 "Margherita Hut is located at a very high altitude on the Italian-Swiss border; the actual hut is in Italy. Pixabay")
At over 4,500 metres above sea level, the Margherita Hut feels less like a hotel and more like a dream balanced on snow and sky.
Sitting on the Signalkuppe peak of Monte Rosa, this mountain refuge is known as the highest building in Europe meant for overnight stays. Reaching here is not easy, but that is exactly what makes it special.
The journey involves cable cars, glacier walks, and steady breathing in thin air. By the time you arrive, the noise of daily life feels very far away. What greets you instead are wide views of snow-covered peaks and a quiet that feels almost sacred.
Life inside the world’s highest hut
The Margherita Hut can accommodate up to 70 guests during the summer season. The interiors are warm and practical, designed for climbers and mountain lovers who value comfort after a long day on ice and rock.
In winter, the hut does not fully operate. However, there is an unmanaged winter facility with 12 beds. This is meant only for experienced mountaineers who are fully self-sufficient and prepared for extreme conditions.
Even with its remote location, the hut offers simple comforts. There is hot food, a proper bed, and even Wi-Fi. At this height, that feels almost luxurious .
What it costs to stay here in Summer 2026
Staying at the Margherita Hut is not cheap, but it reflects the effort it takes to run a facility at such an altitude.
For summer 2026, the prices are as follows:
The Half Board option costs €150 per person, which is around Rs 16,374. For IFMGA Alpine Guides, the Half Board rate is €130 or about Rs 14,191. The Bed and Breakfast option is also priced at €130 or Rs 14,191.
The Half Board stay includes a full dinner, an overnight stay, a sweet and salty breakfast buffet, tea, tourist tax, and free Wi-Fi.
The Bed and Breakfast option includes an overnight stay, breakfast buffet, tea, tourist tax, and free Wi-Fi.
Quick Reads
View AllAt this height, a warm meal and a good night’s sleep are worth more than they sound.
Why Margherita Hut feels like a once-in-a-lifetime stay?
This is not a place for luxury in the usual sense. There are no spas or soft music playing in the background. What you get instead is perspective. Watching the sun rise over layers of Alpine peaks can quietly change how you look at travel, comfort, and even time.
Many visitors say the stay feels grounding despite being so high above the world. Conversations happen easily here, often between strangers who share stories over soup and bread.
Before you go: A quick checklist for planning
Places to include in your trip
Monte Rosa massif
Zermatt in Switzerland
Alagna Valsesia in Italy
Gorner Glacier
Visa basics
Schengen visa is required for Indian travellers.
Apply through the country where you spend the most time.
Keep buffer days due to weather-related delays.
Budgeting tips
Accommodation at Margherita Hut starts at €130 per night. Cable cars and mountain lifts can cost extra. Hiring an alpine guide is strongly recommended and adds to the budget. Carry cash for small mountain expenses.
Things to keep in mind
Acclimatisation is essential
Travel insurance should cover high-altitude mountaineering
Weather can change plans quickly
The Margherita Hut is not just a place to sleep. It is an experience shaped by altitude, effort, and quiet moments above the clouds. For those who make the climb, the memories tend to last much longer than the journey itself.
Arpita Chowdhury is Sub Editor (Travel) at Firstpost. She is a writer, poet, and researcher with a strong background in human interest storytelling. She completed her MA in Journalism and International Affairs at University College Dublin in collaboration with CNN Academy. Her reporting and commentary have appeared in numerous national and international dailies. She runs on masala chai. Arpita can be reached out at arpita.chowdhury2@nw18.com