Montespluga Gravel Traverse

This alpine gravel bike tour leads from Hinterrhein over the historic Splügen Pass to the high-altitude mountain village of Montespluga and runs through an impressive high mountain landscape on the Swiss-Italian border.

The starting point in Hinterrhein is located at around 1,600 metres above sea level and forms the starting point for a steadily ascending route along the pass axis towards Splügen. The sections along the Hinterrhein are particularly charming, where gravel paths and quieter passages provide a varied gravel bike experience.

From Splügen the continuous ascent to the Splügen Pass begins. The route runs here on well-developed pass roads and occasionally on gravel sections. With increasing altitude, the landscape becomes more barren and alpine. The top of the pass at around 2,110 metres marks not only the highest point of the tour, but also the border between Switzerland and Italy.

After crossing the pass, the route leads directly to Montespluga, a remote mountain village on the Italian side, which is located at around 1,900 meters. The surrounding area is characterized by high alpine terrain, steep flanks and the Lago di Montespluga, which is a scenic highlight of the tour. The descent takes place entirely in the alpine area above the actual Val San Giacomo.

The tour is aimed at experienced and fit gravel bike riders. Despite the high proportion of asphalt, altitude, gradient, weather exposure and individual gravel passages make for a challenging overall profile.

Start at the car park in Hinterrhein. The route first follows the valley axis towards Splügen and runs mainly on asphalt and paved paths. After about 12.6 km, the village of Splügen is reached.

From Splügen, the continuous ascent begins on the Splügen Pass road. The route runs on asphalt with a steady incline to the top of the Splügen Pass (approx. 2,110 m above sea level), which is reached after about 21.5 km. The top of the pass marks the border between Switzerland and Italy.

After crossing the pass, the descent follows the same road axis towards Montespluga. After about 24.3 km, the village of Montespluga is reached, shortly afterwards Lake Montespluga at about 25.0 km.

The route then leads back towards Splügen and follows the valley axis again. After about 37.6 km, Splügen is passed again. The last section runs on mostly low-traffic paths and a longer gravel section along the Hinterrhein, which starts at around 42.6 km.

After a total of about 50.1 km, the finish point is back at the car park in Hinterrhein.