Attractions and Places To See around Tossicia - Top 20

OPENING HOURS, always useful to know before you go up! Rifugio Duca degli Abruzzi is open daily for the summer season. The opening hours and seasons are arranged as follows: summer season (continuously open) Period: From June 15 to the end of September, the mountain hut is open non-stop every day. Daytime (kitchen/bar): You can usually go there from approx. 08:30 to 17:00 for drinks, snacks, and lunch. Overnight stay: If you have booked an overnight stay in advance, you can join for dinner in the evening. Autumn, Winter & Spring (limited opening) Period: from October to May. Days: The hut is then in principle only open on weekends (Friday evening to Sunday afternoon), provided the weather and snow conditions allow it safely. Closure: the hut often closes completely in the month of November due to the start of the heavy winter snowfall. Important to know: because the mountain hut is located at an altitude of almost 2400 meters, the opening hours are always dependent on the weather. In case of heavy storms, dense fog, or sudden snowfall, the hut may remain unexpectedly closed. Do you want to be sure whether the manager is present or do you want to book a place to sleep? Check the current status via the official CAI Booking Platform or contact the managers directly via +39 388 186 7703.

Rifugio Duca degli Abruzzi is located at an altitude of 2,388 meters on Monte Portella and is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the Gran Sasso massif. The mountain hut, built in 1908 by the Italian Alpine Club (CAI), is named after the famous explorer and mountaineer Luigi Amedeo of Savoy. From the terrace, you can enjoy a spectacular 360° panorama over the Campo Imperatore plateau, the imposing Corno Grande – the highest peak in the Apennines at 2,912 meters – and the rugged Val Maone. The relatively short hike to the hut immediately offers a real high-mountain feeling and is an ideal stopover for lunch or an espresso, but also serves as a starting point for more challenging climbs. Historical fact: just below the mountain hut lies the Hotel Campo Imperatore, where Benito Mussolini was held captive in 1943. From this area, he looked out over the endless peaks of the Apennines until he was freed by a glider during the spectacular German rescue operation, Operation Oak. This combination of impressive nature, mountaineering history, and a remarkable chapter from World War II makes a visit to Rifugio Duca degli Abruzzi extra memorable.

The Normal Route is a fairly simple route, except for the last 400 meters, the gully and the ridge, which, being EEA grade (expert equipped hikers), require considerable physical strength and technique. Mountaineering boots are also required, and a helmet is recommended. Since the ridge is also quite technical, it is absolutely not suitable for those with a fear of heights, the elderly, children, or anyone without mountaineering experience.

A Classic from Campo Imperatore, I recommend excursions even for those who are new to the area, beautiful panorama

Rifugio Garibaldi is located in Campo Pericoli, in the heart of Gran Sasso. It is a historic refuge, currently undergoing renovation. A room for emergency bivouac is always available. The reopening should be scheduled for the summer season of 2025, but I recommend contacting CAI l'Aquila for updated information: https://cailaquila.it/rifugi-e-bivacchi-cai-laquila/rifugio-giuseppe-garibaldi-loc-campo-pericoli/

We tried to walk around Corno Piccolo, but that is not possible without gear. Halfway we had te go back and then walked up to the Refugio. Very nice view and very nice walk.

Fantastic views here in Abruzzo

The Madonnina is the point of reference for those who frequent the Gran Sasso. The cable car that goes up from Prati di Tivo arrives here. It is the starting point of the path that leads to the Franchetti refuge and the various summit paths. The path that goes up to the Madonnina from Prati di Tivo is however a beautiful excursion suitable for anyone.