The Most Beautiful Waterfall in Alps

Aqcuafraggia is the most beautiful waterfall in the Alps. It is not me saying this, but the great Leonardo da Vinci says so.

First time I saw this waterfall was when driving to St. Moritz. While we were passing through Sondrio, these huge waterfalls were visible from miles before – but need to be very attentive to catch its glimpse, because it plays hide and seek between those mountains and nature.

Beautiful Waterfall in Alps

The beautiful waterfall in Alps, Acquafraggia, is located in Borgonuovo di Piuro, a small municipality in Val Bregaglia.

The Acquafraggia Falls originate at Pizzo di Lago, at 3050m above sea level. The stream leaves the lake formed by an ancient glacier and drops to below 1800 m in 5 long kilometres with several jumps. And hence the name – Acqua Fracta, in Latin basically means fractured or broken waterfalls.

This beautiful waterfall in Alps is actually a series of waterfalls and passes through two suspended valleys, both are of glacial origin, one at an altitude of 2,000 m and the other 1,000 m above sea level in the fag end. This double waterfall formed at the last jump before the water flows into the Mera River provides a beautiful view of the falls near the village called Borgonuovo of Piuro.

When Leonardo da Vinci, was working for the Dukes of Milan, he travelled through the Mera Valley and made a point to highlight this waterfall as the most beautiful waterfall in Alps.

In his own words, he admires the beautiful view of the waterfall falling down into the river with 400 hands or branches. Such was the magnificent drop of the fall.

Su per detto fiume (la Mera) si truova chadute di acqua di 400 braccia le quale fanno belvedere

Leonardo da vinci

But only recently, in 1984, this magnificent fall is declared a Natural monument by the Lombardy region.

As I said it would be crowded during weekends, but I have some important news on why you should plan one weekend here in Summer. It is because, during the weekends of June, July & August the waterfalls will be illuminated with spectacular colours.

This place attracts a large number of tourists in the summer season. Make sure to pack your food, and enjoy those picnics right next to these sprinkling waters from the fall.

The reach into the falls is not an easy one. You need to walk on those slippery stones to reach the fantastic spot where you will shower with tons of water. Maintain caution when you play here since I find these places extremely slippery. But that never dithers people from having all the fun.

Just a few 100s meters away, there is a camping site which could be a good option for those looking to stay late and enjoy those evenings without much crowds near the falls.

Not just the falls, camping here had additional advantages because of the various interesting spots around. Here are a few itineraries for your eyes only!!!

How to Reach the beautiful waterfall in Alps

Driving by car is so far the best option to reach here. They have many parking slots distributed all around the falls. The fall is open during the year, but in summer there is an entry ticket to enjoy the waterfall.

There are also public transports available from the waterfall to either St. Moritz or Chiavenna station. But remember that the service runs very less frequently. One service every hour on all days. So make sure to check the timetable and plan accordingly.

I would recommend adding this to the one-day trips that you have for the next weekends in the summer. If you are done with this then head to my other article on trips from Milan for more ideas.

Enjoy your travel.