VIA SPLUGA THE HISTORICAL TRAIL ACROSS THE SPLUGENPASS
The Via Spluga with the Via Septimer and Via Bregaglia are three classic and cultural hiking routes in the central Alps which, throughout the centuries, have linked the town of Chiavenna to the towns on the north side of the alps, over the passes of Splugen (2115m), Septimer (2311m) and Maloja(1815m).
They bring together people from Grigione, Rhaeto-Romance, Walser and the population of Lombardia. Most of the Via Bregaglia, Via Spluga and Via Septimer paths wind their ways gently along old mule tracks which have either maintained their original characteristics or have at least been restored to something like their natural state.
The routes, as well as offering the opportunity to appreciate a piece of genuine history, also permit the walker to get to know a very particular mountain terrain in company with the local population.
The Via Spluga trail connects Chiavenna to Thusis over Splugenpass (About 60km) and the exemplary villages of Campodolcino, Splugen and Andeer. Exceptional points are the canyons of Cardinello and Via Mala.
It is possible to enjoy a shorter part of the Via Spluga Trail with 2 days of trip, from Splugen to Campodolcino. In summer a daily bus connects these two villages.
Organised trips (2 or 3 days) are available directly at the local tourist offices and on the official website: Via Spluga
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WHAT TO DO ON THE VIA SPLUGA AND IN THE NEARBY REGION
ON THE TRAIL
1. Discover the deep canyon of the Via Mala.
2. Visit the popolar church of Zillis, famous for its wooden ceiling.
3. Realx in the hot water of the Andeer therme.
4. Walk in the characteristic alpine village of Splugen.
5. Celebrate with a selfie your long trail on the top of the Splugenpass, the highest point of the Via Spluga.
6. Enjoy the view of the Montespluga lake.
7. Trekking along the Cardinello canyon.
8. Visit the Palaz historical museum in Campodolcino.
9. Spend few days in Chiavenna. Enjoy the Brisaola, visit a typical Crotto and discover its cosy historical center.
IN THE NEARBY REGION
1. Climbing and Alpinism on the Piz Badile and in the Albigna valley.
2. Vertemate Franchi Palace, in the town of Prosto, a fascinating villa of the XVI century, with an italian garden.
3. Discover the panoramic village of Soglio, the terrace of Val Bregaglia.
4. Ela Park, the biggest natural park of Switzerland, a paradise for wilderness lovers.
5. Ski, Freeride in Lenzerheide, in Savognin, in Bivio and in St. Moritz.
6. Reach by bike or motorbike, the top of the epics Julier pass and Albula pass.
7. Visit the beautiful lakes of Engadin
8. Alpinism, skiing and freeride in Valle Spluga and in the Madesimo ski area.
WHERE TO SLEEP ON THE VIA SPLUGA - HOTELS, B&B, APARTMENTS
Via Spluga is an historical trail between Thusis and Chiavenna, across the Splugen pass. On the Via Spluga it is possible to find an accomodation in the villages of the Rhein valley and Spluga Valley.
Thanks to pictures, facilities informations and reviews, You can check easly the availability of Hotels, B&B and Holiday Houses and book the best solution for You, using this links:
BOOKING - HOTELS B&B HOLIDAY HOUSES IN SPLUGEN - RHEIN VALLEY
BOOKING - HOTELS B&B HOLIDAY HOUSES IN MADESIMO - SPLUGA VALLEY
HOW TO GET TO THE VIA SPLUGA
The Splugen pass (2115m) is located between Switzerland (Splugen) and Italy (Madesimo - Montespluga).
The Splugen pass is reachble by car and is connected by pubblic busses in summer only, from Chiavenna and Splugen.
By train:
From Chur or St. Moritz to Thusis, then 40 min by bus to reach Splugen.
From Milan to Chiavenna in italy, then 60 min by bus to reach Montespluga.
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VALLEE BLANCHE FREERIDE SULLA MER DE GLACE
An unmissable itinerary in the heart of the Mont Blanc group, the freeride along the Vallée Blanche is a winter classic of Courmayeur and Chamonix. From Punta Helbronner or the Auguille du Midi, both accessible by cable car, you can run your skis along the Mer de Glace glacier to Chamonix.
- WHAT TO DO IN COURMAYEUR, CHAMONIX AND NEARBY
- WHERE TO SLEEP IN COURMAYEUR AND CHAMONIX
- HOW TO GET TO COURMAYEUR AND CHAMONIX
The adventure can start at the Skyway cable car in Courmayeur, going up to the station of Punta Helbronner (3466 m), or at the Compagnie du Mont-Blanc cable car in Chamonix going up to the station of the Aiguille du Midi (3842 m).
