Top 15 Waterfalls around Valgrisenche
Best waterfalls around Valgrisenche are found in this captivating valley in the Aosta Valley region of Italy. The area features an alpine landscape with numerous waterfalls fed by glaciers and torrents. Valgrisenche offers a range of natural attractions, from powerful cascades to more accessible falls, set within a wild and untouched environment. The region is known for its diverse outdoor activities, including hiking to various waterfall viewpoints.
Best waterfalls around Valgrisenche
- The most popular waterfalls is Rutor Waterfalls, a natural monument that consists of three impetuous drops carving through gorges. These waterfalls are fed by the Rutor glacier, creating a powerful natural spectacle.
- Another must-see spot is Dora di Rhêmes Waterfall, an intermediate waterfall located in Rhêmes-Notre-Dame. This waterfall is set within an unspoiled alpine landscape in the heart of the Gran Paradiso National Park.
- Visitors also love Third Rutor Waterfall, a family-friendly waterfall with a bridge. A steel bridge allows visitors to cross and view the impressive cascade from a unique perspective.
- Valgrisenche is known for powerful glacial waterfalls, accessible cascades, and frozen falls suitable for ice climbing. The region offers a variety of waterfalls to see and explore, catering to different levels of hiking and outdoor interests.
- The waterfalls around Valgrisenche are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 275 upvotes and 58 photos shared.
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Rutor’s First Waterfall
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Starting from the hamlet of La Joux at 1,603 meters above sea level and located just three kilometers from the town of La Thuile, you can reach the first of the three with a beautiful path up to the third waterfall which is located at 1,996 metres.
The first observation point is found shortly after passing the farmhouses of La Joux, along a mule track that passes through coniferous woods.
The first waterfall is surprising: the emotion of the rainbow and the force of the water arouse incredible sensations.
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Third Rutor Waterfall
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From this point you can descend to La Joux following the path on the other orographic bank or choose to go up to the Deffeyes Refuge (2,494 metres) right at the foot of the Rutor glacier, a very beautiful excursion especially for children. Another option is to veer right after the waterfalls following the direction of the glacial lakes of Bella Comba.
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Rutor Waterfalls
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Dora di Rhêmes Waterfall
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Centocinquantenario Trail
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Generated by the stream of the same name, the waterfalls had already begun to attract tourist attention towards the end of the 1800s from a public increasingly sensitive to natural beauty, and for this reason, over time, they have been the subject of various enhancement interventions.
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Tips from the Community
Located in Rhêmes-Notre-Dame, this beautiful waterfall is fed by the Dora di Rhêmes torrent. Surrounded by an uncontaminated alpine landscape, it is a precious corner of wild nature in the heart of the Gran Paradiso National Park.
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The first waterfall is the easiest to reach and is located about 20 minutes from the start. Although it is the easiest to reach, you need to be careful because, being wet, you could slip, so remember suitable shoes and be careful.
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Path used for the return from the third waterfall. This itinerary allows you to see the waterfalls from another perspective and enjoy their splendor.
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This path was restored to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Rutor waterfalls, so called, after 1860, by Abbé Chanoux, in the first years of his rectorship of the Little Saint Bernard Hospice. Generated by the stream of the same name, the waterfalls had already begun to attract tourist attention towards the end of the 1800s from a public increasingly sensitive to natural beauty, and for this reason, over time, they have been the subject of various enhancement interventions.
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From this bucolic plateau near the stream you can refresh yourself and indulge in some photography. At the third Rutor waterfall, a steel bridge approximately 16 meters long and 1.20 meters wide, inaugurated in 2014, allows everyone to pass from one side to the other enjoying the extraordinary spectacle of the three waterfalls below. From this point you can descend to La Joux following the path on the other orographic bank or choose to go up to the Deffeyes Refuge (2,494 metres) right at the foot of the Rutor glacier, a very beautiful excursion especially for children. Another option is to veer right after the waterfalls following the direction of the glacial lakes of Bella Comba.
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The three Rutor waterfalls are part of the country's history and are shrouded in myths and legends. Daughters of the lakes fed by the Rutor glacier, the wonderful waterfalls that can be visited in summer are three impetuous waterfalls that throw themselves into gorges and precipices, carving out the rock with all the power of the melting water. Starting from the hamlet of La Joux at 1,603 meters above sea level and located just three kilometers from the town of La Thuile, you can reach the first of the three with a beautiful path up to the third waterfall which is located at 1,996 metres. The first observation point is found shortly after passing the farmhouses of La Joux, along a mule track that passes through coniferous woods. The first waterfall is surprising: the emotion of the rainbow and the force of the water arouse incredible sensations.
