Hiking trophy: in the footsteps of the Romans along the Viamala

Hiking trails & Routes

Hiking trophy: in the footsteps of the Romans along the Viamala

Hard

4.9

(82)

323

hikers

Hiking trophy: in the footsteps of the Romans along the Viamala

04:03

10.7km

580m

Hiking

On the Viamala, the "bad path," you hike from Thusis to Zillis, crossing a breathtaking gorge. The Romans, and then the mule drivers, used this then-very dangerous route to transport goods and livestock. Starting from Thusis train station, you climb a steep climb up to Hohen Rätien Castle – a…

by Graubünden

Last updated: June 16, 2025

Tips

Includes a segment that may be dangerous

A part of this route comprises technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience may be required.

After 5.65 km for 254 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

1.95 km

Hohen Rätien Castle

Highlight • Castle

The romantic Hohen Rätien castle towers 946 meters above the town of Thusis. It is assumed that the castle complex was built long before Roman times (around 1,800 BC). To …

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4.67 km

Traversinersteg Suspension Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

Crossing the Traversinersteg requires a bit of courage, but only a bit. Once you've stepped onto the wooden bridge that's 56 meters above the ground, it's not that bad. On …

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4.95 km

Viamala Gorge

Highlight • Gorge

The Viamala Gorge is a must-see when visiting Graubünden. It is a place where you will have to hold your breath in amazement. The steep rock walls reach 300 metres …

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10.7 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

5.47 km

3.25 km

883 m

672 m

171 m

158 m

119 m

Surfaces

6.71 km

1.43 km

1.34 km

893 m

154 m

140 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Monday 12 October

15°C

3°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 4.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

July 5, 2025,5. Tag Sommerwandern 2025 Viamala

From Thusis to Zillis on the Viamala. Avoiding the summer heat and walking through the gorge wasn't a bad idea at all. Although the elevation gain is manageable, you'll quickly work up a sweat. In Thusis, we ascend directly to Hohenrätien Castle, avoiding the "detour" via Ehrenfels Castle. The trail leads over numerous roots, stones, steps, streambeds, scree, bridges, and …

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June 15, 2023,Wanderung Zillis über Viamalaschlucht nach Thusis

Moderately difficult tour, sure-footedness and a head for heights required.
We do not recommend hiking over the Traversinersteg during periods of wet weather because of the crossing of scree sections.

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May 17, 2025

On the Viamala, the "bad path," you hike from Thusis to Zillis, crossing a breathtaking gorge. The Romans, and then the mule drivers, used this then-very dangerous route to transport goods and livestock. Starting from Thusis train station, you climb a steep climb up to Hohen Rätien Castle – a place steeped

Translated by Google •