Head in the clouds – Chiavenna to Val Bregaglia and Valle Spluga

Bike Touring Collection by Alvento – Italian Cycling Magazine

Tours

18:55 h

118 mi

16,100 ft

Chiavenna is on the doorstep of some spectacular mountains. An ancient town founded by the Romans, it was an important hub for trade between the Po Valley and Northern Europe. Today, Chiavenna has preserved the charm of its thousand-year history. Thanks to its fine architecture and formidable landscapes, it earned the title of Orange Flag, assigned by the Italian Touring Club to villages that are wonderful destinations to visit.

Lying on the banks of the Mara River (don’t miss the view from the bridge), it’s the natural entrance to two exceptionally beautiful valleys: the Val Bregaglia and the Valle Spluga. With Chiavenna as your base, you ride through these valleys on two separate routes. They are close, yet very different natural environments. The Val Bregaglia is more gentle and elegant, whilst the Valle Spluga is rugged and wild. They are magical places to explore.

(Adapted for komoot from 'Alvento Destinations', a book of 13 travel ideas that every cyclist should do at least once: alvento.cc/prodotto/alvento-destinations-italy-unknown/)

On The Map

Tours & Highlights

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Day #1: Head in the clouds – Chiavenna to Val Bregaglia and Valle Spluga
Difficult
10:41
66.9 mi
6.3 mph
8,075 ft
8,075 ft
Expert gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may require you to push your bike.
This first stage explores the area from Chiavenna to Sils Maria, on Swiss territory. You ride 100 kilometres (62 mi), with around 2,000 metres (6,560 ft) of elevation gain. With ancient churches, stone villages, lakes and Alpine passes, you certainly won’t get bored.
by Alvento – Italian Cycling Magazine
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Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Day #2: Your head in the clouds – Chiavenna to Val Bregaglia and Valle Spluga
Difficult
08:14
51.0 mi
6.2 mph
8,025 ft
8,025 ft
Expert gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may require you to push your bike.
A day of big climbs and beautiful scenery takes you to a gold statue and the equally glittering Monte Spluga reservoir, as well as other interesting places. This gravel ride takes in the dirt tracks between Campodolcino and Madesimo – time will fly here.
by Alvento – Italian Cycling Magazine
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