The Riva Waterfalls (Reinbachfälle) are the most beautiful waterfalls in South Tyrol.

In northern Italy, in the region of South Tyrol and not far from the Austrian border, lie some of the most enchanting waterfalls in the entire Alpine area – the Riva Waterfalls (Cascate di Riva), also known as Reinbachfälle. Located above the village of Campo Tures in the Ahrntal valley, these waterfalls captivate with their power, simplicity, and harmony with the surrounding nature. Immersed in a forested landscape and surrounded by mountain peaks, this is a place where water doesn’t just flow – it tells a story.

Riva waterfalls, Photo: SimonDannhauer Depositphotos

HOW DO THE RIVA WATERFALLS FORM?

The Riva Waterfalls originate from the mountain stream Reinbach (Riva), which rises in the Zillertal Alps and flows down the slopes toward the Aurino (Ahr) River. The stream is primarily fed by melting snow and glaciers, which is why the waterfalls are at their most powerful during the warmer months, especially in late spring and summer. During the winter, the waterfalls partially freeze, transforming their appearance and creating stunning icy formations.

HOW HIGH ARE THEY?

The Riva Waterfalls consist of three consecutive cascades with a total height of around fifty meters. The first waterfall is wide and falls from a height of approximately ten meters, the second drops at an angle from around fifteen meters, while the third – the tallest and most impressive – plunges vertically from twenty-five meters, creating a powerful water column that fills the forest with mist and thunderous sound. Each of the falls has its own rhythm and character, but together they form a harmonious natural spectacle in motion.

Riva waterfalls, Photo: SimonDannhauer Depositphotos

HOW TO GET TO THE WATERFALLS?

The quickest way to reach the waterfalls is from the Toblhof restaurant, where the trail starts right next to the building. The full circular walk is only about 1.5 kilometers long, making it ideal for a short outing. A second option begins in the suburb of Bad Winkel, where there is a larger parking area and a café. From there, the trail gently ascends through the forest, offering a more classic hiking experience. The third route approaches from the east, along the SP48 road. This path starts with a slight descent toward the waterfalls, with a gentle uphill walk on the return. All three routes are well-marked, accessible, and suitable for walkers of all ages.

PART OF THE RIESERFERNER-AHRN NATURE PARK

The Riva Waterfalls are located within the Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park, one of the most important protected areas in the Italian Alps. Around the waterfalls, a diverse range of plant life thrives, including mosses, ferns, and alpine wildflowers, while the fauna includes birds of prey, mountain goats, and small forest mammals. The ecological value of this area is safeguarded by strict protection regulations and well-maintained walking trails.

The best time to visit the waterfalls is between May and September, when the water flow is at its strongest and the surrounding forest is at its greenest. Autumn brings a more tranquil atmosphere and spectacular foliage, while winter offers frozen cascades and snow-covered trails. Each season reveals a different side of the waterfalls, yet in all of them, they preserve a quiet strength that makes them worth returning to.

Though not the most famous waterfalls in Italy, their harmony, accessibility, and position in the heart of the Dolomites make them a special place where nature still whispers instead of shouting. This is a landscape where water doesn’t merely flow over stone, but through the human spirit, offering calm, freshness, and a reminder of the silence we so often miss.

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