Cabin delle Aquile
1.0Capanna delle Aquile
2,185m
Ticino, Switzerland
About
Capanna delle Aquile sits at 2,185m on the northern slopes of the Nara massif in the Sopraceneri region of Ticino. Reach it from Rodi-Fiesso (1,350m) via a steep, sustained climb through forest and alpine meadow, taking 3.5 to 4 hours. The approach is direct and relentless but well-marked. From Locarno, drive to Rodi-Fiesso and leave a car at the road's end. Many hikers combine this hut with the Capanna Basòdino or Capanna Tommasini to make a longer traverse across the Ticino mountains.
The CAI-managed hut offers 25 beds spread across dormitory-style rooms. Meals are simple: pasta or risotto for dinner, porridge or toast for breakfast. Water comes from springs nearby; the hut has no shower. It runs year-round, though winter visits require advance coordination. The location feels remote despite being only 90km from Locarno—views stretch across high moorland toward the Gotthard and beyond into Valais.
Book directly through CAI Cermenate or contact the guardian (Carlo Iseli: +41 76 301 02 81). July and August fill quickly; aim to book at least one month ahead for summer weekends. The hut is straightforward and unadorned, with no hot water beyond what's heated for cooking. Come for serious hiking in the Nara or as a base for traversing toward the Gotthard region.
The CAI-managed hut offers 25 beds spread across dormitory-style rooms. Meals are simple: pasta or risotto for dinner, porridge or toast for breakfast. Water comes from springs nearby; the hut has no shower. It runs year-round, though winter visits require advance coordination. The location feels remote despite being only 90km from Locarno—views stretch across high moorland toward the Gotthard and beyond into Valais.
Book directly through CAI Cermenate or contact the guardian (Carlo Iseli: +41 76 301 02 81). July and August fill quickly; aim to book at least one month ahead for summer weekends. The hut is straightforward and unadorned, with no hot water beyond what's heated for cooking. Come for serious hiking in the Nara or as a base for traversing toward the Gotthard region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 months ahead for July and August; spring and autumn weekends need advance notice too. Contact the hut directly or use the SAC booking system.
Capanna delle Aquile is staffed from June to September, with the hut sometimes available for winter self-catering outside these months.
Drive from Locarno to Rodi-Fiesso (1,350m), park at the road's end, then hike 3.5–4 hours via a steep, well-marked trail to 2,185m.
The hut serves hot meals and drinks; overnight guests sleep in shared dorms with blankets provided. Showers and running water are available, though expect basic mountain accommodation.
No—the steep 3.5–4 hour ascent demands solid fitness and hiking experience; it's best suited to experienced hill walkers and mountaineers doing multi-hut traverses.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- CAI
- Season
- –
- Total
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website