Discover Formazza: Waterfall, Walser culture and cross-country skiing
Accommodation in Formazza
Formazza offers a range of themes to shape your trip around: natural attractions, summer and winter trails, Walser architecture and festivals each provide a different reason to plan a visit. If you’re looking for a hotel in Formazza, you can start by deciding which of these themes matter for your travel dates.
Nature and trails around the Cascata del Toce
The Cascata del Toce is located in LocalitĂ Frua and has a 143-metre drop. From the hamlet of Sotto Frua, a path leads to the bridge below the waterfall in about ten minutes. The panoramic terrace also offers a view of the waterfall; check local conditions before visiting.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoe route
At the Centro del Fondo di Riale, the cross-country ski trail covers a total of 12 kilometres and is groomed for both beginners and experienced cross-country skiers. Another option is the Riale–Rifugio Maria Luisa snowshoe route, which takes 1 hour and 40 minutes to reach the refuge at an altitude of 2,157 metres. Allow for 12 kilometres on the groomed trail when cross-country skiing; for the snowshoe route to the refuge at 2,157 metres, allow 1 hour and 40 minutes. Snow and avalanche conditions can vary, so check them before setting out on the snowshoe route.
Casa Forte, Walser houses and festivals
Casa Forte was built in 1569 by Antonio Zur Schmitten as his official residence, warehouse and commercial checkpoint. Walser houses in villages such as Riale and Ponte use the log-building technique, stone-slab roofs, and distinctive stone and wooden supports for granaries, known as “funghi” or “mushrooms.” These features refer to different parts of the house: log building describes the construction technique, while the stone slabs form the roof. The “funghi” (“mushrooms”) are the stone and wooden supports on the granaries.
In August, Ponte hosts Pomattertag, a Walser festival dedicated to the traditions and costumes of the Swiss settlers. In September, the Walser Häpfla Fest takes place as part of the Sagre Ossola. It celebrates the traditional potato of Formazza and handmade Walser potato gnocchi. For both festivals, check the dates and programme for your year of travel.
Getting there and choosing a hotel
The Comazzi line connects Domodossola with the Cascata del Toce. Check the current timetable with the operator. The SS659 leads into the Formazza Valley; before travelling, take any possible seasonal closures or local restrictions into account.
If you’re travelling for a festival, first set the event date; for a winter trip, cross-country skiing and the snowshoe route offer two different activities to choose from. You can then check specific hotel offers to see whether their location and amenities suit your plans, and confirm availability for each offer.
Discover more destinations: Gignese, Beura, Fondotoce, Premeno, Pollino, Mozzio, Agrano, Premosello-Chiovenda
Back to the regional travel guide: Verbano-Cusio-Ossola.
