Welcome back to Rifugio (Hut) Brunek! Or rather… welcome back, Brunek! We—all of us—missed you dearly. And it wasn’t just the motorbikers, who had long ago adopted you as their home away from home! Anyone with a passion for Mount Etna knew that Brunek, located just a few meters from another historic mountain hut, the Ragabo, was the “bikers’ refuge” with riders frequently crowding its small bar on their way to or from their excursions. Even when those controversial quad bikes appeared on the scene, the Brunek became a home for them, too. It’s hard to say exactly why it held such an appeal for motorized vehicles, but one thing is certain: when it closed, everyone—hikers included—felt its absence.
The story of a beloved mountain hut
Situated at an altitude of 1,450 meters on the northern slope of Mount Etna, the refuge was built in 1930. Until the 1950s, it was known as “the French house”, serving as a base for groups of French tourists heading to the nearby “Village Magique” campsite.
After struggling for years under less-than-ideal conditions—exacerbated by the eruptions and earthquakes that affected the area between Milo and Pernicana throughout the late 20th century—the hut was eventually restored. In 1986, it was renamed after the company that brought it back to life: Brunek S.r.l. Management of the site was entrusted to a firm from Linguaglossa—the municipality where the structure is located—which ran it until 2019.
A legal dispute, followed by the difficult years of the COVID-19 pandemic, ultimately led to the refuge’s closure. Although the Ragabo “twin hut” … located just a dozen meters or so across the road… remained open, many people missed this charming, Alpine-style wooden mountain hut, which offered a different, yet equally warm, kind of hospitality. In 2023, thanks to new funding, the mountain hut was restored and reopened in grand style a couple of years later.
The lovely simplicity of the Brunek
The structure of the Brunek has never changed; it has simply undergone some updates. The building remains a wooden structure with pitched roofs and a small balcony—now converted into a veranda—in the Alpine style. Recent changes have seen the cafe relocated from the ground floor to the first floor, where guests can also enjoy lunch or an afternoon “happy hour” drink time. In the summer, depending on reservations, it is also possible to stay for dinner.
Today, the mountain hut also offers four rooms for overnight stays. Three are medium-sized, accommodating up to three people, while the “Suite” is larger and can easily host groups of up to six.
The surrounding area has been embellished with plants and flower pots in a traditional Sicilian style—a touch that nonetheless blends well with the Nordic-inspired architecture of the facade. You can find menus and other useful information for making a reservation on the official website: https://www.rifugiobruneketna.com/.
The Ragabo Pine Forest
Right in the “backyard” of the Brunek begins a stunning pine forest: the Ragabo Pine Forest. Rising just behind the property, the many trails lead into a forest of ancient pine trees—some reaching heights of over 15 meters!
Also known as the “Linguaglossa Pine Forest”, this is one of the most evocative wood areas on the northern slope of Mount Etna. Located along the Mareneve road, between Linguaglossa and Piano Provenzana, it is an ideal destination for those who love nature, adventure, and volcanic landscapes. Trekking is the primary activity here; the forest offers trails suitable for everything from short, leisurely strolls to more challenging hikes.
According to the Etnanatura website, one of the easiest routes begins at the area near the mountain huts (Ragabo and Brunek), allowing visitors to quickly immerse themselves in the woods as they make their way toward the Forestry Corps station (Caserma della Forestale). For more experienced hikers, the Ragabo Pine Forest also connects to the Pista Altomontana—a long trail that traverses the Etna region, crossing rugged, challenging lava fields and leading to the discovery of Etna’s remarkable ice caves and lava tubes. Please note that if you wish to explore these caves, you must always book an excursion with expert local guides.
Among the must-see attractions within the forest is the “Zappinazzu”, one of the most iconic monumental trees on Mount Etna. Other fascinating spots to discover include Piano Pernicana, which features a large picnic area and a charming chapel carved into the rock. The visit can continue as far as Piano Provenzana, a key access point to the northern side of Mount Etna, where the landscape gradually shifts from pine forests to high-altitude lava fields. Traces of the 2002 eruption are still clearly visible today.
Pineta Ragabo is, therefore, an ideal destination for spending a day immersed in woodlands and volcanic terrain, with opportunities for trekking and enjoying Sicilian cuisine.
Brunek today: a vibrant, youthful establishment
Today, Rifugio Brunek has made a grand comeback, quickly catching the eye of motorcyclists and quad-bike enthusiasts—who have found their “home” once again. Yet, the atmosphere that defines the mountain lodge today is truly captivating for everyone.
The staff consists of young people who manage both guest services and the kitchen; they interact seamlessly with tour guides and visitors alike, and organize lively events to keep things dynamic. At Brunek, you can celebrate occasions such as Halloween, Valentine’s Day, or Ferragosto (mid-August Holiday), often featuring live performances, concerts, and themed excursions.
Getting there is quite easy. The road—accessible from both Linguaglossa and Zafferana Etnea—is largely direct, winding through lava flows and small groves while offering spectacular views along the way. Located 75 km from Catania Airport, Rifugio Brunek is easily reached via two main routes: a one-hour-and-twenty-minute drive (taking the motorway and exiting at Fiumefreddo) or a one-hour-and-forty-minute drive (via the SS 114, passing through Acireale, Aci Sant’Antonio, and the Etnean towns – or Paesi Etnei – directions).
