The Serio Waterfalls: visiting the highest waterfalls in Italy

Outside Bergamo

15 July 2025

The Serio Waterfalls are one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in Lombardy and in the entire Italian territory. Located in the picturesque Seriana Valley, these magnificent waterfalls offer an unforgettable show that every year attracts thousands of visitors from all over Italy and abroad.

Their peculiarity is that they are only visible on special occasions, as the artificial dam owned by Enel Energia is only opened on certain dates, in order to allow the Serio river to create this extraordinary natural phenomenon.

Their beauty has also been captured on film, with the shooting of Luca Guadagnino’s famous film “Call Me By Your Name”, helping to make them even more internationally famous.

Where are the Serio Waterfalls?

The Serio Waterfalls are located in the municipality of Valbondione, in Alta Val Seriana, province of Bergamo. More precisely, they are located in the Maslana basin, a natural environment of extraordinary beauty surrounded by the highest peaks of the Orobic Alps and dense alpine forests.

The waterfalls form at an altitude of about 1,750 metres, a few kilometres after the source of the Serio river. Their privileged position makes them an exceptional scenic viewpoint, from which you can admire not only the power of the water but also a breathtaking mountain landscape.

Alta Val Seriana – Valbondione

How to get to the Serio Waterfalls

The starting point for reaching the Serio Waterfalls is the centre of Valbondione. If you arrive by car, you must follow the state road that leads to Val Seriana until you reach this characteristic mountain village.

From the centre of the village, follow the signs to the Rifugio Curò, starting from Via Curò. The path is well signposted and it is the main route to the waterfalls.

For those who use public transport, it is possible to reach Valbondione by regular buses that leave from Bergamo and go to the Seriana Valley. On the days the waterfalls are open, additional transport services are often activated.

How high are the Serio Waterfalls?

The Serio Waterfalls are the highest in Italy, with a drop of 315 metres divided into three sections. They are also the second highest waterfalls in Europe. Their impressive height makes them a truly unique natural phenomenon in Italy.

The three sections that make up the waterfalls create a spectacular scenic effect: the water plunges from the Barbellino dam through several waterfalls or natural jumps, creating light shows and reflections that change depending on the time of day and weather conditions.

Lake Barbellino

How long do you have to walk to see the Serio Waterfalls?

It takes about 1 hour / 1 hour and 30 minutes on foot to reach the waterfall viewing point, with an elevation gain of 400 metres. The trail is of medium difficulty and well signposted, suitable for hikers with normal physical condition.

There are three CAI trails to reach them: 305, 306 (daytime only) and 332.

The waterfalls can be admired from the Grandi Macigni area, without having to continue on to Rifugio Curò. For those who want a different scenic point, on the left there is a detour to Maslana – Maslana Flora and Fauna Observatory.

The itinerary winds through:

Well-marked forest trails,
Some sections with a moderate elevation gain,
Panoramic areas along the way,
Rest areas to take a break during your hike.

When is it possible to admire the Serio Waterfalls at night?

One of the most stunning experiences is undoubtedly the night-time opening of the waterfalls. In 2025, a night-time opening is scheduled for Saturday the 12th of July, from 10 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. The recommended trail for the night-time opening of the waterfalls is the one that starts from Valbondione, in Via Curò.

The night-time opening offers a completely different atmosphere: the sound of water cascading in the silence of the mountain night, together with the play of natural light, creates a truly unforgettable experience.

Maslana – an ancient rural village that can only be reached on foot

When do the Serio Waterfalls open?

The Serio Waterfalls are not visible all year round. Their opening depends on the controlled release of water from the dam above, which only occurs on special occasions in summer and autumn.

Openings in 2025

The Valbondione tourist office has announced the dates for the new 2025 season, which features five events. The dates are:

the 15^th of June,
the 17^th of August,
the 14^th of September and the 12^th of October from 11 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.,
and the night-time opening on Saturday the 12^th of July, from 10 p.m. to 10.30 p.m.

These dates are planned well in advance in order to allow visitors to better organise their visit. It is important to remember that the waterfalls are only visible during these specific times.

When do the Serio Waterfalls close?

The waterfalls are typically open for 30 minutes, from 11 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. for daytime viewings and from 10 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. for night-time viewings. After these times, the water flow is shut off again and the waterfalls become virtually invisible.

The last opening of the 2025 season is scheduled for the 12th of October, and after that it will be necessary to wait until the following year to witness this natural spectacle again.

Serio Waterfalls

What to see in the surrounding area

The Serio Waterfalls area offers several opportunities for mountain lovers and trekkers. The surrounding trails will allow you to explore the beauty of the Orobic Alps and to discover hidden corners of the Seriana Valley.

Some attractions nearby include:

The Rifugio Curò, a mountain hut that is the ideal destination for a scenic stopover,
The Maslana Flora and Fauna Observatory for nature lovers,
The several trails that branch off towards the surrounding peaks,
Ancient remains of the mining activity in the area.

For more experienced hikers, the area offers trails that connect to the Alta Via delle Orobie and other multi-day itineraries that go through some of the most beautiful mountains in Lombardy.

After the excitement of the Serio Waterfalls, why not end the day with a unique touch? On your return from Val Seriana, treat yourself to a tuk tuk tour to discover Bergamo: a fun, comfortable and picturesque way to explore the most iconic places in the Upper and Lower parts of the city, including historic alleys, breathtaking views and local curiosities. The perfect experience for those who want to combine nature, culture and a touch of urban adventure!

Serio Waterfalls with children

The Serio Waterfalls are also accessible to families with children, as long as the necessary precautions are taken. The recommended route for those with children is the one that starts from Valbondione, in Via Curò.

Tips for visiting the waterfalls with children:

Choose suitable shoes with non-slip soles,
Bring water and snacks for the walk,
Take into account that the route takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes on foot,
Assess the children’s physical condition before starting the hike,
Plan some stops during the hike in order to rest.

It is important to remember that there are no bathrooms along the itinerary, so it is advisable to use the ones available in Valbondione before starting your hike.

Maslana – traditional houses

Where can I park to see the Serio Waterfalls?

Parking is available both before and after the village of Valbondione (paid parking with Gratta&Sosta or purchasable online, or free with a parking disc or unrestricted parking). Please note that if you arrive late, you will most likely have to park further away from the centre, and therefore you will increase the walking distance.

To make the most of your visit, we encourage you to:

Arrive early in order to find a parking spot near the village,
Purchase your parking ticket online in order to get closer to the starting point of the trail,
Consider alternative parking spaces at the beginning of the village if the main ones are full,
Follow the instructions of the traffic control staff.

On the days the waterfalls are open, traffic can be heavy, so it is always best to leave well in advance to avoid inconvenience.

Where to eat

The area offers a variety of options, both in Valbondione and along the route to the waterfalls. In the centre of the village, there are traditional restaurants serving local specialties from the Seriana Valley and the Orobic tradition.

Options include:

Restaurants in the centre of Valbondione offering the typical local cuisine,
Bars and cafés for breakfast or a snack before starting your hike,
The Rifugio Curò, a typical mountain hut, for those continuing along the trail,
Picnic lunch.

It is a good idea to book in advance, especially on days when the waterfalls are open, when visitor numbers are at their highest. Many restaurants offer tasting menus featuring typical local products, allowing you to combine your naturalistic experience with a gastronomic one.