Arrival day: Arrival in Sargans
Your trip begins on arrival in Sargans. This working Swiss town has a fine old street and castle. With the village of Mels next door, the situation in the valley hints at the grand mountains to come. Dine at restaurants in either of these centres.
Hotel in Sargans or Mels (breakfast)
Your trip begins on arrival in Sargans. This working Swiss town has a fine old street and castle. With the village of Mels next door, the situation in the valley hints at the grand mountains to come. Dine at restaurants in either of these centres.
Hotel in Sargans or Mels (breakfast)
Stage 1: Sargans to Weisstannen
Red 3 (grade) 14km with 650m ascent, 100m descent
A short first stage climbs steadily in woods. We burst into the upper valley and walk up-river to the sweet village of Weisstannen. This brings us within reach of the first proper ascent of a pass. (It is also possible to use the bus to stay two nights in Sargans or Mels. Or, skip this stage if you wish to save a day. It's difficult to combine it with the stage to Elm.)
Hotel in Weisstannen (breakfast)
Red 3 (grade) 14km with 650m ascent, 100m descent
A short first stage climbs steadily in woods. We burst into the upper valley and walk up-river to the sweet village of Weisstannen. This brings us within reach of the first proper ascent of a pass. (It is also possible to use the bus to stay two nights in Sargans or Mels. Or, skip this stage if you wish to save a day. It's difficult to combine it with the stage to Elm.)
Hotel in Weisstannen (breakfast)
Stage 2: Weisstannen to Elm
Red 3 (grade) 23km with 1250m ascent, 1280m descent
Leaving Weisstannen, continue on the valley road through cattle country to the head of the valley. Here starts the climb to the Foopass (2,223m), steeply up to a high valley and finally up grassy pasture. This first pass is grassy on both sides and relatively gentle. Descend to Elm on good paths and tracks.
Hotel in Elm (breakfast)
Red 3 (grade) 23km with 1250m ascent, 1280m descent
Leaving Weisstannen, continue on the valley road through cattle country to the head of the valley. Here starts the climb to the Foopass (2,223m), steeply up to a high valley and finally up grassy pasture. This first pass is grassy on both sides and relatively gentle. Descend to Elm on good paths and tracks.
Hotel in Elm (breakfast)
Stage 3: Elm to Linthal
Red 4 (grade) 22.5km with 1460m ascent, 1790m descent
Leaving Elm, the Richetlipass (2,261m) is the higher of two passes on a strenuous stage to Linthal. We cross a high basin in between. The ascent can be helped by the Ampachli cable car, after which a traverse brings us to Matt and the higher ascent. In descent there is a fabulous wide view from the Richetlipass and, before Linthal, a well-made old mule track in woods. Linthal is an everyday Swiss village. (We can advise on the funicular railway to Braunwald as an alternative.)
Hotel in Linthal (breakfast)
Red 4 (grade) 22.5km with 1460m ascent, 1790m descent
Leaving Elm, the Richetlipass (2,261m) is the higher of two passes on a strenuous stage to Linthal. We cross a high basin in between. The ascent can be helped by the Ampachli cable car, after which a traverse brings us to Matt and the higher ascent. In descent there is a fabulous wide view from the Richetlipass and, before Linthal, a well-made old mule track in woods. Linthal is an everyday Swiss village. (We can advise on the funicular railway to Braunwald as an alternative.)
Hotel in Linthal (breakfast)
Stage 4: Linthal to Klausenpass
Red 4 (grade) 16.5km with 1330m ascent, 80m descent
The next two stages cross the Klausenpass, a grassy area - the Unterboden - famed for cow pastures. A postbus crosses the pass by a hairpin road. Due to limited places to stay we walk up to the Klausenpass, take the bus to Altdorf on the far side and return tomorrow. (It is possible to stay near the pass, or to see the higher ground in one day by taking the postbus part-way up and part-way down.)
