Bristot, Nevegal

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Overview

  • Location: Nevegal, Belluno (Italy)

  • Start point: Restaurant La Casera (approx. 1400m)

  • End point: Rifugio Bristot (a bit over 1600m)

  • Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes to the hut

  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate

  • Highlights:

    • Optional scenic ridge path with views of Lake Santa Croce

    • Malga Faverghera with botanical garden and viewpoint

    • Panoramic 180° view of the Dolomites from Rifugio Bristot

  • Optional extension: Rifugio Visentin (1776m, +1h, less scenic)

  • Best for: Families, casual hikers, lovers of polenta and mountain views


This hike is beyond classic. For me, it's the classic of classics. It takes place in Nevegal—the mountain where my parents bought a chalet when I was born. I think I’ve been there at least once every year since, so let’s say… 30 times and counting.

The Hike

The most typical route we do starts at Restaurant La Casera (around 1400m) and climbs to Rifugio Bristot, which sits just above 1600m.

The beginning is probably the steepest part, as the trail follows a wide gravel road. After the first bend, you can opt to leave the road and follow a more scenic ridge path that offers sweeping views over Lake Santa Croce far below. A great option is to take the ridge on the way up and return via the gravel road for a bit of variety. The two paths reconnect after about 20 minutes, near Malga Faverghera.


In front of the malga, there’s an alpine botanical garden and a freshly renovated viewpoint—perfect for a quick pause. I still remember when this road doubled as a ski slope, back when snow was more reliable and a ski lift operated here. Those days are long gone, and the abandoned metal supports were thankfully removed, letting the mountain breathe again.


After the malga, the trail flattens briefly before one final push: a short but steeper climb to the highest point of the hike, in front of the now-abandoned Rifugio Brigata Cadore, which once served as a military barracks. From there, the road gently rolls up and down until it reaches Rifugio Bristot.

At Bristot, you'll be rewarded with typical mountain fare—think steaming plates of polenta, mushrooms, and pastin, a local kind of mountain hamburger. Even better? The breathtaking 180° view of the Dolomites from the terrace in front of the hut.


If you’re still up for more, you can continue along the road for another hour to reach Rifugio Visentin (1776m), the highest point in Nevegal. Personally, I find that stretch of trail less engaging, so I usually turn back at Bristot.

Getting Back

For the return, you can simply retrace your steps—taking either the gravel road or the ridge path, depending on how you came up. If you don’t have a car waiting at La Casera, there are also several marked trails that descend the slope and lead directly to the village center of Nevegal, making it easy to catch a ride or explore further.

Location: Via Faverghera, 32100 Nevegal BL, Italy

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