Choosing a mountain refuge as a stopover point during your Lake Como excursions will offer several advantages. First of all, they are often located in strategic positions that allow you to enjoy breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. In addition, they are ideal starting points for lakeside walks and trekking, allowing you to explore less-travelled paths and discover hidden corners of the area. Staying in a lakeside shelter, moreover, allows for an authentic experience, savouring traditional cuisine and sharing moments with other hikers.
Which are the 10 best refuges on Lake Como?
It is well known that, during a tour of Lake Como, every traveller experiences the elegant and evocative charm of famous resorts such as Bellagio and Laglio, but there is more. In fact, the area also holds hiking trails that lead to facilities that offer refreshment and hospitality to those who wish to immerse themselves in the nature of the surrounding mountains: the refuges. Here it is possible to savour local delicacies, embark on more or less demanding treks and have an experience to remember among the peaks of Lombardy.
To help you choose the right one for you, we have selected the 10 best refuges on Lake Como.
1. Menaggio Refuge
Located at 1,383 metres in the municipality of Plesio, on the slopes of Monte Grona, the Menaggio Refuge offers a spectacular view of Lake Como. It has 24 beds in dormitories, a panoramic terrace and a cosy dining room. It is the perfect starting point for excursions to Monte Grona and Pizzo Coppa, from where memorable views of the surrounding lakes and the Alps can be observed.
2. Como Hut
On a rocky spur in the Monti Lariani stands Capanna Como: only those who love walking will want to reach it, but all the brave ones who decide to do so will be rewarded by the welcome, the food and the wonder.
Located at 1,790 metres in Val Darengo, in the municipality of Livo, it is the oldest refuge owned by the Como CAI, built in 1892. It offers 23 beds and has facilities such as a gas cooker, wood stove and running water. It is accessible by a well-marked path from Livo, with a walking time of about four and a half hours. From the hut, hikers can reach peaks such as Pizzo della Gratella and Pizzo San Pio, as well as undertake traverses to Lago di Cama via the Passo dell’Orso.
3. Venini Refuge
The Venini-Cornelio Refuge is located in the Como Mountains at an altitude of 1,576 metres in the saddle between Monte Galbiga and Monte di Tremezzo. On a clear day, it is possible to admire as many as six lakes: Maggiore, Muzzano, Lugano, Piano, Como and Mezzola. As well as offering hospitality to hikers, the refuge is surrounded by several walls, once part of the system of fortifications of the Northern Frontier. The Monte Galbiga Astronomical Observatory, with a 4-metre diameter dome and a 35.6 cm Schmidt Cassegrain telescope, offered enthusiasts the opportunity to observe the starry sky in a crazy natural setting, but it is now unfortunately closed: before leaving, check whether it has resumed activity.
4. Luigi Brioschi Refuge
Situated on the summit of the Northern Grigna at 2,410 metres, the Luigi Brioschi Refuge is one of the historic refuges of the Lombardy Pre-Alps, owned by the CAI of Milan. The Grigna, also known as Grignone, offers several spectacular viewpoints over the entire north-western Alps, from the Bernese Oberland to Monte Rosa. The traditional ascent route starts in Pasturo and crosses a variety of landscapes, from forests to alpine meadows, making the hike an unforgettable experience for mountain lovers.
5. Bietti-Buzzi Refuge
Located in the Releccio Valley at 1,719 metres, the Bietti-Buzzi Refuge was recently reopened. Owned by the Mandello CAI – famous among Moto Guzzi enthusiasts – the refuge is an excellent starting point for exploring the Northern Grigna and its many mountaineering trails. The area is also known in speleological circles for the presence of many caves and abysses, including the ‘Releccio Complex’, one of the deepest karst systems in Italy.
6. Bogani Refuge
We are still in the Northern Grigna: here we find the Arnaldo Bogani Refuge owned by the CAI of Monza, located at 1,816 metres on the northern slope, above the Alpe di Moncodeno in the municipality of Esino Lario. The surrounding area is rich in karst phenomena and invites hikers to explore a unique natural environment, characterised by flora and fauna typical of the Lombardy Alps.
7. Elisa Refuge
Located in Val Meria, above Mandello del Lario, at 1,515 metres, the Elisa Refuge is another gem owned by the Mandello CAI. The valley offers hiking trails through unspoilt natural environments, but it also deserves to be chosen for its history.
In fact, during the partisan resistance, thanks to its strategic position, the refuge became the base of the Cacciatori delle Grigne Brigade, later the 89th Garibaldi Brigade, and gave shelter to courageous people who deserve to be remembered even today. Since 1995, the hut has also been the finish line of the ‘Trofeo delle Grigne – Evangelista Ferrario’, a prestigious mountain running competition.
8. SEV Refuge – Corni di Canzo
Located on the Alpe di Pianezzo, at an altitude of 1,276 metres, the SEV (Società Escursionisti Valmadreresi) refuge stands near the Corni di Canzo, a popular destination for hikers in the Lecco area. The construction of the refuge began in May 1960 thanks to the efforts of numerous volunteer members and was completed in September 1964. The two-storey structure offers a superb view of Lake Como, the Grigne and the city of Lecco.
9. Mara Hut
One of the best refuges on Lake Como is undoubtedly Capanna Mara, which is located at an altitude of 1,125 metres, between the Bolettone and Palanzone mountains in the Larian Triangle (CO), just below Bocchetta di Lemna, which connects Val Bova and Val di Gaggia. The most popular route to reach it starts from Alpe del Vicerè, located above Erba, where a pay car park is available. It initially follows an asphalted road to the Rifugio Cacciatori and then a mule track that leads to the Capanna Mara in about 45 minutes, overcoming an altitude difference of 225 metres.
10. Riella Refuge
Rifugio Riella is located on the western slope of Monte Palanzone, at an altitude of about 1,275 metres, in a panoramic position overlooking Lake Como and the Lombard Pre-Alps. It can be reached from various locations, including Alpe del Vicerè, Sormano, Rezzago, Pian di Nesso, Caslino and Palanzo. The refuge offers 25 beds and can accommodate up to 60 people for lunch, with a further 30 seats outside.
Boat trips on Lake Como
And after an experience in the mountains of Lake Como, why not view the lake from the perspective of the water? With Lake Boat Como Tour , you can explore the wonders of the area on board elegant boats, immersing yourself in the pure wonder that only Lake Como boat tours can show you, taking you to discover hidden corners accessible only by water, through natural routes. Natural routes different from those you can explore by choosing the best Lake Como refuges, but equally immersed in the beauty of the area.