Passo dello Spluga (Splügenpass in German, 2,113m) is where Switzerland meets Italy over one of the Alps’ most dramatic crossings. With its famous hairpin wall on the Italian side, ancient Roman trade route history, and position connecting two distinct cultures, Spluga offers cycling that’s both challenging and historically rich.
Why Spluga Is Special
The Italian Wall: The southern approach features a spectacular section with hairpins carved into a near-vertical cliff face—dramatic even by alpine standards.
Historical Via Spluga: This has been a trans-Alpine route since Roman times. Medieval merchants, armies, and traders all crossed here.
Two Countries, One Pass: Start in Switzerland’s German-speaking region, finish in Italy’s Lombardy—experience two cultures in one ride.
Less Crowded: Compared to nearby Bernina or St. Gotthard, Spluga sees less traffic—more solitude.
Engineering Marvel: The road construction, especially the Italian hairpin section, showcases impressive 19th-century engineering.
The Routes
From SplĂĽgen, Switzerland (North)
Stats:
- Distance: 10 km
- Elevation gain: 648m
- Average gradient: 6.5%
- Maximum gradient: 10%
Character: Steady, consistent climbing through Swiss alpine meadows and forest.
From Chiavenna, Italy (South) - The Spectacular Way
Stats:
- Distance: 29 km (from Chiavenna)
- Distance: 13 km (from Campodolcino, more typical start)
- Elevation gain: 1,585m (from Chiavenna)
- Elevation gain: 855m (from Campodolcino)
- Average gradient: 6-7%
- Maximum gradient: 12%
Key Feature: The famous hairpin wall (Muro di Montespluga) after Montespluga village.
Character: Long valley approach, then dramatic hairpin section carved into cliff face.
Climbing from SplĂĽgen (North/Swiss Side)
Km 0-4: Leaving Splügen Gradient: 6-7% Pleasant climbing through Swiss countryside. Alpine meadows, traditional chalets, very “Swiss.”
Km 4-7: Forest Section Gradient: 7-8% Sustained climbing through forest. Steady, rhythmic climbing.
Km 7-10: Upper Alpine Gradient: 6-7% Emerging above treeline. Views expand. Final approach to summit.
Summit:
- Small hospice/hotel (often closed outside peak season)
- Italian/Swiss border marker
- Usually quieter than major tourist passes
- Views of surrounding peaks
Climbing from Chiavenna/Campodolcino (South/Italian Side)
Most cyclists start from Campodolcino (Italian valley town) rather than all the way down in Chiavenna, making it 13km instead of 29km.
From Campodolcino:
Km 0-6: Valley Climbing Gradient: 5-7% Gradual valley approach. Italian villages, changing scenery as you gain altitude.
Km 6-8: Approaching Montespluga Gradient: 6-8% Sustained climbing toward Montespluga village (small settlement at reservoir).
Km 8-10: The Hairpin Wall (Muro di Montespluga) Gradient: 10-12% THE signature section. Multiple tight hairpins carved into cliff face. Spectacular, dramatic, and challenging. This is what Spluga is famous for.
Km 10-13: Final Section to Summit Gradient: 6-8% After the hairpin wall, steady climbing across more open terrain to the summit.
Summit: Same hospice as northern approach.
The Hairpin Wall (Muro di Montespluga)
What Makes It Special:
- Carved directly into vertical cliff face
- Multiple 180° hairpins stacked above each other
- Exposed—sheer drops with minimal barriers
- Engineering marvel from 1820s-30s
- Visible from distance—you can see the road zigzagging up impossible terrain
Climbing It:
- Gradient: 10-12%
- Technical: tight hairpins require careful line choice
- Exposed: heights can be intimidating for some
- Spectacular: stop for photos (if traffic allows)
Photography: This section is extremely photogenic—budget time.
Best Time to Ride
Season: Typically open June through October, weather permitting.
Optimal:
- July-August: Most reliable weather
- September: Excellent conditions, fewer tourists, autumn colors
- Avoid May-early June: Often still closed due to snow
Time of Day: Morning starts provide cooler temperatures and better light on the Italian hairpin wall.
Traffic Note: Much less crowded than major tourist passes. Weekdays can be very quiet.