"Our first time at Punta Helbronner was with the old cable car, cramped in the small blue cabin, and then skiing down the beautiful Vallée Blanche, an experience documented in our videos ExplorAlp. The beautiful and windless day gave us an unforgettable ski trip to Chamonix.
The skis run fast on the plateau, next to big seracs and above the crevasses. It looks like a big ski slope, but we are at high altitude between the peaks of Mont Blanc. You have to remember this and have respect for this wonderful environment, but still strict...
Be careful and have fun!"
Lorenzo e Paolo
Once you reach the top station of the cable car, a short stretch on foot gives access to the Mont Blanc glacier plateau (from the Auiguile di Midi the first stretch is on a ridge area but equipped with fixed ropes). Here begins your descent on skis, along the Vallee Blanche, in a unique environment in the Alps.
Around you the highest and most epic peaks in Europe, for the history of mountaineering, such as Mont Blanc-Mont Blanc, the Grand Jorasses, the Petit Dru, the Dente del Gigante, and the Grand Capucin.
In the final part of the Vallee Blanche, at the end of the Mer de Glace glacier, it is necessary to take off your skis and walk up a stretch (about 20min.) to reach the connecting road to Chamonix, which can be covered on skis.
SAFETY ALONG THE VALLEE BLANCHE
It should be remembered that the starting altitude on skis is around 3450m, the altitude will be felt on your legs.
The route runs along imposing seracs and over numerous glacier crevasses. We recommend the descent with the complete avalanche kit, Artva, shovel, and probe. Wearing a mountaineering harness, with high attached lanyard and a protective helmet is essential.
In recent years, due to the retreat of the glaciers and the reduced presence of snow, the risk of falling into a crevasse has risen considerably even with skis.
Certainly, the descent in the company of a certified mountain guide can guarantee your safety, as well as offering you stories of the peaks that surround you.
This valley is full of anecdotes linked to the epic history of mountaineering and Mont Blanc.
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WHAT TO DO IN COURMAYEUR, IN CHAMONIX AND IN THE NEARBY REGION
1. Take the futuristic SkyWay cable car to Helbronner Point.
2. Stroll along with the characteristic Via Roma and Viale Monte Bianco, in the center of Courmayeur.
3. Adrenaline on skis along the off-piste routes around Courmayeur.
4. Reach the pretty Sanctuary of Notre-Dame de Guérison.
5. Visit the famous Museum of the House of Mountain Guides.
6. Don't miss the Mont Blanc ultra trail at the end of August.
7. Immerse yourself in nature in Val Ferret and reach the Bonatti Refuge.
8. Relax at the historic Pré Saint Didier Spa and the new Chamonix Spa.
9. Reach Chamonix on skis through the Vallée Blanche along the Mer de Glace glacier.
10. Take the perfect picture of Mont Blanc from the Belvedere d'Arpy.
11. Walk along the long Val Veny to the famous Miage glacier and lake.
12. Excursion for the whole family to Lac Blanc and Lacs du Cheseryscon.
13. Reach the Mer de Glace glacier with the Chamonix-Montenvers train.
14. Taste Europe's highest sparkling wine in Mourgeux.
15. Don't miss the typical products of Valle d'Aosta, Fontina, Toma di Gressoney, Lardo di Arnad, and Jambon De Bosses.
16. Book a panoramic flight between the walls of Mont Blanc and Mont Blanc.
WHERE TO SLEEP IN COURMAYEUR AND CHAMONIX - HOTELS, B&B, APARTMENTS
Courmayeur is located in the upper Aosta Valley at the foot of Mont Blanc, Chamonix on the French side and offers many hotels, B&B and holiday homes.
Thanks to pictures, facilities informations and reviews, You can check easly the availability of Hotels, B&B and Holiday Houses in Courmayeur and Chamonix and book the best solution for You, using this links:
BOOKING - HOTELS B&B HOLIDAY HOUSES IN COURMAYEUR
BOOKING - HOTELS B&B HOLIDAY HOUSES IN CHAMONIX
HOW TO GET TO COURMAYEUR AND CHAMONIX
COURMAYEUR:
Courmayeur is a tourist village about 1200m in the upper Aosta Valley near the Mont Blanc Tunnel.
The area can be reached by car from Aosta along the Mont Blanc motorway. From France through the Mont Blanc Tunnel. By train: connections to Aosta. Between Aosta and Courmayeur bus service (stop Pré Saint Didier).
