ViaSpluga: Stage 1

• Viamala Gorge: carved out of the solid rock thousands of years ago by glacial ice and the waters of the Hinterrhein river, the Viamala Gorge still bears vivid traces of its fascinating history.
• Painted ceiling of St. Martin's Church in Zillis: the Romanesque painted ceiling is world-famous. It has made St. Martin's Church the ‘Sistine Chapel of the Alps’

Stage 1 Thusis - Zillis/Andeer
The trail leads us either over the Traversinersteg (mountain hiking trail) or through the Verlorene Loch (longer section on asphalt road) to the famous Viamala Gorge. The hike continues via Reischen to Zillis. The 12th-century St. Martin's Church with its world-famous ceiling is well worth a visit. The life of Christ and an entire medieval world view are depicted on 153 excellently preserved panels. If you have booked a room in Andeer, the hike continues through the dreamy villages of Donat and Clugin to the well-known spa resort of Andeer.

The viaSpluga is a cultural and long-distance hiking trail in the central Alps that has connected German-speaking Grisons, Romansh, Walser and Lombards, and the two towns of Thusis and Chiavenna for centuries. The viaSpluga runs largely along historic mule tracks, the original structure of which has been largely preserved or restored. The viaSpluga is approximately 68 km long in total.

• Book viaSpluga now!

Hike comfortably from accommodation to accommodation and benefit from luggage transport included in the price. The tours can also be made easier by using public transport.

Stage 1: Thusis/Sils i.D. – Zillis/Andeer
Since summer 2005, there have been two Viamala routes available for the first stage of the viaSpluga. One, which takes you through the Lost Hole ("Verlorene Loch"), is very varied and is not particularly difficult. However, it is important to mention that it runs along the old trading route ("Alte Kommerzialstrasse") and the road has a tarmac surface.

The main route, which is known as the "Veia Traversina", runs from Sils i.D. via Hohenrätien Castle and the new Traversinersteg (suspended footbridge) into the Viamala Gorge. It is of great historic interest, although it is considerably more challenging than the "Verlorenes Loch" option.

At the Viamala Visitors Centre, the trail continues along the road up the Rhine for 250 m, before veering off to the left. You then proceed along stone steps to the Posterior Rhine (Hinterrhein). After crossing the Punt da Suransuns, continue along the right side of the Rhine to the Val da Bargias streamlet. The trail then carries on left to Reischen.

At the end of the road, take the woodland path to the Cultira Dafora hill. You later proceed to Reischen and Zillis via the old wooden bridge. The route continues from here to Andeer via Donat and Clugin.