Capanna Margherita (Regina Margherita)
The place
Europe's highest refuge at 4554 m on the Punta Gnifetti of Monte Rosa, managed by the CAI Varallo section. Inaugurated in 1893 and named in honour of Queen Margherita of Savoy, it is both a modestly equipped alpine refuge and an important physio-meteorological observatory: it was opened as a high-altitude medicine research station, a role it still retains. Capacity for 70 people in rooms with double beds, bar-restaurant, shared bathrooms, electric lighting, 220V power, internet access, library. Accessible only on foot — the approach usually takes two days, spending the previous night at Rifugio Gnifetti, Rifugio Monte Rosa or Rifugio Resegotti, before starting the final day of the ascent. Typical summer opening from late June to early September.
Getting there
A 2-day alpine climb via Rifugio Gnifetti / Monte Rosa / Resegotti.
The setting
Punta Gnifetti, Monte Rosa, highest refuge in Europe, medical observatory.
