Rifugio Col Gallina

Rifugio Col Gallina sits at 2,642m on the border between Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia, in the Dolomites' Carnic Alps. Reach it from Sappada village (1,250m) via a marked trail that climbs steadily through mixed forest and alpine meadow for 3 hours. The route is well-maintained but steep in sections, gaining 1,400m elevation. Alternatively, approach from Passo Mauria (2,072m) on the northern side—a 2-hour walk over gentler terrain. Both paths converge at the hut's location on a broad pass with views east across the Friuli plateau.
The refuge holds 60 beds across simple shared rooms. Meals are substantial and included with overnight stays: expect hearty pasta, local polenta, and meat-heavy main courses. The kitchen serves packed lunches for onward hikers. Water comes from a spring. There's no shower, but the hut has basic toilets and a small stove-heated common room. The hut operates from June to September, closing during snow season. Mobile coverage is weak.
Book directly by phone (+39 0435 67007) or email. July and August fill quickly—aim to reserve 4 weeks ahead for summer weekends. The hut caters to trekkers crossing the Carnic Ridge or hiking the interconnected refuge system linking south toward Tolmezzo. This is working mountain accommodation, not a luxury stopover. It's popular with experienced hikers doing multi-day high-altitude traverses.