Acqua Merla in Campodolcino

Just a short walk from the centre of Campodolcino, near the Liro stream and along the road leading towards Starleggia and Splughetta, lies Acqua Merla, a wide green meadow that has become one of the symbols of summer in Valle Spluga. Popular with both residents and holidaymakers across generations, it remains a gathering place where people can enjoy nature, games, and relaxation outdoors.

The site takes its name from the nearby oligomineral spring that emerges in the upper part of the park and has long been known for the quality of its water. Over the years, however, Acqua Merla has become especially famous for its “serpentone”, a long water channel running through the meadow where marbles travel along curves, small tunnels, and gentle slopes, entertaining children and adults alike.

This watercourse remains one of the park’s most distinctive features. Marbles, once made of iron or glass and now often replaced by colourful balls, are released into the channel and carried by the flowing water to the finish point, turning the meadow into a shared recreational space.

The atmosphere of Acqua Merla changes throughout the day while maintaining its simple and family-friendly character. During summer, the meadow fills with families, children, groups of friends, and visitors who choose this location to relax in the sun, enjoy a picnic, or spend time immersed in the alpine landscape of Valle Spluga.

The presence of green spaces, play areas, open grounds, and refreshment facilities makes the park particularly suitable for families with young children. Nearby visitors will also find the Acqua Merla kiosk, a campsite, a horse-riding area, and connections to several hiking routes in the region, including sections of the Via Spluga and the Via dei Lamponi.

From a landscape perspective, Acqua Merla is set within a classic Alpine environment surrounded by mountains, forests, and meadows, creating a peaceful setting particularly suited to outdoor activities during the summer season.

Today, Acqua Merla remains one of Campodolcino’s most recognisable and popular destinations, combining nature, local memories, and a welcoming atmosphere in a place that has accompanied summer life in Valle Spluga for decades.