Baita la Mandria

Baita la Mandria sits at 2,270m in the Val Fex, a side valley off the Engadin valley. Reach it on foot from Sils Maria in 2.5 hours following the valley floor. The walk is straightforward, mostly on good paths through larch forest and Alpine meadow. You'll cross streams and gain about 500m of elevation. In winter, access depends on snow conditions and avalanche risk.

The hut is a small, simple mountain inn run as a private business. It has 30 beds split across shared rooms. Meals are hearty and based on what's available—think pasta, polenta, local cheeses, and game in season. The kitchen serves dinner and breakfast daily. Toilet facilities are basic. The hut sits in meadowland with views toward Piz Cengalo and the surrounding peaks. It's a good base for hiking further into Val Fex, climbing to Furkol Pass (2,777m), or making longer traverses toward the Albula region.

Book directly by phone or email several weeks in advance for summer weekends. July and August are busiest. The hut operates year-round but staffing can be irregular in shoulder seasons, so confirm opening dates before traveling. It's cash-only for payments, so bring enough Swiss francs.