Säumerweg Avers via Cröt: Soglio - Chiavenna

The first section of this impressive hike leads through an ancient chestnut forest below Soglio – more precisely through the areas of Plazza and Brentan. The mighty trees of this cultural landscape are still carefully maintained today. Especially in autumn, the forest unfolds its full charm when the traditional Festival della Castagna is celebrated for the chestnut harvest.

A narrow path leads downhill through the Selven and crosses the road several times until it flows into a natural road which runs through a spectacular tunnel behind a waterfall. Shortly afterwards, you reach Castasegna – the last village on Swiss soil. The border is only a few steps away, and beyond it, the landscape noticeably changes: the Italian part of the Bergell begins.

In Italy, you initially follow a cycle path to the dam of Villa di Chiavenna. The path goes through small hamlets such as San Barnaba and Chete, past chapels on the Via Crucis, through chestnut groves and vineyards. Beautiful views open up again and again into the valley. Particularly impressive is the small round church of Santa Croce and the church of San Martino, which is reached after crossing two bridges.

Through the open meadows of "La Ruina" you reach the district of Borgonuovo. There, signs point to the famous waterfalls of Acquafraggia. The nearby town of Sant’Abbondio tells of the past of the old village, which was almost completely destroyed by a flood – only the leaning church tower remained intact.

The path continues over the wide stream bed of the Drana to the stately Palazzo Vertemate, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture worth visiting. The last section runs along the streets of Prosto, past the impressive church with a high bell tower and the steatite museum. Then you walk along the traditional Grotti through the glacier mill park (Marmitte dei Giganti) and finally reach the lively small town of Chiavenna – a place full of history, culture, and Italian flair.