recommended route
Stage 4
50.04 Isola (I) - Chiavenna (I), ViaSpluga
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EnzianePhoto: Romedi Conradin, Graubünden Ferien - normierte Touren
Stage 4 / Isola-Chiavenna: We descend into the valley in the direction of Portarezza-Campodolcino. You will want to stop and linger at the small plain in the middle of the steep mountain valley. The two pilgrimage churches, San Guglielmo and Santuario di Gallivaggio, remind us that the Splügen Pass was more than just a trading route, it was also well trodden by pilgrims. The viaSpluga trail reaches its conclusion in the village of Chiavenna. Back in Roman times, Chiavenna was an important stopping-off point on the routes from Italy over the Alps. (Splügen, Septimer, Maloja and Julier) Sights worth visiting in Chiavenna include the "centro storico", with its cobbled alleys, walkways and squares, stone bridges and fountains, churches, chapels and stately town houses. And if you've had enough of walking, th wines from the neighbouring Valtellina taste particularly good in the many crotti and trattorie.
Author’s recommendation
Track types
Safety information
The viaSpluga is a mountain hiking trail. You need to be sure-footed and have a good head for heights (bridges, Cardinello Gorge) along some sections.
Tips and hints
Viamala Visitor InformationBodenplatz
7435 Splügen
Tel. +41 (0)81 650 90 30
info@viamala.ch
www.viamala.ch
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
Stage 4: Isola-Chiavenna: Following the course of the Liro through the shady chestnut forests of the San Giacomo Valley into Chiavenna with its air of southern charm. Leaving Isola, a country track runs along the left-hand side of the balancing reservoir to the dam wall. There is a rather steep descent down to the Liro. Keep to the left at all times until you get to the Ponte Granda Rossa. Continue along the right bank of the river, past Campodolcino (we recommend that you visit the viaSpluga Museum) and the balancing reservoir in Prestone and through one of the first large deciduous forests to the hamlet of Vho. After the plain in Vho, cross the Liro and switch river bank for a short time until Cimagangda. From here, the route continues along the right bank of the river as far as San GiacomoFilippo. Cross through the village of San Giacomo Filippo and, at the upper end of the village, rejoin the trail which rises once again to the end. Now take the high route from here via Bette to Chiavenna. The last section affords beautiful views of the town.
Public transport
Southbound by Rhaetian Railway to Thusis and by postbus to Splügen. Then by Italian bus over the Splügen Pass to Isola (Italy), Paese.Northbound by rail to Bellinzona and by postbus to Splügen, Post Office. Then by Italian bus to Isola (Italy).
www.postauto.ch (Switzerland)
www.stps.it (Italy)
By road
Southbound on the A13/E43, in the direction of San Bernardino, "Splügen/Splügenpass" exit, via the Splügen-Pass road to Isola.Northbound to Chiavenna and the Splügen-Pass road to Isola.
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