If you want a relaxing holiday, this place may not be the best choice.
For intrepid travellers who don’t mind a trek, though, it’s a chance to see some breathtaking views in a truly unique setting.
Situated at an altitude of 2,835 metres, Gervasutti bivouac is a cabin perched overlooking a magical mountain range in Italy. One small downside, however, is that it takes a gruelling four-and-a-half hour hike to get there.
Visitors have to clamber over glacier-like surfaces, trudge through an icy-cold river and scale a rocky cliff to reach the amazing spaceship-like cabin on Mont Blanc, but will find welcome relief once indoors.
Named after the Italian mountaineer Guisto Gervasutti, who in 1942 became the first to conquer the east face of the Grandes Jorasses, it offers shelter for up to 12 people at a time.
In 2011, the standard mountain hut that stood in its spot was redeveloped into this more modern-looking structure that includes beds, a cooking area, and internet access, all of which are powered by solar panels.
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Rather than somewhere you book, the bivouac (a concept that may be familiar with keen climbers) is designed to be a first-come, first-served facility for any adventurers who brave the journey.
It’s also totally free to stay in as it’s self-maintained by guests, making it common practice to turn up, stay, then leave the space clean and tidy for the next set of thrillseekers.
Franky Morgan, 20, decided to visit this one-of-a-kind hideaway while trekking up the Grandes and Petites Jorasses mountains in Italy with two pals as she journeyed through Europe.
Student Franky, from Guildford, Surrey, UK, said: ‘It took us about four and a half hours over some sketchy conditions, but we made sure to stop and take in the amazing view during the trip up.
‘When we got up there, the views were crystal clear; it was breathtaking.’
She decided she wanted to stay at the cabin after a friend sent her a screenshot of the location, but has a few tips for anyone else looking to make the trip.
‘Looking back on the trek up, it would’ve been a much better idea to have crossed the river further down the mountain, as when we did it, we had to go thigh deep through quite an aggressive stream,’ said Franky.
‘Having wet, cold shoes and socks was not ideal, but it’s all part of the journey.’
Once they got there, the trio ‘made some food and played cards all evening, accompanied by a well-earned glass of wine.’
It sounds idyllic, but Franky urges keeping your wits about you on the way back too.
‘The trek down was the hardest part; we woke up to a thick cloud of fog and some bad rain,’ she recalled.
‘We waited as long as we could but had to brave going down the mountain in quite treacherous conditions. Once we finished, we said goodbye, and I relaxed in the van for the rest of the day.’
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