Residence Cascata Varone: planning a visit to the waterfall from Riva del Garda

Cascata del Varone is in Tenno, around 3 km north of Riva del Garda on the way toward Tenno. The park entrance is at Località Le Foci 3, 38060 Tenno. The waterfall park opened to visitors on 20 June 1874, with Prince Nicholas of Montenegro attending the opening.

If you’re planning more time in town, pair the waterfall outing with this one-day route around Riva del Garda, or use the Riva old town guide for a look at the historic centre.

The park combines two observation points with a gorge route, paths and a botanical garden. At the Lower Cave, you see the final phase of the waterfall; the Upper Cave is about 40 metres higher and looks over the waterfall’s fall.

Paths, bridges, walkways, handrails and winding flights of steps connect the areas. Near the entrance, an open-air picnic area has tables for 150 people, and there is also a bar and souvenir shop. Dogs are allowed if kept on a lead.

You can reach the park by bus or use the shuttle listed by Garda Trentino. Public and intercity buses leave Riva del Garda toward the park about every hour; look for the Varone Cascata stop.

Garda Trentino also lists a shuttle from the Baltera car park on Via Marone. The car park costs €3, while the shuttle is free; its journey is about 2 km and takes around 3 minutes.

The usual shuttle pattern is weekends and public holidays in April, May and October, then daily in June, July, August and September. Service runs from 10:00 to 17:00, with departures every 15 minutes.

The route is paved, but reaching the Upper Cave means climbing about 70 long steps. The operator says the park is not equipped for wheelchair visits, and Garda Trentino describes it as inaccessible to people with mobility disabilities.

The operator recommends comfortable shoes because the ground can be slippery, a jumper for the cooler temperature and a waterproof coat for dripping water. Allow at least 20 minutes, though there is no time limit on the visit.

The park is open all year except 25 December. Published hours vary by month: January and February, 10:00–17:00; March, 09:00–17:00; April, 09:00–18:00; May through August, 09:00–19:00; September, 09:00–18:00; October, 09:00–17:00; and November and December, 10:00–17:00.

The listed individual ticket costs €7.00. Family tickets cost €19.00 for 2 adults and 1 child, €24.00 for 2 adults and 2 children, or €28.00 for 2 adults and 3 children.

Group admission is €5.00 per person for groups of at least 20 buying one group ticket before entry; school-group admission is €4.00 per student with official school documentation. Tickets are purchased on site, and reservations are not required.

Before you go: Hours, prices and transport schedules can change, so check the official site before you go. The park operator handles opening times and tickets; Garda Trentino provides the bus and shuttle information.