Rifugio Puez is a mountain hut located in the Puez-Odle Nature Park in the Dolomites of northeastern Italy. The hut is situated at an altitude of 2,475 meters and is a popular starting point for hikes and treks in the park.
Hiking trails from several nearby villages and towns, including Selva di Val Gardena and Corvara, can reach the Rifugio Puez. The hike to the hut is a moderately challenging trek that takes about 2-3 hours, depending on the starting point.
The Rifugio Puez is a cosy and welcoming mountain refuge that provides hikers with a comfortable place to rest and recharge before continuing on their trek. The hut offers overnight accommodations, as well as a restaurant that serves traditional South Tyrolean cuisine made with locally-sourced ingredients. The restaurant also offers vegetarian and gluten-free options.
From the Rifugio Puez, hikers can explore the stunning natural beauty of the Puez-Odle Nature Park, including the Puez plateau and the Odle Group of mountains. The hut is also a popular spot for mountain climbers and paragliders, who take advantage of the spectacular views and challenging terrain.
Overall, the Rifugio Puez is a great place to experience the beauty of the Dolomites and enjoy a warm and welcoming atmosphere amid nature.
Here is a sample 4-day hiking itinerary in the Dolomites, starting in the village of Selva and ending at Treffpunkt Zans:
Day 1: Selva-Wolkenstein to Rifugio Jimmy Start the day by hiking from Selva-Wolkenstein to the Jimmi hut, passing through the Puez-Odle Nature Park. The trail is moderately challenging and takes approximately 3-4 hours to complete. Along the way, you'll pass through beautiful alpine meadows and forests with stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
Day 2: Rifugio Jimmy to Forcella Cir to Le Pari del Crespeina Begin the day with a climb to the Forcella Cir, which offers panoramic views of the Puez plateau and the surrounding mountains. The trail is challenging and takes approximately 3-4 hours to complete. Please continue to the Le Pari del Crespeina area, known for its unique rock formations and difficult terrain. The trail takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete.
Day 3: Le Pari del Crespeina to Rifugio Puez to Forcella Medalghes Start the day by hiking to the Rifugio Puez, a cosy mountain hut that offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The trail is moderately challenging and takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete. From there, continue to the Forcella Medalghes pass, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The trail takes approximately 3-4 hours to complete.
Day 4: Forcella Medalghes to Treffpunkt Zans On the final day, hike from Forcella Medalghes to Treffpunkt Zans, passing through beautiful alpine meadows and forests. The trail is challenging and takes approximately 4-5 hours to complete. Along the way, you'll be treated to stunning views of the Schlern and Rosengarten mountain ranges.
Overall, this 4-day hiking itinerary offers a great way to experience the natural beauty of the Dolomites, with a mix of challenging climbs and stunning panoramic views. It's essential to be well-prepared for hiking in the mountains, with appropriate gear, sufficient water and snacks, and knowledge of the trail conditions and weather forecast.
Don't be afraid to get lost in new places!
