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Via Spluga: The heart of the Alps

6 Days
43,4 miles | 70 Km
Thusis - Chiavenna
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6 Days
43,4 miles | 70 Km
Thusis - Chiavenna
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Via Spluga: The heart of the Alps

6 Days
43,4 miles | 70 Km
Thusis - Chiavenna
Personalised Quotation
Luggage Transfers
24/7 Travel Assistance
Selected Accommodations
Let yourself be captivated by an Alpine journey that begins in Thusis and ends in Chiavenna, among breathtaking gorges, historic valleys and the Spluga Pass, the heart of an ancient culture. During five days of gentle, scenic walks, you will explore old Roman trails, charming villages and landscapes that unite Switzerland and Italy in perfect harmony.
  • Depart from Thusis, a charming Swiss village on the Hinterrhein River, and arrive at the imposing Viamala Gorge.
  • Discover Andeer and Splügen, crossing fir forests and waterfalls such as those at Roffla.
  • Descend through the vertiginous Cardinello Gorge, between wide rock walls and memorable views.
  • Enjoy alpine flavours at every turn, sampling artisan cheeses, cured meats, polenta, mountain wines and unique specialities such as crotti from Chiavenna.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Thusis
The first day begins in Thusis, a charming Swiss village tucked away among the majestic landscapes of Graubünden, where the mountains seem to whisper ancient stories. Arriving here is like stepping into a serene corner of the world, where the Hinterrhein River flows peacefully at the foot of the imposing Via Mala Gorge.

Stroll through its quiet streets, surrounded by traditional houses and breathtaking views. Take a moment to breathe in the pure Alpine air, listen to the murmur of the water and enjoy a coffee on a terrace with a view.

Sils im Domleschg: If there is no availability in Thusis, you will need to go to Sils im Domleschg, which is 2 kilometres away.

Overnight in Thusis

Hotel Weiss Kreuz

Located in the centre of Thusis and recently renovated, this hotel offers comfortable rooms with flat-screen televisions, private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.

It also has a restaurant where you can enjoy a good meal.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay in a similar category hotel.
Day 2 - Thusis to Andeer 10,8 miles | 17,4 km
Today you can choose between two unique routes that will allow you to immerse yourself in the alpine beauty of Graubünden. You can opt for the Verlorenes Lake trail, which is more historical and less demanding, or venture along the Traversina route, which winds at a higher altitude parallel to the Via Spluga, offering unforgettable panoramic views of the gorge.

Both options will lead you to the impressive Via Mala Gorge, one of the most spectacular points of the day. After the walk, continue to the peaceful village of Zillis, where the church of San Martino awaits you. Its painted ceiling, a 12th-century gem, tells biblical stories through its delicate medieval panels.

At the end of the day, you will arrive in Andeer to relax in its famous mineral baths. You will have an included visit where you can enjoy two hours of pure relaxation between indoor and outdoor pools, fed by thermal waters at 34°C, with privileged views of the Alpine peaks.

Ascent: 853m (2,798ft) / Descent: 572m (1,877ft)

Overnight in Andeer

Hotel Fravi

Located in a historic building dating back to 1828, it offers modern rooms with flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.

It also has a restaurant serving typical Swiss dishes and a lovely terrace.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Andeer to Splügen 8,9 miles | 14,3 km
After a hearty breakfast, you will leave Andeer behind and enter the unspoilt nature of the Beverin Nature Park, where today's trail will take you through alpine landscapes that look like something out of a fairy tale. One of the first highlights is the Roffla Gorge, with its spectacular waterfall cascading between the rocks and a hand-carved gallery that allows you to view it from inside the mountain.

The path continues through dense forests, where large fallen tree trunks mark the trail. Soon you will come to Sufers, a quiet village nestled on the shores of a turquoise lake, surrounded by majestic mountains reflected on its surface.

Finally, you will arrive at Splügen, where today's hike ends. This charming village, with its Walser-style houses and cobbled streets, preserves the spirit of the Swiss Alps intact. Be sure to visit the Heimatmuseum Rheinwald, a local museum that lovingly collects centuries of history and traditions from the valley.

Ascent: 789m (2,588ft) / Descent: 313m (1,027ft)

Overnight in Splügen

Hotel Bodenhaus

Surrounded by mountains and set in beautiful surroundings, this hotel offers all kinds of amenities, from a restaurant to a large garden.

It features rooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and private bathrooms.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Splügen to Isola 10,6 miles | 17,1 km
Today's journey invites you to traverse high mountain landscapes, beginning among wide alpine pastures dotted with wildflowers and panoramas that open up to the majestic peaks dominating the horizon. The road runs between tunnels built as avalanche barriers and ancient cobbled paths, silent witnesses to the passage of merchants and travellers from centuries past.

