Via Spluga, Historic alpine trail between Thusis and Chiavenna, Switzerland and Italy
The Via Spluga is an approximately 70 kilometer mountain trail across the Alps connecting Thusis in Switzerland to Chiavenna in Italy, with paths through valleys, gorges, and forests. The route descends through different terrain and elevations, shifting constantly as you move between the two countries.
The route served as a major trade passage between northern and southern Europe since Roman times, with merchants carrying goods over the Splügen Pass. This role as a connection between the north and south shaped the region for centuries.
The trail passes through mountain villages where you can see how people have lived on these slopes for generations, with old churches and local food traditions still present in daily life.
The best time to walk is from June to October when the higher sections are free of snow. The trail is moderately challenging and requires good physical fitness, typically divided into about four stages spread over several days.
The trail features remarkable structures such as marble bridges, avalanche galleries, and the Traversinersteg suspension bridge in Naturpark Beverin, which show how earlier travelers managed this difficult mountain pass. These engineering solutions are still visible and reflect past trade connections.
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