Rifugio Elisa In Mandello del lario

04/29/2023 . Elisa da Rongio refuge. I stopped for lunch on this trek from Rongio. Enviable position, beautiful, sunny refuge, I ate really well, friendly welcome, true and sincere compliments. Good portions and reasonable price. Directions to get there. Go above Mandello to Rongio, take the green Val Meria and go all the way up. First on the orographic left side to cross the stream as soon as you enter the valley on a small bridge, ending up on the opposite side. Here begins the path that immediately passes by the Grotta Ferrera or Acqua Bianca and the crossroads for the Gardata path. Then off to the very long valley between shrubs and broad-leaved forest. The last stretch passes under the imposing Sasso Cavallo and the lateral Sasso Carbonari, finally reaching the refuge surrounded by greenery on the coast that joins the Grigna and the Grignone, also called the high crossing. The small but comfortable refuge overlooks the panorama of the valley, after this long walk, well-deserved and good refreshment.

Boxing Day 2023, to dispose of it we start directly from Mandello. Stop and exploration of the Ferrera cave, headband and good footwear required, about an hour. Better to read up first so you don't get lost. Climb to the Elisa refuge from the endless mule track, it never flattens out to the refuge, definitely an excellent workout. From the refuge you can take different itineraries, continue uphill or descend towards Gardata and Era

I return to the area after other occasions in which I didn't stop because I was headed higher up. On this tour the inclement weather makes us lean towards taking refreshment at the refuge. The dining room is small with just a few tables but very well looked after with a small stove to heat the room. The refuge is cozy and in the mountain style that I prefer, not appreciating the hotel-style barracks at high altitude. We have the opportunity to taste the pizzoccheri and the pumpkin puree and a piece of cake. All very good. The only comment I have is, if anything, the quantity which could be a little more generous. For the rest we had a very good time. Prices are average (unfortunately we will have to get used to Argentina-style inflation). Logistical notes: approximately 3 hours are the CAI times to climb comfortably, with a good pace it can also be done in 2 hours and 20 while the km is approximately 6.5 and the positive difference in altitude is 1100 metres.

Excellent food and beautiful view of the Grigne group and the lake

Spectacular place, three hours... no less of a walk with a panorama and a fine atmosphere to remember, it's worth it!