Splügen combines the character of a historic mountain pass village with activities for winter days and tours through the mountain landscape. Walser houses and palazzi shape the village’s appearance; paths through the village and regional cultural themes offer different ways to experience your trip. When planning, it’s worth deciding first whether you’re mainly interested in history and village life, winter sports, or getting active on hiking and cycling routes.
A mountain pass village with a distinctive history
Splügen’s village centre is well preserved. Stately palazzi and sun-weathered Walser houses are part of its character. In recognition of the exemplary preservation of the village’s appearance, the Swiss Heritage Society awarded it the Wakker Prize in 1995. The award makes the village’s architectural history an important way to get to know Splügen.
The history of traffic across the mountain passes also shapes how the village is seen. From the late Middle Ages until the 19th century, the transport of goods and the muleteering trade were important sources of income for the local population; from the 15th century onwards, traffic across the passes and the transit of goods grew in importance. In connection with medieval settlement, the Barons of Vazeine probably built a castle west of the village. The settlement history of the Rheinwald also includes the migration of German-speaking Walser from the south via the San Bernardino Pass in the late 13th century.
Those interested in the longer history of transit can also explore the subject on the viaSpluga cultural long-distance trail: the route between Thusis and Chiavenna brings two thousand years of transit history to life. The Rheinwald Museum explores the history and culture of the Rheinwald through historical objects, film footage, interactive stations and stories. The museum is accessible with an accompanying person.
Culture and food and drink as activities in their own right
In the historic village, the Dragon Trail brings together play, exercise and history in an experience for children and adults. Most of the trail follows village streets and paths through the historic upper village. This makes it easy to combine the walk with a look at the village’s development over time, without limiting its history to individual buildings. An optional detour of around 15 minutes leads from the trail to castle ruins with a picnic area.
SPELUCA offers another way to discover the region, with a brewery tour and beer tasting. Visitors can see how distinctive beers are made from hops, malt and Swiss spring water. Booking conditions may change, so it’s best to check them before making plans.
Winter days in Splügen-Tambo
The Splügen-Tambo ski area offers 30 kilometres of groomed ski runs for all ability levels. Cross-country skiing comes in two different forms: Tanatzhöhi has a 1.5-kilometre skating trail, while the valley has 38 kilometres of trails for both classic and skating styles. The area also has two groomed winter hiking trails. Activities are seasonal, so check current operating information and trail conditions before your trip.
The mountain station of the gondola lift in the Splügen-Tambo area is also a starting point for various tours in the snow. Their availability depends on the weather and avalanche conditions. If you’re planning such a tour, take current conditions into account rather than treating it as a guaranteed activity.
Hiking and cycling in the mountain landscape
The route to the Suretta Lakes starts in the mountain pass village of Splügen and first follows the historic mule track towards Splügen Pass, then continues to Under Surettasee and Oberer Surettasee. At Oberer Surettasee, the fishing boat can be used free of charge, at your own risk, for a trip around the lake; its use depends on conditions. The route and boat offer different ways to spend time by the lake.
For a gravel bike ride, the Splügen Gravel Bike Loop starts in the historic mountain village and heads through the high-alpine Rheinwald towards Hinterrhein. One scenic highlight is the Kapellbach Bridge, with its waterfall, barbecue area and natural swimming pool. The barbecue area and swimming pool may be weather-dependent, so it’s worth keeping conditions in mind when planning.
Getting there and practical planning
Splügen can be reached via the A13 and exit 28-Splügen. PostBus serves the village on the Chur–Bellinzona route, with a stop at Splügen Dorf. Timetables are seasonal and may change. If you’re travelling by public transport, check the current timetable for your travel date.
Seasonal differences can help you decide what to focus on: in winter, ski runs, cross-country trails and winter hiking trails take centre stage, while the routes to the Suretta Lakes and the Gravel Bike Loop offer different ways to experience the landscape and the history of the mountain passes. You can tailor your trip to the activities you actually want to do.
Discover more destinations: Medels Im Rheinwald, Tartar, Andeer, Zillis, Sils Im Domleschg, Almens, Fardün, Trans.
Go to the overview of the wider region: Hinterrhein.
