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Gravel Bike recommended route Gravel Bike  · Viamala

Montespluga Gravel Traverse

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Viamala Tourismus Verified partner 
  • Spring on the Splügen Pass
    Spring on the Splügen Pass
    Photo: demateo.com

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    Demanding, scenically impressive gravel bike tour from Hinterrhein over the Splügen Pass to Montespluga in Italy. The route combines an alpine pass road with selected gravel sections and offers an intensive high mountain experience for gravel bikers in good physical condition.
    difficult
    Distance 50.2 km
    3:40 h
    1,225 m
    1,225 m
    2,116 m
    1,456 m
    This alpine gravel bike tour leads from Hinterrhein over the historic Splügen Pass to the high-altitude mountain village of Montespluga and runs through an impressive high mountain landscape on the Swiss-Italian border.

    The starting point in Hinterrhein is around 1,600 meters above sea level and forms the starting point for a steadily ascending route along the pass axis towards Splügen. The sections along the Hinterrhein are particularly attractive, where gravel paths and quieter passages ensure a varied gravel bike experience.

    From Splügen, the continuous ascent to the Splügen Pass begins. The route runs along well-maintained pass roads and occasional gravel sections. As the altitude increases, the landscape becomes more barren and alpine. The pass at around 2,110 meters not only marks the highest point of the tour, but also the border between Switzerland and Italy.

    After crossing the pass, the route leads directly to Montespluga, a remote mountain village on the Italian side, which lies at around 1,900 meters. The surrounding area is characterized by high alpine terrain, steep flanks and the Lago di Montespluga, which is a scenic highlight of the tour. The descent takes place entirely in the alpine area above the actual Val San Giacomo.

    The tour is aimed at experienced and fit gravel bike riders. Despite the high proportion of asphalt, the altitude, gradient, exposure to the weather and individual gravel sections make for a challenging overall profile.

    Note on the opening of the pass
    The Splügen Pass is closed in winter. Find out about the current situation in advance:

    Difficulty
    difficult
    Overall difficulty
    difficult

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Experience
    Landscape
    Highest point
    2,116 m
    Lowest point
    1,456 m
    Best time of year
    Jan
    Feb
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    Jun
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    Sep
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    Track types

    Asphalt 22.68%Dirt road 0.91%Forested/wild trail 18.28%Road 58.10%
    Asphalt
    11.4 km
    Dirt road
    460 m
    Forested/wild trail
    9.2 km
    Road
    29.2 km
    Show elevation profile

    Roadbook

    Start at the parking lot in Hinterrhein. The route initially follows the valley axis towards Splügen and runs mainly on asphalt and paved paths. The village of Splügen is reached after around 12.6 km.

    From Splügen, the continuous ascent begins on the Splügen Pass road. The route runs on asphalt with an even gradient up to the top of the Splügen Pass (approx. 2,110 m above sea level), which is reached after around 21.5 km. The pass marks the border between Switzerland and Italy.

    After crossing the pass, the descent follows the same road axis in the direction of Montespluga. After around 24.3 km, the village of Montespluga is reached, followed shortly afterwards by Lake Montespluga at around 25.0 km.

    The route then leads back towards Splügen and follows the valley axis again. Splügen is passed again after around 37.6 km. The last section runs on predominantly low-traffic paths and a longer gravel section along the Hinterrhein, which begins at around 42.6 km.

    The finish point is again at the parking lot in Hinterrhein after a total of around 50.1 km.

    Public transport

    Take the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) to Thusis. From Thusis, take the PostBus in the direction of Splügen / Hinterrhein to the Hinterrhein stop. The starting point of the tour (parking lot) is within walking distance of the bus stop.

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    Montespluga Gravel Traverse

    Directions

    Take the A13 (San Bernardino route) to the Thusis-Nord or Thusis-Süd exit. Then follow the cantonal road in the direction of Splügenpass / Hinterrhein. Parking is available at the parking lot in Hinterrhein, which is also the starting and finishing point of the tour.

    Parking

    Parking lot rest area San Bernardino North

    Coordinates

    DD
    46.526707, 9.187614
    DMS
    46°31'36.1"N 9°11'15.4"E
    UTM
    32T 514388 5152588
    w3w 
    ///shadowed.remix.drifter
    Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

    Equipment

    • Gravel bike or trekking bike
    • Helmet recommended
    • Clothing suitable for the weather
    • Sufficient drinking water

    Localization

    Parts of this content were machine translated from German.

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    Difficulty
    difficult
    Overall difficulty
    difficult

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Distance
    50.2 km
    Duration
    3:40 h
    Ascent
    1,225 m
    Descent
    1,225 m
    Highest point
    2,116 m
    Lowest point
    1,456 m
    Round trip Multi-stage route Refreshment stops available Insider tip

    Weather at the starting point

    10-day forecast

    Statistics

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