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A cultural hiking trail from Switzerland to Italy
Thusis-Andeer-Splügen-Madesimo-Isola-Campodolcino-Chiavenna
The Via Spluga is an ancient cultural and hiking trail in the Central Alps that for centuries has connected Chur, Thusis, and Chiavenna, linking the Grison, Rhaeto-Romanic, Walser, and Lombard cultures. The name “Spluga,” common in various parts of the Alpine region, is believed to derive from the Latin spelonca, meaning cave, referring to natural caves once inhabited by wild animals, particularly bears. Located at 2,115 meters above sea level, nearly at the center of the Alpine arc, the Spluga Pass has for centuries been a key crossing between northern and southern Alps, forming the most direct route between southern Germany and northern Italy.
Human presence in the area dates back to prehistoric times: archaeological excavations at Pian dei Cavalli in Val San Giacomo show that more than 10,000 years ago, nomadic hunters climbed above 2,000 meters in the summer in search of deer, chamois, and marmots. The pass is historically documented in Roman times. Between 16 and 7 BCE, under Emperor Augustus, the conquest of Rhaetia made the Spluga Pass, along with the San Bernardino and Septimer passes, a strategic route for trade and military movements toward Germany. From Como, along the Strada Regina, travelers reached Chiavenna; from there, a road led up Val San Giacomo to the present-day Campodolcino, continuing along mule tracks and high-altitude paths to the pass. Beyond the pass, the trail descends into the Posterior Rhine valley, reaching Chur via the famous and challenging Viamala gorge.
Today, the Via Spluga largely follows ancient mule tracks, many of which have been preserved or restored, offering a journey that combines history, stunning alpine landscapes, and encounters with local communities, whose lives have long been shaped by the traffic over the pass. The route is 65 km long: it starts in Thusis (720 m), crosses the Viamala Gorge to Splügen (1,457 m), ascends to the Spluga Pass (2,115 m) – the highest point – and then descends through Val San Giacomo to Chiavenna (333 m), providing a complete experience of Alpine nature, centuries of history, and borderland culture.
It is possible to have one more night to spend in Chiavenna & surroundings.
Some suggestions of places to visit in the surroundings:
Visit the Bottonera mill (in the historic centre)
Palazzo Vertemate Franchi (in Prosto di Piuro, 1.5 Km from Chiavenna)
This palace you can also reach on foot walking along the cycle / pedestrian path from Chiavenna to the Borgonuovo falls (about 20 minutes walking). It is a beautiful walk, easy for everyone
From this Palazzo, you can continue along the cycle path and visit Acquafraggia waterfalls (15 minutes walking)
From here, a beautiful trail leads to the village Savogno (an hour walking from the falls).
We can suggest a visit, because it is an enchanting place, full of charm.
Another walk we can suggest is through the national park: Parco Marmitte dei Giganti.
This is a circular route, which starts from zone ‘crotti of Chiavenna’ and brings you to Piuro. You return along the cycle/pedestrian path we mentioned before.
The daily program of the 6 -day tour
In the hotel will be handed over your travel package. Thusis is situated 720 m above sea level and is the main centre of the Hinterrhein district, in the Canton of Graubünden, at the northern exit of the Gorge of Viamala, at the confluence of Nolla with the River Hinterrhein. Just like Chiavenna, Thusis is the gateway to some of the most important Alpine passes of which the most important ones are San Bernardino and Splügen, but also Albula, Julier and Septimer. Its location has helped the development of the area over time: today Thusis with about 2700 inhabitants, is the biggest centre of the region.
Overnight with breakfast in Thusis
The day includes visits to the main points of interest, including the spectacular Viamala Gorge, the Church of San Martino and the Zillis Museum, as well as the relaxing Andeer Thermal Baths.
The village of Andeer (982 m) developed from the 15th century onwards thanks to the improvement of the Viamala road, becoming an important stopover for Alpine trade. Today, it is especially known for its thermal waters, renowned since the Middle Ages. In 1829, the springs, rich in iron, calcium, and sulfates, were brought to Andeer with the construction of the Hotel Fravi, which remains at the heart of the thermal activity. Next to the hotel is the modern thermal spa, featuring indoor and outdoor pools heated to 34°C, perfect for a moment of relaxation and recovery after a day of hiking.
