Rifugio San Jorio sits at 1,980 metres, just below the pass of the same name, in the municipality of Gravedona ed Uniti — whose hamlet of Germasino gives its name to one of the historic access routes to the area. The building started life as a Guardia di Finanza barracks, built in the 20th century to control the border and fight smuggling, later converted into a mountain refuge.
What to see and facilities
The refuge is run by the Waliki volunteer association, part of the Operazione Mato Grosso movement, and has 25 beds, 60 indoor seats and 48 outdoor seats. It is the closest base for the San Jorio Pass and the Italian-Swiss border just above it.
Getting there
The most direct access point is Brenzeglio, a hamlet of Garzeno reachable by car: from there the trail climbs to the refuge in about 2 hours, with a 735-metre ascent (hiking difficulty, E). A shorter approach, about 45 minutes and 278 metres of ascent, starts from the nearby Rifugio Giovo (1,714 m), now closed. A more demanding mountain-bike alternative, on a different route (26 km, 1,770 m of ascent, about 6 hours, difficult, mostly on asphalt), starts from Dongo.
Practical information
- Closed for all of 2026 for renovation: reopening is planned for 2027 (source: the refuge’s official website).
- Opening dates, when the refuge is operating, are indicative: at the start and end of the season it is advisable to call ahead.
- Management: Waliki association — tel. +39 349 7279924, email info@rifugiosjorio.it.