Hotel in Altdorf (breakfast)
Red 4 (grade) 16.5km with 1330m ascent, 80m descent
The next two stages cross the Klausenpass, a grassy area - the Unterboden - famed for cow pastures. A postbus crosses the pass by a hairpin road. Due to limited places to stay we walk up to the Klausenpass, take the bus to Altdorf on the far side and return tomorrow. (It is possible to stay near the pass, or to see the higher ground in one day by taking the postbus part-way up and part-way down.)
Hotel in Altdorf (breakfast)
Stage 5: Klausenpass to Altdorf
Red 4 (grade) 21.5km with 100m ascent, 1530m descent
Having returned to the Klausenpass by bus, we descend steadily near road and river, passing the magnificent meadow at Asch. This is famed for its waterfall above. Reach Altdorf, a good place to buy essentials as a substantial valley town.
Hotel in Altdorf (breakfast)
Red 4 (grade) 21.5km with 100m ascent, 1530m descent
Having returned to the Klausenpass by bus, we descend steadily near road and river, passing the magnificent meadow at Asch. This is famed for its waterfall above. Reach Altdorf, a good place to buy essentials as a substantial valley town.
Hotel in Altdorf (breakfast)
Stage 6: Altdorf to Engelberg
Black 4 (grade) 29.5km with 1880m ascent, 1330m descent
This is a particularly memorable stage, perhaps the most demanding of the whole Via Alpina in terms of physical effort even if there are higher passes to come. The pass is the Surenenpass (2,291m) which has a rocky approach. After the pass the long roll down to Engelberg follows the course of the valley, goes quickly, and is charming. In Engelberg find all that a trekker needs within a small Swiss town. (The first ascent can be shortened by a cable car to Brosti, saving 1,080m and 3.5km).
Hotel in Engelberg (breakfast)
Black 4 (grade) 29.5km with 1880m ascent, 1330m descent
This is a particularly memorable stage, perhaps the most demanding of the whole Via Alpina in terms of physical effort even if there are higher passes to come. The pass is the Surenenpass (2,291m) which has a rocky approach. After the pass the long roll down to Engelberg follows the course of the valley, goes quickly, and is charming. In Engelberg find all that a trekker needs within a small Swiss town. (The first ascent can be shortened by a cable car to Brosti, saving 1,080m and 3.5km).
Hotel in Engelberg (breakfast)
Rest day in Engelberg
Take the train to Lucerne (Luzern) for a city day; Engelberg is a branch line from Lucerne and trains run every hour. Or relax in Engelberg, perhaps taking the famous Titlis cable car.
Hotel in Engelberg (breakfast)
Take the train to Lucerne (Luzern) for a city day; Engelberg is a branch line from Lucerne and trains run every hour. Or relax in Engelberg, perhaps taking the famous Titlis cable car.
Hotel in Engelberg (breakfast)
Stage 7: Engelberg to Engstlenalp
Red 3 (grade) 11km with 1260m ascent, 430m descent
Setting off from Engelberg, the Jochpass is the first col, relatively modest at 2,207m and with ski infrastructure on either side. Nevertheless, the mountains are building up and we descend to the delightful meadow of Engstlenalp. We are still a day from Meiringen in the next valley system. (The bus runs to Meiringen and it is also possible to walk beyond Engstlenalp to the cable car on the next stage.)
Auberge in Engstlenalp (dinner and breakfast)
Red 3 (grade) 11km with 1260m ascent, 430m descent
Setting off from Engelberg, the Jochpass is the first col, relatively modest at 2,207m and with ski infrastructure on either side. Nevertheless, the mountains are building up and we descend to the delightful meadow of Engstlenalp. We are still a day from Meiringen in the next valley system. (The bus runs to Meiringen and it is also possible to walk beyond Engstlenalp to the cable car on the next stage.)
