Bivio between the Julier and Septimer Passes

Bivio lies at the foot of the Alpine passes Julier and Septimer. The settlement’s history is closely linked to travel across both passes. For planning your trip, you can explore a range of options: trails lead towards Sur and Juf, the passes connect to Bergell and Engadin, and in Bivio you’ll find churches and seasonal sports activities.

Passes, languages and landscape

The Julier and Septimer Passes connect Bivio with Bergell and Engadin. Bivio lies at the crossroads of different languages and cultures; important influences came from the south, from Bergell. Another regional link runs over Stallerberg to Avers. The hike from Bivio over Stallerberg to Juf connects the village with the German-speaking part of the Avers Valley, which was settled entirely by German-speaking Walser people.

Bivio has a high-alpine climate, like nearby Upper Engadin. In the wider surrounding area lies Alp Flix, a nationally protected moorland with various fens and raised bogs protected under federal law. The regional landscape therefore includes both the pass scenery and a protected moorland area.

Compare hikes and trails

One hike leads from Bivio via Alp Natons, Gruba, Salategnas, Lais Blos and Lai Neir to Sur. The sequence of places describes a route connecting Bivio with Sur. Another hike starts behind Hotel Grischuna in Bivio and initially passes lush meadows by Crap da Radons. With beautiful views and abundant wildlife, the trail climbs to Stallerberg and then descends to Juf. Trail conditions vary by season.

For planning purposes, the main point of comparison is the direction of travel: the route via Alp Natons leads to Sur; the hike over Stallerberg leads to Juf and also into the German-speaking part of the Avers Valley. Check conditions for your travel dates on both trails.

Cycling and activities in the village

The Septimer Pass e-bike tour starts at the tourist office in Bivio and initially passes through the village. The climb begins shortly after Hotel Post: the route first follows a paved road, then switches to gravel after about one kilometre. The trail is consistently wide and has no technical obstacles for cyclists. As the surface and conditions can change, check the current route conditions before setting out.

KrimiSpass Bivio also takes you across the village. The route alternates between asphalt, gravel paths and cobblestones. The Bivio Legends Trail invites you to use your smartphone to explore and listen to legends and myths about Bivio. Check whether the app is available before your visit.

Winter sports and climbing

Three ski lifts in Bivio provide access to an area with natural-snow pistes. The high-alpine setting offers opportunities for winter sports; seasonal operations may vary. The Natureisfeld Bivio ice rink is in the village centre and is illuminated every evening until 9:30 p.m. Operating details may vary by season. If you plan to visit the rink, check seasonal information in advance.

The Bivio climbing garden is set on basalt cliffs up to 20 metres high and offers eleven varied routes graded UIAA 3 to UIAA 7. During the summer season, there is an opportunity to climb there on Thursdays under professional supervision and with equipment provided. This offer is seasonal, so check the dates before you arrive. You should also follow local safety information when using the climbing garden.

Churches and history

The parish church of Son Giagl has a late Gothic winged altarpiece from the workshop of Ivo Strigel in Memmingen. It is thought to have survived in its present form as a single-nave Romanesque structure from the time it was built. The Reformed church in Bivio is at ground level and accessible to wheelchair users. If specific door widths are important to you, have them confirmed in advance.

The history of St Gallus Church includes a dispute that lasted for decades and ended on 9 August 1657 at a Diet of the Three Leagues in Chur. Together with the altar of Son Giagl, this historical reference offers another point of interest if you want to include Bivio’s churches and history in your travel plans, as well as its trails.

Getting there by public transport

Bivio is accessible by train and bus. From Zurich, take the SBB train to Chur; from there, continue by Rhaetian Railway or PostBus to Tiefencastel, then take a PostBus to Bivio. As connections and timetables may change, check the route for your travel date.

Discover more destinations: Vaz/Obervaz, Schmitten, Tinizong-Rona, Riom-Parsonz, Sur, Bergün, Surava and Alvaneu.

For the broader travel overview: Albula.