Rifugio Saoseo CAS – Lakeside Alpine Hut & Val di Campo Hiking Base

The Rifugio Saoseo CAS is a scenic alpine hut located in the Val di Campo, above Poschiavo, in the Canton of Graubünden. Set beside the striking Lago Saoseo, it is renowned for its easy access, dramatic lake setting, and family-friendly hiking routes. Rather than a high-alpine or technical base, it functions primarily as an accessible hiking destination and stage hut in one of the most picturesque valleys of southern Switzerland.

• Hut Overview

  • Location: Val di Campo, Poschiavo, Canton of Graubünden, Switzerland

  • Altitude: 1,986 m

  • Type: Serviced SAC alpine hut (with winter room)

  • Capacity: Approx. 30–35 sleeping places

  • Season:

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

    • Winter room: accessible outside the guarded season

  • Managed by: Swiss Alpine Club (CAS)

• Access & Approaches

  Access is straightforward and suitable for a wide range of hikers.

  • Main approach:

    • From the Val di Campo road head

  • Hiking time: ~2–3 hours

  • Elevation gain: ~400–600 m

  • Terrain: Well-marked alpine paths, meadows, lakeside trails

  • Difficulty: T2

  No exposure, scrambling, or glacier travel is required.

• Facilities & Comfort

  Comfortable and welcoming by SAC standards.

  • Dormitory sleeping with mattresses and blankets

  • Half-board meals during guarded season

  • Drinking water available

  • Indoor toilets

  • Electricity and lighting

  Well suited for overnight stays, families with mountain experience, and small groups.

• Food & Atmosphere

  Relaxed, social, and scenic.

  • Traditional regional alpine cuisine

  • Popular with hikers, photographers, and families

  • Calm atmosphere, especially in the evenings

  The lakeside location creates one of the most photogenic hut settings in Graubünden.

• Routes & Alpine Context

  The Rifugio Saoseo is ideal for:

  • Alpine hiking in the Val di Campo

  • Lake circuits around Lago Saoseo and nearby lakes

  • Short multi-day trekking itineraries

  • Scenic routes linking to other huts in the Poschiavo–Blenio area

  It is not intended for glacier travel or technical mountaineering.

• When to Go

  • Best season: June to September

  • Conditions: Generally stable; afternoon storms possible

  • Main risks: Wet trails near the lake, sudden weather changes

• Who Is This Hut For

  • Beginner to intermediate alpine hikers

  • Families with mountain experience

  • Trekking groups

  • Visitors seeking high-impact scenery with moderate effort

Why This Hut Is Worth Visiting

At 1,986 m, the Rifugio Saoseo CAS offers one of the most beautiful lake-side hut experiences in Switzerland. Easy access, exceptional scenery, and a welcoming atmosphere make it perfect for hikers who value landscape, tranquility, and accessibility over altitude or technical challenge.