Mountain
Giant's Kettles of Chiavenna
Italy - Lombardy - Sondrio
The Giant’s Kettles of Chiavenna are completely immersed in the forest. You will walk through steps and rocks carved by time, staying surrounded by nature the entire way.
2.5 Km
Hiking Difficulty
How to get there
Chiavenna is a popular tourist destination. Here are two ideal parking options for this route.
The first one is “Parking Parco del Paradiso/Cimitero – Chiavenna” (click here for the coordinates) which is located right at the start of our route.
The second parking area is a short distance away and is located at “Parking di Piazza Castello – Chiavenna” (click here for the coordinates).
The path
This route is definitely not one of the easiest. There are several reasons for this, including the very smooth rocks and the significant elevation gain. If you choose to do just the first half of the route, before turning back, it would be less difficult. However, the second part of the loop is quite challenging. There are sections where the path is carved into large smooth boulders that require extra caution when descending. It is not recommended for families.
After this brief but essential introduction, let’s begin describing the loop trail.
Starting from the parking lot, we will walk along a cobblestone path towards the cemetery. By the cemetery, we will begin ascending some steps that mark the start of our route. This area offers some truly picturesque photo opportunities.
The entire ascent is made up of large stones that form steps, leading us to the highest point of the trail. The path is very wooded and not heavily trafficked.
As soon as you see a large meadow on your left, it means you are almost at the highest point of the trail.
After passing the meadow, continue ascending. When you reach the junction shown in the photo, take the left path and climb over huge boulders that will lead you to a scenic viewpoint, where you can take some memorable photos.
At this point, you will need to make a choice: either return the way you came or complete the loop to reconnect with the meadow and pass by the marmites.
If you choose to complete the loop, you will need to descend some iron stairs (be cautious, as they are very steep) and begin a fairly challenging and very isolated section of the trail.
In this section, you will encounter a continuous up-and-down path, with some downhill stretches that are quite challenging (the trail is carved into very slippery rocks).
You will finally reach the marmites, where you can admire this extraordinary natural phenomenon capable of carving the rocks. From here, you can continue to complete the loop and return to the large meadow you encountered earlier, eventually heading back to the parking lot.
Conclusion
Personally, we weren’t very enthusiastic about this trail. Perhaps it’s simply because it has some sections that we found a bit too dangerous for our tastes.
Nonetheless, it’s worth trying to form your own opinion.
Extra tips
Near the Marmitte dei Giganti in Valchiavenna, you’ll find the Acquafraggia Waterfalls, which we highly recommend visiting, even just for a quick photo.
It’s truly a wonderful and refreshing place.
We tell you all about it HERE.
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