weekdays are more flexible. Call ahead or check rifugi.net for availability and to confirm your arrival time.
Open year-round with full staffing during the main hiking season (May–October); winter visits require advance notice to ensure the guardian is present.
Start from Castiglione d'Intelvi village and follow marked trails through woodland for roughly 2 hours; this is straightforward valley-level hiking, not technical scrambling.
Basic dorm rooms sleeping around 30 people, simple evening meals and breakfast in the kitchen, and hot water for washing; don't expect showers or private rooms.
Yes—the easy 2-hour approach and low elevation make it ideal for families and newcomers building fitness or testing gear before alpine climbing.
Location
45.8620, 9.1979
HutLists Score
5.0
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- CAI Club Alpino Italiano - sezione di Como
- Season
- Year-round
Facilities
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- +39 031 378600
- Website
- http://it-it.facebook.com/pages/rifugio-riella/106902016025021
Activities
Featured In
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