Raetica Classica: the Cycling Tour through Valchiavenna, Valtellina and Switzerland

The Raetica Classica links St. Moritz and the Engadin with Valchiavenna and Valtellina through a circular route that can be travelled by bicycle and integrated with buses and railway lines. The project was created to promote a cross-border area rich in landscapes, traditions and cultural heritage, offering a slow and accessible travel experience.

The itinerary crosses some of the most iconic Alpine landscapes. On the Swiss side, the route passes through the lakes and scenery of the Engadin and Val Bregaglia, while in Italy it follows the Valchiavenna Cycle Path and the Valtellina Trail, two fully paved routes that allow cyclists to ride along the Mera and Adda rivers through villages, vineyards, natural areas and historic centres.

One of the distinctive features of the Raetica Classica is the possibility of combining cycling with public transport. The route can be integrated with the Bernina Red Train, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and bus services connecting the different valleys, making it possible to tackle more demanding sections and organise the journey over several days.

Along the way, the landscape changes continuously: from the mountains and glaciers of the Engadin to the chestnut woods of Val Bregaglia, before reaching Chiavenna, Lake Como and Valtellina, renowned for its terraced vineyards and food and wine traditions. This variety makes the Raetica Classica an itinerary that brings together very different natural environments within a single journey.

The route can be completed at your own pace, choosing your preferred starting point and dividing the experience into several stages. The availability of cycling services, bike rental points and public transport connections makes the itinerary suitable both for experienced cyclists and for those looking to enjoy a slow travel experience between Italy and Switzerland.

Today, the Raetica Classica is one of the most complete cycling experiences in the Alps, allowing visitors to discover Valchiavenna, Valtellina and the Engadin through a journey of nature, culture, landscapes and sustainable mobility, cycling through the heart of the Alps between two countries.