Hanging Bridge in the Sky, Val Tartano
Morbegno is renowned for its wine tasting experiences. A short drive towards Sondrio will bring you to a breathtaking destination – quite literally.
I’m referring to the Ponte nel Cielo, or the “Hanging Bridge in the Sky,” which stands at an impressive height of 140 meters. This awe-inspiring bridge is located in a hilltop town approximately 1,000 meters above sea level in the Alps. The bridge is a recent addition, inaugurated in 2018 by an Austrian company, and it connects Campo Tartano with the Frasnino mountain range.
The Hanging Bridge in the Sky: An Engineering Marvel
Ponte nel Cielo stretches 234 meters in length, is 1 meter wide, and towers 140 meters above the Tartano River. The access points sit around 1,034 meters above sea level, making it the highest Tibetan bridge in Europe. The central section of this remarkable bridge consists of 700 larch wood planks supported by robust metal cables.
You might be wondering about the bridge’s capacity, especially considering its height. Don’t worry! The structure can accommodate up to 100 people at once. So, lace up your hiking shoes, gather your friends, and enjoy your adventure!
Getting There
The hanging bridge is about a 1.2-hour drive from Milan, but you can also reach it by train and bus. Take the train to Morbegno, switch to a bus to Tartano, and disembark at Campo Tartano.
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Train Travel in Italy so you can smoothly navigate public transportation throughout the country.
As I always say, the journey itself is part of the beauty. This trip takes you through 12 sharp turns in the valley, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that each hairpin bend was labeled. Great job, Italy!
If you’re driving, look out for a few scenic spots along the way where you can take fantastic photos. There are small parking areas before you walk down to the bridge, and even a glimpse of the bridge from the road will help you know you’re on the right path.
The bridge is just a 10-minute walk from there. Beware of the steep paths—some sections have a gradient of around 25 degrees!
Tickets
At the entrance to the hanging bridge, you’ll find a charming wooden ticket office where you can purchase your entry. Tickets cost €8 per person and allow you to explore the area throughout the day—if you’re adventurous enough to do that!
The price was previously €5 but was increased in 2024. Initially, I thought €8 was a bit steep, but it covers parking and access to multiple clean restrooms. No complaints here.
Note that tickets for weekends must be purchased online only.
The Hanging Bridge Experience
The hanging bridge is quite safe, but if you have a fear of heights, this may not be the attraction for you.
Once you reach the center of the bridge, it can get windy and a bit shaky. If you’re not one for this sort of adventure, it’s best to stay away.
Crossing the bridge only takes a few minutes, but I guarantee you’ll want to take your time enjoying the views and snapping photos. I found myself mesmerized by the waterfalls and the dam to the left of the bridge.
And let’s not forget the countless selfies! From the bridge, you have a panoramic view of the entire Tartano valley, prompting everyone to snap pictures in every direction.
I felt fortunate to visit on a weekday, avoiding a potentially crowded experience.
We arrived around 11 AM and were the first to cross the bridge. Soon after, just one other family joined us, allowing us to enjoy moments without the crowd—perfect for a group photo!
After crossing the bridge, you reach a quaint village with just four old houses and a bar.
I struck up a conversation with the bar owner and learned some fascinating facts about the village and its surroundings. Campo Tartano has just one elementary school, and the population is around 50 people, many of whom travel down the valley for work.
The Frasnino side consists of only four houses, the bar owner, and a friendly dog. That’s about it!
Curious about what the bar owner offers to the few visitors, we tried the blueberry (mirtilli) juice. It was exceptional! Unlike the watery juices, this was rich and pulpy spermuto, made fresh just around the valley—truly refreshing after our hike.
The logo of the company managing the hanging bridge is an owl, and I noticed them crafting a beautiful owl sculpture from wood.
Behind the Frasnino, there’s a lovely trekking trail that leads to bird-watching spots. We ventured halfway but decided to turn back due to the challenging and steep terrain, so be prepared if you plan to trek in that area.
On our way back, we were advised to visit a nearby restaurant known for its delicious deer meat! Yes, you heard that correctly. I’ll share more about this culinary gem in my next article.
So, gear up! This adventure requires no extensive planning. Just hop in your car or board the train and head over to the hanging bridge. Enjoy the experience, and don’t forget to share your summer vacation stories with us!
