Capanna Como stands at 1,790 metres on a scenic knoll, close to Lake Darengo, in the municipality of Livo. It is the oldest refuge owned by the Como section of the Italian Alpine Club (CAI), opened on 25 September 1892 and fully renovated in 2006.
History
Built at the end of the 19th century as the first refuge of the Como CAI section, Capanna Como is still run directly by the section today, with no on-site warden: the hut is self-managed.
What to see and facilities
The refuge has 22 beds, a gas kitchen, running water, indoor toilets, solar-panel lighting and an emergency telephone. Access is managed exclusively through an online booking and payment system, with no keys: an entry code is issued by email after booking. Official Lombardy Region sources list June to September as the standard usage window.
Getting there
The starting point is the Crotto Dangri car park, in the municipality of Livo: from there the trail climbs past the Sanctuary of Sant’Anna (742 m), the Baggio pastures and Alpe Darengo to the refuge, with 1,140-1,150 metres of elevation gain and roughly 4 hours of climbing (8 hours total there and back), rated EE (Escursionistico Esperti, for experienced hikers) by Lombardy Region. The final stretch includes iron-cable sections, useful when late-season snow is present.
Practical information
- Booking is mandatory online through the CAI Como website; keyless entry with a code sent by email.
- EE difficulty: a long route with significant elevation gain, suited to experienced hikers.
- Contact: Club Alpino Italiano, Sezione di Como — tel. +39 031 264177, via Volta 56/58, Como.
