The toce waterfall, also known as the Frua, reopens to the public in the municipality of Formazza, in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola. This natural show represents one of the most significant attractions of the Piedmontese alpine territory.
Where is it
The waterfall is located at 1675 meters above sea level and has a water jump of 143 meters, characteristics that make it the waterfall at the highest leap in Italy and one of the highest in Europe. The flow of water is regulated by the hydroelectric plants of the artificial lake of Morasco, which is why the waterfall is visible in its full power only during specific periods of the year, between June and September 2025.
The strength of the toce waters is used for the production of electricity since the 1930s. The waters are collected in the Morasco basin, located upstream of the waterfall, and through a gallery and a forced pipeline they reach the Enel bridge plant. This production need limits the visibility of the waterfall in its most spectacular aspects at certain times and days of the year.
A small wooden bridge located above the jump of the waterfall offers a privileged observation point on the surrounding landscape. From this position it is possible to admire the valley below and undertake paths towards the alpine lakes of the area: the Sabbione lake, the lake of Toggia and the Castel lake, all connected by paths that cross high altitude environments.
The dimensions of the waterfall
The waterfall has considerable dimensions: the top of the jump is at 1675 meters, while the foot reaches 1532 meters. The bow of water per rim measures 20 meters, while the width at the base can reach up to 60 meters. Rocky reclination extends for 200 meters.
Near the waterfall stands a historic building from 1863, a hotel that continues to welcome visitors offering a view of the Formazza Valley. Next to it is the church of the Madonna della Neve, built in 1621, which adds a spiritual element to the place.
Over the centuries, the toce cascade of the Toce has attracted numerous illustrious visitors, including Richard Wagner, Gabriele D’Annunzio, Queen Margherita, King Vittorio Emanuele III and Giosuè Carducci, who have left enthusiastic descriptions of this place. The path that runs alongside the waterfall was part of the ancient mercantile route from Gries, which for centuries connected Milan and Bern.
On the top there is also the famous hotel built in 1923 and designed in Decò style by the architect Piero Portaluppi, considered one of the greatest exponents of this architectural style.
Opening hours 2025
The waterfall will be visible from 14 June to 21 September 2025 with the following times:
Special openings:
How to reach the waterfall
To get to the toce cascade by car, it is necessary to travel the A26 motorway, then the Sempione highway in the direction of Domodossola. We then continue for Crodo, rewards and formed until you reach the hamlet of Frua, where the waterfall is located.
