The Via Alpina
- Cross Switzerland on this classic Alpine hike
- Walk in the shadow of the mighty Jungfrau, Mönch and Eiger peaks
- Conquer 14 alpine passes and enjoy spectacular mountain views
- Wander through meadows alive with the sound of cow bells and marmots
- Stay in comfortable hotels and enjoy Swiss specialties like Potato Rösti
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive ZurichZurich is easily accessible by train from Zurich Airport (10 mins), Geneva (3 hours) or Bern (1.5 hours).
Zurich is the biggest city in Switzerland, yet despite this, it is compact and easily navigable on foot. The city has many important museums like the Swiss National Museum and the Kunsthaus. If museums aren’t your thing, wander down to the picturesque Zurichsee with an ice-cream and watch the world go by.
The 3* Superior hotel Townhouse is a small boutique hotel, located in the very heart of Zurich, on Bahnhofstrasse and a block away from the main train station where direct services take you to Zurich airport in less than 15 minutes.
Start the day with a scenic train journey (approx. 1 hour) to the small town of Sargans and the official start of the Via Alpina. Today is a gentle day and a great introduction to the trek. Heading out of Sargans, walk through several small towns and hamlets before breaking free of the road. As you ascend, you will soon find yourself above vineyards with views of Sargans and Mels and the mountains of Liechtenstein. Re-join the country road at the town of Schwendi and follow it to Weisstannen, a peaceful, traditional alpine village.
Ascent/Descent: 641m/144m
The Hotel Gemse is nestled in the quiet Weisstannen valley. Recently renovated, the rooms are modern, spacious and comfortable. Dinner is a real treat with some fine Swiss specialties on offer.
Warm up with an easy-going 9km walk on a country road before starting the ascent to the first pass of the trail, the Foopass (2223m). This is an exciting day of walking as you enter the Via Alpina's proper mountainous arena. The ascent is steady and surrounded by alpine farmland, fields, waterfalls and marmots. The Foopass also marks the border between St Gallen and Glarus, and you will notice a definite change in the character of the terrain from here on. Descend to the attractive town of Elm, home to a 15th-century church with a backdrop of Piz Sardona and Piz Segnas.
Ascent/Descent: 1292m/1301m
Susanna and Werner are ready to welcome you to this cosy guesthouse with just 10 rooms. Enjoy a refreshing drink on their sunny terrace and take in the mountain views. In the restaurant, homemade regional specialities are served.
Today is a long but rewarding day. There are two passes to cross, although the first is unnamed and relatively insignificant. The second is the Richetlipass at 2261m. The ascent is on steep zig zags, becoming even steeper just before arriving at the pass. Enjoy views over the deep Durnachtal valley from the top before beginning the sharp descent into it! The path down is narrow and tricky in wet weather, so take your time. There is a short section of descent with a fixed chain over a particularly craggy area. Arrive in Linthal, a small village framed by ’Toedi’, a 3614m peak known as the ’King of Little Mountains’. Take the funicular (10 mins) to the traffic-free hamlet of Braunwald, 600m above Linthal.
Ascent/Descent: 1394m/1676m
A wonderfully typical chalet style mountain hotel set in a beautiful location. Warm up after a long day of walking with some Swiss fondue in the restaurant while enjoying the stunning surroundings through the window.
From Braunwald, take the high balcony path to the resort of Urnerboden. The Urnerboden valley is one of the most dramatic in the Alps. Its large, flat bottom is covered in typical pasture and farmland, and the impressively tall walls on both sides are impressive.
Ascent/Descent: 425m/305m
A simple but comfortable guesthouse in the quiet hamlet of Urnerboden.
A simple but comfortable guesthouse with homemade dishes and a large sunny terrace.
Today’s objective is the Klausenpass at 1948m. Although not exceptionally high for an alpine pass, it is historically significant as it has been the main crossing point between the cantons of Glarus and Uri for centuries. It is also the first pass in Switzerland that is accessible to motorized traffic. The descent is pleasant, through fields and forests, passing the hamlet of Aesch and its breathtaking Staeubifall waterfall. Arrive at Unterschaechen and take the bus to Altdorf (30 mins)., the capital of Uri.
