1 Thusis - Zillis - Andeer
15,5 km
Thusis is a rural centre and an important alpine crossroads. It has always been a place of passage, a fact that has characterised its history and town planning. Along the wide streets, created for the transit of horses and the passage of carts and pack animals, there are rows of houses concealing large cellars, vast warehouses and numerous hotels, guesthouses and countless shops.
From Thusis, the Via Spluga leads through the famous Viamala Gorge to Zillis with its so-called Sistine Chapel of the Alps: the Romanesque church dedicated to St. Martin is a true masterpiece. The ceiling consists of 153 wooden panels, in a perfect state of preservation, and illustrates the life of Christ according to a typically medieval iconographic scheme.
After refreshing yourself with the view of the meadows and contemplating the art inspired
by a simple and sincere life, the route continues to the village of Andeer.
2 Andeer – Splugen
14,5 km
With its beautiful painted palaces and cobbled streets, Andeer highlights its culture, which is linked to the Romansh language. Passing through enchanting landscapes, waterfalls and spruce forests, the route leads to Sufers, a former Carolingian village, and continues along the old dirt road to Splügen.
3 Splugen – Montespluga
10,5 km
Splügen, a village at 1457 m above sea level, has grown over the centuries thanks to trade and commerce through the pass of the same name. From the old, well-preserved village, the route continues south and, climbing to 2115m, reaches the Splügen Pass.
This is the highest point on the route, but also the border between Switzerland and Italy.
From here begins the Italian part of the trail, which soon reaches the picturesque lake of Montespluga.
4 Montespluga – Isola – Campodolcino
11,5 km
Lake Montespluga, with its alpine pastures at 1905 m above sea level, is the furthest point in Italy from the sea.
The path then descends to the Alpe Stuetta (1870 m) and from there, over the Cardinello pass, to the village and lake of Isola (1268 m).
In Isola and the neighbouring small alpine pastures one can admire wooden houses (càrden) of Walser influence, testimony to the fact that the Via Spluga was not only a trade route but also a crossroads of villages.
The itinerary continues towards Campodolcino (1071 m) and its numerous hamlets, where the MUVIS, the Via Spluga Museum and Val San Giacomo are located.
5 Campodolcino – Chiavenna
10,6 km
Continuing towards Chiavenna, as the conifer woods give way to chestnut groves in the area of S. Giacomo Filippo, a visit to the Sanctuary of Gallivaggio is a must. With views of the peaks of Bregaglia and Valchiavenna, the route ends at the town of Chiavenna (333 m), the key to the Alps. Its historic centre, crossed by the river Mera, is rich in shops and artistic testimonies of its long history. The crotti, inns adjacent to ancient natural caves used since ancient times to store food, are the embodiment of the culinary and wine history of the region: a lunch or dinner to taste the typical products is a must.
