10 mountain huts to be discovered in the world

Passionate about mountain hiking or mountaineering? Discover these 10 impressive mountain huts where to spend the night!

The discovery of a refuge after a day of hiking or mountaineering is always a special moment. Perched on the roofs of the world, mountain huts offer a spectacular view and time seems to stop there. They are often warm and friendly, but sometimes... unusual! Do you dream of new adventures on the most beautiful summits and unforgettable awakenings? Are you looking for your next getaway? Let’s take altitude to discover 10 mountain huts throughout the world that are worth a visit. Remember to book and inform you about their access routes in advance!

1. Cabane Margherita, Italy

Located at 4554 m above sea level, the Regina Margherita hut in Italy is no other than the highest refuge in Europe. She owes her name to Queen Marguerite de Savoie, who spent the night there during her inauguration in 1893. This refuge with low environmental impact is located on Pointe Gnifetti, on the Italian-Swis border in the Massif du Mont Rose. It also houses a laboratory dedicated to scientific research.

Practical information The Regina Margherita Cabin, held from late June to early September, has 70 beds. It takes 70€ per person for a night with breakfast, or 100€ in half board. In winter, only the room with a capacity of 12 beds is open, with blankets, gas for cooking and lighting.

2. New refuge of Tasteer, France

With its wings of flying saucer, you cannot miss the refuge of the Goûter, the highest in France. It is nestled at 3835 m of altitude, on the needle of the Tasteer in the massif of the Mont-Blanc . Inaugurated in 1859, it was completely renovated on an environmental and architectural level to reopen in 2014. This French mountain hut is the last step before the ascent of Mont Blanc, making it a must.

Practical information The Goûter refuge, modern and ecological, can accommodate 120 people. The price of one night, without meals, is 65€ per person in a care period (from the end of May to the end of September) or 8€ the rest of the year.

3. Chacaltaya Lodge, Bolivia

Let's continue our tour of the world of mountain huts to discover with the Chacaltaya Lodge, Bolivia. This extraordinary refuge sits on the Chacaltaya mountain, culminating in 5395 m in the Andes mountain. Until 2009, there was a ski resort with the highest track in the world. Today, there is only this chalet suspended by the edge of the void and its panoramic view.

Practical information This cottage, located about 30 kilometers from La Paz, has 20 beds. The price for one night is about 12€.

4. Cabane Bertol, Switzerland

You suspected that Switzerland has its place in our selection. Access to some shelters is more than others and this is the case for the Bertol hut, perched on a rocky spur. Since 1898, it dominates the val of Herren at 3311 metres above sea level. It thus offers its visitors a breathtaking view of the surrounding summits and gives access to the glacial highlands between Dent Blanche and Tête Blanche. It is located on the Chamonix-Zermatt route, mythical and coveted by mountaineers.

Practical information The Bertol shack is kept from mid-March to early May and from late June to mid-September. The night in this refuge will cost you about 34€ or 75€ with half board. In winter, a 16-seater dormitory with no water or gas remains open.

5. Refuge des Grand Mulets, France

The refuge of the Grand Mulets, lost in the high French mountains, was rebuilt in 1960. It is located on the historic Mont Blanc itinerary. Overlooking the Chamonix valley at 3067 m, it lies under the north face of the highest point of the Alps. What better way to end a day in the middle of nature than to sleep on this rocky island surrounded by ice?

Practical information The Grand Mulets refuge is kept from the end of March to the end of July and offers 68 beds, without running water or gas. Out of care, only 16 beds are available, without possible restoration. The overnight stay will cost you €26.5 in custodial period, and €8 in unguarded period. Note that the site is very frequent in the spring!

6. Kanin Winter Cabin, Slovenia

With its straight design from the future, the Kanin Winter Cabin, in Slovenia, is undoubtedly one of the refuges to be discovered in the world. The one standing on the top of Mount Kanin in the Julian Alps can withstand extreme weather conditions. This small eco-responsible and minimalist refuge was designed in 2016 by the OFIS architecture studio. Its 360° view of Italy and Slovenia is simply breathtaking!

Practical information With a surface of 9.7 m2 and with only mattresses, the Kanin Winter Cabin can accommodate only 9 people. Intimist atmosphere guaranteed! Only experienced hikers, mountaineers and climbers can access it.

7. Sefton Bivvy, New Zealand

New Zealand is full of beautiful mountain hikes ( Great Walks ) and therefore shelters. Sefton’s bivouac is one of them. This shelter welcomes visitors to Mont Cook National Park, at 1650 m above sea level, since the beginning of the 20th century. Sefton Bivvy is quite rudimentary with its ground in a beaten ground and its walls in a pile. But it does not remove anything from its charm, on the contrary!

Practical information This free 4-bed shelter can be a good alternative to the Mueller Hut, often complete. Note, however, that nothing is provided and that the system in place is that of the first arrival, first served.

8. La Cabane Solvay, Switzerland

The Solvay Cabin is a mountain hut of Valais Switzerland. It was built at the beginning of the 20th century on the northeast side of the Matterhorn. The Solvay Cabin was designed to shelter mountaineers in distress and remains an emergency shelter. On the other hand, we invite you to take a break to admire the breathtaking view if you have the chance (and the level) to go.

Practical information If you encounter difficulties on your route (case of force majeure), you can find refuge in this emergency bivouac. It has 10 beds, blankets and a radio.

9. Bivouac Gervasutti, Italy

In the ranking of the unusual mountain huts, the bivouac Gervasutti, in Italy, is in very good position. One could believe in a plane lost at 2833 m altitude, in the middle of the Fréboudze glacier (Mont-Blanc). In fact, it was built in 2011 by the architects of LEAP Factory to replace the former refuge. They inspired the aeronautical industry to design an extremely resistant and self-sufficient shelter (solar panels, etc.).

Practical information The Gervasutti bivouac is unkept, but it offers 12 beds with blankets all year round for 10€ per person per night. It is the preferred starting point for the needle of Leschaux.

10. Alpine Shelter, Slovenia

Innovative, design, bright and eco-friendly, Alpine Shelter attracts many adventurers despite its small size. And it is not to mention its impressive panorama! This refuge was rebuilt on the sides of Mount Skuta, in the Kamnic Alps of Slovenia. The architects of the OFIS agency, AKT II engineers and Harvard Design students worked on the project. The shelter is divided into three individual modules designed to separate the storage room and kitchen from living space and sleeping areas.

Practical information The Alpine Shelter can accommodate 8 people in a simple but comfortable and optimized structure.