The Varone Waterfall

The Varone Waterfall is located in the municipality of Tenno, about three kilometers from Riva del Garda, where the Magnone stream carves into the mountain, creating a vertical gorge nearly one hundred meters deep. Visiting this site means entering a carefully maintained private park, with walkways, footbridges, and green terraces that lead you into the heart of the gorge. The water flows from nearby Lake Tenno and disappears into the rock before reappearing in a powerful, continuous cascade. The visit is short but intense, suitable even if you have limited time and want to discover a different corner of the inland Lake Garda area, between a stop by the lake and a walk through the surrounding historic villages.

History and description

The Varone Waterfall has been known since the 19th century as a geological rarity of the upper Lake Garda area. Water from Lake Tenno seeps underground and feeds the Magnone stream, which over approximately 20,000 years has eroded the limestone rock to form a deep gorge. The slow yet constant action of the water has carved a true funnel into the mountain, gradually pushing the waterfall backward.

In 1874, the site was made accessible through the construction of walkways, staircases, and a monumental entrance designed by architect Giancarlo Maroni. Today, the park develops across several levels: at the bottom lies the lower cave, where you can observe the final part of the waterfall; higher up is the upper cave, reached through a tunnel carved into the rock. Between the two viewpoints, a terraced botanical garden unfolds, enriched with Mediterranean and mountain species that thrive in the area’s mild and humid microclimate.

What to see

Lower Cave

The lower cave is the first viewing point of the Varone Waterfall and allows you to enter directly into the gorge. Just a few meters from the ticket office, a short walkway leads you to the rock entrance. Here, the roar of the water grows louder, the air becomes cooler and more humid, and the passage narrows. A protected footbridge extends for over fifty meters, reaching the final part of the approximately forty-meter drop. Filtered light from above, rock walls smoothed by erosion, and water spray filling the space create an intense atmosphere. This is where you most clearly feel the power of the stream as it continues downstream after the fall.

Upper Cave

To reach the upper cave, climb a staircase of over one hundred steps that crosses the park and the botanical garden. Access is through a short artificial tunnel carved into the rock in the late 19th century. As soon as you enter, the sound of rushing water intensifies with each step. At the end of the tunnel, a narrow terrace opens onto the gorge: from here, you can observe the waterfall near the beginning of its drop, framed by nearly one-hundred-meter-high vertical walls. The jet of water plunges into the depth below, creating mist and air currents that surround visitors. This is the most scenic point of the route, where you can fully appreciate the height of the gorge and the millennia-long work of erosion.

Botanical Garden

Between the entrance and the upper cave lies a botanical garden arranged on terraces, crossed by paths, small bridges, and viewpoints. Thanks to the Lake Garda microclimate, Mediterranean and Alpine species coexist here: palms, cypresses, olive trees, oaks, mountain conifers, and numerous flowering plants. Many plants are labeled, helpful if you are interested in identifying different species. The humidity from the waterfall supports lush vegetation that surrounds the path and provides pleasant shade on warmer days. Along the route, you’ll find resting areas with benches and a picnic terrace, making the visit more relaxed, especially if traveling with children.

Practical information

Opening hours

The Varone Waterfall Cave Park is open almost all year round, with hours depending on the season and daylight. It is always advisable to check official channels for any updates before your visit.

Tickets and prices

Access to the park requires an entrance ticket, with several pricing options. Discounts or updates may apply; therefore, it is advisable to consult the park’s website for the most recent details on prices and purchasing options.

Parking and services

Near the entrance of the Varone Waterfall Cave Park, you will find free parking for cars and coaches. On busy days, the closest spaces may fill quickly, so arriving early is recommended.

Inside the park, there are restrooms, a bar with refreshments, and a souvenir shop. Picnic areas with tables and benches are available both near the entrance and inside the park, above the botanical garden. Although the route is short, it includes stairs and damp sections: it is not suitable for strollers, wheelchairs, or visitors with mobility impairments. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash; if your pet is sensitive to cold or loud noise, consider this carefully before visiting.

How to get there

The Varone Waterfall is located in the municipality of Tenno, along the provincial road that connects Riva del Garda to Lake Tenno and Ponte Arche.

By car, from Riva del Garda follow signs for Tenno and, before reaching the village, turn toward Varone: the park is about 3 km from the center of Riva, clearly signposted along the main road.

If traveling by public transport, you can use regional buses departing from Riva del Garda, with stops near the entrance. During peak periods, a free shuttle service also operates from the Baltera parking area (via Marone), with frequent departures throughout the day; it is advisable to check availability and updated schedules during your stay.