Do you wish to spend some romantic evenings in the cradle of nature, up on the mountains, away from the concrete jungles, far from the maddening crowd? The best option can be mountain huts.
Mountain huts also known as Alpine huts or mountain shelter, located high up in the mountains or in a tricky corner, to provide shelter and preferably food to the climbers and mountaineers or hikers. Most of these huts provide meals and drinks for the wary visitors. Most are in difficult terrains and provide an emergency refuge to the climbers or hikers. They therefore have limited choice of foods due to transportation issues, but provide the very necessary sleeping berths for the very tired legs and souls.
High above the crowded tourist spots, these mountain huts not only give a spectacular view of nature all around, but also they provide serenity which is necessary to feel at one with the magnificent mountains. These are the places to rediscover ones own self and connect with the magnanimity of the mountains.
Listed below are seven of the most stunning and most unusual and interesting mountain huts on the planet.
1. Monte Rosa-Huette
Jointly developed by the Swiss Alpine Club and ETH Zurich, the Monte Rosa-Huette is located 2883 m above the sea level. Surrounded by the spectacular and pristine nature, the structure is a modern marvel of architecture. Primarily built with stainless steel and wood, the building is a beauty to look at. The interiors are aesthetically designed and decorated.
This ecofriendly building satisfies 90 percent of its power needs from solar power. Located between Gorner border and Monte Rosa glacier, Monte Rosa Hut is a must visit for high altitude and environment campaigners.
2. Solvay hut
Named after the noted industrialist Earnest Solvay, this mountain hut on Hörnli Ridge was donated by him, on the Matterhorn. Solvay hut is not only a hut for emergency situation, but also a secluded repose from the city life. The signature mountain of the Swiss Alps, the hut is located near Zermatt, in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.
It can accommodate only ten persons and is situated at 4003 m above sea level. It is the last point from where people generally start their final assault for the peak, just 475 m away. The small ledge outside the hut provides a breath-taking view of all the Monte Rosa summits.
3. Rifugio Nuvolau
Originally constructed during WW I for its strategic location, Rifugio Nuvolau is located 2575 m above the sea level. Perched atop Italy`s Dolomite mountains, the mountain hut offers an incomparable 360 degrees of panoramic view. The hut is accesible from a number of locations, but the last phase has to be on foot. The hut still retains the old world charm, but the panoramic view from the Marmolada ski resort to the Tofana Mountain along the Austrian glaciers is worth all the pain. The sunrise or sunset with its riot of colors in the sky is something that remains in the mind for a lifetime.
4. Rifugio Gnifetti
This mountain hut is situated at the head of Lys Glacial Basin. It is able to house more than 150 guests and it is located on Garstlet glacier. At 3637 m Rifugio Gnifetti offers showers, electric lightings and SOS radio rescue.
This is a base where excursions at Mont Rosa starts from here and this hut is a witness to many historic expeditions and climbs. The route to reach the hut and the climb is another adrenaline sport, along with the magnificent view all along the way.
5. Refuge des Cosmiques
Refuge des Cosmiques is located at an altitude of 3613 m above sea level. It is surrounded by the Col du Midi, Vallée Blanche, Glacier du Géant, Mont Maudit, Mont Blanc du Tacul, and Mont Blanc all around it. They pose not only an impressive view, but also a splendid panorama, worth waiting for a lifetime.
The easiest approach to the hut after a rope way climb is from Aiguille du Midi. The Chamonix valley 2000 m below looks fantastic from this height. The sunrays, on the peaks early in the morning and late in the evening is a treat to watch. Prior reservations are needed to be on the safer side in this 100+ accommodation.
6. Rifugio Lagazuoi
Rifugio lagazuoi is located at 2750 m above sea level, atop Passo Falzarego. It is one of the highest sitting inns on the dolomites and provides a panoramic and mesmerizing view of the UNESCO world heritage, Dolomite peaks.
Located between Val Badia and Cortina d`Ampezzo, it is also close to the Natural park of Fanes. The trip around will take you to the open Museum of WW-I and has some lovely skiing places. The hut can be reached easily by cable cars or hiking. The food and bars are excellent. Feel one with nature and be pampered in Rifugio Lagazuoi.
7. Cabane Bertol
Precariously perched at an altitude of 3311 m above sea level, Cabane Bertol can be reached only through a number of fixed ladders and chains. Located on the route from Chamonix to Zermatt, Cabane Bertol offers a unique experience, and view of Tete Blanche, Aiguille de la Tsa and Dent Blanche. The view of the surrounding is not only unique but also worth the pain in getting there.
