Rifugio Fanes

Rifugio Fanes is a historic mountain hut (rifugio) located on the Alpe di Fanes in the Dolomites, within the municipality of San Vigilio di Marebbe in South Tyrol, Italy. Situated at an elevation of 2,060 metres inside the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park, it lies along the old military road that connects the Pederü refuge to Cortina d'Ampezzo. The hut was built in 1928 by the brothers Fritz, Rudi and Alfred Mutschlechner, who succeeded in completing this difficult undertaking shortly after the First World War, when tourism was beginning to grow in the upper Marebbe valley. Initially operated as an annex of the Hotel Posta, which belonged to the same family, the hut was later taken over independently by Alfred Mutschlechner, who expanded it for the first time in 1938. The rifugio has a long tradition and retains a distinctly Ladin character, reflected in its architecture, its collection of photographs, memories, stories and singular objects, and its cuisine. The official website describes the atmosphere as unchanged over time, with a warm hospitality and a rich culinary offering rooted in Ladin tradition. The restaurant serves simple, natural and authentic dishes prepared with quality ingredients, allowing guests to rediscover the pleasures of genuine mountain food. Rifugio Fanes is a destination for hikers, climbers, cyclists, skiers and snowshoe walkers. It is surrounded by dense forests, snow-covered meadows and the majestic Dolomites, and offers access to some of the most beautiful and exciting itineraries in the region. Local wildlife, such as marmots, can often be seen along the trails. The hut is open in summer from early June to mid-October and in winter from mid-December to mid-April. It can be reached easily from the Pederü refuge (1,548 m) via path no. 7, or by authorised vehicles along a track parallel to the path; guests may also be offered transport by Jeep or snowmobile. Other access routes include Capanna Alpina, the Falzarego Pass and the locality of Fiammes near Cortina d'Ampezzo. The Lavarella refuge lies just 500 metres to the west. After the Second World War, Alfred Mutschlechner bought a Jeep and a three-wheeler from the Americans, simplifying the supply of the hut, and later equipped it with an electric power unit fed by water from the stream. In 1978 he handed over management to his son Max. In 1996 the hut underwent a further restructuring, with the addition of solar panels. Today Rifugio Fanes remains a family-run business and a well-known stop for visitors to the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park.

Rifugio Fanes was built in 1928 by the brothers Fritz, Rudi and Alfred Mutschlechner, shortly after the end of the First World War, when the first cars began to enter the upper Marebbe valley and the number of tourists increased. The construction was a difficult undertaking, but the brothers succeeded. In its early years the hut was a dependency of the Hotel Posta, which belonged to the same family. Later Alfred Mutschlechner decided to take the hut on independently and enlarged it for the first time in 1938. After the Second World War, Alfred bought a Jeep and a three-wheeler from the Americans, which simplified the supply of the hut. He later equipped the refuge with an electric power unit fed by water from the stream. In 1978 Alfred handed over the management to his son Max. In 1996 the hut underwent a further restructuring, with the addition of solar panels. The hut is located at 2,060 metres in the Alpe di Pices Fanes, within the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park, along the old military road that connects the Pederü refuge to Cortina d'Ampezzo, in the municipal area of San Vigilio di Marebbe. It is open in summer from early June to mid-October and in winter from mid-December to mid-April. The Lavarella refuge is located just 500 metres to the west. Access is easy from the Pederü refuge (1,548 m) via path no. 7, or by authorised means along a track parallel to the path; guests may also be offered transport by Jeep or snowmobile. Other possible access routes are from Capanna Alpina, the Falzarego Pass, or the locality of Fiammes near Cortina d'Ampezzo.

• 1996

  Further restructuring with the addition of solar panels.

• 1978

  Alfred Mutschlechner hands over management to his son Max.

• 1938

  First expansion by Alfred Mutschlechner.

• 1928

  Rifugio Fanes built by the Mutschlechner brothers.

Historic, family-run mountain hut offering authentic Ladin hospitality and cuisine in a spectacular Dolomites setting.

• Mountain hut accommodation

• Ladin cuisine restaurant

• Guided hikes and excursions

• Jeep and snowmobile transfers

1. 1Rifugi San Vigilio di Marebbe, Rifugio Fanes in Val Badiarifugiofanes.com
2. 2Rifugio Fanes - Wikidatawikidata.org
3. 3Refuge Fanes - Wikipédiafr.wikipedia.org