The Vallée Blanche can be reached from Courmayeur by Skyway cable car, which is located in Entrevés, going up to the top station of Punta Helbronner. The valley station has ample outdoor and indoor parking and is connected by bus service to the center of Courmayeur.
The return from Chamonix to Courmayeur is possible thanks to a bus line, which connects the two ski resorts. We recommend booking.
CHAMONIX:
Chamonix is a tourist village at about 1200m in Haute Savoie near the Mont Blanc Tunnel.
The area can be reached by car from Lyon or Geneva along the Mont Blanc motorway. Italy can be reached through the Mont Blanc Tunnel. By Train: Chamonix can be reached by train from the French national network.
The Vallée Blanche can be reached from Chamonix by the cable car du Compagnie du Mont Blanc, which connects with the Aiguille du Midi mountain station.
The first section on foot, at the exit of the cable car, involves an aerial ridge traverse, usually equipped with fixed ropes.
The valley station has ample parking spaces.
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THE COMACINA ISLAND, A LONELY JEM IN THE LAKE COMO
The Comacina Island is just a few hundred meters from the western shore of Lake Como, near Ossuccio, a small historic village famous for its church and Romanesque bell tower.
600m long and 200m wide, the Comacina island is now home to an archaeological park not to be missed, to spend a few hours walking in peace, surrounded by greenery and harmony of landscapes offered by Lake Como.
- WHAT TO DO ON THE COMACINA ISLAND AND NEARBY
- WHERE TO SLEEP NEARBY THE COMACINA ISLAND
- HOW TO GET TO THE COMACINA ISLAND
This solitary natural gem is the only island on Lake Como and can be reached only by boat or by boat.
The island preserves the remains of some precious religious buildings, the artists' houses, residences built in the 40s and now restored, all connected by convenient paths that wind through the trees and Mediterranean flowers of the island.
The visit to the island is subject to the payment of a ticket of 6 euros.
"The bell tower of Santa Maria Maddalena in Ossuccio is an icon of the lake that looks at the small Comacina Island. Along the narrow road, it was not easy to find a parking spot, but a stop during a nice afternoon in September has given us nice memory of these two places on Lake Como, not to be missed.
Finally, after the return with the motorboat taxi from the island, we tasted a good aperitif at the Lido of Ossuccio, next to the Antiquarium. The remains of the small Basilica S. Eufemia, Santa Maria del Portico and San Pietro in Castello definitely deserve a visit, walking quietly until you reach the white church of San Giovanni, easily visible from Ossuccio.
Near Isola Comacina and Ossuccio, you can take advantage of boat taxi service (cost about 7 euros per person), which in less than 10 minutes will transfer you to the island, alternatively, you can take advantage of the links offered by the boats of Lake Como."
Lorenzo e Paolo
In Ossuccio do not miss a visit to the Romanesque church of Santa Maria Maddalena, with its characteristic bell tower, a few steps from the museum Antiquarium (where you can pay the admission fee to the island) and a stop at the green area of Lido, where you can have a pleasant swim in the waters of Lake Como.
In June do not miss the feast of St. John, during which the waters around the island Comacina reflect the explosions of fireworks, in a beautiful festival of colors and lights dedicated to the patron saint.
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WHAT TO DO ON THE COMACINA ISLAND
ON THE ISLAND
1. Walk along the comfortable paths of the island immersed in a micro oasis of Mediterranean scrub.
2. Visit the archaeological sites and churches of the island Comacina.
3. Don't miss the feast of St. John, in June, with the wonderful fireworks in front of the island Comacina.
4. Relax by stopping the magical panorama with a brush and a canvas, like the artists of Comacina Island.
5. Visit the Antiquarium and the church of Santa Maria Maddalena in Ossuccio.
6. Refresh yourself in the waters of the lake at Lido di Ossuccio.
IN THE NEARBY AREA
1. Visit the best villages in the center of Lake Como, Varenna, Menaggio, Cadenabbia, Tremezzo, Lenno.
2. Don't miss a trip to Comacina island.
3. Climb the walls of Monte Grona, Grigna and Grignetta.
4. Reach the abbey of San Pietro al Monte and the top of Monte Cornizzolo.
5. Ride to the famous Bellagio, through the Lariani Mountains and visit the Cycling Museum near the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Ghisallo.
