Uina Gorge: the rock path into the Engadine

Schlinig Pass links the South Tyrolean Schlinig valley with the Swiss Val d'Uina. For a long time the upper Val d'Uina was a dead end that could only be reached from South Tyrol. The rock path was blasted into the steep wall by 1910. It was meant to give access to the Pforzheim hut and to the pastures of Alp Sursass, but it was soon used by smugglers as well.

Today it is used almost only by hikers. The path is a little over a metre wide and runs for the most part as a roofed gallery through the wall; the sources give about 600 metres for the rock section. Two short tunnels are unlit, so a headtorch belongs in your rucksack.

On the South Tyrolean side you walk through the Schlinig valley to the Sesvenna hut and then on trail no. 18 to Schlinig Pass, where the national border runs. On the Swiss side the path descends past Alp Sursass into the Val d'Uina, along waterfalls and steep rock walls.

The gorge itself is the highlight: the path runs high above the valley floor along the vertical wall, in places beneath overhanging rock. Further down lies Alp Uina Dadaint, where you can stop for refreshments. From there a track leads through the lower Val d'Uina to Sur En.

The path is officially closed in winter, and the safety chains and fences are removed; the municipality of Scuol does no maintenance in that period. For winter 2025/26 the closure ran from 27 October to about 30 April. The exact dates are announced each time by the municipality of Scuol; ask there before you set out.

The gallery is narrow and exposed on one side. Wet rock and ice are the main danger at the start and end of the season. The hike is not for small children or for people afraid of heights. Emergency numbers in Switzerland are 144 (ambulance), 1414 (Rega) and 112 (international).

We recommend the Uina Gorge from late June to early October. Before and after, snow, wet conditions and the closure can make the path impossible. The Sesvenna hut on the route is not run all year; its opening times are on the page about the hut.

We do not recommend the hike with dogs: on a lead the narrow, secured gallery is not suitable. The hike is not meant for children because of its length, ascent and exposed places. Families instead walk to the Schlinig alp or the Sesvenna hut and back.

There are several places to stop along the way: the Schlinig alp near Schlinig, the Sesvenna hut with overnight stays and, on the Swiss side, Alp Uina Dadaint, which serves refreshments in the warm season. There are also refreshments at the valley entrance near Sur En. Ask each business for its opening times.

The path crosses the border into Switzerland: take ID with you. If you walk from Schlinig to Sur En you end up in the Engadine and have to get back to South Tyrol. The way back by public transport is long; the Mals information office arranges guided crossings with return transport. Ask there for dates and season.

If you do not want to do the whole crossing, walk from Schlinig to the Sesvenna hut or Schlinig Pass and back. It is about nine kilometres from Schlinig to the start of the gorge; for the round trip to that point route descriptions allow six hours of walking time. Mountain bikers have to push or carry their bikes in the gorge.

The Sesvenna hut as a destination is a good hike in itself; the page about the hut explains it. On a quieter day the Pfaffensee lakes or a trip to Müstair and the Swiss National Park fit well. To relax afterwards: panorama indoor pool and sauna at the hotel.

By car: You drive from the hotel in Prämajur via Burgeis to Schlinig, about 10 minutes. The car stays at the car park at the end of the village; the hike ends in Sur En in the Engadine, so not where your car is.

By bus and train: According to Watles, bus line 277 runs to Schlinig. The way back from Sur En to South Tyrol by public transport is long; check connections on suedtirolmobil.info. With the Reschensee Guest Pass, bus and train in South Tyrol are included during your stay.

Parking: Car park at the end of Schlinig village