A waterfall from another world: the Cascate di Stroppia plunge in multiple cascades for up to 500 metres – making them among the highest natural waterfalls in Italy.
Formed by meltwater from Lago Niera, high above at over 2,300 metres, the spectacle usually begins in late spring: then tonnes of water thunder over the rock walls – loud, cool, alive.
👣 How do you get there?
A moderately demanding footpath (for example the “Sentiero Icardi”) leads to the viewpoint – across alpine meadows, past glacially scoured rock and with spectacular drops beside you. Walk it and you will be rewarded: wind in your face and a swell of wonder in your stomach.
🌱 Why is this so special?
Because nothing here is regulated. No concrete, no reservoir – just free flow, fed by climate, ice and the high mountains. Places like this show how powerful, and at the same time how fragile, our waters are.
👉 Best time: May to July – when the meltwater brings the falls to life.
👉 Take care: the path is narrow and stony – sturdy footwear and sure-footedness required.
👉 By the way: the water later joins the River Maira – even if it begins here in wild form.