Ascent/Descent: 587m/943m
This historical hotel was founded in 1768 and is one of the few buildings that escaped damage from the village fire which occurred in 1799. This 3* hotel has all the amenities you may need for a comfortable stay. Dinner is served in the on-site restaurant; specialising in Swiss and Italian dishes.
Today’s walk is considered one of the finest stages of the Via Alpina. Start by taking the bus to Attinghausen (10 mins), then hop on the cable car to Bruesti at 1525m. Steadily ascend to Surenenpass (2291m), passing tiny houses, huts and farms. In the distance, catch a glimpse of the turquoise waters of Lake Lucerne. Offering a spectacular mountain vista dominated by the diagonal jagged peak of Mount Titlis (3238m), the pass is the perfect place for a break. When ready, begin the descent to Engelberg, a famous mountain resort.
Ascent/Descent: 784m/1317m
The Schweizerhof Hotel is family-owned and offers 38 rooms, each individually styled. A spacious garden with sunbeds is at guests’ disposal, as well as a sauna and a fitness room.
Arrive at the Jochpass at 2207m and gently descend to Engstlensee, a large alpine lake. The snowy peak of the Wetterhorn appears up ahead– a taste of the Bernese Oberland, which is still to come. From Engstlenalp, take a balcony path high above the Central Valley. Wetterhorn views continue to dominate, and waterfalls cascade down the valley's east wall. Arrive at the small village of Reuti, from where you can descend to Meiringen on foot or by cable car. Meiringen is a small but busy town known for being where Sherlock Holmes met his maker in the popular Conan-Doyle stories.
Ascent/Descent: 0m/1610m
Franziska, Simon and their friendly team are waiting to welcome you to the Hotel Victoria. With just 18 rooms, the hotel has a cosy atmosphere and rooms are designed in a modern style with a traditional alpine twist.
This three-star family hotel, with 13 rooms, is in a prime location in the center of Meiringen. The bright rooms, newly renovated in 2020, await you with contemporary comfort and familiar service. It is located 2 minutes away from the train station and 8 minutes from the Meiringen Hasliberg train station.
This area is popular with tourists and locals in the heart of the Bernese Oberland. It can feel like it lacks a particular ‘wilderness’ found in other sections of the trail. However, the extensive infrastructure enables flexibility when it comes to walking distances. Walk through the wooded Reichenbachtal and begin a steady ascent to Grosse Scheidegg (1962m), a large mountain pass offering splendid views. On a clear day, catch a first glimpse of the mighty Eiger standing tall at 3,967m. Descend steeply to the hotel Wetterhorn, and the going gets a bit easier. Arrive in the bustling town of Grindelwald, a famous mountaineering centre. Exactly halfway through the trail, this is the perfect place to have a rest day or even upgrade your hotel to a 4* spa hotel for a bit of relaxation.
Ascent/Descent: 1525m/1070m
Chalet Hotel Gletschergarten has been family-run since 1899, and is currently run by the 4th generation of the Michel-Breitenstein family. There is a sauna, steam bath and relaxation room. All rooms have a balcony or terrace.
Hotel Alpenhof is located in a stunning elevated position above Grindelwald village. There are 17 rooms, with balcony or garden access. They also have a traditional cosy Swiss restaurant, which specialises in catering for special diets (gluten and lactose free for example).
In the quiet part of the village behind the church in Grindelwald, just opposite the picturesque white church. Personality, sustainability and regionality are their motto. The 19 rooms with the best view of the Grindelwald mountains are designed in Nordic simplicity. In hotel there is a small but fine à la carte restaurant, where the kitchen team use products from local agriculture.
Start with a short descent from the centre of Grindelwald to Grund before tackling the steep climb to Alpiglen, where many climbers start their attempts on the Eiger’s menacing north face. Follow the path as it snakes around the base of the north face. Continue ascending to reach Klein Scheidegg at 2061m. Offering spectacular views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, Kleine Scheidegg tends to be busy. Easily accessible by cog railway, its popularity does not make the views any less breathtaking. Continue via Wengen and Mettlenalp before arriving at the car-free resort of Wengen, which is well placed high above the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
Ascent/Descent: 1127m/884m
Hotel Schönegg dates from 1903, and was fully renovated in 2012. Although not strictly a chalet-hotel, the interior and furnishings with their rich wooden patina are typical of a Swiss chalet. The have a restaurant on site, Restaurant 1903, with a cosy wooden decor. The rooms have charming wooden touches and guests can enjoy the sauna and massage bed (fee payable for the latter).
