Pian del Re, source of the Po
Crissolo, Italy
The spring of Italy’s longest river, in a meadow at 2,020 m under the pyramid of Monviso. The road from Crissolo is narrow, closed in winter and sometimes limited in summer.
Pian del Re lies at 2,020 m in a basin about 7 km above Crissolo in the Po Valley. This is where the River Po, Italy’s longest river, rises, in the middle of a peat bog with rare plants. Above it towers Monviso, at 3,841 m the highest mountain in the Cottian Alps. According to italia.it, a flat gravel track leads to the source, where a sign reads “Qui nasce il Po” (“The Po is born here”).
From here the Giro dei Laghi is a good option, a loop of about three hours past Lakes Fiorenza, Chiaretto and Superiore, among others. According to italia.it, a shuttle bus serves the area. The Crissolo visitor centre at Pian del Re is open in summer only. There is no precise information on access or road conditions, so ask the Monviso Park in advance. Pack clothing for high-mountain weather.
- Nearest town
- Crissolo, Italy
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 44.7005, 7.0935
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Italy: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autostrade; pay at the barrier by card or cash. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Camping Montano Luigi BergeraCampsite10 km from Pian del Re, source of the PoTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersDogs allowed
- Campeggio LibacCampsite10 km from Pian del Re, source of the PoTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Camping Pino BluCampsite13 km from Pian del Re, source of the PoCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsDogs allowed
- Valle PoCampsite15 km from Pian del Re, source of the Po · 32 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsDogs allowed
- Agriturismo L'ciabotCampsite16 km from Pian del Re, source of the PoTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Queyras CaravaneigeCampsite16 km from Pian del Re, source of the Po · 67 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
All campsites in Italy · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Pian del Re, source of the Po?
Pian del Re, source of the Po is in Crissolo, Italy, at GPS 44.7005, 7.0935. It is about 9 km from Col Agnel.
Can you camp near Pian del Re, source of the Po?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Area Sosta Camper Rifugio Pian della Regina, about 2 km away; within 25 km there are 41 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Pian del Re, source of the Po?
Pian del Re, source of the Po is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Piedmont’s western valleys: forts and the source of the Po.
What is there to see near Pian del Re, source of the Po?
Places worth a stop nearby: Fort Queyras (25 km), Staffarda Abbey (26 km), Casse Déserte, Col d’Izoard (31 km) and Col de Vars (36 km).
When is the best time to visit Pian del Re, source of the Po?
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)