In the uppermost part of Val Formazza, the Toce stream plunges over a rocky drop, creating one of the best-known and most spectacular waterfalls in the Alps: the Toce Waterfall, also known as the “Frua Waterfall” or, in Walser German, “Der Tosa”.
A 143-metre drop
The waterfall plunges over a total drop of 143 metres, with the top of the fall at an altitude of 1,675 metres and its base at 1,532 metres: figures that make it one of the highest waterfalls in the Alps and one of the most photographed natural sights in the entire Val d’Ossola.
A flow regulated by the hydroelectric power station
The flow of water is regulated by an upstream dam: the waters of the Toce are collected in the artificial Lake Morasco and channelled, through a tunnel and a penstock, towards the Ponte hydroelectric power station, operated by Enel. For this reason, the waterfall can only be seen at its fullest flow during certain periods of the year and at scheduled times, when the sluice gates are opened for the spectacle. The opening season generally runs from early June to late September, with times that are always worth checking in advance before visiting.
How to get there
The waterfall is located along the road that climbs through Val Formazza towards Riale, easily accessible by car and also visible from a equipped viewing point not far from the road. Trails also start from here, allowing visitors to get closer or continue their hike towards the upper valley.
A border valley between nature and Walser tradition
Val Formazza, where the waterfall is located, is Ossola’s oldest Walser settlement: a border area with Switzerland, inhabited since the Middle Ages by people of Germanic language and culture. Visitors to the waterfall can therefore combine this natural attraction with a broader discovery of the valley, its villages and its traditions, described in the article dedicated to Val Formazza.
Also worth seeing nearby
Those who venture this far often continue towards Alpe Devero, another charming Alpine plateau a short distance away, or end the day further down the valley with a tasting among the vineyards of Val d’Ossola, the perfect way to round off a day in the mountains and the local area.
For sluice gate opening times and to plan your visit in the best possible way, refer to the official page for the Toce Waterfall on visitOssola and the website of the Municipality of Formazza.
An iconic image of Val Formazza
Over the years, the Toce Waterfall, together with the Walser landscape surrounding it, has become one of the iconic images used to promote the entire Val d’Ossola: its presence in travel guides, documentaries and promotional materials confirms its role as a natural ambassador for this Alpine area, still relatively little known compared with other more famous Alpine destinations.
One final tip: photographing the waterfall both from afar and up close along the trails allows you to appreciate both its overall majesty and the finer details of the flow of water.
One hundred and forty-three metres of natural spectacle, to be experienced in person.
Water, rock and altitude: an unmissable natural spectacle.
A waterfall that always takes your breath away.
One final note on the Toce Waterfall: its relative accessibility, for such an imposing waterfall, makes it one of the most accessible destinations in the high mountains of Ossola.
Water, rock and altitude: a spectacle worth the journey.
A natural spectacle that always takes your breath away.
The Toce Waterfall, visible especially in spring and summer when the water flow is greater, remains one of the most spectacular natural destinations in the whole Val d’Ossola, easily reached for a day trip.
