Landscape and nature photography from the Swiss Alps
Dominik Kobler
photography
The Mule Trail from Avers to Soglio
Hotel Meisser Resort Guarda Main house
The Säumerweg is one of the most impressive high-altitude hikes in Graubünden. It leads from Avers over the Bergalga Pass down to Soglio in the Bergell Valley, following a centuries-old trade route from Switzerland to Italy. We’ll take you on this roughly 7- to 8-hour hike, past alpine meadows, marmots, and crystal-clear mountain lakes at over 2,800 meters, through a landscape that transforms from barren rock to chestnut forests in just a few steps.
Preparation and Getting There
We left our car in Thusis; for about 9 CHF a day, you can park your car in the parking garage right next to the Coop. We took the PostBus to Avers, with a short stop in Andeer. We spent the night there so we could start the hike well-rested the next morning. If you’re planning the route without a car, this is a stress-free way to reach the starting point without having to worry about getting back to your vehicle, the PostBus takes you right to the spot.
Enjoy the sunset with a view of the Bergalgatal Valley.
The Historic Muleteers’ Trail
The route’s name is no coincidence. For centuries, muleteers carried spices, silk, and wine on foot from Italy to Switzerland, relying only on mules and a great deal of endurance. Where hikers walk today, an important trade route once ran between the cultures north and south of the Alps.
A View of the Bergalgatal Valley
Conclusion and Return Journey
The mule trail from Avers to Soglio is more than just a mountain hike; it is a journey through history, culture, and landscape all at once. From the tranquil seclusion of the Avers Valley, through the solitude of the Bergalga Pass, to the Mediterranean charm of Soglio, this route offers a diversity rarely found in a single stage on Swiss soil. Those who bring stamina, good footwear, and enough provisions will be rewarded with one of the most impressive crossings in the Alps.
Practical Information at a Glance:
- Route: Avers – Bergalga Pass – Soglio
- Walking time: approx. 7–8 hours
- Highest point: approx. 2,800 m (Bergalga Pass)
- Elevation gain: approx. 800 m
- Difficulty: moderate to difficult
- Getting there: Take the PostBus to Avers (leave your car in Thusis, for example), then take the PostBus from Soglio back to St. Moritz and from there take the train to Thusis.
- Food and drink: No places to stop for refreshments along the way; bring plenty of water and food
The Ascent to the Bergalgapass
After about an hour of leisurely hiking through the Bergalgatal valley, we arrive at the Hinterbergalga alpine hut, the last stop along the route where you can get something to eat or drink. After that, there are no further places to stop for refreshments until Soglio. Anyone tackling this stage should therefore pack enough water and food for the entire day.
The ascent itself requires good physical conditioning: a climb of about 800 meters in elevation leads up to the Bergalga Pass at about 2,800 meters, accessible only on foot. There’s hardly a shorter alternative; the route can’t really be shortened. At the top of the pass lies one of the most beautiful moments of the entire hike: a crystal-clear mountain lake at over 2,800 meters, surrounded by rugged cliffs. From here, the view opens up down into the Bergell Valley, and you can already sense that with the next step, a whole new world will unfold.
Bergalga Pass with a view of Lägh da la Caldera
The Descent to Soglio
On the south side of the pass, the landscape changes almost instantly. Barren rock gives way to chestnut forests, and Swiss German gives way to Italian. The Bergell Valley begins, and with it, a completely different style of architecture: stone houses with dark wooden balconies, narrow alleys, and exquisite local specialties.
Soglio itself has been named one of the most beautiful mountain villages in Switzerland, and after this hike, you’ll understand why. The village sits like a terrace above the Bergell valley, overlooking the striking Piz Badile.
The descent from the Bergalga Pass into the Bergell Valley
The Church of Soglio
View of the mountain village of Soglio