Campodolcino: Gorge, ViaSpluga and Culture

Campodolcino offers a variety of things to see and do during your stay: the Caurga della Rabbiosa gorge, the Pian dei Cavalli high plateau, historic routes and MUVIS. There are also leisure activities and winter pursuits.

Gorge and high plateau

Caurga della Rabbiosa is a deep gorge carved out by the Rabbiosa stream. A Tibetan bridge spans the gorge. It is 70 metres long and 45 metres high—dimensions that give a clear sense of the depth of the gorge.

Pian dei Cavalli has a different landscape: this vast high plateau includes pastures, limestone rocks, caves and sinkholes. It is also an archaeological site where traces of Mesolithic hunter-gatherer groups have been found. Here, distinctive landforms meet evidence of early human activity.

Historic paths and routes

ViaSpluga is a historic hiking trail of around 70 kilometres between Thusis in Switzerland and Chiavenna. Its Italian section passes through Campodolcino. The route follows an ancient transport link used to cross the Alps since Roman times. Those interested in the trail can learn about its length and endpoints, as well as its connection to the history of Alpine travel.

The “Anello ciclabile Campodolcino–Isola–Pian dei Cavalli–Campodolcino” cycling loop passes through Isola and Starleggia before returning to Campodolcino. The Angeloga Loop takes a different direction: it passes through Campodolcino and Fraciscio, continuing to Alpe Angeloga. The routes can therefore be distinguished by their stated itineraries: one is a loop returning to Campodolcino, while the other continues to Alpe Angeloga. Trail conditions may vary; take them into account when planning your trip.

MUVIS and the valley’s history

MUVIS is housed in a historic 16th-century building in the hamlet of Corti. It focuses on the history and culture of a valley traversed by ViaSpluga. The exhibition areas cover traditional crafts, winter tourism, the typical home, women’s work, historic games and transport along ViaSpluga. The exhibition topics may gradually evolve.

The connection with ViaSpluga is presented in two different contexts: as a historic transport link and as a museum topic. At MUVIS, exhibits on crafts, homes and women’s work complement the exploration of the route with aspects of life and culture in the valley.

Outdoor leisure

SplugaPark adventure park is located in the Mottala basin of Campodolcino, between Fraciscio and Gualdera. Its course features include Tibetan bridges, elevated walkways, zip lines, ropes, nets and tree-to-tree courses. The Tibetan bridge at Caurga della Rabbiosa and the bridges at SplugaPark are therefore associated with different places and activities.

Acqua Merla is a green park near the centre of Campodolcino, with water features and opportunities to relax outdoors. The park includes the “Serpentone”: a long water channel with bends, small tunnels and gentle slopes. Alongside routes and courses, it offers a place to enjoy outdoor leisure activities involving water.

Winter activities and altitudes

The Valchiavenna ski area between Madesimo and Campodolcino offers more than 40 kilometres of slopes for alpine skiing. As the available slopes may change over time, check the current piste map when planning your trip. In winter, Campodolcino also offers Nordic walking, ski mountaineering and snowshoeing; these activities depend on snow conditions. Alpine skiing and other forms of winter activity can therefore be considered as distinct options.

To travel between two altitudes, the underground Sky Express funicular connects Campodolcino, at 1,082 metres, with the hamlet of Motta, at 1,721 metres. Campodolcino and Motta are thus linked by a specific transport service, and their elevations differ by 639 metres.

Discover more destinations: Delebio, Albaredo Per San Marco, Borgonuovo, San Cassiano, Albosaggia, Buglio In Monte, Tovo Di Sant’agata, Chiareggio.

For the overview of the wider area: Sondrio.