ViaValtellina, Stage 7/8

The Mediterranean atmosphere of Poschiavo is followed by mountain forests and alpine pastures reaching up as far as San Romerio, the picturesque alpine settlement above Brusio. From the romantic little church nestling on a rocky flank, you have a magnificent view over the Puschlav valley which connects the Engadine with the Italian Veltlin.

It is only a few steps from the Poschiavo, Curtinell bus stop to the starting point. In the village centre, the route passes the heritage-listed collegiate church of San Vittore Mauro. The ascent begins gently through the narrow streets of Poschiavo and up to Cologna; before long, the mountain path steepens and enters the forest.

The route climbs around 1,100 vertical metres through Spineu and the Bosch da Tiglieu. Forest characterises most of the hike, though it is interspersed with meadows and clearings. From above, the view drops down to Lago di Poschiavo as the path continues to climb towards Mot da Cliv. Near this summit, it reaches its highest point at around 1,860 m.

The route then continues with gentle ups and downs through the Bosch Vegl and via Calcherin. Towards the end, the forest recedes, and the church of San Romerio stands on the alp of the same name, high above the lake. The eleven-kilometre hike ends at San Romerio; the nearest bus stop, Brusio, Selvaplana, is around 900 m away.