The best mountain hikes around Splügen
4.8
(15)
111
hikers
9
hikes
Mountaineering routes around Splügen offer access to the dramatic landscapes of the Swiss Alps, situated at 1457 meters above sea level in the Viamala region. This area is defined by its prominent mountain passes, including the historic Splügen Pass and San Bernardino Pass, which mark the continental divide. The terrain features deep gorges like Viamala and Roffla, high alpine peaks such as Pizzo Tambo and Surettahorn, and tranquil mountain lakes, all within the protected Beverin Nature Park.
Best mountaineering routes around Splügen
- The most popular mountaineering route is Piz Tambo – Laghetti del Tamburello loop from Splügen Pass, a 5.5 miles (8.9 km) trail that takes 6 hours 12 minutes to complete, leading to a prominent peak in the region.
- Another top favourite among local mountaineers is Upper Suretta Lake loop from Splügen, a moderate 7.6 miles (12.3 km) path. This route offers views of mountain lakes and the Surettahorn area.
- Local mountaineers also love the Mountain lake – Lago Azzurro loop from Splügen Pass, a 4.5 miles (7.2 km) trail leading through high alpine terrain to a mountain lake, often completed in about 3 hours 37 minutes.
- Mountaineering around Splügen is defined by dramatic mountain passes, deep gorges, and high alpine peaks. The network offers options for different ability levels, from moderate paths to demanding high-altitude routes.
- The routes in Splügen are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.9 stars from more than 20 reviews. More than 170 mountaineers have used komoot to explore Splügen's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 7, 2026
4.9
(10)
44
hikers
8.87km
06:13
1,020m
1,020m
Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
5.0
(1)
11
hikers
16.7km
06:51
1,210m
1,210m
Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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4.0
(2)
6
hikers
10.6km
05:30
860m
870m
Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
10
hikers
8.88km
05:12
1,040m
1,040m
Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
6
hikers
14.3km
05:27
780m
780m
Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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Tips from the Community
Be sure to leave early on weekends! It fills up quickly, and turning around (when it's full) is no fun.
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Beautifully rounded summit, often crowded, wide panoramic view
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Start at the Vals cable car. The gondola is free in summer. A simple but beautiful hike through the raised moor. At the Zervraila reservoir, return to Vals by scooter. These can be rented at the restaurant at Lake Zervraila. You return to the cable car parking lot.
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Since, as is often the case, the pass signs are completely covered with stickers, taking photos in front of them is no longer fun. Alternatively, you can use the boundary stone to take a "proof photo." On the other side of the road, there's another, smaller stone with the elevation: 2113 m.
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Next parking lot for the ascent to Piz Beverin
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Montespluga SO The mountain village of Montespluga is located at an altitude of 1908 m above sea level at the beginning of the Val San Giacomo (also called Valle Spluga), about three kilometers from the summit of the Splügen Pass. The place originated in a hollow rich in water and pastures, where the Valle Spluga meets the Val Loga, near the border peaks of the area such as Pizzo Tambo. In 1927, the construction of the dam about 2 kilometers south of Montespluga began, damming the Torrente Liro to form the Lago di Montespluga below the village. The village with its few houses, restaurants, hotels, and shops on the pass road and the old customs building "La Casa" has hardly changed. Until 1841, it housed the only hospice on the Splügen Pass and the only place of worship, the chapel of San Francesco d’Assisi. The latter was consecrated in 1832, the year after the completion of the new road to the Splügen Pass in 1822. As early as 1767, the apostolic nuncio in Switzerland and later Cardinal Luigi Valenti Gonzaga had granted permission to set up a small chapel in the hospice. Since the opening of the San Bernardino Tunnel, the pass has no longer been kept open in winter. The village, which consists of three streets (Via Dogana, Via Ferrè, and Via Val Loga), can be cut off from both Italy and Switzerland. Montespluga is the starting point for numerous hiking, mountaineering, and ski touring destinations in the surrounding mountains and a stage destination on the cross-border long-distance hiking trail Via Spluga. Text / Source: wikipedia.org https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montespluga
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Splügen Pass / Passo dello Spluga The Splügen Pass has been proven to have been used since prehistoric times. There are also references to this in Roman times, e.g. the Itinerarium Antonini, a Roman road map from around 300 AD. The very close connections between the bishoprics of Chur and Como ran over the Splügen Pass. As early as 1396, there was evidence of significant customs revenues at Splügen. The expansion of the Viamala Gorge promoted its boom. The movement of goods was carried almost exclusively by packhorses, which meant frequent reloading. Transit traffic formed an important part of the flourishing economy. As late as 1798, the Austrian Field Marshal von Bellegarde wrote: "The largest train of goods from Milan to Germany goes over this pass, but mostly on horses and mules." Between 1818 and 1823, the first road that was passable for freight wagons and stagecoaches was built at the same time as the San Bernardino, and to a large extent it still follows the same route as it was then. After that, freight volumes and international passenger traffic over the Splügen increased several times over and reached their peak in the mid-1850s. The opening of the Alpine railways (1867 Brenner, 1872 Mont Cenis) had already reduced transit traffic over the Splügen. The opening of the Gotthard Railway in 1882 brought Graubünden transit traffic to a virtual standstill. A large wave of emigration was a direct result. The decades-long efforts to build a Splügen railway ultimately failed. The construction of the national road with a car tunnel at the San Bernardino opened up new perspectives. The Splügen Pass has been closed in winter since World War II. Text / Source: Interest Group for Alpine Passes IAP, PO Box 11, 6491 Realp https://www.alpen-paesse.ch/de/alpenpaesse/spluegenpass/
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many mountaineering routes can I explore around Splügen?