This lovely 3-star chalet hotel is located just a short walk from the village centre. Rooms are simply furnished and there is a lovely restaurant serving delicious local cuisine.
Take the train from Wengen to Muerren via Lauterbrunnen (approx 1 hour). Leaving the busy Bernese Oberland behind, ascend Schiltalp at 1948m, which consists of a handful of traditional cheese-makers huts. The ascent to today’s pass, the Sefinenfurgge, is over rough and rocky ground, with the final section over gritty black shale and scree. At 2612m, this is the highest pass so far. At the pass, say goodbye to the Eiger and Mönch and look forward to views of the glaciated Bluemlisalp massif. The descent from the pass is steep and tricky, and chains and steps have been placed to help you cover the scree and shale.
Ascent/Descent: 1300m/1300m
Griesalp Hotels is a collection of five hotels, all huddled together at the foot of the stunning Bluemlisalp. As well as the usual comforts, there is also a sauna and small wellness area available to relax those tired legs (use of sauna payable locally).
A challenging, varied and rewarding day awaits. Ascend to the Hohtuerli pass, the highest point on the Via Alpina at 2778m. Walk through woodland, pastures and across streams before turning onto a steep slope over moraine and grass. The slog is tough going but rewarded with a wonderfully wild panorama at the pass. The Schilthorn, Wetterhorn and Bluemlisalp are all visible. The descent to Kandersteg is long but steady. Pass the Oeschinensee, one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in Switzerland. From here, continue to descend steeply on foot or take the chair lift to Kandersteg.
Ascent/Descent: 1538m/1792m
Hotel Bernerhof is located in the centre of Kandersteg and boasts panoramic mountain views. The hotel has a small spa area including a sauna, multi-sensory showers and an ice-grotto.
This family-run hotel has 15 rooms, all of which have a view of the wonderful Bernese Alps. There are plenty of facilities onsite including a restaurant and a gym.
Today’s objective is the Bunderchrinde pass. At 2385m, it’s the last of the classic mountain passes on the Via Alpina. From here, the landscape becomes increasingly gentle but no less beautiful. On the ascent, come to Alpschele, a small collection of huts belonging to cheese makers, and you may see some locals working. The final push to the pass is on a narrow path on a scree-covered mountainside. Enjoy the views before starting the steep descent on a more scree, which eventually turns into a gentle woodland, pasture, and country road walk. There is one final ascent to reach the town of Adelboden, your overnight for this evening.
Ascent/Descent: 1321m/1135m
The Hotel Adler stays true to its traditional Alpine chalet exterior with a quaint alpine-style interior. Relax in the sauna or jacuzzi after a few lengths in the indoor or outdoor pool. The views from the spa are not to be missed!
Surrounded by the Alps, green meadows and towering cliffs, this luxury boutique hotel has 36 rooms, a beautiful restaurant with traditional cuisine, and a spa and fitness area. This hotel offers a special combination of traditional chalet spirit and modern comforts of a four-star country house style.
The hotel is situated in the village, slightly elevated, with a fantastic view over the wonderful mountain world. All hotel rooms are equipped with bath or shower, WC, TV, direct dial telephone, radio, WLAN, minibar, hairdryer and safe.
Free entrance to the panoramic swimming pool of Adelboden, free use of the tennis courts and free use of the local buses.
Compared to previous days, today is quite easy-going with no significant ascents or descents and gentle underfoot terrain. Walk alongside riverside paths and through peaceful meadows and woodland. Today's highest point is the Hahnenmoos pass at 1956m, a broad grassy saddle famous with locals and visitors due to its accessibility and idyllic surrounds. Descend to Lenk through scenic green countryside dotted with traditional wooden chalets.
