Hiking to the Acquafraggia waterfalls at Chiavenna in the North Italian Alps
The waterfalls of Acquafraggia are a spectacular natural spectacle. The circular hike around the Acquafraggia waterfalls is a nice hike for families, and there is also something for children to experience. The waterfalls are located in Val Bregaglia (Bergell), on the border between Italy (Chiavenna) and the Maloja Pass in Switzerland. The torrent rises on the watershed between the North Sea and the Mediterranean at an altitude of 3050 meters. Leonardo da Vinci was impressed by the natural spectacle and mentioned the “belle chadute d’aqua” (the beautiful waterfalls) in his “Codice atlantico”, which is kept in the Ambrosiana library in Milan. The Acquafraggia waterfalls are among the most beautiful in the entire Alpine region.
What to Expect from Hiking to the Acquafraggia waterfalls
The well signposted path leads through the natural spectacle of the waterfalls of Acquafraggia. One climbs over steel stairs and rocks next to the waterfall through lush vegetation. From the panoramic terraces you can see the whole valley down to the Chiavenna plain. The hike should only be carried out in dry weather. The ascent right next to the waterfall is quite steep and takes place via steel stairs and stones that are quite slippery when wet.
Description of the Hike to the Acquafraggia waterfalls at Chiavenna in the North Italian Alps
- Duration: 1 Hour without detours
- Difficulty level: 1 out of 5
- Distance: 3.9 km
- Minimum altitude: 430 m
- Maximum altitude: 677 m
- Total climb: 656 m
- Gradient total. 649 m
Starting Point Buorgonuovo di Piuro
Borgonuovo di Piuro is located on the Chiavenna road towards St. Moritz, approx. 4 km above Chiavenna directly at the Acquafraggia waterfalls. Those arriving by car can park at the Acquafraggia car park. The bus goes from Chiavenna to St. Moritz, you have to get off at the Borgonuovo stop.
From Buorgonuovo di Piuro to Sant’Abbondio
The hike begins in Buorgonuovo di Piuro Via Sarlone, where the path is clearly visible on an information board. You can park at the entrance to the campsite. There is also a bar for the small hunger and thirst. From the parking lot, the path leads to the right of the stream to the upper houses of the Sarlone district. After a steep climb, you come to a suspension bridge, where you cross the tumbling torrent. Here is the junction to Savogno. We take the path west along a contour line through the forest past sunken stone houses. In summer they were used as stables for animal breeding. The way back is more comfortable and leads back to the parking lot via Sant’Abbondio.
Dertour to Savogno in 930 m altitude
Savogno is a typical alpine village at an altitude of 930 m. It consists of stone houses. The stones for this come from the mountains. The mountain village is only accessible on foot. The stone houses stand close together in the winding streets. The few residents are supplied by a luggage cable car. In Savogno there is a rifugio where you can try the typical mountain dishes.
Why Hiking to the Acquafraggia waterfalls at Chiavenna with milano24ore?
Services Included in the Price
We provide a Lombardy authorized Nature Guide that speaks your language. Our guide will accompany you on this hike. He or she will give you interesting details on the way and draws your attention to the special features of the region and the special mountain cuisine. This will give you some insight into the culture in the Northern Italian Alps near the Swiss border to the Engadin.
Additional Services
– Detour to the Rifugio Savogno with a guide, 1:30 hours
– Overnight stays with breakfast and dinner in a comfortable hotel
– Pre-paid lunch at a typical Grotto (reservation required)
– Tour extensions with a regional wine tasting tour
– Private transfers
Exclusive and in Your Language
The hiking tour is organized only for you and your fellow travelers. They are conducted in the language you choose. We have experienced local guides for Italian, German, English, French. Other languages on request or with an interpreter.
Pricing
The above price has been calculated for a group of 8 participants on a 1 hour hike. Please let us know the number of participants and special wishes with your request. For the detour to Savogno, we need an additional 2 hours, but we need to check if it is open.
Arrival and Meeting Place
Your guide can meet you at Buorgonuovo di Piuro or at your hotel in Chiavenna. We can organize transport to the meeting point and collect you from the endpoint.
Stages of the Hike
Acquafraggia waterfalls, 640 meters altitude
The Acquafraggia torrent rises from the Lago di Acquafraggia in the northern Italian Alps at an altitude of 2043 m. After making its way through the mountains, the stream at Buorgonuovo di Piuro falls spectacularly over the rocks. Leonardo da Vinci was already impressed by the Acquafraggia waterfalls and his descriptions and sketches exist. Cascate di Acqufraggia attracts many tourists.
A tempered microclimate is created by the Acquafraggia waterfall. This ensures pleasant temperatures even in hot summer. At the foot of the waterfall you can splash in the cool waters and on the meadow large families organize picnics on weekends.
Hiking Alone in the Alps
You are welcome to get inspired by our description of this hike. However, we recommend to not hike alone and do not go without an experienced local licensed guide. Mountains are dangerous and you can get lost or surprised by weather. Also, our description might have small errors, be incomplete or outdated. Therefore, we recommend you book the tour with us and let us take care of the organization.
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