The Serio Waterfalls are not a sight that can be seen at any time. They run at full flow only five times a year, for just half an hour, when the dam upstream opens its gates. Located in Valbondione, in the upper Seriana Valley, they can only be reached on foot. Their three-tier drop of 315 metres makes them among Italy’s highest waterfalls.
Here is what to know about the Serio Waterfalls: the paths, walking times, the best viewing point and the opening schedule.
How to get to the Serio Waterfalls
The starting point is always Valbondione, the last village in the upper Seriana Valley, just over an hour’s drive from Bergamo along the valley road. There are no shuttle buses or special transport beyond this point: the Serio Waterfalls can only be reached on foot, via one of the three official CAI trails. The CAI is the Italian Alpine Club.
The trails are as follows:
- CAI Trail 305 – the easiest option. It starts on Via Curò and follows an unpaved mule track with gentle slopes, signposted towards Rifugio Curò. After around an hour’s walk, there is a turning on the left for Maslana and the observatory. This is the recommended route for children, older visitors and people with minor mobility difficulties.
- CAI Trail 332 – for those looking to avoid the crowds. Starting in central Valbondione, continue towards the Grumetti hamlet, then take the path towards the Borgo di Maslana. After passing the mountain huts and Ponte della Piccinella, turn left towards the observatory.
- CAI Trail 306 – the alternative route from Lizzola. Starting in the Lizzola hamlet, head up towards the Baite di Valbona, then follow the sign on the left for Maslana, descending slightly as far as the Grandi Macigni.
Parking information is also worth bearing in mind:
- The ticket costs a one-off €3 for cars, motorhomes, minibuses and coaches. It can be paid for on site or online.
- Buying online is advisable. It guarantees a space in the sports centre car park, provided you arrive within two hours before the spectacle begins. For daytime openings, this means by 8.30 am.
- The ticket covers parking on public land, not the event itself. It is non-refundable if the opening is cancelled or rescheduled.
How far you need to walk to see the Serio Waterfalls
Whichever path you take, the walk up takes around an hour and a half and involves 400 metres of ascent. On opening days, also factor in queues by car, time spent parking and the fact that hundreds of people are walking along the same paths. The official advice is therefore to arrive in Valbondione around two and a half hours before the spectacle begins.
The best place to view the Serio Waterfalls
The best viewpoint for the Serio Waterfalls is the Grandi Macigni area, near the Maslana Flora and Fauna Observatory. Here, the full height of the three-tier drop comes into view within a natural rock amphitheatre shaped by ice and water.
All three official trails reach the Grandi Macigni, so the final viewpoint does not depend on the route chosen.
When the Serio Waterfalls are opened
The Serio Waterfalls are opened five times a year, between June and October, for 30 minutes on each occasion. Dates are set every year by Valbondione Council in agreement with Enel, which manages the Barbellino dam.
For years, the usual arrangement was four Sundays and one Saturday evening. In 2026, a trial change moved the first opening to a Saturday. The result is a schedule with two Saturdays and three Sundays.
Night-time visit to the Serio Waterfalls
The night-time opening is the most anticipated date of the year. In 2026, it took place on Saturday 11 July, from 10 pm to 10.30 pm. There is the darkness of the valley, the illuminated water pouring down the rock face, and the roar echoing through the mountains. It is a completely different experience from the daytime opening.
Living in Valbondione
Valbondione is a comune (municipality) of just under 1,000 residents, forming the last outpost of the upper Seriana Valley. It lies in the Orobie Alps and the Orobie Bergamasche Park. The municipality includes several hamlets, including Bondione, Lizzola and Fiumenero.
One of the main points for anyone considering a move is the cost of property. In September 2026, the average asking price for homes for sale in Valbondione was €1,064 per m².
Valbondione may suit three broad groups. The first is people who work remotely and are looking for a quieter pace of life, provided they check the quality of the internet connection in their chosen area beforehand. The second is mountain-loving families willing to plan around school and transport. The third is active retirees who want to spend their time hiking, tending a vegetable garden and enjoying some peace and quiet.
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