Varone Waterfalls: the experience inside the mountain on Lake Garda
There is a place just a few kilometers from Riva del Garda that manages to surprise even those who believe they know the lake well. It is called Parco Grotta Cascata del Varone, and it is not simply a waterfall: it is a gorge carved over millennia by water, a path through smoothed rock and humidity, a drop of nearly one hundred meters that can be admired from inside the mountain itself.
The Varone Waterfalls are one of those destinations that stay in your mind, not because they are the largest or the most famous, but because the experience they offer is truly difficult to find elsewhere.
If you are planning a visit starting from Tremosine or the upper Garda area, this guide provides everything you need to know: how to get there, what to expect, how much it costs, where to eat, and what to do nearby.
Where the Varone Waterfalls are located
The Varone Waterfalls are located in the municipality of Tenno, in Trentino-Alto Adige, just 3 kilometers from Riva del Garda, along the SS421 road towards Ponte Arche. The exact address of the park is Località Le Foci 3, Tenno (TN). Despite its proximity to Riva, the landscape changes dramatically: you leave the lake behind and find yourself in a narrow, quiet valley where the mountain takes over.
It is worth visiting for at least two reasons. The first is geological: the waterfall is fed by underground seepage from Lake Tenno, which forms the Magnone stream. Over about 20,000 years, this stream has eroded Jurassic limestone, creating a narrow and deep gorge — an absolute rarity in this area.
The second reason is historical and cultural: the park has existed since 1874, when it was inaugurated in the presence of Prince Nicholas of Montenegro, and over time it has attracted distinguished visitors including Emperor Franz Joseph of Habsburg, Prince Umberto II, Gabriele d’Annunzio, and several European intellectuals such as Franz Kafka and Thomas Mann.
How to get to the Varone Waterfalls
By car or motorbike
Reaching the waterfalls by car is easy and the route is scenic.
- From Riva del Garda: follow the SS421 road towards Ponte Arche/Tenno. After about 3 km, you will find the park entrance on the left, clearly signposted. The journey takes about 10 minutes.
- From Tremosine sul Garda: descend towards Riva del Garda and from there follow the SS421 as described above. The total route is about 20–25 km, with a driving time of around 30–35 minutes depending on your starting point on the plateau.
- From Arco: take the SS240 towards Riva del Garda, then the SS421 towards Tenno. Distance of about 6 km, around ten minutes.
- From Limone sul Garda: follow the SS45bis along the Brescia side of the lake to Riva, then take the SS421. About 30–35 minutes of travel.
By bus
From the center of Riva del Garda, local bus lines reach the Varone area in less than 10 minutes. It is a convenient solution in high season to avoid parking issues.
By bicycle
Technically possible, but should be carefully evaluated. The route from Riva del Garda is short (3 km), but includes an uphill stretch on the SS421, a road with heavy traffic and no dedicated bike lane. Not recommended for inexperienced cyclists or those traveling with children. Those who prefer cycling may consider leaving the bike in Riva and taking the bus.
What to see at the Varone Waterfalls: the visit step by step
As soon as you pass the entrance — a building designed by architect Giancarlo Maroni, the same architect behind the Vittoriale degli Italiani in Gardone Riviera — you find yourself immersed in a lush botanical garden. The park is carefully maintained: along the path you will find a zen garden, a pond with Japanese carp, an area dedicated to orchids and succulents, and numerous labeled plant species that make the visit interesting even for children.
The route develops over two levels connected by a switchback staircase consisting of about 70 landings (around 115 steps in total). The surface is fully paved and safe, but it is wet and slippery due to the mist produced by the waterfall: caution is required.
Lower cave and upper cave: two different experiences
There are two points from which you can observe the waterfall from inside the gorge, and they are very different from each other.
- Lower cave: reached immediately after the ticket office, just a few meters from the entrance. From here you can see the final part of the waterfall, where the water opens into the light and the roar is already deafening. The effect is immediate and striking: you expect an open space and instead find yourself in a tunnel carved by nature, with wet walls reflecting plays of light. It is the most humid point: water mist envelops everything.
- Upper cave: reached after ascending through the botanical garden, entering a tunnel carved into the rock for about 20 meters. From here you observe the waterfall at full power, with a visible drop of nearly 98 meters. Looking up toward the rocky opening above is an experience worth the visit alone.
How long the visit takes
The minimum time suggested by the park is about 20 minutes, but a relaxed and complete visit — including the botanical garden, photo stops, and a short break — takes between 45 minutes and one hour. No reservation is required: the visit duration is flexible.
Practical tip: to avoid crowds, especially in July and August, it is best to arrive just after opening (around 9:00 am) or late in the afternoon. By mid-morning on summer weekends, queues at the cave entrance can become quite long.
Weekdays in spring are the ideal time: the waterfall is at full flow and visitors are few.
Tickets and opening hours: how much it costs to enter the Varone Waterfalls
The park is open all year round, except December 25th. Opening hours vary depending on the season:
- January – February: 10:00 – 17:00
- March: 09:00 – 17:00
- April: 09:00 – 18:00
- May – June – July – August: 09:00 – 19:00
- September: 09:00 – 18:00
- October: 09:00 – 17:00
- November – December: 10:00 – 17:00
As for prices, at the time of writing this article the individual ticket costs €7.00. Discounted rates for families are available (for example, 2 adults + 2 children: €24.00) and for groups of at least 20 people (€5.00 per person).