Ascent/Descent: 707m/984m
Hotel Simmenhof offers 40 rooms decorated with an alpine style, giving off a homely atmosphere. Relax with a drink on the sunny terrace or take advantage of the extensive spa facilities, float in the outdoor or indoor pool and relax your muscles in the sauna.
You are assured the warmest of welcomes at this splendid hotel, designed with comfort in mind. The hotel fits in perfectly within the Alpine setting, with views of the surrounding mountains and Oberland. The en suite rooms come complete with all that one would expect for a most comfortable and enjoyable stay, with satellite TV, minibar, vanity mirror, safe, writing desk, hairdryer and Wi-Fi. There is an indoor swimming pool in which to relax after your day’s adventure plus a wellness centre with Finnish sauna, steam bath, solarium and massage therapy. Please enquire at reception with regard to using the facilities and booking any treatments (all paid locally).
Follow the Walbach upstream as you ascend out of Lenk. The going gets steeper, and steel ladders and stone steps have been put in place to help progress over the smooth rocks of the Walbach gorge. About an hour after setting off, you will come to Wallegg, where you can stop for a breather and a refreshing drink. Mountainous views accompany you to the Trüttlisberg pass at 2038m. Start the pleasant descent to Lauenen over pastures and woodland and arrive in the centre of the small village, where you can catch a bus to the bustling and glamorous Gstaad.
Ascent/Descent: 1054m/885m
Dating back to the 19th Century, Posthotel Roessli is the oldest hotel in Gstaad and they have certainly perfected the art of hospitality over this time! Situated in the pedestrianised centre, the hotel is a firm favourite with visitors.
Located just a 10 minute walk from the pedestrianised centre of Gstaad, this is the perfect place from which to explore the town while being away from the hustle and bustle.
Follow a panoramic high-level trail from Gstaad past Eggli to the Col de Jable at 1,884m. The hike from Gstaad to Eggli is steep, and although this area is filled with ski lifts and chairs, I don’t count on them operating in summer. However, the panoramic view from Eggli makes the effort worthwhile. The Col de Jable marks the border between the cantons of Bern and Vaud and the linguistic border between German and French-speaking Switzerland. Keep an eye out for traditional wooden chalets with shingle roofs, so close to Gruyère, they are most definitely cheese-makers huts. Descend to L’Etivaz, a cheese-making hamlet of about 150 people.
Ascent/Descent: 983m/893m
You are assured the warmest of welcomes at this very central hotel in the village of Château-d'Oex. The Hotel de Ville provides comfortable beds and private bathrooms, either with showers or bathtubs, which will give you a feeling of relaxation and well-being.
This bed and breakfast is wonderfully located on the edge of a thick Alpine forest. It offers en suite rooms each with a seating area with 2 chairs and views of the surrounding forest. There is a small shop on site that sells soap made by the owners. This is handmade using water from the sulphur water spring in L'Etivaz.
The last day of hiking is long, but there is the option to take a train for the previous 10km or so. Although not as dramatic as other sections, the scenery is no less lovely, and walking towards Lake Geneva adds to the trail's variety. The objective today is the Col de Chaude at 1621m. Enjoy the views down to the Lake about 1000m below and congratulate yourself on your 14th and final mountain pass of the Via Alpina! A steady descent follows, which inevitably becomes more and more urbanised.
Montreux is considered the capital of the Swiss Riviera due to its favourable microclimate. Surrounded by vineyards adjacent to the Lake and with views of the French Alps, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular with visitors. You may want to take an extra day here to relax and reflect on the epic trek you have just undertaken. We can also organise a well-deserved upgrade to a 4-star hotel and spa so you can celebrate in style.
Ascent/Descent: 1312m/451m
Having one of the best locations in Montreux with a 5 minute walk to the train station, Hotel Splendid also boasts wonderful views of the lake. This family run hotel was built in 1904 and is still a firm favourite with visitors.
A simple and very practical, cosy hotel right in the centre of Montreux, overlooking Lake Geneva. Located just 5 minutes from the train station, the location of this hotel is ideal.
Upgrade Option: This hotel is peacefully located on the hills above Montreux and offers fantastic views of Lake Geneva and the surrounding alps. This hotel is truly of a different era– historical and grand, the pace of life here is relaxed. Wander the extensive gardens, take a dip in the outdoor pool or relax your muscles in the sauna. This is a special hotel and a great way to end your trip in style and luxury!
