San Bernardo a Monti from San Giacomo Filippo

I can only join you!
Absolutely lonely and away from the hustle and bustle of the Splügen Pass. The serpentines are very narrow and spectacularly cut into the rocky slope. The panorama over Chiavenna and St Giacomo is also worthwhile. However, the ascent - especially in the middle section - is not without its difficulties - longer passages with double-digit gradients are not uncommon.

In the traditionally Catholic Italy, you will encounter dozens of churches while cycling on the large mountain passes. Not only along the main road but you can even spot them high up on the valley slopes and on top of mountain ridges.
This hidden climb connects about 3 churches in small villages on the western flank of the Passo dello Spluga.
The route starts at the left turn (signpost S. Bernardo/Olmo) after hairpin bend no. 4 a few kilometres outside Chiavenna.
It starts with a steep uphill slope, initially passing through an inhabited part of San Giacomo Filippo. Afterwards the narrow road winds wonderfully through the trees upwards with beautiful views. The first 18 hairpin bends (numbers painted on the rock face) bring you to the church of Olmo. After a short recovery descent to the hydroelectric power station and 2 climbing curves, you cycle through the small village centre with the church of San Bernardo.
Panoramic ending Scanabecco you reach again in 8 hairpin bends where the asphalt road stops on a parking lot a few hundred metres from the San Rocco church.

Practical:
There is only rare resident traffic.
Apart from my wife (electric MTB), we didn't encounter any pedalling colleagues. Judging by the reactions, they are rare there.
Apart from a few springs, there is nothing to refresh you.
The asphalt is not always perfect.

If you have spent the previous day in the midst of the Splugen Pass traffic, this is a relief.
Highly recommended, this hidden gem!!!!