Auberge in Engstlenalp (dinner and breakfast)
Stage 8: Engstlenalp to Meiringen
Red 3 (grade) 20km with 650m ascent, 1890m descent
Our main route is a hilly, at times narrow traverse via Tannalp to Planplatten, from where we begin the solid descent to Meiringen. On the way is the Balmeregghorn, a grassy hill with long views over meadows and the deep Gental. (At Planplatten a series of three cable cars can be taken to Meiringen to save some or all of the descent.)
Hotel in Meiringen (breakfast)
Red 3 (grade) 20km with 650m ascent, 1890m descent
Our main route is a hilly, at times narrow traverse via Tannalp to Planplatten, from where we begin the solid descent to Meiringen. On the way is the Balmeregghorn, a grassy hill with long views over meadows and the deep Gental. (At Planplatten a series of three cable cars can be taken to Meiringen to save some or all of the descent.)
Hotel in Meiringen (breakfast)
Stage 9: Meiringen to Grindelwald
Red 3 (grade) 22km with 1410m ascent, 1030m descent
The passes continue with the easy-angled Grosse Scheidegg. A small road goes over the pass and down to Grindelwald. We climb and descend through woods and meadows. This feels like a more gentle day than others, despite the distance, because after the first ascent by the Reichenbach falls (as per Sherlock Holmes) the gradients are generally modest.
Hotel in Grindelwald (breakfast)
Red 3 (grade) 22km with 1410m ascent, 1030m descent
The passes continue with the easy-angled Grosse Scheidegg. A small road goes over the pass and down to Grindelwald. We climb and descend through woods and meadows. This feels like a more gentle day than others, despite the distance, because after the first ascent by the Reichenbach falls (as per Sherlock Holmes) the gradients are generally modest.
Hotel in Grindelwald (breakfast)
Stage 10: Grindelwald to Wengen
Red 3 (grade) 18.5km with 1170m ascent, 930m descent
The Kleine Scheidegg is today's pass, unique on the Via Alpina in hosting a railway station. (The Jungfraujoch railway can be joined here as an excursion.) We walk under the North Face of the Eiger. Roll gently down to Wengen on its high shelf. Together with Grindelwald and Murren, Wengen makes up the trio of famous Bernese Oberland resorts.
Hotel in Wengen (breakfast)
Red 3 (grade) 18.5km with 1170m ascent, 930m descent
The Kleine Scheidegg is today's pass, unique on the Via Alpina in hosting a railway station. (The Jungfraujoch railway can be joined here as an excursion.) We walk under the North Face of the Eiger. Roll gently down to Wengen on its high shelf. Together with Grindelwald and Murren, Wengen makes up the trio of famous Bernese Oberland resorts.
Hotel in Wengen (breakfast)
Stage 11: Wengen to Murren
Red 2 (grade) 8.5km with 860m ascent, 490m descent
Today is a modest stage, steeply down to Lauterbrunnen then steeply up. Our aim is the mountainside village of Murren, car-free and a curious delight. It feels as if suspended in mid-air. (The Grutschalp cable car and sweet old train can be used to bypass the stiff climb, thus skipping this stage and either missing Wengen or reaching Griesalp in a day.)
Hotel in Murren (breakfast)
Red 2 (grade) 8.5km with 860m ascent, 490m descent
Today is a modest stage, steeply down to Lauterbrunnen then steeply up. Our aim is the mountainside village of Murren, car-free and a curious delight. It feels as if suspended in mid-air. (The Grutschalp cable car and sweet old train can be used to bypass the stiff climb, thus skipping this stage and either missing Wengen or reaching Griesalp in a day.)
Hotel in Murren (breakfast)
Stage 12: Murren to Griesalp
Black 3 (grade) 17km with 1100m ascent, 1330m descent
The first of the two toughest stages comes with the long climb to the Sefinafurgga (2,612m), the second-highest col of the whole Via Alpina. (The highest comes tomorrow.) The ascent is exceptionally scenic with views over Murren and back to the Kleine Scheidegg. The Sefinafurgga is narrow, loose and rocky, and the descent to tiny Griesalp is quick down meadows.