As you ascend the northern slope of the Splügen Pass, the air becomes purer and more fragrant, while the surroundings transform into a natural mosaic of colours and textures. Upon reaching the summit, you will cross the border between Switzerland and Italy, a historic pass that also marks a subtle change in architecture, landscape and light.

The descent to the picturesque village of Montespluga is peaceful and offers a perfect place to pause and have lunch in front of the alpine landscape. From here, continue towards the spectacular Cardinello Gorge, a stretch that requires some attention due to its narrow layout, but which rewards you with unforgettable views.

The trail then winds its way through typical wooden mountain houses, also known as baite, and small villages where time seems to have stood still, until it reaches Isola, where this stage full of contrasts and natural beauty comes to an end.

Ascent: 708m (2,323ft) / Descent: 864m (2,835ft)

Overnight in Isola

Mangusta

It offers rooms in a privileged natural setting, equipped with flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.

It also has a terrace, garden and restaurant.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay in a similar category hotel.
Day 5 - Isola to Chiavenna 13 miles | 21 km
Today you will follow the course of the Liro Torrent, descending along a route that crosses chestnut forests, alpine meadows and paths framed by ancient dry stone walls, testimony to the way nature and history intertwine in this region.

As you approach Chiavenna, the landscape opens up to reveal a spectacular view of the Valchiavenna valley, dotted with terraced vineyards that descend the slopes in almost perfect geometry. Your arrival in this charming town marks the end of your Alpine journey.

Chiavenna is famous for its crotti, natural caves formed in the rocks of the valley, where the constant circulation of fresh air creates the ideal microclimate for storing local wines, cheeses and cured meats. Beyond their practical function, crotti are also social spaces where families and friends gather, or even transform into cosy restaurants where you can enjoy the region's authentic cuisine.

Ascent: 41m (135ft) / Descent: 1005m (3,297ft)

Overnight in Chiavenna

Hotel Crimea

The hotel has been recently renovated so that you can enjoy all kinds of amenities.

Its rooms have free Wi-Fi and private bathrooms. It also has a restaurant and a bar.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay in a similar category hotel.
Day 6 - Chiavenna
After a delicious breakfast, it will be time to say goodbye to Chiavenna and fly back to your home town.

End of our services.

Itinerary Map

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    Services

    Included

    • Accommodation in en suite rooms
    • Daily Breakfasts
    • Lunch on days 2, 3, 4 and 5
    • 2-hour visit to the Andeer mineral baths
    • Luggage transfers between accommodations
    • Transfers as specified in the itinerary
    • Information dossier with maps and routes
    • 24-hour telephone support
    • Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
    • Taxes

    Extras

    • Travel insurance
    • Cancellation insurance
    • Additional nights

    Accomodation

    General information


    The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.

    Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip.

    The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip.

    We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible.

    The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.

    Room types


    It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.

    All rooms have private bathrooms.

    Travel & Transfers

    To reach the starting point of this hiking trail, we recommend flying to Zurich Airport. From there, you can reach Thusis by train in just over two hours. You can find all the information you need about trains on the SBB website.

    To return to your city of origin from Chiavenna, you can fly from Milan-Bergamo or Milan-Malpensa airports. First, you will need to take a train to Milan Central Station (via Colico) and then take a bus to Milan-Malpensa Airport. If you are flying from Milan-Bergamo, you will need to change trains in Colico and Lecco.

    You can find more information on the Trenitalia website.

    FAQs

    Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
    Absolutely! Each traveller has included 1 piece of luggage that we will transfer between your accommodations. It's important that this piece of luggage meets the following criterias:
    • Maximum weight of 45 lbs (20 kg).
    • Maximum dimensions 65x50x40 cm.
    • Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
    • Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
    • Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).
    The approximate luggage delivery time will be at 4:00 PM.
    What is the best time of year to do this trip?
    The excursion is available from early June to mid-October, when the weather is most pleasant for walking. June, July and August offer mild temperatures, ideal for enjoying the mountains without extremes. In September and October, the crisp autumn air and changing landscapes give the route a special charm. Maximum temperatures range from 10 to 18°C in Thusis and 11 to 20°C in Chiavenna, perfect for hiking.
    What if I'm not able to finish one of the stages?
    You can call us to arrange a private transfer for you. If you prefer, you can also use public transport or local taxis to get to your next accommodation.
    What should my physical preparation be?
    This route is of medium-low difficulty, making it ideal for people looking for 6 to 7 hours of walking per day with climbs that can be steeper and longer. You do not need to have hiking experience, however, it is recommended that you are in good physical condition and in good health. Some sections of the walk have uneven terrain, including rocky areas.
    How far in advance should I book my trip?
    We suggest that you make the reservation as soon as possible, as soon as you have decided your travel dates, as this destination is very popular and bookings in accommodation are quickly taken up.
    What equipment do I need to bring?
    Once you make your reservation we will send you all the detailed information about the specific equipment you need for this route, considering recommendations for shoes, boots, clothes and a day-to day backpack. 

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