Tret waterfall

Tret Waterfall (Felixer Wasserfall in German) in Senale-San Felice is one of the most striking waterfalls in Trentino. The cascade drops 70 metres into the deep gorge of the Rio Novella, right on the border between the provinces of Trentino and South Tyrol, between the Italian-speaking village of Tret and the German-speaking village of San Felice.

Getting there

The popular route starts from the town of Fondo in Val di Non and takes about three and a half hours for the round trip. The path leads through forest, descending via steps and wooden bridges along the rocky walls of the canyon. The Rio Novella rises on the Passo Palade pass and cuts its way south through a deep gorge before plunging over the falls at the spot known as Bus del Pis.

Viewing the waterfall

The cascade can be admired from above or from below. The approach from below is the most rewarding: a small wooden bridge crosses the stream right at the base, with the full 70-metre drop visible directly overhead. The surrounding larch forest amplifies the sound of the falls, making the final section through the canyon particularly dramatic.

Family-friendly

Despite steep sections on the descent, the trail is accessible to children and is a popular family outing in Val di Non. Signposted steps manage the steepest parts of the path down into the canyon.

A boundary waterfall

The Novella gorge marks the border between Trentino and South Tyrol. As a result the waterfall carries two names – Cascata di Tret on the Trentino side and Felixer Wasserfall on the South Tyrol side. The villages of Tret and San Felice sit on opposite rims of the canyon.

FAQ

How long is the trail? The round trip from Fondo takes approximately three and a half hours.

Is the trail suitable for children? Yes – despite the steep sections, the path is accessible to families with children.

Where is the best viewpoint? At the base, where a small bridge leads directly under the 70-metre wall of water.