Cabane de Bounavaux – Traditional Alpine Hut & Vaud Alps Hiking Base

The Cabane de Bounavaux is a small, traditional mountain hut set in the Vaud Alps, in a quiet pastoral landscape of forests, alpine meadows, and limestone ridges. Discreet and non-commercial in spirit, it functions mainly as an alpine hiking base and overnight stop on classic local routes rather than as a technical mountaineering refuge. Its appeal lies in simplicity, calm surroundings, and strong regional character.

• Hut Overview

  • Location: Vaud Alps, Switzerland

  • Altitude: ≈ 1,600–1,700 m

  • Type: Mountain hut / alpine chalet (non-SAC)

  • Capacity: Approx. 20–30 sleeping places

  • Season:

    • Guarded: typically May to October (weather-dependent)

  • Management: Local association / private management

• Access & Approaches

  Access is straightforward and suitable for most hikers with basic mountain experience.

  • Main approaches: From nearby villages and mountain roads in the Vaud Alps

  • Hiking time: ~1.5–3 hours (route-dependent)

  • Elevation gain: ~400–700 m

  • Terrain: Forest paths, alpine meadows, well-marked trails

  • Difficulty: T2

  No exposure, scrambling, or glacier travel is involved.

• Facilities & Comfort

  Facilities are simple and functional.

  • Dormitory-style sleeping with blankets

  • Meals and refreshments during guarded season

  • Drinking water available

  • Basic toilets

  The hut prioritizes atmosphere and authenticity over comfort or capacity.

• Food & Atmosphere

  Relaxed, local, and convivial.

  • Regional mountain cuisine

  • Popular with hikers and local alpine clubs

  • Quiet evenings, especially outside weekends

  The setting encourages slow travel and short, scenic stages.

• Routes & Alpine Context

  The Cabane de Bounavaux is well suited for:

  • Alpine hiking routes in the Vaud Alps

  • Short multi-day trekking itineraries

  • Scenic ridge walks and viewpoints

  • Family-friendly mountain outings (with experience)

  It is not intended for glacier travel or technical climbing.

• When to Go

  • Best season: June to September

  • Conditions: Generally stable; fog and thunderstorms possible

  • Main risks: Wet trails, sudden weather changes

• Who Is This Hut For

  • Alpine hikers

  • Families with mountain experience

  • Trekking groups

  • Visitors seeking a quiet, traditional Vaud Alps hut

Why This Hut Is Worth Visiting

At around 1,650 m, the Cabane de Bounavaux represents the intimate side of the Alps—approachable terrain, strong local identity, and a peaceful mountain atmosphere. It is ideal for hikers who value simplicity, landscape, and authenticity over altitude or technical challenge.