World’s most remote hotel ‘Margherita Hut’ located 15,000ft up mountain requires 5hr trek – but it’s worth it for view
Guests will have to navigate steep and icy terrains to stay at the hotel, which costs less than £100 per person
PERCHED at an unbelievable 15,000 feet on an Italian mountain lies one of the world’s most remote hotels.
To check into the Margherita Hut, brave explorers must be fearless of heights and in excellent physical shape to endure an arduous five-hour trek.
Resting on Punta Gnifetti in the Monte Rosa massif, the Margherita Hut, or Rifugio Margherita in Italian, offers quite literally breathtaking views.
This remote refuge, named after Queen Margherita of Savoy who visited in 1893, offers an unparalleled experience for climbers and adventurers exploring the lofty heights of the Italian Alps.
Located on the Italian-Swiss border, with the hut itself firmly on the Italian side, the Margherita Hut promises not just a stay, but an adventure.
Accessing the Margherita Hut is no simple feat.
The journey typically begins in the picturesque Italian towns of Alagna Valsesia or Gressoney.
From these starting points, climbers often spend a night in lower-altitude refuges to become accustomed with the climate before tackling the final ascent.
The paths leading to the hut, notably the Gnifetti Glacier route and the Lys Glacier route, are demanding and require technical climbing skills.
Equipped with crampons, ropes, and ice axes, climbers navigate steep and icy terrains, a test of both skill and endurance.
The Hut itself offers essential amenities designed to support those who make the arduous climb.
Accommodations are dormitory-style and able to house up to 70 guests.
The communal sleeping quarters come with basic bedding, though bringing a personal sleeping bag is recommended for extra warmth.
Meals are a significant highlight, with the hut’s dining facilities providing hearty, energy-rich food to fuel climbers for the demanding journey.
And as a true Italian destination, they of course serve pizza.
Beyond its role as a sanctuary for mountaineers, the Margherita Hut also serves as a scientific research station, equipped with instruments to monitor high-altitude environmental and atmospheric conditions.
Staying at such a high altitude presents its own set of challenges.
The climate at the Margherita Hut can be harsh, with cold temperatures and strong winds prevailing even in the summer.
Visitors must be prepared for sudden weather changes and the physical demands of the altitude.
This makes the journey to the hut not only a test of physical fitness but also a trial of one’s ability to adapt to and endure extreme conditions.
However, those who reach the hut are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers, a visual feast that makes the effort worthwhile.
The cost of staying at the Margherita Hut reflects the unique and challenging nature of its location.
Prices for a night’s stay, including meals, typically range between 60 to 100 euros per person – so between £50 and £84.
Staff at the Margherita Hut also have to work there for 10 to 14 days straight, having only a few days break in between.
Every time, they have to make the difficult journey up the mountain, and occasionally, helicopters assist in getting them to work.
Given the limited capacity and high demand, particularly during the climbing season, advance reservations are highly recommended.
The Margherita Hut is more than just a place to stay; it’s a storied destination steeped in history and adventure.
It stands today as a testament to human perseverance and the spirit of exploration.