Tickets can only be purchased at the ticket office; online sales are not available.
Prices and opening hours may change over time. Before visiting, we recommend always checking the updated information on the official website.
Where to park at the Varone Waterfalls
Parking is free and the park has three parking areas: two for cars and one for tour buses. The first parking area is located directly in front of the entrance, but spaces are limited. The second is about 50 meters away, near Ristorante Foci da Rita, and is larger.
In high season (July and August), arriving early in the morning is almost essential: by 10:00 am parking areas tend to fill up quickly.
Alternatively, there is a free shuttle service departing from the Località Baltera parking area (Via Marone, parking fee €3): operating from April to October (daily in summer, weekends only in spring and autumn), with departures every 15 minutes from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and a route of about 2 km.
Where to eat near the Varone Waterfalls
The area around the park offers a few good dining options, all just a few minutes away. Here are the most interesting ones:
- Ristorante Foci da Rita — the closest: located directly opposite the park’s second parking area, less than a one-minute walk from the entrance. A family-run restaurant specializing in Trentino cuisine: carne salada (house-made), canederli, strangolapreti, and homemade pasta dishes. It has a panoramic terrace and a large private parking area. Reservation is recommended, especially on weekends.
- Ristorante Cà Briosi — located in Cologna di Tenno (Via al Cingol Ros 2), about 1.5 km from the waterfalls, reachable by car in 3–4 minutes. Set in the cellar of an old family residence, with a cozy and refined atmosphere. Specializes in Cologna-style carne salada — considered among the finest in the area — along with bigoi, homemade tagliatelle, and traditional desserts. Only 35 seats: reservation is almost mandatory. Closed on Wednesdays.
- Ristorante Pizzeria Varone — about 300 meters from the park, along the SS421, a practical option for those who prefer something less formal. Offers pizza and Italian cuisine, with generally positive reviews on Tripadvisor. Suitable for quick lunches or for those traveling with children.
Inside the park there is also a bar with souvenirs and a picnic area equipped with tables and benches for about 150 people, freely accessible before or after the visit.
What to do and see nearby
A half-day dedicated to the waterfalls can be easily combined with one or more nearby stops. Everything listed below can be reached in less than 15–20 minutes. Let’s explore the most fascinating places to visit:
- Lake Tenno — about 6 km away (10–12 minutes by car), it is one of the most photographed lakes in Trentino: the turquoise-green color of the water, framed by mountains, is particularly striking. Worth visiting early in the morning when the light is soft and there are very few tourists.
- Canale di Tenno — just a few minutes from the lake, a medieval village listed among The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy and awarded the Touring Club’s Orange Flag. Stone houses, narrow alleys, and the central fountain seem to come from another era. A 20–30 minute walk is enough to explore it.
- Riva del Garda — only 3 km away, the most obvious destination to complete the day. The historic center, lakeside promenade, Torre Apponale, and the Bastion (reachable by funicular and featuring a panoramic restaurant) are enough to fill an afternoon.
- Arco Castle — about 8 km away (15 minutes by car), overlooking the town of Arco with its medieval ruins and extraordinary views over the plain and the lake. A short but steep walk leads up to the towers.
FAQ
What to wear when visiting the Varone Waterfalls
The mist produced by the waterfall soaks everything within the cave: hair, backpacks, cameras, clothes. It is not direct falling water, but moisture suspended in the air that penetrates everywhere. It is recommended to bring a lightweight waterproof jacket, preferably with a hood. Those without one can buy a disposable rain jacket at the ticket office for a few euros. For footwear, choose shoes with good grip: the path surface is wet in every season.
When to visit the Varone Waterfalls
The waterfalls are open all year round and each season has its own charm. Spring (April–May) is probably the best time: water flow is at its peak due to snowmelt, the botanical garden is vibrant, and visitors are still few. Summer is the busiest and most crowded: in July and August queues are common. Autumn offers soft light and beautiful colors with fewer crowds. Winter is an unusual and evocative visit, ideal for those who enjoy off-season destinations.
How far are the Varone Waterfalls from Lake Tenno
About 6 km, reachable by car in 10–12 minutes heading up toward Tenno. The two places can easily be visited in the same half-day.
How far are the Varone Waterfalls from Riva del Garda
Only 3 kilometers, about 10 minutes by car along the SS421. A distance that makes them one of the easiest and quickest excursions from the town.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, dogs are allowed inside the park, provided they are kept on a leash.
Visit the waterfalls and stay in the quiet of Tremosine
If you are looking for a peaceful base to explore the upper Garda area — the Varone Waterfalls, Lake Tenno, Riva del Garda, and the villages of Tenno — the B&B Villa Delle Querce is ideally located and can offer everything you need for an unforgettable holiday.
About 30 minutes from the waterfalls, immersed in the nature of the Tremosine plateau with lake views, it offers the perfect distance from the crowds of high season and the peace and quiet you look for after a day of sightseeing.
Leaving early in the morning for the waterfalls, returning in the afternoon with the lake changing color at sunset: it is the kind of trip worth taking.
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