Refuge Alpe Cisterna

Rifugio Alpe Cisterna sits at 1540m in the Prättigau valley, a quieter corner of eastern Graubuenden. The hut is a 2.5-hour walk from Schlappin village, following the Ragsbach stream uphill through mixed forest and alpine meadow. The path is well-marked and steady throughout. You can also approach from Furka Pass (2429m) in roughly 2 hours on a higher-altitude route that crosses open terrain. The hut makes sense as a base for reaching peaks around 2800–2900m, or as a quiet staging post on longer ridge traverses in the region.
This is a working alpine pasture hut, small and straightforward. Four beds total means it fills quickly and operates on a first-come, first-served basis—there is no booking system. Drinking water is available. The hut is usually staffed during summer months (late June through September). No meals are provided, so bring your own food. Toilets are outside. Winter access is possible but the hut is not maintained in that season; check with local hiking groups before attempting off-season visits.
The hut's simplicity is its strength: it sits in genuine mountain pasture country with few other facilities for 5km in any direction. Come prepared for basic mountain conditions. Bring a headtorch, sleeping bag, and mat. The nearest village supply is Schlappin. Phone coverage is unreliable. For current opening dates and conditions, contact the Prättigau hiking office in nearby Jenins or check with mountain guides based in the Schanfigg valley.