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Wooden trail signs pointing to Via Spluga hiking route with snow-capped Alpine peaks, green forested valleys, and blue sky in Switzerland.

Via Spluga

The most beautiful path over the alps

7 Days / 6 Nights
Mountain Hiking
Wooden trail signs pointing to Via Spluga hiking route with snow-capped Alpine peaks, green forested valleys, and blue sky in Switzerland.

The essentials at a glance

Mountain hiking tour from Thusis to Chiavenna along the historic Via Spluga trade route. Trek through the dramatic Viamala and Roffla gorges, hike around the Suretta Lakes at alpine altitude, and cross the Splügen Pass into Italy. The route leads through the Rheinwald valley and chestnut forests of Val San Giacomo. Daily distances average 14-18 km with significant altitude changes. Surefootedness required for alpine terrain sections.

Do you have questions about this tour?

Via Spluga offers a wonderful mix of history and culture, perfectly embedded in a long distance hike that leads through one of the most beautiful parts of Switzerland. The first legs lead through the gorges of Rofla and Viamala. After these rough landscapes the gentle of Rhine and the quiet mountain lakes show a complete different picture of the Swiss alps. Take a break in the charming village Splügen before walking up to Splügenpass that leads towards Italy. These paths belong to the oldest trading routes in Europe and were already used by the Romans.

The first highlight awaits you on the first stage: the Viamala Gorge. 359 steps lead safely to its centre, where rock faces up to 300 metres high frame a true natural spectacle. Once you arrive in Andeer, you can relax in the thermal baths. The Roffla Gorge on the way to Splügen is man-made - seriously! After 8,000 blasts, a rock gallery modelled on Niagara Falls was created.

After a round trip around the Suretta lakes, you first head high up over the Splügen Pass and deep down into the Val Cardinello gorge. This is one thing above all: imposing! Here it's also: "Ciao, Bella Italia!" - you have already passed the national border of Switzerland. Through small mountain villages and beautiful nature you finally reach the destination of your tour: Chiavenna.

  • The old and new village of Thusis way back in history. In 1845, a fire destroyed large parts of the old town. In the new village, many houses were rebuilt in the Mediterranean style, and today many visitors enjoy the special architecture.
  • The impressive Viamala Gorge: Over the course of time, the notorious gorge has undergone a real image change. In prehistoric times, the passage was considered narrow and dangerous. In the meantime, the gorge's beauty and special features have made it a real magnet for visitors.
  • The chestnut forests in Val San Giacomo: For around 25 kilometres, the unspoilt valley leads from the Splügen Pass towards Chiavenna. Breathe in the clean air here and find yourself in harmony with nature!
  • Charming Chiavenna serves as a gateway to the breathtaking south. Stroll through the narrow streets and sip a cappuccino while reminiscing about the tour. 

The stages of the tour are not excessively long, ranging from 13 to 18 kilometres in length, but there are a few metres of altitude to be climbed each day - both uphill and downhill. The first-class route promises a great tour, where beautiful views line up with cultural highlights.

  • From Mont Blanc to Ticino - Switzerland offers hiking highlights galore. You can find information on the various regions and tours here.
  • More details and information about the hiking regions in Graubünden at a glance.
  • All facts and details about hiking in the Alps at a glance.
Book now
To the online version
Wooden trail signs pointing to Via Spluga hiking route with snow-capped Alpine peaks, green forested valleys, and blue sky in Switzerland.

Via Spluga

The most beautiful trail over the Alps

7 Days / 6 Nights
Mountain Hiking
Wooden trail signs pointing to Via Spluga hiking route with snow-capped Alpine peaks, green forested valleys, and blue sky in Switzerland.

The essentials at a glance

Mountain hiking tour from Thusis to Chiavenna along the historic Via Spluga trade route. Trek through the dramatic Viamala and Roffla gorges, hike around the Suretta Lakes at alpine altitude, and cross the Splügen Pass into Italy. The route leads through the Rheinwald valley and chestnut forests of Val San Giacomo. Daily distances average 14-18 km with significant altitude changes. Surefootedness required for alpine terrain sections.

