Via Valtellina (Route Nr. 30)

Long-distance cultural hike with luggage transfer

Wine from the Veltlin valley in Italy has been enjoyed in Graubünden and the Austrian Vorarlberg for centuries. The wine called "Veltliner" by the locals was brought over the Bernina Pass to the Engadin valley and over the Scaletta Pass to Davos by the pack animals. From Davos it was taken over the Schlappinerjoch to the Vorarlberg in Austria. Naturally, the transporting of this vine today is easier but this old transport route still comes alive with the hiking route Via Valtellina. 

You can follow in the footsteps of the pack animals and experience the traditional cultures of the three Alpine countries Italy, Austria and Switzerland and discover the diversity of the three language regions. 

On your way south, you will get to know parts of the Austrian Montafon valley and reach the municipality of Klosters via the Schlappinerjoch. You continue to urban Davos and walk through the wild and romantic Dischma Valley over the Scalettapass into the Engadin valley. This romanisch-speaking region is one of the most popular holiday destination in the Alpine region. The small village of Cinuos-chel and the well-knwon resort of Pontresina are your next stops. The hike towards Bernina Pass and Alp Grüm will be unforgettable. Poschiavo is the next stop and is part of the italian-speaking part of Graubünden. We have chosen a cozy mountain inn with lots of charm and a fantastic panoramic view for your overnight stay on the Alpe San Romerio. After the descent to Tirano (Italy) your hiking trip ends but not your experience. You will be thrilled by the small Italian town Tirano with the Palazzo Salis. Your return journey with the Rhaetian Railway over the Bernina Pass to Pontresina and the Albula route to Chur will be unforgettable. 

You will be delighted by the return journey with the Rhaetian Railway from Tirano to Chur. The train negotiates the 55 tunnels, 169 bridges and inclines of up to 70 per mille with ease. At the highest point on the RhB, 2'253 metres above sea level, you will find the Ospizio Bernina. Here, visitors can delight in the cultural and natural surroundings and enjoy the Alps at their most impressive. the railway line from Tirano - Valposchiavo until Thusis has UNESCO World Heritage status. Thanks to the modern panoramic cars, you will enjoy unrestricted views of the unspoilt Alpine panorama.