The most beautiful and easiest-to-reach waterfalls near Lake Garda are the Varone Waterfall in Riva del Garda (a nearly 100-metre drop, open all year, paid entry), the Campione del Garda Waterfall with its natural pool, the Sopino Waterfall above Limone sul Garda and the Ponale Waterfall, reachable only by boat or e-bike. In this guide you’ll find how to get to each one, what to expect, and which waterfall to choose depending on how much time you have.
Varone Waterfall: Lake Garda’s Most Famous Waterfall
Just a few kilometres from Riva del Garda, the Varone Waterfall plunges almost 100 metres into a gorge carved by water over more than 20,000 years. It’s the most visited and best-equipped waterfall on the lake: a fully paved path, two panoramic caves and a green area with a bar and refreshment point. A great half-day stop, even with children.
Where it is and how to get there
The Parco Grotta Cascata Varone is located in the hamlet of Tenno, about 4 km from central Riva del Garda. It’s easy to reach by car (paid parking near the entrance) or by local bus from Riva del Garda; for anyone staying on the lake, it also makes for an easy stop on an e-bike ride.
For up-to-date opening dates, hours and prices, check the official park website.
What to see: the two caves
From the entrance, a paved path with around 70 steps leads down to the Lower Cave, the most spectacular vantage point, where you can watch the water crash into the gorge up close. Climbing back up brings you to the Upper Cave, with a different view over the waterfall and the rock smoothed by thousands of years.
Practical tips for your visit
- Allow at least 20-30 minutes for the visit, more if you’re not in a hurry
- Wear comfortable shoes: the path is paved but has steps and can be a little damp
- The temperature drops noticeably near the waterfall: bring a fleece or a rain jacket
- The path isn’t wheelchair accessible because of the steps
- Dogs are allowed on a lead
- There’s a picnic area (about 150 seats), a bar and a small souvenir shop
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The Other Waterfalls Near Lake Garda
Besides Varone, the area around the lake hides other, lesser-known but equally striking waterfalls — ideal if you’re looking for a more nature-focused, less touristy experience.
Campione del Garda Waterfall
You can reach it with a short walk (trail no. 267) from the main square of Campione del Garda, following the gorge of the San Michele stream. At the bottom there’s a natural pool of clear water, popular in summer with those looking to cool off after the walk. An easy route, suitable even for those who aren’t experienced hikers.
Sopino Waterfall (Limone sul Garda)
Above Limone sul Garda, along the Sentiero del Sole (trail no. 135), a roughly 15-metre drop rewards you with a spectacular view over the lake below. It’s a perfect destination for anyone wanting to combine a short hike with a truly memorable photo spot. If you enjoy walking, you’ll find more routes like this one in our guide to the 10 best hiking trails on Lake Garda.
Ponale Waterfall (Riva del Garda)
Less accessible than the others: it can only be reached by boat or by cycling (often on an e-bike) along the historic Strada del Ponale, through tunnels and past breathtaking views over the upper part of Lake Garda. A more demanding outing, best suited to those with time to spare who want to combine nature with some physical activity: you’ll find more ideas in our guide to the cycling routes on Lake Garda.
When to Visit the Lake Garda Waterfalls
The Varone Waterfall can be visited all year round thanks to its karst spring source, which keeps the water flow fairly steady even in summer. Waterfalls fed by mountain streams, like Campione and Sopino, are instead more spectacular in spring and early summer, when the flow is higher due to snowmelt and rainfall. If your goal is to see as much water as possible, aim for April to June; if you’d simply rather avoid the summer crowds, the low season (autumn, or winter for Varone) is an excellent alternative.
1. How much does it cost to enter the Varone Waterfall?
Entry is paid, with reduced family rates depending on the number of children. Tickets are sold only on site; we recommend checking current opening hours and prices on the official website before your visit.
How tall is the Varone Waterfall?
The waterfall drops almost 100 metres, channelled through a natural gorge carved into the rock over more than 20,000 years.
Is the Varone Waterfall suitable for children?
Yes. The path is short, fully paved and safe, though it does have around 70 steps, which makes it unsuitable for wheelchairs. Bring comfortable shoes and something warm, as the temperature drops near the waterfall.
Are there any free waterfalls near Lake Garda?
Yes: the Campione del Garda Waterfall and the Sopino Waterfall in Limone sul Garda are reached via public trails and can be visited freely, unlike the Varone Waterfall, which is inside a paid park.
What's the best time to see the Lake Garda waterfalls?
Varone can be visited all year round with a fairly constant flow of water. For stream-fed waterfalls like Campione del Garda and Sopino, the best period runs from April to June, when the flow is at its strongest.