Do you have questions about this tour?

The Via Spluga is one of the most famous long-distance hiking trails in the Alps. At the start, your route takes you through the legendary Viamala and Roffla gorges. The Rheinwald forest and the tranquil mountain lakes provide an idyllic contrast to these barren landscapes of rock and water. The charming village of Splügen offers a welcome stopover before your hike continues up to the Splügen Pass. The Romans themselves used this trade route, making it one of the oldest mule tracks in Europe. The Via Spluga offers a wonderful blend of history and culture, set against one of Switzerland’s most beautiful landscapes.

The first highlight awaits you on the first stage: the Viamala Gorge. 359 steps lead safely to its centre, where rock faces up to 300 metres high frame a true natural spectacle. Once you arrive in Andeer, you can relax in the thermal baths. The Roffla Gorge on the way to Splügen is man-made - seriously! After 8,000 blasts, a rock gallery modelled on Niagara Falls was created.

After a round trip around the Suretta lakes, you first head high up over the Splügen Pass and deep down into the Val Cardinello gorge. This is one thing above all: imposing! Here it's also: "Ciao, Bella Italia!" - you have already passed the national border of Switzerland. Through small mountain villages and beautiful nature you finally reach the destination of your tour: Chiavenna.

  • The old and new village of Thusis way back in history. In 1845, a fire destroyed large parts of the old town. In the new village, many houses were rebuilt in the Mediterranean style, and today many visitors enjoy the special architecture.
  • The impressive Viamala Gorge: Over the course of time, the notorious gorge has undergone a real image change. In prehistoric times, the passage was considered narrow and dangerous. In the meantime, the gorge's beauty and special features have made it a real magnet for visitors.
  • The chestnut forests in Val San Giacomo: For around 25 kilometres, the unspoilt valley leads from the Splügen Pass towards Chiavenna. Breathe in the clean air here and find yourself in harmony with nature!
  • Charming Chiavenna serves as a gateway to the breathtaking south. Stroll through the narrow streets and sip a cappuccino while reminiscing about the tour. 

The stages of the tour are not excessively long, ranging from 13 to 18 kilometres in length, but there are a few metres of altitude to be climbed each day - both uphill and downhill. The first-class route promises a great tour, where beautiful views line up with cultural highlights.

  • From Mont Blanc to Ticino - Switzerland offers hiking highlights galore. You can find information on the various regions and tours here.
  • More details and information about the hiking regions in Graubünden at a glance.
  • All facts and details about hiking in the Alps at a glance.

Itinerary at a glance

Along the Via Spluga across the Alps, you'll pass through the Viamala Gorge, hike around the Suretta Lakes, and cross the Italian border. You'll trek through chestnut forests and reach Chiavenna, where Mediterranean delights await.
Day
01

Arrival to Thusis

Hiking path through the dramatic Viamala-Schlucht (gorge) and Schams with numerous cultural monuments (e.g. church in Zillis) and traffic constructions (Traversiner suspension bridge and Punt da Suransuns, Wildener bridges, Rania bridge). Relaxation in the Andeer spa.

Ingeniously laid path through the difficult Roflaschlucht (gorge) and the sparsely populated Rheinwald valley floor. Andeer and Splügen offer interesting townscapes. The Rheinwalder Valley Museum Crestawald Fortress Museum and Roflaschlucht cliff path are worth a visit.

Todays‘ walk leads you up to Bodmastafel. A trail leads you past the peaks of the Alps of Rhäzüns up to the plateau of Suretta. Sparkling lakes and nice views await you here before you walk past the viewpoint Franzisch-Grind back to Splügen.

Alpine hike over the Splügenpass on a unique mule trail with an exposed descent through the gorge of the Val Cardinello. En route: historic traffic constructions (engineered road with marble bridges and avalanche galleries).

Following the course of the Liro, through shady chestnut woods in the Val San Giacomo to Chiavenna with its southern ambience. Isolated pilgrimage churches of San Giacomo Filippo and Gallivaggio, Italian savoir vivre in Chiavenna’s vibrant Centro Storico.

