May to October
4 days/3 nights
The viaSpluga represents a classic cultural hiking route within the central Alps which, throughout the centuries, has linked the towns of Thusis and Chiavenna. The route offers the opportunity to appreciate a slice of genuine history, as well as to get to know a very particular mountain terrain alongside the local population whose life has been particularly influenced by generations of travellers making their way across the Alpine pass.
Day 2: Montespluga- Isola
LENGTH: 8 km
DURATION: 3 h
DIFFERENCE IN HEIGHT: + 40 m/ - 870 m
Hotel breakfast, packed lunch and luggage transfer. 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. Dinner at the ancient Stüa of Locanda Cardinello (from 1722) to taste the tradition.
Day 3: Isola - Chiavenna
LENGTH: 18 km
DURATION: 6 h.
DIFFERENCE IN HEIGHT: + 160 m/ - 915 m
Hotel breakfast, packed lunch and luggage transfer. 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.
