Day Trips
The Acquafraggia Waterfalls
Italy - Lombardy - Sondrio
If you’re looking for a place where water dances over rocks and the mountains turn into poetry, then you need to spend a day at the Acquafraggia Waterfalls, in Valchiavenna.
Easy Difficult
This is a spectacular corner of Lombardy—easily accessible yet still little known. It’s perfect for a day trip, a family picnic, or a refreshing break surrounded by nature.
How to Get There
The Acquafraggia Waterfalls are located in the municipality of Borgonuovo di Piuro, in the province of Sondrio, near the Swiss border.
To reach your destination, simply set your GPS to this location. There are several parking areas near the entrance – some paid, others free.
During the warmer months, it’s a popular destination, but the number of parking spots is generally sufficient.
General Info
The waterfalls originate at over 3,050 meters above sea level, from the Pizzo Lago glacier, and plunge down in two spectacular drops that can be seen right from the road.
Their name comes from “acqua fracta”, meaning “broken water”, referring to the double cascade. The effect is nothing short of breathtaking: a vertical rock face where the water bounces, creating mist, rainbows, and a refreshing coolness.
Entrance at park
The park is open daily from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM.
Please note that during the summer season, access to the waterfalls is not free. A ticket is required to enter the area, at a cost of €3.00 per person, payable on site. Payment can be made in cash or by credit card.
Admission is free for children under 5, seniors over 75, and individuals with disabilities.
Residents can also enter free of charge.
Specifically, the entrance ticket is required during the following periods:
🗓️ From June 1st to July 31st and from September 1st to 15th:
➤ Only on public holidays and pre-holidays
☀️ From August 1st to 31st:
➤ Every day
We recommend checking the official website for the latest updates.
What to Do?
Spending a day in this park is definitely a great idea for enjoying some time outdoors.
As always, we suggest our ideal itinerary, where you can enjoy nature, adventure, and relaxation. 😎
Our itinerary includes the following stops:
✅ Morning departure towards the Marmitte dei Giganti
✅ Trekking to the Marmitte dei Giganti in Chiavenna. HERE you can find all the details for the trail
✅ Picnic lunch before hitting the road again
✅ Head towards the Acquafraggia Waterfalls for a pure relaxation break
✅ Enjoy a snack with ice cream or a refreshing tea before heading back home
When to Go? ☀️
The park is accessible in all seasons.
However, we believe the ideal times are the milder seasons, when you can enjoy the park in greater peace and quiet, or during the summer season.
Spending a few hours in this park will allow you to fully recharge.
The water flowing down the mountain and splashing onto the rocks creates a fresh and invigorating atmosphere, which is a true pleasure on the hottest days.
Extra tips
Bring a towel to lie on the ground.
In summer, go early in the morning or late in the afternoon: it can get quite crowded.
If you love photography, bring a tripod: the light and mist create magical effects!
Conclusion
The Acquafraggia Waterfalls are truly a wonder. The colors that the water creates are absolutely spectacular.
For us, this is a place that always leaves us speechless and with a strong desire to return again.
