ガルツェーノの山小屋＆キャビン・トップ20

Border pass between Italy and Switzerland, once an important route for smuggling and partisan warfare in the area. On the Italian side, the trail is easily accessible by mountain bike, although gravel riding is also a challenge, especially along the last two kilometers from Giovo. The pass is located at an altitude of 2,000 meters, and just below is the refuge of the same name. A stunning setting, largely untouched by human activity.

Open from June to September, this very welcoming refuge is located a few meters below the pass of the same name. The last 2 km are very difficult for gravel bikes, with a very rough road. The final section becomes paved with large stones, with gradients always above 10°. Stunning view and a large selection of snacks for those arriving.

Rifugio Menaggio, located at 1383 m, offers unique views of Lake Como. It is the ideal base for climbing Monte Grona, with via ferratas or challenging trails. It is a panoramic and welcoming point for every hiker, it is managed by the CAI and offers refreshments and overnight stays in the summer season.

The San Jorio Refuge is a former financial police barracks now used as a refuge. Below are the openings for 2023: June 18th opening party. From 19 June always open until 10 September. On weekends until the end of October.

The Capanna San Lucio is a refuge that can be reached starting from Val Cavargna or from Valcolla, the opposite Swiss valley.

The San Jorio Refuge is a former financial police barracks now used as a refuge. Below are the openings for 2023: June 18th opening party. From 19 June always open until 10 September. On weekends until the end of October.

The Giovo Refuge is closed and unattended, in order to stay there you must ask for the keys in advance at the Sant'Anna restaurant in Germasino. Here you can leave the car to go up to Passo San Jorio or to continue on other paths. The road that gets here is not the best, as a large part of it is dirt, but with the right attention it is not a big problem.

You can confidently ignore this rifugio. Didn't get anything to drink or eat, although many guests ate there. Was treated like I wasn't even there. Don't know if it was because I was recognizable as German because of the language? I've never been treated so rudely in my life!