About
Rifugio Orto Botanico sits at 1,550m on the eastern slope of Monte Baldo, above Lake Garda. The hut is a 90-minute walk from Ferrara di Monte Baldo village (accessible by cable car from Malcesine on the lakeside). From the rifugio, you can climb to Punta Telegrafo (2,200m) in 2 hours or traverse north toward Baldo's higher peaks. Day hikers reach it easily from the valley; mountain bikers use the access road. The location puts you in the Alpine botanical zone—Monte Baldo's limestone slopes support rare plant species that give the hut its name.
The rifugio is small, with 30 beds across simple rooms. Half-board is standard: expect hearty Veneto cooking and local cheeses. The kitchen serves vegetarian meals on request. Water supply is reliable year-round. Basic facilities include a drying room for boots and gear. Opening dates vary; contact ahead for shoulder season (May, October). Wi-Fi is available but unreliable. The hut sits on the CAI Malcesine-Tremosine trail network, so expect foot traffic on weekends.
Book 8–10 weeks ahead for July and August weekends. Email [email protected] or call +39 045 740 0206. They fill quickly during summer, but shoulder season offers quieter hiking and stronger wildflower displays.
The rifugio is small, with 30 beds across simple rooms. Half-board is standard: expect hearty Veneto cooking and local cheeses. The kitchen serves vegetarian meals on request. Water supply is reliable year-round. Basic facilities include a drying room for boots and gear. Opening dates vary; contact ahead for shoulder season (May, October). Wi-Fi is available but unreliable. The hut sits on the CAI Malcesine-Tremosine trail network, so expect foot traffic on weekends.
Book 8–10 weeks ahead for July and August weekends. Email [email protected] or call +39 045 740 0206. They fill quickly during summer, but shoulder season offers quieter hiking and stronger wildflower displays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–4 weeks ahead in peak season (July–August); call the rifugio directly using the phone contact listed, or check rifugio.net and cai.it for availability and online booking options.
Open typically mid-April through October; staffed daily during summer months, but call ahead in shoulder seasons (April–May, September–October) as hours vary.
Take the cable car from Malcesine (lakeside) to Ferrara di Monte Baldo, then hike 90 minutes to the rifugio at 1,550m; mountain bikers can use the access road.
Expect basic mountain hut amenities: dorm beds, hot meals (dinner and breakfast included with accommodation), and limited shower facilities; bring a towel and confirm specifics when booking.
Yes—the cable car eliminates technical climbing, the 90-minute approach is moderate, and the location offers gentle day hikes and botanical interest suitable for families and newer hikers.
Location
45.6991, 10.8587
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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
3.9
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- CAI
- Total
- 80
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- [email protected]
- Phone
- +39 045 6247288
- Website
- http://www.ortobotanicomontebaldo.org/
Activities
Free Packing Checklist
Get the printable Alpine Hut Packing Checklist, plus route guides and booking tips.