Big hike in the upper Vinschgau
Uina Gorge: from Schlinig to Sur En
The crossing from Schlinig to Sur En is the region's big hike: via the Sesvenna hut and Schlinig Pass, then through the Uina Gorge on the path blasted into the rock into the Lower Engadine. It demands fitness, a head for heights and a plan for the way back.
The hike runs in one direction and you end up in Switzerland. Sort out how to get back from there before you set out.
At a glance
- Distance
- 19.0 km
- Ascent
- 760 m
- Descent
- 1,340 m
- Walking time
- 6.5 to 7.5 hours, one way
- Difficulty
- hard
- Highest point
- 2,309 m
- Start
- Schlinig, car park at the end of the village (1,738 m)
- Trail numbers
- 1, 18
- Refreshments
- Schlinig alp, Sesvenna hut, Alp Uina Dadaint, Sur En
- Dog
- not suitable for dogs on a lead, we advise against it
- Children
- not for small children; long, exposed, with a border crossing
- Season
- late June to early October; closed in winter, safety equipment is removed
hard
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Elevation profile
Route sketch
Map
Route description
From Schlinig follow marker no. 1 through the Schlinig valley to the Schlinig alp and on to the Sesvenna hut (2,256 m); this stage is described on the page about the hut. From the hut trail no. 18 leads west to Schlinig Pass at 2,309 m, the highest point of the hike. The national border runs a little below the pass.
On the Swiss side you descend past Alp Sursass and follow the path into the Val d'Uina. Here the rock gallery begins, running along the steep wall and passing in places through short, unlit tunnels. Further down lies Alp Uina Dadaint, followed by the track through the lower Val d'Uina to Sur En, where the hike ends at the far end of the village.
What to see along the way
The Schlinig valley with the old Pforzheimer Hütte, the pass with its wide high valley, then the narrow rock path above the Val d'Uina. The path was blasted into the wall by 1910 and was once a smugglers' route. Farmers from Mals have used Alp Sursass for young cattle for about 500 years.
Practical information and safety
The municipality of Scuol closes the path in winter and removes the safety chains and fences; for 2025/26 the closure ran from 27 October to about 30 April. Check the municipality's current notice before you set out. Wet rock and ice are the main danger at the start and end of the season.
Take ID with you, because the path crosses the border. A headtorch belongs in your rucksack. Mountain bikers have to push or carry their bikes in the gorge.
The way back from Sur En to South Tyrol by public transport is long. The Mals information office arranges guided crossings with return transport; ask there for dates and season. A shorter alternative is to walk to the hut or the pass and back.
If you only want to see the gorge, walk from Schlinig to its start and back: it is about nine kilometres to there, and for the round trip route descriptions allow six hours of walking time. You can stop for refreshments at the Schlinig alp, at the Sesvenna hut and, on the Swiss side, at Alp Uina Dadaint; ask each business for its opening times.
Frequently asked questions
- How long is the crossing?
- About 19 km one way, with 6.5 to 7.5 hours of walking, roughly 760 metres of ascent and 1,340 metres of descent.
- When is the hike possible?
- Usually from late June to early October. In winter the path is closed and the safety equipment is removed.
- How do I get back to Schlinig?
- By public transport the way back is long. The Mals information office arranges guided crossings with return transport.
- Is the hike suitable for dogs?
- No. On a lead the narrow, secured rock gallery is not suitable.
- Do I need ID?
- Yes, the path crosses the border between Italy and Switzerland. Take ID with you.
Related excursions
More hiking tips
Your stay
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Further pages
Municipality of Scuol: winter closure Uina Dadaint – gorge – Schlinig Pass (in German)Graubünden Ferien: through the Uina Gorge to Italy (in German)Südtirolerland: Schlinig Pass and Uina Gorge (in German)