Perched on the summit of Punta Gnifetti, a mountain Peak in the Italian Alps, near the border between Italy and Switzerland, the Margherita Hut is named after Margherita of Savoy, Queen of Italy, who inaugurated it in 1893. It was originally an important research centre for high-elevation medicine, but has since expanded to also become a mountain cabin for mountain climbers.
Margherita Hut is one of the many huts in the Monte Rossa massif, but at 4,554 metres (14,941 ft) above sea level, it’s not only the highest one of them, but also the highest building in Europe. It’s open in the summer, from early June to early September, and offers sleeping accommodations for up to 70 people.
Since 2017, civil marriage ceremonies have been authorized by the mayor of the nearest town, Alagna Valsesia, but in order to take part in such a unique experience, you need to climb all the way to the Margherita Hut. Europe’s highest building is not accessible by helicopter; the only way to reach it is on foot, and that usually takes two days and requires physical fitness and a good knowledge of alpine techniques.
Because of its location, the Margherita Hut is only open in the summer, from early June to early September, but a small section with only 12 beds is also available in the wintertime, just in case someone is crazy enough to make the climb.
For more impressive mountain-top attractions, check out Europe’s highest train station.