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A beautiful waterfall that rises in the green of these wonderful mountains.
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It is worth visiting this beautiful waterfall with the mountain bike before visiting the Refugio Benevolo.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which waterfall offers the most spectacular views and a unique experience?
The Rutor Waterfalls are considered the most spectacular in the Aosta Valley. They consist of three powerful drops fed by the Rutor glacier, creating a magnificent natural spectacle with a powerful roar and often rainbows. The Third Rutor Waterfall even features a steel bridge for unique close-up views.
Are there family-friendly waterfall hikes around Valgrisenche?
Yes, the path to Rutor’s First Waterfall is accessible to families, even with children (though not suitable for strollers). The Third Rutor Waterfall is also considered family-friendly, offering a bridge for an exciting perspective. Additionally, the Surier and Miollet Waterfalls are known for their easy accessibility, making them ideal for shorter, relaxed family excursions.
What is the best time to visit the waterfalls in Valgrisenche?
The summer months are generally the best time to visit the waterfalls around Valgrisenche. During this period, the glacial meltwater feeds the falls, making them particularly powerful and impressive. The hiking paths are also more accessible and enjoyable in warmer weather.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see near the waterfalls?
You can expect to see a diverse alpine landscape. The Rutor Waterfalls carve through gorges and precipices, surrounded by coniferous forests. The Dora di Rhêmes Waterfall is set within an unspoiled alpine environment in the Gran Paradiso National Park. The meltwater feeding the Rutor falls is rich in minerals, giving the water an intense blue color.
What outdoor activities can I do near the waterfalls in Valgrisenche?
Beyond hiking to the waterfalls, Valgrisenche offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore numerous running trails, including challenging routes like the Race to the Rifugio degli Angeli. For cyclists, there are road cycling and touring bicycle routes, such as the Val di Rhêmes Cycle Route or the Val di Rhêmes Climb to Thumel. You can find more details on these activities in the Running Trails around Valgrisenche, Road Cycling Routes around Valgrisenche, and Cycling around Valgrisenche guides.
Are there any challenging hikes to waterfalls for experienced trekkers?
Yes, while some paths are easy, the overall Rutor Waterfalls experience can be challenging. From the Third Rutor Waterfall, you can choose to ascend to the Deffeyes Refuge (2,494 meters) at the foot of the Rutor glacier, or veer towards the glacial lakes of Bella Comba, offering more strenuous excursions.
What makes the Dora di Rhêmes Waterfall special?
The Dora di Rhêmes Waterfall is special for its location within the Gran Paradiso National Park. It's fed by the Dora di Rhêmes torrent and is nestled in an uncontaminated alpine landscape, offering a precious corner of wild nature and tranquility.
Can I see the Rutor Waterfalls from different perspectives?
Yes, the Rutor Waterfalls can be viewed from multiple points. A well-maintained path allows you to hike to all three main waterfalls. The Third Rutor Waterfall features a steel bridge, inaugurated in 2014, which allows you to cross and enjoy the impressive cascade from a unique, close-up perspective. The Centocinquantenario Trail also offers another perspective for the return journey.
Are there opportunities for ice climbing near Valgrisenche's waterfalls?
Yes, Valgrisenche is known for its diverse outdoor activities, including ice climbing on frozen falls during colder months. Notable ice climbing destinations include Gola secca and Don't Fly Away, which offer unique challenges for experienced climbers.
What do visitors enjoy most about the waterfalls around Valgrisenche?
Visitors particularly enjoy the powerful natural spectacle of the Rutor Waterfalls, the impressive force of the water, and the chance to see rainbows in the mist. The accessibility of the First Rutor Waterfall for families and the unique experience of crossing the bridge at the Third Rutor Waterfall are also highly appreciated. The unspoiled alpine landscape, especially around the Dora di Rhêmes Waterfall, is also a major draw.
Are there any easy-to-reach waterfalls for a quick visit?
Yes, the Surier and Miollet Waterfalls are easily accessible from Valgrisenche via short walks. These are perfect for those looking for less strenuous excursions to enjoy the natural beauty of the side valleys without a long hike.
What is the significance of the Rutor Waterfalls in the region?
The Rutor Waterfalls are a significant natural monument and are deeply embedded in the country's history, shrouded in myths and legends. They have attracted tourist attention since the late 1800s and have been the subject of various enhancement interventions, including the restoration of the Centocinquantenario Trail and the inauguration of the bridge at the third waterfall.
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