(CNN) — Occupying a special place in adventure lore, mountain huts have been offering a roof over travelers’ heads since the dawn of exploration.
If you can reach them, they provide a thrilling and wild escape from civilization down below — a place to marvel at starry night skies and then wake up to breathtaking panoramas.
Their isolation offers added reassurance at a time when avoiding crowds is favored option.
Here are some of the most impressive ones to inspire your next expedition for when the time is right to conquer mountains again.
Desolation Peak Lookout, Washington State (6,102 ft, 1,860 m)
There are few better places to escape the world than a solitary house overlooking the gorgeous North Cascade Mountains.
This rugged, spartan landscape inspired “On the Road” writer Jack Kerouac to sojourn here for 63 days during the summer of 1956, resulting in the short story “Alone on a Mountaintop” and book “Desolation Angels.”
The windswept hut in question is a historic fire lookout with larger-than-life panoramas. It’s one of the best spots to marvel at the twin peaks of Hozomeen Mountain as well as a perfect place for existential soul searching.
Grands Mulets hut, France (10,010 ft, 3,051 m)
Worth the ascent alone: Grands Mulets.
FFCAM / Armelle Squinabol
Located on the way to the Mont Blanc mountain range, the Grands Mulets refuge offers showstopping views of the Alps.
Set at an altitude of 3,051 meters, the hut’s first reincarnation was built in 1853 to serve mountaineers exploring the alpine peaks.
Today it is one of the most popular mountain huts in the country thanks to its strategic position and marvelous surroundings. Standing above the imposing Bossons glacier amid a snowy wonderland, Grands Mulets is almost worth an ascent on its own.
Brandenburger Haus, Austria (10,751 ft, 3,277 m)
For experts only: Brandenburger Haus.
Katerina Kalinova
Standing in the very heart of the largest glacier system in the Eastern Alps, Brandenburger Haus is an almost surreal sight.
A little gray dot devoured by the gorgeous snowy landscapes, it was constructed back in 1909 to serve the German Alpine Club.
Currently, it enjoys a righteous place among the most stunning refuges in the Alps, offering a welcoming stop on the way to the summit of Dahmannspitze mountain.
Konkordia hut, Switzerland (9,350 ft, 2,850 m)
Glacier adjacent: Konkordia hut.
Valais/Wallis Promotion
One of the most legendary alpine huts in the world, Konkordia was built in 1877. Anyone reaching this place may have to constantly remind themself that they’re not dreaming, such is the power of the panoramas on offer.
The mighty Konkordiaplatz glacier and towering mountain tops can be seen from this fantastic observation point.
There’s also a worrying reminder of climate change. Back when the Konkordia hut was built, it was just 50 meters from the glacier. Today it stands 200 meters away as the natural wonder has melted away over the years.
Monte Rosa hut, Switzerland (9,459 ft, 2,883 m)
Above the glaciers: Monte Rosa hut.
ETH Zürich / Tonatiuh Ambrosetti
Reflecting the beauty of its magical surroundings with an aluminum covering, Monte Rosa may be one of the most well-designed and futuristic mountain huts in the world.
Inaugurated in 2009 replacing an old stone-clad refuge, this has been a travelers’ favorite ever since due to its comfort, sleek looks, outstanding location and the easy ascent to its door.
It’s a stunning place to spend a night above the glaciers, taking in the magnificent mountain view.
Rifugio Re Alberto, Italy (8,599 ft 2,621 m)
Beneath the towers: Rifugio Re Alberto.
Rifugio Re Alberto
Rifugio Re Alberto is the kind of place that seems more fantasy video game location than real-life.
But there’s no end-of-level boss to fight, just eye-wateringly gorgeous landscapes including the Vajolet Towers, the most precious jewels in Dolomites’ crown.
Waking up with the first rays of sunlight in the company of these jagged peaks is a wish-list experience that makes Re Alberto one of the most exceptional places on Earth.
Luxmore hut, New Zealand (3,560 ft, 1,085 m)
Simple pleasures: Luxmore hut.
Department of Conservation, NZ
With fantastic views over Kepler Mountains and Lake Te Anau, Luxmore hut is one of the Fiordland National Park’s highlights and is a must-visit for anyone into wilderness tourism.
Its setup is pretty simple: 54 bunks, water supply, fuel for heating and some cooking facilities. Perfect for a digital detox.
A trip to the Fiordland National Park also offers the chance to see Kepler Mire, which stood in for the mysterious Dead Marshes in the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy of movies.
Rabothytta hut, Norway (3,937 ft, 1,200 m)
Nordic nowhere: Rabothytta hut.
Svein Arne Brygfjeld
Modern architecture meets the barren Northern Norway landscapes at this amazing hut located in a glacial back of beyond.
Managed by the Norwegian Trekking Association, the striking, stylish building is a gateway to the Okstindan mountain range in Helgeland.
While it’s far away from the tourist-frequented fjords or Lofoten Islands, Rabothytta offers total isolation in an unexplored land — the ultimate place to get away from it all.
Castle Mountain hut, Canada (7,850 ft, 2,390 m)
Small wonder: Castle Mountain hut
Alpine Club of Canada
Some mountain refuges are built to accommodate large numbers of people drawn to the hills during peak season.
And then there’s Castle Mountain hut.
This tiny six-person house, situated halfway to the top of the spectacular Castle Mountain in Canada’s Banff National Park, serves as a base for rock climbers as well as providing wonderful views of the Canadian Rockies.
Anyone lucky enough to find themselves here will find it minimally equipped with a propane stove and lantern.
Because what else do you really need to enjoy nature’s wonders?
Lloyd MacKay hut, Canada (8,900 ft, 2,720 m)
Ideal isolation: Lloyd MacKay hut.
Alpine Club of Canada
The scenery on offer at the Lloyd MacKay hut is truly unforgettable.
Located amid the mightiest peaks of the continent, this modest refuge is guaranteed to be a highlight of any journey to the heart of the Jasper National Park in Canada.
With only six beds and humble yet functional furniture inside, Lloyd MacKay hut is an isolated and spartan bucket list spot.
Refugio Emilio Frey, Argentina (5,577 ft, 1,700 m)
Patagonian perfection: Refugio Emilio Frey.
EMPROTUR / Chiwi Giambirtone
Fairly easy to reach on a day hike, Refugio Emilio Frey is a treasure of Argentina’s superb Nahuel Huapi National Park.
It’s home to one of the most striking panoramas in all South America, with a turquoise lagoon reflecting the sharp Patagonian peaks.
Overnight stays are possible as the hut accommodates up to 40 guests and provides everything a mountain traveler needs.
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