Orrido di Ponte Alto

The Orrido di Ponte Alto is one of those places you choose when you’re looking for direct contact with the power of water and the history of a region. Just minutes from the centre of Trento, the Fersina stream has carved a deep, narrow canyon where two historic dams create waterfalls over forty metres high. Visiting is only possible with guided tours led by staff from the Ecomuseum of Argentario: a choice that ensures safety and helps you grasp the site’s geological and technical features. You’ll walk on suspended walkways and stairways, between red rocks and mist, all the way to a balcony hidden behind the curtain of water. If you want to get to know Trento starting from its water, the gorge is a great place to begin.

History and description

Here, water not only shaped the rock: it shaped the life of the city. In the 16th century, the Fersina frequently caused dangerous floods; to protect Trento, the first check dams were built at the narrowest point of Ponte Alto, the so-called Serra di Ponte Alto. These works were reinforced and rebuilt several times. In the 19th century, under the Austro-Hungarian Empire, large stone structures were constructed: the serra and, further downstream, the Madruzzo counter-dam, which still regulate the stream today. Between the two, the water plunges down forming two waterfalls that slide over layers of red limestone, with reflections and mists that change with each season.

In the late 19th century, not far away, one of the area’s first hydroelectric power plants (Ponte Cornicchio) was built, a sign of a relationship between humans and the river based on knowledge and balance. After a long closure due to safety concerns, the gorge was secured and reopened in 2017. Today you can explore it along a fitted path that respects the morphology of the ravine and brings you close to the most significant hydraulic features.

What to see

The waterfalls and the balcony behind the curtain of water

The moment you’ll remember most is the viewpoint from the balcony set behind the falling water. You reach it via a spiral staircase carved into the rock. There, the water flows in front of you like a continuous curtain: you hear the full roar of the Fersina, feel the mist on your face, and observe how the jet widens or narrows depending on the flow. Light filters through the droplets, creating reflections on the red walls. No grand words needed: just a few minutes are enough to measure your closeness to the water in a place where engineering and nature clearly speak to each other. Wear a light waterproof jacket; the floor can be slippery.

The red-rock ravine

The gorge is a deep chasm: high walls, a narrow span in some points, and a sinuous course. The rock shows warm tones, from pink to brick red, marked by layers and small fractures. Ferns and mosses grow in the crevices, thriving in the constant humidity. From the walkways you can see how the water carved out the softer layers, leaving ledges and niches. When the sun enters the gorge, the spray creates veils that shift the colour of the walls. If you enjoy photography, here you’ll find many close-up frames: rock textures, veining, suspended droplets. It’s an invitation to look slowly, without hurry.

The historic hydraulic works

The historic check dams are the technical heart of the gorge. The Serra di Ponte Alto upstream and the Madruzzo counter-dam downstream have a precise purpose: to slow the Fersina, trap transported material, and protect the settlement. Viewing them from the lookout points, you can understand the function of the threshold, the resulting drop, and the basin below that dissipates the water’s energy. The guide helps you read the structure with a practical eye: types of local stone, building methods, and maintenance works carried out over the centuries. It’s not just a story of the past: these are living structures, still regulating the water flow and creating the two waterfalls that define the visit.

Walkways, stairways and viewpoints

The route is simple yet varied. You’ll walk on metal walkways and stairways with handrails, cross covered sections and reach some exposed balconies. The feeling is stable: the path is designed to guide you step by step, with stops at the most significant points. In some sections the gorge narrows and the height of the viewpoints changes: here you can clearly see the cross-section of the ravine and the impact of the waterfall on the bottom. The guided tour lasts about 45 minutes, with roughly twenty minutes of actual walking. It is not accessible for strollers or wheelchairs, and may be uncomfortable for those with vertigo or claustrophobia; if this applies to you, talk to the guide before starting.

Practical information

Opening hours

Access is only allowed with guided tours led by the Ecomuseum of Argentario. Booking is strongly recommended, often required, especially on weekends and during peak periods. Tours run at regular intervals and last about 45 minutes. The schedule may vary by season; you can find updated times on the official booking website. Much of the route is sheltered, so visits take place even in case of rain. Groups usually have a maximum of 25 people. There are currently no restrooms inside the site.

Tickets and prices

Tickets can be purchased online through official channels or on site until sold out. Prices may vary; as a reference, the full price is often around €6, the reduced price (children) €4, with free admission for younger children. The Trentino Guest Card offers dedicated discounts. Special conditions are available for groups and schools; organised groups usually book in advance with a dedicated rate. In some seasons there is also a combined ticket with other nearby attractions. Always check price, availability and cancellation policies before purchasing.

Parking

The entrance to the gorge is near Via Ponte Alto, next to Ristorante La Gnoccata. Parking spaces nearby are limited. A convenient option is to park at the Cognola sports centre (Via Ponte Alto) and walk downhill for about ten minutes. The access roads can be narrow: drive carefully and consider public transport when attendance is high. Some navigation apps also indicate Via alla Cascata as a useful reference. In any case, follow the signs and arrive a few minutes before your scheduled visit.

How to get there

From the centre of Trento, the gorge is about 5 km away. By car you can reach it via Via Venezia or Via Bassano in 10–15 minutes depending on traffic. By public transport, you can take urban buses to Cognola (line 9, and sometimes 10) and walk for ten minutes, or take intercity buses from Trento and Pergine that stop nearby (such as B103, B401, B403). If you arrive by train, allow 20–30 minutes in total between waiting time and the bus ride. Remember that the entrance and ticket office are next to the restaurant mentioned: access is through a clearly visible gate.