Ponte nel Cielo: the highest Tibetan bridge in Europe awaits you in Val Tartano
In the heart of the Rhaetian Alps, there is a place that has become a true symbol of Valtellina in recent years: the Ponte nel Cielo.
It is located in Val Tartano, a side valley of Valtellina, and is known for being the highest Tibetan bridge in Europe.
It is a beautiful experience to walk suspended over the air.
The idea was born in 2016 and became a reality two years later thanks to the commitment of the soci del Consorzio Pustaresc, local residents and friends united by their love for the mountains. The bridge was inaugurated on September 22, 2018, and since then it has attracted thousands of visitors from all over Italy and beyond.
🌇 Technical characteristics of the bridge
- Length: 234 meters
- Maximum height from the ground: 140 meters
- Width: 1 meter
- Altitude of departure point (Campo Tartano): 1,034 m
- Altitude of arrival point (Frasnino): 1,038 m
- Total elevation gain: only 4 meters
The structure is designed to ensure safety and stability, but walking on it is still thrilling, especially for those who suffer from vertigo. But that’s what makes it all the more exciting.
📸 What can be seen from the Ponte nel Cielo
Crossing the bridge offers a breathtaking view: the Sella di Campo Tartano, the peaks and glaciers of the Rhaetian Alps, the Colombera dam, the Frasnino meadow, and the Tartano valley that opens up to reveal Lake Como, especially at sunset.
Each season offers a different show: the warm colors of autumn, the snow covering the reliefs in winter, the intense green of summer, and the spring bloom. The bridge is open year-round, weather permitting.
📍 How to get there and where to park
The Ponte nel Cielo is located in Campo Tartano, in the province of Sondrio.
- From Sondrio, take the SS38 towards Talamona, then continue along the SP11 until Tartano.
- In Campo Tartano, a free parking area is available.
- Access to the bridge is well marked and can be reached by foot in just a few minutes from the town center.
📅 Opening hours
- Every day: from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- Saturday: from 9:30 AM until sunset
- Last access: 4:15 PM
💸 Tickets and reservations
- Ticket price: €8.00
- Free for children and teenagers up to 14 years old (attending middle school)
- Saturday and Sunday: booking tickets online is mandatory (to avoid traffic and overcrowding)
- During the week: tickets can be purchased at the on-site ticket office
For reservations: www.pontenelcielo.it
🚤 Recommended clothing
- Hiking shoes or comfortable shoes with non-slip soles
- Windbreaker in the cooler months
- No flip-flops or high-heeled shoes
👪 Who it is suitable for
The bridge is suitable for everyone: families, groups of friends, hikers. Those who suffer from vertigo should assess whether to undertake the route, as the height is significantly perceptible.
🌿 What to do nearby
Once you reach Frasnino, you can:
- Stop at the outdoor picnic areas
- Walk along scenic trails in the surrounding woods
- Visit the Rovedatti camping area or hike up towards the dam
- Participate in birdwatching activities
ℹ️ Contacts and info
- Official website: www.pontenelcielo.it
- Email: info@pontenelcielo.it
- Phone: +39 0342 645186
The Ponte nel Cielo is more than a bridge: it is a symbol of the Valtellina mountains, a collective work created with love for the territory. Perfect for a day trip, for a different day out, or to surprise someone who loves nature and strong emotions.
Check the weather, pack your backpack, and experience the thrill of walking in the sky, above one of the most beautiful valleys in Lombardy.