There are over 10 challenging mountaineering routes available around Splügen, offering diverse experiences from moderate paths to demanding high-altitude tours. The komoot community has rated these routes highly, with an average score of 4.9 stars.
Are there any circular mountaineering routes in the Splügen area?
Yes, Splügen offers several excellent circular mountaineering routes. For a challenging experience, consider the Piz Tambo – Laghetti del Tamburello loop from Splügen Pass, which covers 5.5 miles (8.9 km) and takes about 6 hours. A moderate option is the Upper Suretta Lake loop from Splügen, spanning 7.6 miles (12.3 km).
What are some of the natural highlights I can see along the mountaineering routes?
The Splügen region is rich in natural wonders. You can encounter spectacular gorges like the Roffla Gorge with its impressive waterfall, or the historic Cardinello Gorge. Tranquil mountain lakes such as Sufnersee and Ober Surettasee are also prominent features, often providing stunning backdrops to your ascent.
Are there any easier mountaineering routes suitable for beginners in Splügen?
While many routes in Splügen are demanding, there are moderate options available. The Upper Suretta Lake loop from Splügen is classified as moderate, offering a rewarding experience without the extreme difficulty of some high-alpine ascents. It's a great way to enjoy the mountain lakes and Surettahorn area.
What is the best time of year for mountaineering in Splügen?
The best time for mountaineering in Splügen is typically during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn, when trails are clear of snow and weather conditions are more stable. This allows access to the high alpine passes and peaks. Winter offers opportunities for ski touring and snowshoeing, but traditional mountaineering routes become significantly more challenging and require specialized equipment and experience.
Are there any routes that lead to mountain lakes?
Absolutely. The region is dotted with beautiful mountain lakes. The Mountain lake – Lago Azzurro loop from Splügen Pass is a popular choice, leading through high alpine terrain directly to a stunning mountain lake. Another option is the Mountain lake – Lago Azzurro loop from Montespluga, which also offers access to these pristine waters.
What kind of terrain can I expect on mountaineering routes in Splügen?
Mountaineering routes in Splügen feature a diverse range of terrain. You'll encounter dramatic mountain passes, deep gorges, and high alpine peaks. Expect rocky paths, scree slopes, and potentially small climbing sections on more difficult routes, especially around areas like the Splügen Pass. The region is part of the Beverin Nature Park, ensuring pristine natural landscapes.
What do other mountaineers enjoy most about the routes in Splügen?
The komoot community highly rates the mountaineering routes in Splügen, with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 20 reviews. Mountaineers often praise the dramatic landscapes, the awe-inspiring mountain vistas, and the sense of adventure offered by the challenging high-alpine crossings. The historical significance of the passes and the natural beauty of the gorges and lakes are also frequently highlighted.
Are there any routes that offer panoramic viewpoints of the Alps?
Many routes in Splügen provide breathtaking panoramic views of the Swiss Alps. The region is defined by prominent peaks like Pizzo Tambo and Surettahorn, and routes leading to or around these offer expansive vistas. The journey through the Splügen Pass itself, despite its barren summit, provides spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Can I find routes that explore the historic Splügen Pass?
Yes, the historic Splügen Pass is central to the region's appeal and many routes incorporate its dramatic landscapes. The pass was a crucial trade route for over 2000 years, connecting Graubünden with Italy. While specific routes might not solely follow the pass road, they often traverse the surrounding high alpine terrain, offering a sense of its historical significance and breathtaking views.
Are there any particularly challenging or advanced mountaineering routes?
Splügen is renowned for its demanding mountain routes and high-altitude tours. For experienced mountaineers, routes like the Piz Tambo – Laghetti del Tamburello loop from Splügen Pass are classified as difficult, requiring good fitness, sure-footedness, and alpine experience. Another challenging option is the Fuorcla da Patnaul loop from Gadastatt, which involves significant elevation gain.
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