Hike through the Viamala Gorge

Wonderful, what more could you want. On a nice day, with slightly higher temperatures in the Rhine Valley, it's always a nice way to cool off to go for a hike through the Viamala Gorge. The starting point for this hike is The train station in Thusis. So you can easily arrive there by train or post bus. I usually prefer to travel by car. There is also a large parking lot there, and this time parking was even free because the ticket machine was out of order 🙂

First stop is the castle Hohen Rätien. To do this, follow the road that runs in the direction of Sils im Domleschg and then turn into the forest at the signpost for Hohen Rätien. The first 30 minutes are a bit annoying because you have the expressway directly below you. But it's worth it. After that, it becomes relaxing, quiet, but also exciting.

Nowadays, visiting the castle unfortunately costs 5 CHF, but it's worth it. You are supporting the preservation of the castle ruins. Another plus, and the reason I climb up there every time, is that you can refill your water bottles at the spring *g* Very practical!

Continuing on towards Traversine Footbridge, which is actually the second Traversina Bridge. Built in 2005, it spans the Traversina Gorge. It is a purely pedestrian bridge, built under the direction of architect Jürg Conzett. It's a really cool suspension bridge that you shouldn't miss. Afterwards, follow the hiking trail towards Viamala, Via Spluga. The trail goes up and down the entire time and leads you directly to the Viamala Gorge visitor center. There, for a few CHF, you can walk all the way down into the gorge. There are several viewing platforms. Very cool and worth seeing. However, we skipped that on this hike. But there are still photos from the last hike in the gallery.

Our goal today was to barbecue by the Rhine (*g*). That’s why we walked from the visitor center straight towards Zillis. Just a few minutes further, there are great rocks that invite you to take a break and refuel. We walked down over the rocks to a hidden little beach. You have to know about it, of course, otherwise you won't really find your way here. Starving, we set up our grill and heated it up really well. Today, we only had vegetarian food: corn and corn schnitzel with pepper-lemon breading. Very delicious!

After about two hours, we continued towards Zillis. You walk through fairytale-like forests, uphill again for a bit, until you reach the idyllic village of Reischen. Passing by farmhouses and old half-timbered houses, you then go downhill on the road to Zillis. Check at the post office there right away when the post bus to Thusis departs. Currently, it's always at 9 AM. But that can change. If you have some extra time, there's a small cafe on the road towards Andeer where you can get something to drink.

All roads lead to Rome, *or* Zillis, but I definitely like this route the best.