6. Don't miss a visit to Como and Brunate.
7. Walk through the flowery gardens of Villa Carlotta in Tremezzina.
8. Trekking along the Greenway of Lake Como.
9. Excursion to the Breglia mountains and to the panoramic Menaggio Refuge.
EXCLUSIVE EXCURSIONS AND ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA
INFO AND BOOKING
WHERE TO SLEEP NEARBY THE COMACINA ISLAND - HOTELS, B&B, APARTMENTS
The Comacina island is located close by Ossuccio.The area offers good hotels and a number of holiday houses. It is possible to find an accomodation also in others villages of the lake.
Thanks to pictures, facilities informations and reviews, You can check easly the availability of Hotels, B&B and Holiday Houses and book the best solution for You, using this link:
BOOKING - HOTELS B&B HOLIDAY HOUSES NEARBY THE GREENWAY
HOW TO GET TO COMACINA ISLAND
The Comacina Island is just a few hundred meters from the western shore of Lake Como, near Ossuccio, that is connected to Colico and Como by bus and ferry service.
In the museum Antiquarium of Ossuccio you can pay the admission fee to the island and rent a taxy service (admission fee 6 euro and taxy boat 7 euro per person).
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THE ABBEY OF PIONA AND THE PRECIOUS IMPERIAL DROPS
The panoramic and isolated place where the Abbey of Piona is located has an ancient origin. It is a small peninsula surrounded by the Como Lake with the Alps in the background. In this mystical place, in 610 A.D. was built an oratory dedicated to Santa Giustina.
In 1138 a first church was consecrated, built in Romanesque style and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, then enlarged and decorated in the following years. In 1252 the present precious cloister, the center of the abbey, was built.
- WHAT TO DO AT THE ABBEY OF PIONA
- WHERE TO SLEEP NEARBY THE ABBEY OF PIONA
- HOW TO GET TO THE ABBEY OF PIONA
Currently, the Cistercian monks live in the abbey. They follow the motto “Ora et Labora”, which stands for pray and work. The monks manage the abbey, taking care of the crops, making, and selling their products to live.
Visits are free during the morning and the afternoon. You can also request a guided tour in advance. Holy masses are daily celebrated in the church.
The Abbey of Piona is a remote place you have to visit with reverence. It is not very big, but the cloister and the church are two beautiful Romanesque jewels, surrounded by nature and with the lake and the Alps on the background.
I have been there many times and I always enjoyed a nice walk to the harbor. I have always bought some typical product at the canteen – I love the liquors and the imperial drops. Watch out when you use them because they are very strong."
Lorenzo
The building is surrounded by a large garden, and olive groves extending up to the lake. The visitor can access the church, the cloister – that hosts some art exhibitions too – and walk in the gardens.
The canteen offers natural products such as herbal tea, honey, religious articles, and the famous liquors produced in the abbey. The Imperial Drops – 90% of alcohol – must be tasted drop by drop, with some sugar or added to a coffee.
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WHAT TO DO AND VISIT AT THE ABBEY OF PIONA AND IN THE NEARBY AREA
AT THE ABBEY
1. Visit the Romanesque church dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
2. Behold the cloister and its frescos.
3. Walk to the lake and meditate.
4. Visit the canteen, where the monks can show you their natural products, especially the Imperial Drops.
IN THE NEARBY AREA
1. Take a boat from the beautiful Varenna to Bellagio.
2. Visit the militay fort of Montecchio in Colico.
3. Kitesurf and windsurf in Colico and Gera Lario.
4. A long escursion to the top of Monte Legnone.
5. Bike to the famous Bellagio across the hills and visit the museum of the bikers at the Santuario Della Madonna del Ghisallo.
7. Don't miss a visit of Como and Brunate.
8. MTB on the Tracciolino Trail.
9. Visit the museum of Moto Guzzi in Mandello del Lario.
EXCLUSIVE EXCURSIONS AND ACTIVITIES OF THE AREA
INFO AND BOOKING
WHERE TO SLEEP NEARBY THE ABBEY OF PIONA - HOTELS, B&B, APARTMENTS
The Abbey of Piona is on the smal hill of Olgiasca, part of Piona that offers fewer hotels and a number of B&B and holiday houses. It is possible to find an accomodation also in others villages of the Como lake.
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BOOKING - HOTELS B&B HOLIDAY HOUSES NEARBY PIONA
HOW TO GET TO THE ABBEY OF PIONA
Located at the north of the Como lake the Abbey of Piona is in Olgiasca, part of the village of Piona. Piona is reachble by car driving on the 36ss road, exit Colico.
Piona is connected by busses to Colico and Bellano.
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