The route
From Thusis, the road follows the Via Mala gorge, then climbs the Rheinwald valley to Splügen village. The climb to the pass at 2,115 m is short and open. On the Italian side, the descent strings together a series of very tight hairpins stacked on the rock face before reaching Campodolcino and Chiavenna.
Not to be missed
The Via Mala gorge and its footbridges, Splügen village and its stone houses, then the viewpoint above the Italian hairpins, the best view of the whole sequence of bends.
Good to know
The road is narrow in places, with short tunnels and tricky passing points on the Italian side: drive smoothly, and a car of sensible size is recommended.
Opening dates depend on snow: always check road conditions before setting off (TCS, viasuisse or the Italian and French road authorities).