- Active & Green
- Leonardo
Acquafraggia Waterfalls
The source of the Acquafraggia torrent is Pizzo di Lago at an altitude of 3,050 m asl
The Acquafraggia waterfalls are located in Borgonuovo di Piuro, a small municipality in Val Bregaglia.The Acquafraggia torrent originates at Pizzo di Lago, at 3050 m about sea level. As it descends to the valley floor, it passes through two suspended valleys, both of glacial origin, one at an altitude of 2,000 m asl and the other at 1,000 m asl.
Hence, Acquafraggia forms a series of waterfalls, the lowest of which are the most beautiful as they feature a double drop. This explains the name Acqua Fraggia, from "acqua fracta", a torrent that is continuously interrupted by waterfalls.
The waterfalls flow together into the River Mera, whose behaviour was even studied by Leonardo Da Vinci between the late 15th and early 16th centuries. At the time, before flowing into Lake Como, the Mera flowed into a river that Da Vinci was studying for navigability, the Adda. Struck by the sight of the falls, he left a testimony of this fact in his Codex Atlanticus:
"Su per detto fiume (la Mera) si truova chadute di acqua di 400 braccia le quale fanno belvedere"
Bathing in natural pools
In summer, meadows, stony banks and natural wells transform the green area at the foot of the Acquafraggia Falls into a mountain beach. You can get there on foot from Borgonuovo di Piuro, where it is possible to leave your vehicle at the entrance to the park.
To protect an important natural area such as this, from mass tourism, since 2021, there has been an entry charge of 3 euros, payable at the entrance on public holidays and pre-holidays from June to September, as well every day in August. Entry is free for children under 5 years of age, people over 75, people with disabilities, and residents of Valchiavenna.
Once there, you can spread out a blanket, enjoy a picnic, read a book on the warm, sun-kissed rocks, or spend a few hours relaxing in the shade of the trees. The cool, clear waters of the stream are just a stone’s throw away. The smooth rocks and meadows around the stream create sheltered spots with glimpses of the falls, where you can enjoy the view and, in the points where the waters are calmer, you can paddle or enjoy a refreshing dip.
Care is always required, paying attention to the conditions of the stream, above all in the areas closest to the main falls, where the power of the waters and the currents are more intense. Even the wet rocks can be slippery, which is why it is a good idea to move around cautiously and to use suitable footwear.
For those looking to add to their post-swim experience, there is a panoramic route, up the mountain slope, where you can observe the Acquafraggia waterfalls from different perspectives, and enjoy the panorama out over the valley and Chiavenna.
