What to do with children at Lake Garda: ideas and activities for the whole family
June 1, 2025
The Vittoriale degli Italiani: D’Annunzio’s residence on Lake Garda
June 1, 2025
🌍 Rivers: From Famous Names to Small Records
When you think of rivers, the big names immediately come to mind: the Nile, the Amazon, the Danube, the Po. Watercourses that cross continents, shape history, and sculpt landscapes and cultures. But in the world of rivers, size isn’t everything: there are also fascinating record-holders, such as… the shortest river in the world!
That’s right: you don’t have to travel to far-off lands to discover Guinness-worthy records. Sometimes the most surprising wonders lie close to home, in lesser-known but enchanting places where nature and history intertwine.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to the shortest river in the world: a mere 175-meter stretch of water located on Lake Garda. Get ready to explore it alongside a charming and little-known hamlet.
🇮🇹 The Shortest River in the World Is in Italy
Few realize it, but the shortest river in the world is in Italy, specifically in Cassone, a hamlet of Malcesine on the eastern shore of Lake Garda.
Its name is Aril, also called “Ri,” and it boasts a special record: it stretches just 175 meters. It springs from an underground source, flows through the village, and empties into the lake… all in under a two-minute walk!
Despite its tiny size, the Aril is a true river: it has a source, a continuous watercourse, a bridge, a waterfall, and even its own local flora and fauna. In the past, three watermills even lined its very short path!
This remarkable watercourse has been recognized by geographers and tourists as the shortest in the world. Some sources mention rivals like the Roe River (USA), but officially and hydrologically the Aril holds the record.
🌟 An under-the-radar Italian record, but one well worth seeing in person!
🏞️ The Aril: 175 Meters of Curiosities in Cassone di Malcesine
The Aril is so short you might almost step over it without noticing. Yet it’s one of Lake Garda’s most enchanting hidden gems. The river springs from a crystal-clear spring at the foot of Monte Baldo and winds quietly between the cottages of Cassone, passing under a little stone bridge and a pedestrian walkway.
The course is so brief that you can see its entire path at a glance. And along these 175 meters, the Aril offers:
- a natural waterfall (small but picturesque)
- a romantic footbridge perfect for photos
- fish, ducks, and even the occasional swan
- a timeless, peaceful atmosphere
In winter, the area around the river transforms into a fairytale setting, while in summer the cool, clear water beautifully contrasts with the warm hues of the houses.
Here’s a charming tidbit: every Christmas season, a small floating nativity scene is set up on the Aril, among the most magical on the lake. A unique way to experience the holiday spirit in an extraordinary setting.
🏘️ What to See in Cassone Besides the River
Cassone is tiny but rich in charm and authenticity. After admiring the Aril, take time to explore the rest of the village.
📸 The Lakeside Promenade
The lakeside walk is peaceful and shaded, offering spectacular views of Lake Garda. It’s ideal for families with children, couples seeking tranquility, or photography enthusiasts. Far from the crowds, serenity reigns.
🛶 The Lake Museum
In the heart of Cassone, you’ll find a small but fascinating Lake Museum dedicated to fishing, traditional boats, and Garda life of yesteryear. It’s a perfect stop for those who love local stories and historical artifacts.
🎟️ Free entry or donation-based.
🍝 A Tasteful Break
Several osterias and lakeside eateries await, serving local specialties like lake fish, bigoli pasta, or polenta. All at reasonable prices and with warm hospitality.
🌐 Other “Tiny Giants” Around the World
Although the Aril holds the title of world’s shortest river, other extremely short watercourses have gained fame. Here are a few curious examples:
🇺🇸 Roe River – Montana, USA
For years it was the “official” rival of the Aril. At about 61 meters long, it springs from Giant Springs and flows into the Missouri River. Yet its classification as a “river” has often been debated, allowing the Aril to retain its record.
🇳🇴 Kovasselva – Norway
A glacial stream only 20 meters long, flowing between two lakes in the Lofoten Islands. Spectacular scenery, but not always recognized as an independent river.
🇷🇴 Reca River – Romania
About 120 meters long, located near Bucharest. Little known to tourists but intriguing for extreme-geography enthusiasts.
💡 Conclusion? The Aril remains one of the few micro-rivers with all official hydrological features: source, course, mouth, and continuity. An all-Italian record!
🧭 Lake Garda and Its Hidden Wonders
Lake Garda is famous for its vistas, tourist towns like Sirmione and Riva, and outdoor activities. But it’s also a land of small wonders often overlooked by major tourist routes.
Places like Cassone and the Aril River reveal another side of Garda: authentic, understated, and steeped in nature and tradition. It’s well worth stepping off the beaten path to discover these gems, making every trip more personal and memorable.
👣 Sometimes, the most surprising records hide in the quietest corners.
✨ Beauty in the Details
In a world of “biggest” and “most famous,” it’s almost poetic that the shortest river in the world flows through a tranquil Italian hamlet on Lake Garda. A reminder to look anew at things seemingly small, for true wonder often lies there.
Cassone and its tiny river offer a unique experience: a world record you can walk in minutes, yet remember for a lifetime.
