Margherita's Hut is the highest inhabited building in Europe, perched high in the Alps. Learn more about it.

Margherita's

Margherita's Hut is the highest inhabited building in Europe, perched high in the Alps. Learn more about it.

Margherita's Hut is located on the summit of Punta Gnifti in the Italian Alps near the border between Italy and Switzerland. The hut is named after Margherita of Savoy, Queen of Italy, who opened it in 1893. The building was initially a research center specializing in high-altitude medicine before later becoming a mountain hut that welcomes mountaineers

Tallest building on the continent

Margherita's Hut is part of the Monte Rosa mountain massif, but it stands out at 4,554 meters above sea level, making it the highest building in Europe. The hut opens its doors during the summer from early June to early September and provides accommodation for up to 70 climbers and researchers, according to Oddity Central.

Access and unique experience

Since 2017, residents of Alagna Valcea have been able to hold civil marriage ceremonies in the cottage, but access to it requires climbing the mountain on foot only.

 The building cannot be reached by helicopter, and the climb usually takes two days and requires high physical fitness and mountaineering experience. Due to its harsh location, the cottage's operation in winter is limited to a small section with only 12 beds.