Routes

Valchiavenna
Trekking

Panoramic Loop of the Acqua Fraggia Waterfalls – Savogno

DIFFICULTY: E
DISTANCE/LENGTH: 3.9 km
ELEVATION GAIN: 500 m
DURATION: 2 hours 30 minutes
BEST PERIOD: From March to November
RECOMMENDED STARTING POINT: Piuro, Borgonuovo

The route starts at the base of the impressive waterfalls, where, among the meadows on their right, a path crosses a small stream. From here, on the left, you reach the last houses of the Sarlone district; still on the left, along the trail through dense woods, you quickly ascend to the first waterfall drop, easily accessible thanks to staircases covering some sections. At the second waterfall drop, it is possible to admire the landscape in all its magnificence from dedicated panoramic viewpoints. Continuing up to the second fork, from where, on the left, a rope bridge leads to the opposite side of the stream, then take the right at a second fork. After crossing another bridge and returning to the original slope, the path rejoins the cobbled trail that leads to Savogno (932 m above sea level).
An extraordinary panorama opens up from the churchyard, from which you can venture into exploring the village, rich in scenic views and charming details. The descent, which initially follows the same route as the ascent, continues along the main cobbled path, first passing the Crotti of Savogno and then the Stalle dei Ronchi, finally returning to Sarlone, the starting point.

Routes

Valchiavenna
Trekking

Loop trail in the Marmitte dei Giganti Nature Reserve

DIFFICULTY: T
DISTANCE/LENGTH: 3.9 km
ELEVATION GAIN: 180 m
DURATION: 1 hour 45 minutes
BEST TIME TO VISIT: All year round
RECOMMENDED STARTING POINT: Chiavenna, Piazza Castello

Designated as the ideal starting point, Piazza Castello in Chiavenna marks the beginning of the trail. From here, take Via Maurizio Quadrio and, just before reaching the bridge over the Mera River, turn right onto Via Poiatengo. This scenic route winds between the river, woods, and cliffs, leading to Prosto di Piuro. Highlights of this charming village include the many traditional “crotti” (natural cellars), the Church of the Assumption, and a local workshop specializing in the crafting of soapstone.
From the church square, a steep stepped path to the left of the church leads into beautiful woods, where you’ll find the first signs of the ancient soapstone quarrying activity—open-air quarries that are among the oldest in the area. Higher up, the glacially smoothed rocks feature fascinating prehistoric engravings.
Once you reach Passo Capiola (489 m a.s.l.), you have two options for the descent to Chiavenna:
The left path is easier, passing through a small valley with lovely clearings.
The right path ascends to Sasso Dragone (520 m a.s.l.), offering a closer view of the glacial erosion formations that give the nature reserve its name.
Detailed descriptions of the main points of interest are provided on the many interpretive panels along the route.

Routes

Ciclabile della Valchiavenna
Cicloturismo

In the Heart of the Crotti of Tanno

Difficulty: Low
Safety Level: Medium
Distance/Length: 45 km (90 km for the full loop)
Elevation Gain: 900 m
Road Surface: 70% asphalt, 30% dirt roads
Technique: Touring
Estimated Time: 3 h (6 h for the full loop)
Best Period: All year round
Recommended Starting Point: Colico

Ciclotip

Plan every outing in detail: let the only surprise be the view.

The perfect spot for a delicious break

Il Locale Risto-Crotto-Bar

Viale Pratogiano, 16b
23022 – Chiavenna (SO)

T +39 0343 34343
E info@hotelcrimea.net
W hotelcrimea.net
FB /IlLocaleChiavenna
IG @il_locale_chiavenna

Suggested sandwich

Polenta-flour focaccina with Bresaola della Valtellina mousse, artichoke and almond pesto, crispy Bitto cheese wafer, and confit cardoncelli mushrooms.

The Valchiavenna Cycle Path (3rd place winner at the Italian Green Road Awards 2022) is a scenic valley-floor route starting in Colico and reaching the Swiss border. Stretching 40 km, it takes you up the valley to Chiavenna, renowned for its crotti—traditional taverns where you can enjoy local specialties.

From Colico, head toward Sondrio along a beautiful dirt path running by the lake, then veer toward the Adda River. At an overpass, leave the bike path, cross to the opposite side of the river, and turn left to enter the famous Pian di Spagna Nature Reserve. A lovely unpaved road leads you to the roundabout before the Passo Bridge. From there, continue toward Chiavenna for 600 meters, turn right, and ride for 1 km within the reserve.

Once out, continue toward Bocca d’Adda. Before the railroad crossing on the right, rejoin the cycle path that follows the lakeshore of Novate Mezzola, filled with scenic views—perfect for a snack or a rest.

Continue on the path until you reach Chiavenna. After the sports field, cross to the opposite bank of the Mera River, cross the main road, and take Via Strada di Tanno, heading straight until you reach the Crotti of Tanno. After the first right-hand hairpin turn, a bike path to the left brings you back into the town center, where Il Locale Risto-crotto-bar is a great stop for a snack featuring Bresaola della Valtellina.

From there, head toward Piazza Castello, take a small street to the left of Palazzo Balbiani, and reconnect with the cycle path leading to the Swiss border. A slight detour will take you to the Acquafraggia Waterfalls in Piuro, a well-known gem of the valley

Routes

Valchiavenna
Luoghi Nascosti

The Crotti and the mysterious breath of Sorel

Awaken your sense
Hear

Listen to the voices of the people who gather here to eat and party, hear their laughter, the popular music and the accordion that often accompanies it.

Smell

Smell the mineral smell of the rocky walls and be tempted by the scent of the cured meats and cheeses placed here to mature.

Touch

Feel the fresh breath of Sorel on your skin, the refreshment it offers on summer days. Touch the granite tables of the crotti with your hands, the roughness of the raw wooden shelves and the humidity that has allowed the local flavours to be preserved over time.

Taste

Let yourself be conquered by the unique and unrepeatable flavour of Bresaola della Valtellina PGI, which preserves the breath of the mountains and the wisdom of generations of taste artisans.

The perfect spot for a delicious break

Moreschi, Prata Camportaccio

Via Strada Comunale VECCHIA,1 – 23020 Prata Camportaccio (SO)
T 345 07 22 457
E moreschimlsrl@gmail.com
W moreschichiavenna.it
FB Moreschi-Chiavenna-Gusto-e-Qualità
IG @moreschi_gusto_e_qualita

The perfect spot for a delicious break

Crotto Belvedere, Prosto

Via Nazionale N°10 23020 Piuro (So)
T 39 0343 33589
E info@crottobelvedere.com
W www.crottobelvedere.com
F crottobelvedere

Is it possible to capture breath? Mysteries are all the more fascinating when they surround famous places. In Valchiavenna, the Crotti are well known, a perfect synthesis of the mountain’s strength and human skill in transforming even the most hostile environments into a home. Where, in fact, the mountain saw only stone, humans saw cellars useful for aging cured meats and cheeses.

For the valley community the crotti have become places of conviviality, yet no one has ever managed to solve the mystery of the Sorel, that gentle breath that blows in these caves and remains at constant temperature and humidity all year round. No one knows where the Sorel comes from. Some justify this particular phenomenon with atmospheric pressure, while others attribute it to the rush of icy glacier water passing through hidden mountain galleries. What is certain is that the Sorel has been passing through here for centuries, curiously listening to the secrets of us humans.