Auberge in Griesalp (dinner and breakfast)
Black 3 (grade) 17km with 1100m ascent, 1330m descent
The first of the two toughest stages comes with the long climb to the Sefinafurgga (2,612m), the second-highest col of the whole Via Alpina. (The highest comes tomorrow.) The ascent is exceptionally scenic with views over Murren and back to the Kleine Scheidegg. The Sefinafurgga is narrow, loose and rocky, and the descent to tiny Griesalp is quick down meadows.
Auberge in Griesalp (dinner and breakfast)
Stage 13: Griesalp to Kandersteg
Black 4 (grade) 16km with 1440m ascent, 1670m descent
The rocky HohtĂĽrli (2,778m) col is not even the highlight of this exceptional day in the mountains. Perhaps the highlight is the Blumlisalphuette (2,834m) just above the col, in classic Swiss Alpine Club style, or the glacial views and features on the descent. We walk on a lateral moraine with waterfalls opposite. Today has the most consistently mountainous setting of all the Via Alpina stages.
Hotel in Kandersteg (breakfast)
Black 4 (grade) 16km with 1440m ascent, 1670m descent
The rocky HohtĂĽrli (2,778m) col is not even the highlight of this exceptional day in the mountains. Perhaps the highlight is the Blumlisalphuette (2,834m) just above the col, in classic Swiss Alpine Club style, or the glacial views and features on the descent. We walk on a lateral moraine with waterfalls opposite. Today has the most consistently mountainous setting of all the Via Alpina stages.
Hotel in Kandersteg (breakfast)
Rest day in Kandersteg
Kandersteg is smaller than Engelberg and a train ride to Bern is easy to recommend. (Bern is the capitol of Switzerland and is unusual for its long arcaded streets.) In the other direction the Rhone valley and even Zermatt are possibilities.
Hotel in Kandersteg (breakfast)
Kandersteg is smaller than Engelberg and a train ride to Bern is easy to recommend. (Bern is the capitol of Switzerland and is unusual for its long arcaded streets.) In the other direction the Rhone valley and even Zermatt are possibilities.
Hotel in Kandersteg (breakfast)
Stage 14: Kandersteg to Adelboden
Black 3 (grade) 16.5km with 1355m ascent, 1185m descent
The third of the rockiest passes is today, the Bunderchrinde (2,385m). It is a notch in the rock, framing the onward view to Adelboden. The initial descent path is rocky and loose; lower down, the descent is fine and becomes gently pastoral. Adelboden is one of the most pleasant of Via Alpina resorts.
Hotel in Adelboden (breakfast)
Black 3 (grade) 16.5km with 1355m ascent, 1185m descent
The third of the rockiest passes is today, the Bunderchrinde (2,385m). It is a notch in the rock, framing the onward view to Adelboden. The initial descent path is rocky and loose; lower down, the descent is fine and becomes gently pastoral. Adelboden is one of the most pleasant of Via Alpina resorts.
Hotel in Adelboden (breakfast)
Stage 15: Adelboden to Lenk
Red 3 (grade) 19.5km with 950m ascent, 1230m descent
Choose from two routes today, both crossing the mountains at the grassy Hahnenmoospass. We suggest the ascent to the Sillerenbuhl and descent via the Simmefalle, a long stepped waterfall in woods. This is a gentler day than those before or after. Lenk is another charming small resort.
Hotel in Lenk (breakfast)
Red 3 (grade) 19.5km with 950m ascent, 1230m descent
Choose from two routes today, both crossing the mountains at the grassy Hahnenmoospass. We suggest the ascent to the Sillerenbuhl and descent via the Simmefalle, a long stepped waterfall in woods. This is a gentler day than those before or after. Lenk is another charming small resort.
