Discovering the waterfalls of Lake Garda
Plays of water, rainbows and reflections, splashes, a roar that is music and peace to the ears: needless to reiterate that waterfalls are one of the most evocative natural phenomena, a real spectacle of nature... at no cost!
There are so many waterfalls near Lake Garda, one more suggestive than the other. Some can be reached by car, such as the Varone waterfalls, or via an excursion in the woods, such as that of the Gorg d'Abiss; still others can be reached (also) by lake.
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WATERFALLS OF LAKE GARDA
VARONE WATERFALL
On the Garda Trentino side, between Riva del Garda and Tenno, in the locality of Foci, are the wild Varone waterfalls . Their source is underground, in the depths of Lake Tenno, and after very long ravines and caves dug into the limestone rock over the centuries, they finally flow into a gorge of almost one hundred meters. Once the waterfall and the cave, inside a private natural park, could only be visited by going up the stream directly into the water or by climbing on the adjacent rocks, while today they can be visited by everyone thanks to the paths, stairways, bridges and walkways that connect the various levels of the park within the heart of the mountain, making it a unique place.
PONALE WATERFALL
The Ponale path , about twenty kilometers long round trip, connects Riva del Garda to the Ledro valley and is one of the most popular and famous itineraries in Europe, as well as being passable both by bike and on foot. But did you know that there are some very beautiful waterfalls to visit just along the way? After passing the Ponale Alto and the bridge over the Ponale stream, a path on the left leads to the waterfall set in a ravine between the rocks that plunge sheer into the waters of the lake. And to reach the base of the waterfall? By lake, of course! With kayak, canoe, or sup.
After leaving Riva behind you, head towards the rocky wall of Rocchett, until you reach the old port of Ponale, an ancient nodal point between the Ledro valley and the Garda area.
SOPINO WATERFALL
The Sopino waterfall is located just outside Limone sul Garda. The comfortable walk to reach it is particularly suggestive, thanks to the many panoramic views that open onto Lake Garda. Once you arrive, it will be possible to admire the majestic water drop of over fifteen meters and, especially in summer, appreciate its splashes and coolness.
GARDA CAMPIONE WATERFALL
Close to the town and easily accessible, the Campione del Garda waterfall is a splendid natural pool of crystalline water. The waterfall can be reached by following path 267 which, from Piazza di Campione, climbs along the gorge of the San Michele stream, from which a small path winds its way up to below the waterfall. When temperatures get higher, there's nothing better than a nice refreshing bath.
TIGNALE WATERFALL
Adventure lovers cannot miss a tour to discover the Tignale waterfalls. The road to reach them is more impervious than others, with steep steps and rocky sections (be equipped), but once you get there the natural scenery pays off for everything. You start from the hamlet of Aer of Tignale and follow the excellent signs along path 265 which in about twenty-five minutes leads to this wonderful waterfall and its pond.
Other waterfalls near Lake Garda:
GORG D'ABISS WATERFALL
You don't need imagination for a fairytale scenario: in Val di Ledro, in Tiarno di Sotto, there is a very easy path suitable for everyone which, starting from the old Mulino dei Bugatini, crosses the wood and comes out right in front of the emerald-colored waterfall Gorg d'Abiss (vortex of the abyss). You can then continue along the road that leads from Lake Ampola to Storo and visit the Ampola waterfall on the Palvico stream.
PARADISO WATERFALL
The Paradiso waterfall is located in the Brescia valley of Ome, just above Lake Garda. In order to reach it, an easy walk is necessary – a ring itinerary that partly runs along the Gandovere stream – which also allows you to visit the interesting Botanical Garden.
ZAMBEL WATERFALLS OF RIO CAVALLO
Arriving by car from the A22 motorway, exit at Rovereto Nord and then enter Calliano and continue towards Folgaria. After about a hundred meters, on the right, you come across a small car park with a few picnic tables for rest. You can leave your car here (parking is free) and continue on foot towards the Rio Cavallo waterfalls. You don't need signs or indications: the roaring sound of the water will lead you in the right direction! The journey, simple and suitable for everyone, takes you to the waterfalls in ten minutes, which in summer become the perfect place for refreshment, transforming the surroundings into a bathing beach. The Rio Cavallo waterfalls, also called the Zambel waterfalls, allow the waters of the stream between Folgaria and Calliano to be channeled up to the Adige, producing energy for agricultural and productive purposes since the Middle Ages.
MOLINA WATERFALLS
These splendid waterfalls are located in the Parco delle Cascate di Molina , in the province of Verona, not far from Lake Garda. To reach them, you follow a path along a stream, along which – in addition to views and water games – you also come across a ten-meter-high swing for swinging near the waterfall and cooling your feet, and a small cableway that allows to cross the stream.
VAJO BORAGO
The Vajo Borago is an incredible gorge dug out over the centuries by water, which today has imposing vertical walls that are definitely worth a visit. It is located a few kilometers from the center of Verona, near the hamlet of Avesa. The easy path number 5 allows you to reach this magical and wild place and, once you arrive, a short but suggestive metal ladder allows you to pass the waterfall.
