The 600-metre-long rock gallery in the Lower Engadine has always been one of the highlights of a journey across the Alps. Admittedly, you have to push your way along the path – which was blasted into the vertical cliff face in 1908 to provide a link to South Tyrol – because the risk of falling is too great, but that’s a price you’re happy to pay for the spectacular scenery. Unfortunately, however, the famous Val d’Uina is increasingly being hit by mudslides – or, as they are known in the Swiss canton of Graubünden, ‘Rüfenniedergänge’. This was also the case last week. As a result, extensive repair work has been taking place in the gorge since 21 June. A bridge near the Alp Uina Dadaint was also damaged and needs to be rebuilt.
The whole process could take some time. However, it is hoped that the work will be completed by 10 July 2026. Up-to-date information on the closure of the gorge is available on the website scuol.net
Alternative route to Val d’Uina
It’s a shame, of course, when the Uina Gorge is closed, but the alternative route is every bit as scenic: we recommend the route over the 2,251-metre-high Pass da Costainas. To take this, simply follow the Val S-charl a little further uphill to Alp Astras. From there, take the lovely single track to the top of the pass and descend 800 metres into the Val Müstair on the other side, then head up to the junction with the Val Mora – a scenically stunning high valley that belongs on the bucket list of any ambitious Alpine traveller.
Gitta Beimfohr
Editor
