Easy walk for children and families, near Alpe Vago
Among the walks and hikes that can be done in Livigno in summer - but, why not, also in spring and autumn - there is certainly one that leads to the Nera Valley waterfallsa natural attraction of great charm that can be reached by a easy and not long walkreally within everyone's reach. And that starts with theAlpe VagoLet's find out together!
How to reach the Val Nera waterfalls from Alpe Vago
The starting point for the excursion to the Nera Valley waterfalls is the Alpe Vago hutwhich can be easily reached in just ten minutes on foot from the car park P8 of Livigno (here you will find all the indications). Just past the refreshment point (we will return later, don't worry!) we find a signpost on our right with the directions to the 'Casc'chéda da Val Néira'. in Livigno dialect, but let's ignore it: this is in fact the steepest route up to the waterfalls, which we will use instead for the return journey, thus completing a loop. In fact, we need only continue for a few dozen metres to meet another fork: this time we follow the sign with the number 114which points to the right and gives the waterfalls at 40 minutes' walk.
We thus begin to walk a well-trodden path which enters the pastures of the Vago plain, climbing gently: with a quick zig-zag with two hairpin bends, the track overcomes a fair height difference and brings us to the entrance to the forest. This is the toughest point, but can be tackled by all, including children, but it lasts only a short time and practically exhausts the gradients to be overcome in a few metres (the overall height difference of the hike is about 200 metres) leaving the rest of the walk very quiet.
In fact, the path soon begins to climb much more gently, with some flat sections, on the right flank of the Val Neraoutside the forest and thus offers a very wide and pleasant panorama: looking on the opposite side of the valley we can see the road we will take on the way back, while in summer it will be easy to encounter herds of grazing cows sly.
After about 30 minutes of walking we stretch out our ears: we can already begin to hear in the distance the roar of the waterfallwhich intensifies as we get closer. When we finally see it too, it is time to descend: we do this by going down a series of steps carved into the rock, which are not difficult. Here we are at last at the point where the water of the Val di Campo stream ends its jump by throwing itself into the Val Nera streamcreating a truly majestic natural spectacle: seen from down here, the Val Nera waterfall is impressive.
Return and stop at the Alpe Vago hut
Once we have admired the waterfall, we can walk to return to Livigno. There are two solutions here: either retrace the route taken on the outward journey backwards, or descend on the opposite side of the valley, thus closing an entire loop. To cross the stream we must cross the Tibetan bridge located at the foot of the waterfall: this will be additional fun for the children in tow, who will have no fear. Afterwards, we climb back up the steps and finally arrive at a waterfall viewpointFrom here we follow the easy path that takes us back in about half an hour, descending steadily and gently to the initial crossroads near the Alpe Vago hut.
The best way to end this beautiful mountain hike in Livigno is to snacking at the refreshment bar (or a nice lunch, if we have walked in the morning: reservations are not necessary), comfortably seated at outdoor tables: we can choose a typical sweet such as strudel or a slice of tart with jam and ricotta cream, or opt for the shepherd's basket consisting of cured meats, alpine cheeses, bread and ricotta, all strictly from zero km local production. Children will also appreciate the small playground present, not to mention the opportunity to see the cows grazing nearby.
Nera Valley waterfallwith its unspoilt Alpine landscapes, combined with the stop at Alpe Vago for a typical lunch or snack is aexperience for the whole family in Livigno: we are waiting for you!
