The Varone Waterfall

Thundering masses of water tumble down almost 100 metres in a gorge and offer a spectacular scene of nature. If you spend your holidays in Riva del Garda, you shouldn't miss this popular attraction in the municipality of Tenno, just 3 km from Riva.

Over the course of about 20,000 years, the water has made its way through the rock face, creating a unique natural phenomenon. On June 20, 1874, the first infrastructures and paths around the Varone Waterfall opened with a ceremony. Sponsors of the project were King John of Saxony and Prince Nikola of Montenegro. From then on, the Varone Waterfall became a popular destination. Every official occasion, guests were taken to the waterfall, so today many famous personalities, such as Thomas Mann, Franz Kafka, Gabriele D'Annunzio, Emperor Franz Joseph, Prince Umberto II and many more, are among its visitors.

A visit to Varone Waterfall

The name of the waterfall (Cascata Varone) comes from the nearby village of Varone. Its water comes from Lake Tenno, which feeds the torrent Magnone underground. For a long time, the waterfall was only accessible to experienced climbers. Over the years, various paths, stairs and bridges have been built, allowing all visitors to reach the interior of the gorge at two different points to admire the beauty of the waterfall. Because of careful maintenance work, today, the Varone Waterfall is surrounded by a nature park with a perfectly intact landscape.

From the first access point to the grotto, there are about 115 steps that lead up 40 meters to the second point, where you can admire the waterfall in all its glory. Today, the waterfall erodes the rock by about 2 mm each year.

Tips and opening times

When visiting the Varone Waterfall, you should wear waterproof and warm clothing. At the entrance, there's a picnic area for 150 visitors, a souvenir shop and a cafe/bar. From the Varone Waterfall, you can go to numerous destinations, such as Lake Ledro or Lake Tenno.

The waterfall is open all year (except 25th of December):

• January - February: from 10 am until 5 pm
• March:from 9 am until 5 pm
• April: from 9 am until 6 pm
• May until August: from 9 am until 7 pm
• September: from 9 am until 6 pm
• October: from 9 am until 5 pm
• November - December: from 10 am until 5 pm

Reduced rates for families, groups and groups of students.

You reach the Varone Waterfall when you follow Riva del Garda state road 421 towards Ponte Arche for 3 km.

Additional information:
www.cascata-varone.com

Updated: 19/04/2024

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