Hotel in Lenk (breakfast)
Stage 16: Lenk to Gsteig
Red 3 (grade) 23km with 1420m ascent, 1310m descent
We cross two passes today, the grassy Trutlisbergpass and the wooded Chrine. After the first pass is the village of Lauenen and at the end is the hamlet of Gsteig. At both places we can take the regular bus to Gstaad for its lively resort atmosphere and good hotels. (Staying in Gsteig is a decent option too.)
Hotel in Gstaad (breakfast)
Red 3 (grade) 23km with 1420m ascent, 1310m descent
We cross two passes today, the grassy Trutlisbergpass and the wooded Chrine. After the first pass is the village of Lauenen and at the end is the hamlet of Gsteig. At both places we can take the regular bus to Gstaad for its lively resort atmosphere and good hotels. (Staying in Gsteig is a decent option too.)
Hotel in Gstaad (breakfast)
Stage 17: Gsteig to Col des Mosses
Red 3 (grade) 24.5km with 1320m ascent, 1040m descent
A steep ascent through meadows to the Blattipass and a long pastoral traverse to the Col des Anderets (2,030m) takes us into French-speaking Switzerland. This is an intriguingly cross-country day with some challenge. Above Les Diablerets we traverse several meadows, turn the corner of the hillside and come to the road at Col des Mosses.
Hotel in Col des Mosses (breakfast)
Red 3 (grade) 24.5km with 1320m ascent, 1040m descent
A steep ascent through meadows to the Blattipass and a long pastoral traverse to the Col des Anderets (2,030m) takes us into French-speaking Switzerland. This is an intriguingly cross-country day with some challenge. Above Les Diablerets we traverse several meadows, turn the corner of the hillside and come to the road at Col des Mosses.
Hotel in Col des Mosses (breakfast)
Stage 18: Col des Mosses to Montreux
Red 3 (grade) 32.5km with 960m ascent, 2065m descent
Our long last stage goes cross-country to the Rochers de Nayes, a peak high above Montreux. From this last high point the descent is long, but the middle section of path is a delight, twisting and surprising in its views. Arriving in Montreux is likely to be a sudden change, despite the charm of the old town. The lake-front and the Avenue des Alpes are quite busy. We hope that the holiday atmosphere and the charm of Lac Leman make an exciting finish. (The stage can be shortened by using the mountain railway from the Rochers de Nayes down to Montreux, or taking it from a station lower down.)
Hotel in Montreux (breakfast)
Red 3 (grade) 32.5km with 960m ascent, 2065m descent
Our long last stage goes cross-country to the Rochers de Nayes, a peak high above Montreux. From this last high point the descent is long, but the middle section of path is a delight, twisting and surprising in its views. Arriving in Montreux is likely to be a sudden change, despite the charm of the old town. The lake-front and the Avenue des Alpes are quite busy. We hope that the holiday atmosphere and the charm of Lac Leman make an exciting finish. (The stage can be shortened by using the mountain railway from the Rochers de Nayes down to Montreux, or taking it from a station lower down.)
Hotel in Montreux (breakfast)
Departure day: departure from Montreux
After a last breakfast we depart from Montreux, in what will feel like a very different environment to most of the trek. The paddle steamers on Lac Leman are a fine way to reach Lausanne or Geneva, blue water and hills above. The train speeds to both and to Geneva Airport, or by a pastoral route to Bern and Basel. We love to advise on Swiss travel. Congratulations on the Via Alpina!
After a last breakfast we depart from Montreux, in what will feel like a very different environment to most of the trek. The paddle steamers on Lac Leman are a fine way to reach Lausanne or Geneva, blue water and hills above. The train speeds to both and to Geneva Airport, or by a pastoral route to Bern and Basel. We love to advise on Swiss travel. Congratulations on the Via Alpina!
