The rule of thumb often holds true: the more rustic the cabin, the more excellent the food. For many, the cross on the summit is not the true destination of the hike – rather, it is the Alpine refuge. Because some culinary specialties will without a doubt be waiting for hungry hikers.
At one time, Alpine refuges served exclusively as the summer residence for Alpine shepherds, but nowadays, many of them offer food and drink services and thus have become a destination in their own right for an excursion or else an interim stop for mountain hikers or those out for a walk. To know whether an Alpine refuge is offering food and beverage service, look for the large red and white flag of South Tyrol fluttering in the wind in front of the building.
