Discover Splügen

Splügen is a typical pass village with a well-preserved townscape, imposing palazzi and sun-darkened Walser houses. When planning your trip, there are two different perspectives to consider: the history of the village and the routes that let you explore the pass landscape.

Townscape and transit history

Its exemplary preservation of the townscape was recognised in 1995 with the Wakker Prize awarded by the Swiss Heritage Society. Historic traffic across the passes is also part of the village’s history: from the 15th century onwards, pass traffic and the transit of goods grew in importance. From the Late Middle Ages to the 19th century, transporting goods and working as a muleteer were important sources of income for the local population. The settlement history of the Rheinwald also includes the migration of German-speaking Walser from the south over the San Bernardino Pass in the late 13th century.

The viaSpluga cultural long-distance trail between Thusis and Chiavenna brings two thousand years of transit history to life. The Rheinwald Museum offers another way to explore the history and culture of the Rheinwald: its interactive exhibition combines historical objects, film footage, interactive stations and stories. The museum is accessible to visitors accompanied by another person.

Trails through the village and landscape

In the historic village of Splügen, the Dragon Trail brings together play, exercise and history for an experience for children and adults alike. Most of the route follows village streets and paths through the historic upper village. An optional detour of around 15 minutes leads to castle ruins with a picnic area.

Another route option leads towards the Splügen Pass and the Suretta Lakes. The trail starts in the pass village of Splügen, initially follows the historic muleteers’ route, then continues to the Lower Suretta Lake and the Upper Suretta Lake. At the Upper Suretta Lake, you can use the fishing boat free of charge and at your own risk for a trip around the lake; use depends on conditions.

The Splügen Gravel Bike Loop starts in the historic mountain village and runs through the high-alpine Rheinwald region towards Hinterrhein. A scenic highlight is the Kapellbach bridge, with its waterfall, barbecue area and natural swimming pool. Route conditions vary with the weather; the barbecue area and natural swimming pool may also be weather-dependent. So this route offers more than just cycling—it also features specific points of interest in the landscape.

Winter activities and seasonal planning

The Splügen-Tambo ski area has 30 kilometres of groomed ski runs for all ability levels. Operating details may vary by season, so it is worth checking the latest information before your trip. For cross-country skiing, you can choose from different trail lengths and styles: Tanatzhöhi has a 1.5-kilometre skating trail; in the valley, there are 38 kilometres of trails for classic and skating styles. Two groomed winter hiking trails round out the options.

The mountain station of the gondola in the Splügen-Tambo area is the starting point for various snow tours. Their availability depends on weather and avalanche conditions. For planning, it helps to distinguish between the listed activities: the cross-country trails are described by length and style, while the specific conditions are what matter for snow tours.

Getting to Splügen

PostAuto serves Splügen on the Chur–Bellinzona route, and there is a PostAuto stop in the village. As timetables are seasonal and may change, it is best to check them for your travel dates. By car, Splügen can be reached via the A13 and exit 28-Splügen.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Medels Im Rheinwald, Fardün, Paspels, Tartar, Flerden, Sufers, Feldis, Almens.

Back to the main travel overview: Hinterrhein.