Mountain refuges serve a particularly important function in the high mountains. Over the centuries, they provided food and shelter to wayfarers and shepherds. Today, numerous mountain huts across the Stelvio National Park and throughout South Tyrol, provide overnight accommodation for hikers with food and refreshments.
Hikers and mountain bikers gladly stop for a break on their sunny terraces, enjoying the stunning views and tranquillity of the remote mountain landscape. Most often, the tasty food and genuine hospitality at the refuges round are rounded off by a epicurean experience in the middle of the wilderness. A number of dairy farms in the Stelvio National Park offer high-grade produce, including the typical and sought-after Vinschgau/Val Venosta mountain cheese.
The Refuges in the Stelvio National Park
The Berglhütte in Trafoi, the Düsseldorfer Hütte and the Tabaretta Hütte in Sulden/Solda look out on the Ortler Mountains. The Prader Alm mountain dairy provides hikers with fresh milk, butter and cheeses. Near the Stilfser Alm refuge, a few red deer roam around the enclosure.
The traditional, family-run huts and refuges in the Ultental/Val d'Ultimo Valley are also popular with hikers with the traditional South Tyrolean afternoon “Marende”, served with the typical Schüttelbrot, Tyrolean speck ham and local cheeses. Some of the refuges, including the Mariolberger Alm, Äußere Schwemmalm, Fiechtalm and Steinrast have received the "Real Quality in the Mountains" Award, for authentic South Tyrolean food and hospitality.