Via Spluga: Hiking through the Swiss and Italian Alps with Your Family

Your viaSpluga hiking trail begins in the charming village of Thusis. Meet our representatives at your hotel to receive an initial briefing and some essential documentation. We will also issue any passes and vouchers you might need during your Alps hiking trip. Then it’s off to bed for an early start the next day.

Your first full day of hiking in the Alps begins with a brisk walk through Thusis and into some of the most beautiful countryside in the world. This 15 km hike takes in some truly jaw-dropping vistas and the very best of the Via Mala gorges. Running parallel to this famous route is the Via Traversina — an equally historic route that takes hikers a little higher.

Our first day of Alpine hiking ends in the charming village of Andeer, which is characterised by its quintessentially European architecture and cobblestone streets. The evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Data:
Length: 15.5 km
Duration: 5-6 hours
H+: 630 m
H-: 30 m

Our second full day of hiking in the Alps begins with a walk to one of the region’s most stunning beauty spots — the Roffla Waterfalls. After spending a few minutes taking in the scenery and spectacular falls, we take a well-trodden path that runs parallel to an ancient road. This is where we leave the modern world behind, as we make our way into the forest in search of flora and fauna.

Our next stop along the way is the pretty village of Sufers. This ancient settlement was founded during the Carolingian epoch and is awash with history. Once there, you’ll be able to take in the majesty of what surrounds you — a gorgeous valley and towering mountains at every turn. Then it’s back to the ancient path as we wind our way through the valley and onto the town of Splügen. This bustling town offers all the trappings of modern life, yet its ancient character and mystique remain almost unchanged.

Data:
Length: 14.5 km
Duration: 5 hours
H+: 730 m
H-: 230 m

Hotel Alte Herberge Weiss Kreuz
https://www.weiss-kreuz.ch

Alpine pastures with breathtaking panorama of the surrounding peaks, avalanche barrier tunnels and well-maintained, cobbled/paved mule-tracks are all set to feature along this high-altitude and expansive section, enhanced by the heady fragrance of blooms as we move up from the village on the northern slope of the Pass prior to the descent on the Italian side to the village of Montespluga, where you can breathe in the atmosphere of times past.

From the village of Montespluga the route takes on the right side of the reservoir in order to reach one of the two dams and to appreciate some spectacular views over the Cardinello Gorge: this is one of the most dramatic sections guaranteed to linger long in the memory.
It’s a route which was not created without considerable exertions over the years, with the imposing rock faces to the left and up above and the steep gorge plunging away to the right where the torrent itself courses. The descent requires a certain amount of caution but it’s not demanding and leads us gently towards the typical wooden mountain dwellings (baite) of Sosta, Mottaletta and finally to Isola.

Data:
Length: 17 km
Duration: 6 hours
H+: 700 m
H-: 900 m

Locanda Cardinello
https://locandacardinello.it

From Isola a wander through attractive fir woodland beckons and Campodolcino lies in wait.
A section which is practically all downhill in nature, following the route of the Liro torrent and
introducing the hiker to the joys of Val San Giacomo: we’re wandering along pathways
between well-tended dry-stone wall and meadow, through chestnut groves and taking in
places of considerable historical and religious interest. We approach Chiavenna along a
path with magnificent panorama over the length of Valchiavenna; from the age-old terraces
hosting traditional vineyards you catch your first glimpse of a very special Alpine community,
with its immaculately preserved historic centre.

Data:
Length: 18 km
Duration: 6 hours
H-: 930 m

Today is a day to recharge your batteries and explore everything the historic settlement of Chiavenna has to offer. Whether you simply want to sip coffee and watch the world go by or explore the town’s frescoes, ancient architecture and piazza, take the time to immerse yourself in the local way of life.

Breakfast and departure.