Refuge Magnolini

Rifugio Magnolini sits at 1612m in the Val Bregaglia, south of the main Alpine chain between Switzerland and Italy. Reach it from Bondo village (650m) via a clear trail that climbs steeply through chestnut and larch forest for 2.5 hours. The route is well-marked but relentless; start early if heat is forecast. From the hut, day trips lead north to Passo di Prestone (2,266m) in 1.5 hours or south toward the Bondasca valley and its granite peaks.
The refuge holds 25 beds in simple shared rooms. Evening meals feature local cooking—typically polenta, risotto, or pasta—with mountain cheeses and cured meats. Breakfast is included. The building is basic and austere, with no electricity or running water from the tap (water comes from a spring). The keeper manages the hut across the summer and early autumn season; confirm opening dates before travel. Outside these months, the hut is locked.
Book by phone or email directly with the keeper several weeks ahead during July and August, when all beds fill regularly on weekends. The hut sits on quieter, less-trafficked terrain than the high Alpine passes: expect a less crowded experience than you'd find on popular Gotthard or Bernese Oberland routes. Solo hikers and small groups find this refuge straightforward to access and useful as a launch point for ridge walking in the Bregaglia.