Bergseeli

Bergseeli is a small mountain lake in the municipality of Rheinwald, canton of Graubünden, sitting just above the Splügen Pass at 2,311 m above sea level. Regional tourism listings present it as an excursion goal in the Viamala region, with Viamala Tourismus in Splügen as the contact point. The name simply means "little mountain lake", and it recurs across Switzerland, so look for the version tagged Splügenpass when planning.

Where is Bergseeli?

The lake lies above the summit of the Splügen Pass. The pass itself reaches 2,113 m and runs along the Swiss-Italian border, linking the Rheinwald valley (Hinterrhein basin) with Italy's Val San Giacomo. That puts the water roughly 200 m higher than the pass road. Coordinates are about 46.507 N, 9.340 E. The nearest village, Splügen, gave the pass its name and is first recorded around the year 840.

What will you see?

Bergseeli is a high-alpine lake surrounded by open mountain pasture, with no buildings on its shore. The views come together with the landscape of the pass, which served as a trade route for centuries. Traces of travel here reach back to prehistory: an iron ingot was found near the summit, and two Roman route maps, the Itinerarium Antonini and the Tabula Peutingeriana, mention the crossing. In the Middle Ages it also went by the names Colmen d'Orso and Urschler. Well into the 19th century it remained one of the main north-south links in the Alps, until traffic shifted to the Gotthard and San Bernardino routes.

How do you get there?

Start in Splügen, in the Rheinwald valley, which is served by PostBus. From there the pass road climbs to the summit; today it is popular with cyclists. The Via Spluga, a long-distance cultural trail with about 2,000 years of history, also passes through the area. Depending on the source it measures 64 to 66 km from Thusis to Chiavenna, and the stretch Splügen - pass - Montespluga is described as a day tour. For current conditions on reaching the lake itself, ask Viamala Tourismus: phone +41 81 650 90 30, email [email protected].

When should you visit?

The pass trails are walkable in summer, from June to September. Weather at over 2,300 m changes fast, so pack a windproof layer and water. Mornings bring the best light and fewer clouds around the peaks.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Bergseeli? At 2,311 m above sea level, about 200 m above the Splügen Pass (2,113 m).

Which municipality is the lake in? Rheinwald, in the canton of Graubünden, within the Viamala region.

Are there other lakes called Bergseeli in Switzerland? Yes. The name is common, so use Bergseeli Splügenpass for this one.

Whom do I ask about conditions and access? Viamala Tourismus in Splügen, at [email protected] or viamala.ch.