Options
Our normal 18-stage trip with 2 rest days allows a complete hike of the Via Alpina without any unduly long days and with time to relax. The abundance of accommodation along the way allows for many variants and trip lengths. We provide some of the options below and welcome you to ask if you would like more details!
Make the Trip shorter
By including some longer days it’s possible to shorten the trip to 17 or 16 stages, while still walking the entire route. The changes come in the middle section: The 2 stages between Engelberg and Meiringen are combined into 1 longer day and the 3 stages between Grindelwald and Griesalp are combined into 2, with a night in Lauterbrunnen in the middle.
Make the Trip longer
The long last stage from Col des Mosses to Montreux can be split into 2 days. The break point comes at Rochers de Nayes, where there isn’t any accommodation; instead we suggest taking the train to Montreux and back the following morning to finish the walk. To make the trip longer still, we split the day between Lenk and Gstaad with a night in Lauenen.
Walk a shorter Section of the Via Alpina
If you'd prefer to walk a shorter section of the full route, we recommend choosing the 7-stage Bernese Oberland trek. This section of the trail passes the iconic mountains of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. Equally, we can offer the East or West sections as standalone trips or plan a shorter trip all together. Please just ask us for more details.
Rest Days
We suggest 2 rest days on the full Via Alpina Switzerland route, in Engelberg and Kandersteg. This splits the walking up nicely with a walk of 6 stages, then 7, then 5. If you prefer, take one rest day or none: with one, we suggest Grindelwald, with the opportunity to take the train up the side of the Eiger to the Jungfraujoch – the highest train station in Europe.
Train heading to the Jungfraujoch from Kleine Scheidegg
Prices
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Via Alpina (Self-guided) 19 July to 18 September 2020 |
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| Hutty | Classic | Comfy | |
|
16 stages (17 nights) |
Please ask |
GBP 2,300 Singles 570 |
GBP 2,370 Singles 590 |
|
18 stages 2 rest days (21 nights) |
Please ask |
GBP 2,620 Singles 630 Main Trip |
GBP 2,770 Singles 670 |
|
20 stages 2 rest days (23 nights) |
Please ask |
GBP 2,780 Singles 690 |
GBP 2,970 Singles 750 |
| Options | |||
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Baggage transfer All stops except Weisstannen and the optional huts |
Please ask us | ||
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Baggage transfer Direct |
GBP 240 | ||
Accommodation
Where we stay
The accommodation on the Via Alpina is of high standard using mostly 3* hotels, with delicious buffet breakfasts included on every morning. Following our standard itinerary, there are 17 hotel nights and 4 nights in auberges (comparable to simple hotels). You will have a private room each night; at the hotels with an ensuite bathroom, whilst at the auberges your bathroom might be shared. If availability is tight at 2 of the auberges then we’ll let you know in advance; in that case the choice is between dormitories, or taking a scenic bus to a nearby hotel. No huts are needed on this trip.
Comfy
As standard, the accommodation on the Via Alpina is already fairly comfy, and in the smaller towns we already use the best options available. If you are looking for a little more comfort, we can upgrade your hotels on 4 nights and switch 3 of the 4 auberges to hotels in nearby villages, with a short and scenic bus ride to get to the hotel from the route and back again the following morning.
Hutty
The famous Swiss mountain huts are an excellent addition to any hike of the Via Alpina. Whilst we don’t book any hut accommodation as the norm, with each of our stages ending in the valley after a pass crossing, it is possible to incorporate some hut nights in the trip if you wish. The stages between Wengen and Kandersteg can be split up with stays in 2 mountain huts, at Rotstockhutte and Blumlisalphutte. This would change the walking distance on 2 stages, leaving one long day between the huts with over 2000m ascent. In return, you get the chance to experience typical Swiss hut charm, with dormitory accommodation in stunning mountain settings Please ask us for more details.
Single Supplement
The single supplement covers the extra cost of booking single rooms in the hotels and auberges, compared with 2 people sharing a room.
