Refuge il Giovo
1.3Rifugio il Giovo
1,714m
Ticino, Switzerland
About
Rifugio il Giovo sits at 1714m on the border between Ticino and Lombardy, in the Val Loana basin. Reach it from Garzeno (accessible by bus from Menaggio on Lake Como) by hiking 3–4 hours northeast through forest and meadow. The approach is steady rather than steep, making it a solid day walk from the lake. You can also access the hut from the Nara Spur trailhead if coming from the Como side.
The refuge has 42 beds spread across dormitory rooms and smaller chambers. Meals are available including set dinners and packed lunches; bring cash or confirm payment methods when booking. Water comes from a spring nearby. The hut operates year-round, though winter access depends on snow conditions and is best confirmed in advance. Facilities are basic and functional—expect no showers, limited electricity, and an outhouse situation typical of high mountain refuges.
Book directly through the managing organisations or contact CAI di Dongo. July and August fill quickly; reserve at least 2–3 months ahead for summer weekends. Shoulder seasons (May–June and September–October) are quieter. The hut is a good base for winter ski touring in the region and for exploring the Val Loana hiking network year-round.
The refuge has 42 beds spread across dormitory rooms and smaller chambers. Meals are available including set dinners and packed lunches; bring cash or confirm payment methods when booking. Water comes from a spring nearby. The hut operates year-round, though winter access depends on snow conditions and is best confirmed in advance. Facilities are basic and functional—expect no showers, limited electricity, and an outhouse situation typical of high mountain refuges.
Book directly through the managing organisations or contact CAI di Dongo. July and August fill quickly; reserve at least 2–3 months ahead for summer weekends. Shoulder seasons (May–June and September–October) are quieter. The hut is a good base for winter ski touring in the region and for exploring the Val Loana hiking network year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 2–3 months ahead, especially for July and August weekends; contact the hut directly by phone or email to confirm availability and meals.
Rifugio il Giovo is staffed from June to September, with weekends often busier than weekdays.
From Garzeno (reachable by bus from Menaggio on Lake Como), hike 3–4 hours northeast to the hut; the approach is steady through forest and meadow, or approach via the Nara Spur trailhead from the Como side.
The hut has 42 beds in dormitory rooms and smaller chambers; meals are available, though shower facilities are basic or limited—bring wet wipes and plan to wash minimally.
No—the access is marked demanding and the 3–4 hour approach with steady elevation gain suits experienced hikers; it's better for those with solid fitness and mountaineering experience.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- CAI
- Season
- –
- Total
- 42
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website