Bivouac or refuge? At first glance, they seem more or less the same thing, but they’re not. Generally speaking, they aren’t, and especially on Mount Etna, there’s a fundamental difference between the two that you need to know before venturing onto the trails. At first glance… little wooden or stone houses, small windows, cooking spaces… they look very similar. But be careful! You can’t always use both. We’ll help you discover more about these charming structures that also dot the slopes of our volcano.
What is a bivouac?
A mountain bivouac is a small structure located at high altitude, designed to offer shelter to hikers, climbers, and mountain lovers. Generally smaller and unattended, it remains open year-round, allowing anyone to use it in case of emergency or during a multi-day excursion. Its main function is to provide a safe place to spend the night or protect oneself from adverse weather conditions, such 
as snow, wind, rain, or intense cold.
Bivouacs are often built in strategic locations, along mountaineering routes or near mountain peaks and passes. Despite their basic furnishings, they are simply furnished: they generally contain bunk beds, blankets, a table, and a few benches. In some cases, they may only contain a stove, cooking utensils, or a small emergency food supply, but those using them must always be independent, bringing with them the essentials for the night and their own food.
Using a bivouac requires a sense of responsibility and respect. It is important to leave the area clean, not leave trash behind, use equipment carefully, and ensure that subsequent hikers find the structure in good condition. Beyond its practical function, a bivouac also has great symbolic value. Spending a night immersed in nature, surrounded by the silence of the mountains and spectacular views, offers a unique experience.
Is a refuge better than a bivouac?
A refuge, like a bivouac, is a structure located at high altitude and designed to provide shelter. Mountain huts are a key reference point for those hiking trails, undertaking long hikes, or participating in mountain sports. Some are easily accessible, while others are located in isolated locations and accessible only on foot or by special vehicles.
Inside a mountain hut, you’ll find essential services such as rooms or dormitories, beds, blankets, bathrooms, and a kitchen serving traditional local dishes. The atmosphere is generally simple and welcoming, encouraging sharing experiences among people from different places who share a passion for the mountains. Some mountain huts are better equipped and fall into the category of hotels and are usually managed by expert staff who can provide information on trails, weather conditions, and rules of conduct.
Beyond their practical utility, mountain huts contribute to the enhancement of the mountain landscape and promote sustainable tourism. They encourage visitors to respect the environment, not to litter, and to preserve the local flora and fauna. Many shelters also adopt ecological solutions, such as the use of solar panels or rainwater collection systems.
Pros and Cons
In summary, here are the pros and cons of a bivouac:
It’s always open
It’s equipped with the bare essentials
It’s easy to find and use
BUT… it doesn’t have everything you need, you might find it already occupied, and it’s not staffed.
As for the pros and cons of a refuge, however:
It’s staffed
It’s safer
It’s very well-stocked
It offers better quality services
BUT… it’s not always available, you can’t manage it your way and at your own pace.
Bivouac or refuge on Etna
There are several bivouacs and refuges on Etna. Exactly as described, even on our high volcano, these structures provide shelter and comfort in every season. However, they are often subject to the actions of stupid and rude people who misuse both and leave the place where they’ve stopped dirty, or even devastated. Due to repeated acts of vandalism, obtaining use of a refuge on Etna is complicated. And it’s not always guaranteed.
The few refuges that are always accessible are those that function as hotels: Rifugio Giovanni Sapienza, Rifugio Ariel (Etna South), Rifugi Citelli, Ragabo, and Brunek (Etna North). To use the others, you must request permission (and keys) from the Etna Regional Park or the Alpine Club-CAI, booking well in advance.
The Etna refuges, in addition to those mentioned, are: Rifugio Paternò Castello, Rifugio Monte Baracca, Rifugio Santa Maria, Rifugio Monte Spagnolo, Rifugio Monte Palestro, Rifugio San Giovanni Gualberto, and Rifugio Pietracannone.
The bivouacs are: Monte Crisimo, Nave, Monte Gemmellaro, Bivacco Galvarina, Carpinteri, and Monte Spagnolo.
For more detailed information and a complete list of their locations, click here: https://unescoparcoetna.it/rifugi/ .
Respect and Decency
Etna’s shelters and bivouacs are a fundamental element in the enhancement, safety, and enjoyment of Europe’s highest volcano. Located at various altitudes along the mountain’s slopes, these support points play an essential role for both hikers and researchers working in the area. They offer shelter not only from the sudden climate changes that characterize Etna, but also in the event of eruptions or volcanic material such as ash or lapilli.
From a tourism perspective, the shelters are certainly an important resource for promoting sustainable and informed tourism. Thanks to their presence, visitors can explore trails of great naturalistic and scenic interest in greater safety. The shelters also play a strategic role during scientific monitoring activities and emergency operations. In the event of eruptions, seismic events, or adverse weather conditions, they can be used as logistical bases for civil defense personnel, volcanologists, and rescue teams. Their presence facilitates the coordination of interventions and helps ensure a faster and more effective response.
Beyond their practical utility, refuges are places that foster encounters between people united by a passion for the mountains and nature. And it is precisely towards nature, which nourishes and protects us all, that we should always show respect. Acts of vandalism in the mountains are unthinkable… it’s like slapping your mother’s face! Even decency is a form of respect. What you leave behind becomes your legacy. Leaving a refuge in a state of devastation says everything about you… and that’s not a positive thing! (PHOTOS BY G MUSUMECI)