The accommodation on the Via Alpina is of high standard using mostly 3* hotels, with delicious buffet breakfasts included on every morning. Following our standard itinerary, there are 17 hotel nights and 4 nights in auberges (comparable to simple hotels). You will have a private room each night; at the hotels with an ensuite bathroom, whilst at the auberges your bathroom might be shared. If availability is tight at 2 of the auberges then we’ll let you know in advance; in that case the choice is between dormitories, or taking a scenic bus to a nearby hotel. No huts are needed on this trip.
Comfy
As standard, the accommodation on the Via Alpina is already fairly comfy, and in the smaller towns we already use the best options available. If you are looking for a little more comfort, we can upgrade your hotels on 4 nights and switch 3 of the 4 auberges to hotels in nearby villages, with a short and scenic bus ride to get to the hotel from the route and back again the following morning.
Hutty
The famous Swiss mountain huts are an excellent addition to any hike of the Via Alpina. Whilst we don’t book any hut accommodation as the norm, with each of our stages ending in the valley after a pass crossing, it is possible to incorporate some hut nights in the trip if you wish. The stages between Wengen and Kandersteg can be split up with stays in 2 mountain huts, at Rotstockhutte and Blumlisalphutte. This would change the walking distance on 2 stages, leaving one long day between the huts with over 2000m ascent. In return, you get the chance to experience typical Swiss hut charm, with dormitory accommodation in stunning mountain settings Please ask us for more details.
Single Supplement
The single supplement covers the extra cost of booking single rooms in the hotels and auberges, compared with 2 people sharing a room.
Route
Steep descent from the HohtĂĽrli on Stage 7
Our approach to the Via Alpina
The Via Alpina is made up of 5 hiking routes across the whole Alpine chain. The Green Swiss Via Alpina begins with 1 stage in Liechtenstein before crossing the Alpine chain in Switzerland as far as Lenk in the West. We miss out the first stage in Liechtenstein and begin our trek in Sargans, offering a complete journey on foot to Montreux. From Lenk, where the Green route Via Alpina ends, we follow the old Alpine Pass Route trail to Montreux.
On the trek itself, no transport is needed, but cable cars and buses can be used on most stages to shorten the walking if wanted. Public transport is also handy to upgrade auberges to hotels on certain nights. For example, use the postbus to reach Altdorf from the Klausenpass, to give a better choice of accommodation. Our route cards detail these transport options available on each day, as well as pointing out where refreshments can be purchased. Where there is a choice of routes, we describe both options, allowing you to tailor the hike to suit your needs when possible.
Alpine Exploratory's 2020 research on the Via Alpina will be led by Keith Miller in June
The Terrain
The Via Alpina's terrain comprises the full range of Alpine walkin: a typical day starting with wide tracks through forests, tarmac country lanes, then up to zig-zagging hillside paths. Forest tracks in the valleys are straightforward enough, rising to the open meadow where narrow hard-pack paths cross grassland. Above, we venture into the high hills and good balance is needed on rocky paths and steps.
The four highest cols in particular, the Surenenpass (2,291m), Sefinafurgga (2,612m), the Hohturli (2,778m), and the Bunderchrinde (2,385m), involve loose tracks over scree and shale. In descent from the Hohturli to the Oechinensee, there is hard walking on rocky paths, with drops to one side. Chains aid the scree ascent up to the Sefinafurgga, and wooden ladders down from the Sefinafurgga and up to the Hohturli give solid walking. The Via Alpina has no via ferrata or climbing sections and is considered a trek throughout.
Is it for me?
The Via Alpina is perfect for stronger hikers looking for a little comfort overnight. Good footing and a head for heights is needed for crossing the at times extremely loose ground on the ascents and descents from the higher passes. In bad weather, experience is needed to judge whether walking is safe or whether passes should be avoided by taking the train or bus instead. Similarly, the ability to navigate with a map and compass is essential for at least one party member in case of poor visibility.
