Pozza di Leonardo (Bormio free hot spring)

About Pozza di Leonardo (Bormio free hot spring)

The Pozza di Leonardo, also called the Vasca di Leonardo, is one of the very few free hot springs in northern Italy. It lies above Bormio, in the upper Valtellina, in the area of the famous Bagni Vecchi and Bagni Nuovi, two paid spas. The name recalls Leonardo da Vinci, who mentioned Bormio's hot waters in his writings.

The pool is fed by thermal water flowing down from the spa area and reaches a temperature of 38 to 41 °C. The setting is spectacular: a small natural pool in the rock, in an inlet on the stream, surrounded by mountains. In winter, with snow all around, the contrast between the cold air and the hot water is unforgettable.

To get there, park along the road that climbs towards Livigno, just past a small bridge, and follow the stream on foot for a few minutes. The walk is short, but the last stretch drops steeply towards the river with no railings: you need suitable shoes and care and, if you go in the dark or when there's ice, a torch and great caution. For this reason the pool is not suitable for children.

We have marked it "to be checked" for a specific reason: according to the local press, the authorities have considered closing access because of abandoned litter and safety problems, and the Carabinieri Forestali reported a concrete wall built illegally to enlarge the pool. In the past the municipality of Valdidentro also issued an order banning access to the whole little valley because of the risk of falling rocks. We found no ban in force today, but the situation can change: before you go, check the official notice board of the municipality of Valdidentro.

The pool is small and fills up quickly, so it's best to avoid peak-season weekends. And precisely because its future depends on how visitors behave, the golden rule applies: carry all your rubbish back down and leave the place cleaner than you found it.