Säumerweg Avers via Cröt complete tour (4 stages)

Closed

Difficult

76.2 km

26:10 h

3005 mhd

3372 mhd

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Traversinersteg Etappe 1 Thusis-Andeer in der Viamala Schlucht

This alpine route leads from Thusis via Andeer to Cröt. From there, the hike continues through the remote Madristal to Soglio – an impressive alternative to the classic Säumerweg variant via Juf. Along the way, you will encounter quiet valleys, historic Walser houses, impressive bridges, and striking panoramas that uniquely bring nature, culture, and history to life.

Overview
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Description
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Waypoints

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Technique

Fitness

Highest Point 2724 m

Lowest Point 325 m

Best Season

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Sep

Okt

Nov

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Coordinates

46.698144, 9.440359

Details

Stage

Description

The Säumerweg Avers via Cröt is an impressive multi-day tour that leads from Thusis via the Viamala Gorge, Zillis, and Andeer into the Bergell region, continuing to Soglio and further to Chiavenna. The route fascinates with a unique mix of alpine nature, historic culture, and vibrant history.

The hike starts in Thusis and leads through the imposing Viamala Gorge before reaching Zillis with its world-famous painted church ceiling from the 12th century. Next is Andeer, where the mineral-rich water of the well-known mineral bath invites you to a well-deserved relaxation.

From Andeer, the path gently descends to Innerferrera, where it meets the historic Avers Road. At the Valle-di-Lei bridge, the Ferrera and the high valley of Avers unite. Along the way, masterful bridges, deep gorges, historic Walser houses, and quiet alpine landscapes await. Especially the artistic natural stone bridges and geological features like the sinter formations near Starlera testify to the valley's fascinating history.

From Cröt, the route crosses the remote Madris. Along the Madris Rhine, the path ascends to Sovräna in Val da la Prasgnola, up to the pass at 2,724 m a.s.l. Over the impressive stone slab staircase, once laid out for grazing animals from Bergell, exposed, chain-secured passages lead down to Soglio. The historic village with Mediterranean flair, narrow alleys, and sun-kissed stone houses forms an impressive conclusion to this stage.

The final stage runs from Soglio through chestnut forests and the Bergell to Chiavenna. Along the way, historic villages, waterfalls, vineyards, and cultural highlights like the Palazzo Vertemate invite discoveries. After crossing the border, the Italian Bergell opens up with charming villages and a Mediterranean atmosphere. The tour ends in lively Chiavenna, where traditional Grotti, the glacier mills of Marmitte dei Giganti, and Italian lifestyle await.

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Hidden Gem

Viamala Gorge: Carved into the massive rock by glacial ice and the Hinterrhein river water thousands of years ago, the Viamala Gorge still reveals vibrant traces of a fascinating history today.
St. Martin's Church in Zillis: Admire the world-famous Romanesque painted ceiling – a medieval masterpiece.
Mineral Bath Andeer: Relax in the warm water and enjoy the healing effect of the spring.
Historic Avers Road: An old traffic route with impressive retaining walls, natural stone bridges, and geological special features.
Val Madris & Stone Slab Staircase: Experience the pristine landscape and historic cattle drive route.
Soglio: Explore the Mediterranean village atmosphere, narrow alleys, and traditional stone houses.
Acquafraggia Waterfalls & Palazzo Vertemate in Chiavenna: Experience powerful waterfalls and Renaissance architecture as highlights of the final stage.
Gelato in Chiavenna: A refreshing Italian ice cream as a reward after the hike.

Safety Note

This hike requires surefootedness, a head for heights, and good fitness. The section from Pass de la Prasgnola down to Soglio is particularly demanding: the trail markings (white-red-white) can be difficult to see in bad weather or limited visibility. Good weather conditions are therefore a prerequisite for this route.

Equipment

Sturdy mountain hiking boots, weatherproof clothing, and sufficient provisions are essential. Hiking poles can additionally increase safety and comfort on steep sections.

Directions

For hikers interested in the alternative route of the Säumerweg, we recommend the original route from Innerferrera via Juf to Soglio. This variant leads from section 2 over a different path through the high alpine landscape and is divided into 5 stages. It also offers impressive views, historical insights, and the opportunity to explore the alpine region in another varied way.

Säumerweg Avers complete tour (5 stages)

Waypoints

Bus Station Viamala

Thusis, Bahnhof

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Book Store Viamala

Regionalbibliothek Thusis

Young and old bookworms alike get their money's worth in the library on Neudorfstrasse in the centre of Thusis.

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Canyon Viamala

Viamala gorge

Visit the Viamala Gorge and experience this impressive monument up close. A worthwhile excursion destination even in bad weather!

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Viewpoint Viamala

Photo spot Viamala Gorge

The Grand Tour of Switzerland photo spot is located in the heart of the Viamala Gorge and is easily accessible.

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Bridge Viamala

Wildener Bridge

Both the Roman path and the later main route from 1472 once led through the narrowest section of the gorge on the west side in the centre of the Viamala Gorge.

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Bridge Viamala

Pùnt da Suransuns

Narrow and straightforward, this bridge is part of the hiking trail network - for once not over the abyss of the Viamala, but directly over the Rhine, which rests here in a shimmering blue bay before plunging further through the gorge.

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Castle Viamala

Castle Haselstein

Haselstein has served as a cultural castle for the Schams region and as the basis for castle preservation in Graubünden since 1983.

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Church Viamala

Casti Reformed Church

The listed reformed church in Casti in the south-east of the village stands on a rocky outcrop.

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City Viamala

Clugin

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Church Viamala

Andeer Reformed Church

The reformed church in Andeer is an evangelical-reformed place of worship at the northern entrance to the village.

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Group accommodation Gemeindehaus Andeer (tom_tds00020012930535039_image)

Hostel Viamala

Gruppenunterkunft Gemeindehaus Andeer

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Canyon Viamala

Roffla gorge

Close-up impressions of the Roffla Gorge as you hear the roar of a waterfall and can even make your way beneath the Rhine.

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Mountain Hut Viamala

Gruppenunterkunft Schulhaus Ausserferrera

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Museum Viamala

Innerferrera Mining Museum

The mining museum imparts impressions from the days when the mines were in operation. Information is given about ore mining, transportation and former iron, copper, lead and silver smelting and about the smelting plants.

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Bus Station Viamala

Avers, Cröt

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