Above Sappada the Piave is born, the river held sacred in Italian national memory. This easy walk follows the stream to its source and then on to the nearby Mühlbach waterfalls.
The route suits families and passes through a cool, densely wooded landscape full of running water.
How to get there — Sappada, borgata Cima Sappada (1.295 m)
You start from Cima Sappada, the highest hamlet of the village at about 1,295 m, reached by car up the Piave valley from Santo Stefano di Cadore on the SS355. Sappada sits in the north-eastern corner of the Veneto, on the border with Friuli and Carnia: about an hour from Tolmezzo and a little more from Cortina via the Comelico. At Cima Sappada and around the hamlet there are free and paid car parks from which the trails towards the waterfalls and the source set off. The resort is also served by the buses running up the Cadore, with stops in the various hamlets.
The trailhead is in the Comelico e Sappada area. Check the travel guide for lift schedules, parking and access rules.
Stage by stage
1. Towards the source of the Piave
Climb gently to the spring where the river rises from the mountainside.
2. The waterfalls
Carry on through the forest to the cascade before dropping back to the start.
When to go & weather
May to October is best, with the forest lush and the streams full thanks to the thaw and the spring rains. In summer the shaded setting brings coolness on hot days, while autumn sets the larches of Val Sesis aglow with yellow and makes the walk truly atmospheric. Being an easy route at modest altitude, you can walk it for much of the year, but in early spring and after rain the ground near the water turns muddy and slippery. In winter the area changes character into terrain for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, with the climb to the source depending on the snow cover.
Recommended gear
- Waterproof trekking boots, because near the waterfalls the ground stays damp
- A light waterproof jacket, as afternoon showers are not rare here
- Water and a snack for the stop along the stream
- Layered clothing. Even in summer it is cool in the forest and in Val Sesis
- A camera for the waterfalls and the monument at the source of the Piave
Useful tips
- Go after rain or in early summer. The waterfall on the Rio Mühlbach is in far fuller flow
- Make the most of the forest shade on the muggiest days. It is one of the coolest walks in the area
- Treat yourself to a stop at the hut in Val Sesis, at the Piani del Cristo, before climbing to the source
- Add the old hamlets of Sappada, with their typical timber blockbau-style houses
- Always wear waterproof footwear. The stretches beside the water stay wet even in the sun
Huts and rest points
- Rifugio Sorgenti del Piave (1830 m) — A pochi passi dalle sorgenti del Piave, sopra Sappada. Details →
Frequently asked questions
Where does the Piave rise?
The Piave rises below Monte Peralba, above Sappada, at around 1,830 m. This easy walk takes you right to the source.
Is the Sappada waterfalls itinerary suitable for children?
Yes. It is an easy route, with little height gain, in a cool and shady wood: it is fine for families, just wear suitable shoes on the damp sections near the water. You reach the waterfall on the Rio Muhlbach in a few minutes along a short path.
Where does the Piave rise and how do you reach the source?
The Piave rises in Val Sesis, at the foot of Monte Peralba above Sappada, where a simple stone fountain marks the spot with the words "Qui nasce il Piave". You get there with a gentle walk along the stream, in about three quarters of an hour from the refuge; in winter access depends on the snow.
How much time do you need between the waterfalls and the source?
For the walk along the water alone, allow a couple of hours of actual walking, plus the stops between the falls and the time at the source. If you like, you can visit the waterfalls and the source on different days: they are in different areas of the Sappada region.