Day
07

Departure or extension

Itinerary at a glance

Along the Via Spluga across the Alps – you'll pass through the Viamala Gorge, hike around the Suretta Lakes, and cross the Italian border. You'll trek through chestnut forests and reach Chiavenna, where Mediterranean delights await.

In 1845, a large part of Thusis was destroyed by fire. The elegant mansions in the newly built Neudorf are the first highlight of your hiking week. Thusis is the starting point of the Rhaetian Railway and the gateway to the Domleschg region, with its many castles.

You’ll hike through the dramatic Viamala Gorge, which translates as ‘Evil Path’. This natural monument was once arguably the most dreaded stretch of the historic Via Spluga transit route between Thusis and Chiavenna. Today, 321 stone steps lead you safely through rock galleries into the heart of the gorge. The hiking trail takes you through the Schams Valley, which is home to numerous cultural monuments and transportation structures. Relaxation at the Andeer thermal spa.

A thoughtfully designed trail through the rugged Roffla Gorge and the open valley floor of the Rheinwald. Both Andeer and Splügen boast charming village centers. Along the way, it is worth visiting the Rheinwald Valley Museum, the Crestawald Fortress Museum, and the Roffla Gorge Rock Trail.

Today, your route takes you up to Bodmastafel, from where you’ll follow a trail through the Rhäzüns Alps up to the Suretta Lakes plateau. At the top, an unspoilt and peaceful mountain landscape awaits you. The descent back to Splügen leads you past the Franzisch Grind lookout point.

An alpine pass hike along a unique mule track over the Splügen Pass, featuring an exposed descent through the Val Cardinello Gorge. Along the way, you’ll discover historic transportation structures (engineered road with a marble bridge and an avalanche gallery).

Following the course of the Liro River through the shady chestnut forests of the Val San Giacomo to Chiavenna, with its southern charm. The secluded pilgrimage churches of San Giacomo Filippo and Gallivaggio, and the Italian way of life in Chiavenna’s vibrant historic center.

Day
07

Departure or extension

Difficulty level

Mountain Hiking

Partly you will hike in alpine terrain, where surefootedness is required. A good basic level of fitness is recommended for overcoming the altitude difference.

Difficulty level

Mountain Hiking

This hike in alpine terrain requires sure-footedness. The stages, some of which are long, also involve significant elevation gain. You'll need to be in good physical shape.

 

Prices & Dates

Prices per person in EUR

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation in middle class hotels and hostels
  • Breakfast
  • Luggage transfer (1 piece of luggage per person, max. 20 kg)
  • 1 entrance Roffla Gorge
  • 1 entrance Viamala Gorge
  • Digital travel documents incl. navigation app, GPS-data, route book
  • Service hotline

Services optional

  • Printed route book, per room EUR 20

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Arrival by train to Thusis
  • Zurich airport
  • Parking: public parking spaces near the hotel, approx. EUR 60 per week
  • Departure by bus and train via Splügenpass to Thusis or via St. Moritz to Chur, duration approx. 3 hours

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!
  • This tour is a partner tour.

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation in 3***-hotels, 1x in 4****-hotel (Andeer) and 1x in hostel (Isola)
  • Breakfast
  • Luggage transfer (1 piece of luggage per person, max. 20 kg)
  • 1 entries Viamala and Roffla Gorge
  • Digital travel documents incl. navigation app, GPS-data, route book
  • Service hotline

Services optional

  • Printed route book, per person EUR 20

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Arrival by train to Thusis (www.sbb.ch)
  • Zurich airport
  • Parking: public parking spaces near the hotel, costs approx. EUR 10 per day
  • Departure by bus via the Splügen Pass to Thusis, duration approx. 3 hours, or by bus and train via St. Moritz to Thusis, duration approx. 3.5 hours (www.sbb.ch)

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!
  • This tour is a partner tour.
Katharina Sailer

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Katharina Sailer
Travel Specialist
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