Overnight stay with breakfast in Andeer
Ascent-Descent: +889m –605m
Distance 17,5 km/11,2 miles
Walking time about 6-7 hrs
The day includes a visit to the Roffla Gorge, one of the most scenic gorges along the route.
The village of Splügen (1,457 m), mentioned as Cella in Speluca as early as the 9th century, plays a central role along the Via Spluga, even giving its name to the pass and the entire itinerary. Originally inhabited by Rhaeto-Romance populations, it welcomed the Walser people at the end of the 13th century, who left a lasting mark on the typical Alpine architecture still visible today. Nearby are the ruins of a medieval castle, while the Baroque Protestant church, built between 1687 and 1689, is one of the village’s main historic buildings. Today, Splügen is a popular tourist destination, known for winter sports and the Rheinwald Ethnographic Museum, dedicated to the history of trade across the Spluga and San Bernardino passes. The visit continues in the Roffla Gorge, carved by the Hinterrhein River over millions of years between Sufers and Andeer. Less imposing than the Viamala but equally fascinating, the gorge can now be explored via a rock walkway built in the early 20th century, leading to the waterfall at the heart of the gorge, offering a close and memorable encounter with nature
Overnight stay with breakfast in Splügen
Ascent-Descent: + 783m /-305m
Distance 14,5 km/9 miles
Walking time about 5-6 hrs
Today’s stage includes visits to Isola and Montespluga, two historic villages along the Via Spluga.
Isola (1,268 m), part of the Madesimo municipality, is located above the eponymous artificial lake and was a strategic point at the beginning of the Cardinello Gorge, essential for the route to the Spluga Pass. Highlights include the parish church, some traditional Alpine huts (càrden), and the historic Locanda del Cardinello. Montespluga (1,908 m), situated just below the Spluga Pass, overlooks the artificial lake of the same name, the largest in the valley, created in 1931 following the construction of the dam. The village preserves its original layout, with houses aligned along the main road leading to the pass, including the historic Vittoria and Posta hotels and the small church dedicated to San Francesco.
Overnight stay with breakfast in Isola
Ascent-Descent: + 688m/-829m
Distance 17,5 km/10,9 miles
Walking time about 6 hrs
The day includes a visit to the MUVIS, the Via Spluga Museum in Campodolcino, and the exploration of Chiavenna, located at the heart of Valchiavenna. Chiavenna, called Clavenna by the Romans, has been an important transit point toward Northern Europe since the time of Emperor Augustus. Its name may derive from the Latin clavis, meaning key to the Alpine passes (Spluga, Septimer, Maloja, and Julier), or from a pre-Roman term meaning “river delta” or a settlement on a landslide. In the historic center, notable sights include the Church of San Bartolomeo and Santa Maria, as well as the beautiful Rodolfo Pestalozzi Square, the old Cantón, and the city’s “living room.” At the center of the square stands a soapstone fountain with an octagonal basin dating back to the 16th century, and a 19th-century obelisk commemorating the Liberty Tree erected in 1797 during the arrival of Napoleon’s troops.
Overnight stay with breakfast in Chiavenna
Ascent-Descent: + 142m/-1080m
Distance 19,5 km / 12,1 miles
Walking time about 6½ hrs
After breakfast end your tour along the Ancient Merchandise route Via Spluga
Via Spluga
Thusis-Andeer-Splügen-Madesimo-Isola-Campodolcino-Chiavenna
LEVEL 3
3 medium-difficult for people with walking experience in mountain areas and good physical condition. You are walking in a mountainous landscape along trails with significant daily ascent and descent. Not suitable for children under 13 yrs.
Daily distances between 14,5 km / 9 miles and 20 km / 12,4 miles.
Total kilometres (miles): 65 km / 40,4 mi
DEPARTURES:
Daily from 13th June to 18th October 2026
PARTICIPANTS:
2 or more people.
START / FINISH:
Thusis (CH) / Chiavenna (IT)
The national parks of the Dolomites
During this walking tour experience breathtaking scenery: idyllic mountain lakes, lush pastures, green forests, and of course the legendary rocky Dolomites.