Practical Strategy
Which Direction?:
- Italian side (south): More spectacular, includes famous hairpin wall
- Swiss side (north): Shorter, steadier, less dramatic
- Recommendation: Climb Italian side to experience the hairpin wall
Starting Point:
- Campodolcino, Italy: Most common start (13km climb)
- Chiavenna: If you want full 29km challenge
- SplĂĽgen, Switzerland: For Swiss-side ascent
Pacing: The Italian hairpin wall section is steep (10-12%)—manage effort here to have energy for remaining kilometers.
Gearing: 34x32 minimum. The hairpin wall at 10-12% demands easy gears.
Fueling: From Campodolcino, it’s 50-80 minutes—fuel before starting, carry water and snacks.
Clothing:
- Summit can be cold and windy
- The hairpin wall is exposed—wind possible
- Standard alpine layering
Border Crossing: No checks—free movement between Switzerland and Italy. Carry ID anyway.
Difficulty Rating
Advanced to Intermediate: The Italian side with the hairpin wall is genuinely challenging. The Swiss side is more moderate.
Comparison:
- Italian side similar to: Other serious alpine passes (Gavia, steeper sections of Stelvio)
- Swiss side similar to: Moderate Swiss passes (easier than Furka)
- The hairpin wall: Unique feature, adds difficulty and drama
What to Expect
Physical (Italian Side): The hairpin wall is hard—sustained 10-12% on technical hairpins. The rest is standard alpine climbing.
Mental: The exposed hairpin wall can be intimidating—vertical drops with minimal barriers. If you’re comfortable with heights, it’s thrilling. If not, it might be nerve-wracking.
Scenery: The hairpin wall is spectacular. The rest of the route offers good alpine scenery but the wall is the highlight.
Traffic: Light compared to major passes. You might have long stretches with no cars.
Road Surface: Generally good, though some rougher sections exist.
Cultural Transition: Experience Swiss precision on north side, Italian character on south side.
Historical Context
Via Spluga: Ancient trans-Alpine route. Romans used it, medieval traders crossed it, armies traversed it.
Strategic Importance: Connected Germanic and Italian regions—historically significant.
Modern Era: Less important since construction of railway tunnels and modern highways elsewhere, but remains a beautiful cycling route.
The Descent
Descending the Hairpin Wall:
- Technical and potentially intimidating
- Tight hairpins with exposed drops
- Brake early and conservatively
- Watch for vehicles coming uphill
- Some riders prefer descending the Swiss side instead
Swiss Side Descent:
- More straightforward
- Gentler, safer
- Good option if uncomfortable with technical descents
Combining with Other Passes
SplĂĽgen + Bernina: Two-pass day connecting to famous Bernina Pass
- Epic day (~100+ km depending on exact route)
- Two distinct, spectacular passes
San Bernardino Alternative: Nearby San Bernardino Pass offers alternative Swiss-Italian crossing
Multi-Day Options: Explore multiple passes in the area over 2-3 days
Accommodation
Italian Side:
- Campodolcino: Small town, limited but adequate accommodation
- Chiavenna: Larger town, more options, further from pass
Swiss Side:
- SplĂĽgen: Small Swiss village, limited accommodation
Summit: Historically had hospice/hotel but often closed—don’t rely on it.
Recommendation: Book ahead in peak season. Options are limited.
Why Ride Spluga
Spluga offers something beyond pure difficulty or altitude: it offers drama. That hairpin wall carved into the cliff face is genuinely spectacular—photos don’t do it justice.
Perfect For:
- Those seeking less-crowded alpine passes
- Cyclists who appreciate engineering and history
- Riders comfortable with exposed roads
- Anyone exploring Swiss-Italian border region
Not Ideal For:
- Those uncomfortable with heights/exposure
- Riders seeking major tourist infrastructure
- First-time alpine cyclists (try easier passes first)
The Hairpin Wall: This section alone makes Spluga worthwhile. It’s unique, dramatic, and memorable.
When you climb those hairpins carved into the vertical cliff face, with sheer drops to your right and rock wall to your left, you’ll experience one of the Alps’ most dramatic road sections. Then reaching the summit and crossing from Italy into Switzerland completes an experience that’s been undertaken for over 2,000 years—you’re part of a long tradition.
The combination of the spectacular hairpin wall, historical significance, cultural border crossing, and relative solitude makes Spluga a hidden gem of alpine cycling.
Discover stunning cycling wallpapers for your motivation.