The high standard of accommodation on the Via Alpina and the option to have your bags transferred to every stop gives a little luxury and comfortable breaks along the route. The expansive cable car and post bus system allows for a certain flexibility to the walking, making it much easier to skip sections or even a whole stage of the route, compared to other trips.
Difficulty
We grade the Via Alpina a Black3, making it one of our harder treks. The hardest parts giving it this grade are the ascents and descents over the 4 high passes on stages 6, 12, 13 and 14. Not all the passes are like this though, with many offering grassy paths through Alpine meadows. In terms of distance, the route has 2 long days; the long crossing of the Surenenpass from Altdorf to Engelberg, and the final long day from Col des Mosses to Montreux. Good public transport can help shorten many of the days, with 3.5km and 1080m ascent being shaved off the crossing of the Surenenpass by taking the cable car. For the final day, the cog railway can be taken from Rochers de Naye or Glion to the end point at Montreux.
For an even more detailed read, please see our Via Alpina Walking Guide
How to get there
Meiringen Train Station
Your holiday starts in the valley town of Sargans and ends on the shore of Lac Leman at Montreux. Zurich and Basel (for Sargans) and Geneva (for Montreux) are the most convenient airports, with good trains.
Travel to and from the trip is not included in the holiday price. We take care to give the most useful notes possible about all the travel options. We supply these both on booking and in your info pack, and we offer personalised tips at any point. The aim is that our trekkers arrange their travel by the simplest and most scenic means as suits their plan.
Included
- Bespoke accommodation itinerary - tailored to suit your particular requirements
- Breakfast every morning
- Dinner at the auberges (on 3 nights for our main trip, more if staying in the huts)
- Detailed Routecards VAS1-VAS18 of the Exploratory system, printed on waterproof paper
- The topographical maps needed
- Expert advice and local information
- A comprehensive 'Season Update' following our pre-season recce
- Full support during your trip from the Alpine Exploratory team (9am until 9pm in the Alps)
Not included
- Travel to and from your trip
- Local transport whilst on the trip unless specified
- Travel insurance
- Lunches, snacks, drinks and evening meals in the towns (this would be 18 nights on our main trip)
- Baggage transfers (available as an extra)
Baggage transfer
We offer baggage transfers as an extra to all stops except Weisstannen on our standard Via Alpina (baggage transfers aren’t available to the huts if this option is chosen). Due the high cost of transferring luggage by road and rail in Switzerland, we generally recommend that you carry everything you need for the trip on your back; there is not too much you need during your trek. We can also advise on more cost-effective ways of sending additional kit ahead to meet you on your rest days and at the end of your trip. If you would like more information about our baggage transfer service, please ask.
Booking form
2020 and provisionally for 2021
Your holiday
Got questions about the Via Alpina?
Feel free to ask us any questions you have about any aspects of your planning and preparations! Hannah, Steph, Hannah, or Nicky will reply with expert advice. We spend a lot of time walking our routes and more broadly exploring ski and hiking trails around the world so do feel free to ask anything at all.
Via Alpina enquiry form
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If you prefer, please feel welcome to email or call us. Thanks!
| Contact Alpine Exploratory | |
| info@alpineexploratory.com | |
| Phone | +44 (0)131 214 1144 |
| Our times |
9am to 5pm UK time Monday to Friday |
| Australia | 02 8319 2266 |
| Canada | 416-548-4819 |
| Hong Kong | 25 803 0282 |
| New Zealand | 04 889 4515 |
| USA | 646-757-1102 |
Open to the world
Since Alpine Exploratory started in 2005 we have loved getting to know our clients from around the world. Along with the UK, our best-represented countries are the US, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Please use our national-rate numbers for a cheaper call to contact our office in Edinburgh.
Walking from Meiringen to Grindelwald on Stage 9
Alpine Exploratory
+44 (0)131 214 1144