Check out of your hotel after breakfast. Montreux is served by railway and frequent trains to Geneva airport, which take about 1 hour 30 mins. If you would like even more hiking, after a few days of relaxing, you may want to consider our GR5: Lake Geneva to Chamonix trip, which starts in Montreux!
This trip has a carbon score of 2kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 2kg is equivalent to 3 pints of local ale in the pub. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?This tour is perfect for experienced long-distance walkers who like their creature comforts. Rated moderate to strenuous with significant ascent and descent each day; on average 1000m. There are some long days; on average, 18km a day. The varied terrain includes short sections of aided ascent/descent through cables. Daily bag transfer is included, meaning you only need to walk with a light bag daily. Accommodation is in comfy 3* and atmospheric mountain hotels, always in private rooms.
Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!
Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.
Long-Distance Trails, Alpine Walking
The minimum age for this tour is: 16 Years
This trip is graded moderate to strenuous, with the average daily distance being 18km. Almost every day, there is the option to shorten it by using some form of public transport. Each day has significant ascent and descent, and the paths are a mixture of woodland trails, rocky mountain paths, grassy paths, moraine, scree, and paved country roads. Some light scrambling is involved in places, and there are cables, ropes, and chains to aid ascent/descent in some areas. Please be aware that on the highest passes, some residual snow may lie in patches, but this will not require any special equipment or skills; just a steady foot, walking experience and a head for heights. Walking poles are essential. You should be in good physical shape to get the most out of this trip.
Stay 14 nights in comfortable 3* hotels in private en-suite rooms and three nights in mountain hotels in private rooms, depending on the availability of en-suite bathrooms; alternatively, there will be shared bathroom facilities. An example of the accommodation we use in some towns along the way can be found below. A hotel of the same or better standard will be used if these accommodations are unavailable. Please be aware that twin & double rooms in Switzerland are typically two single mattresses side by side in one double bed frame with two separate duvet covers and pillows.
Single Rooms
Due to the difficulty of the terrain, this trip is unavailable to solo walkers. Single rooms are available upon request, and a supplement is payable.
Hotel Upgrades
Why not upgrade your hotel in Grindelwald in Montreux at the trail's end? Contact us for more information.
Meals
Breakfasts are included daily and tend to be a buffet selection with lots of sweet treats like pastries, homemade jams, fruit and cereals. Savoury tastes are also catered to with bread, cheese, ham, and eggs, usually available. Packed lunch items can be bought locally from supermarkets or the local bakery. If you are staying in a small town without these facilities, order a packed lunch with your accommodation upon arrival. Dinner is included at each overnight location except Zurich, Grindelwald, Gstaad and Montreux, with plenty of dining options. Meal times are a real highlight, and you can enjoy homemade Swiss specialities. Please let us know upon booking if you have any dietary requirements, and we can arrange this with the accommodations. Swiss specialities are primarily based on cheese and potatoes, such as raclette and potato rosti. Once you are in French-speaking Switzerland and over the so-called 'Roesti-graben' (Roesti ditch), which refers to the cultural, linguistic and gastronomic divide between French and German-speaking Switzerland, you will notice the food becomes much more 'French'. One famous Vaudois speciality is Papet Vaudois, a dish made from slow-cooked potato, leek and succulent local sausage.
All trails are very well way-marked, and together with access to our GPS-following app, route notes and maps, you will have no problem finding your way on our suggested walks.
- 14 Nights in 3* hotels, 3 nights in mountain hotels and guesthouses
- 17 Breakfasts
- 12 Dinners
- Daily bag transfer
- Detailed pre-departure information pack
- Route notes, maps, GPX tracks and access to our Macs Adventure Navigation App
- 24-hour emergency telephone assistance
- Flights to and from Switzerland
- Travel to starting point/from finish point
- Public transport such as cable cars
- Travel Insurance
- Personal expenses such as drinks, phone calls, extra transfers, tips, etc.
- Any items not specifically mentioned in the program
- Dinner in Urnerboden
- Additional nights
This trip is available to start any day of the week from the start of July to early September.
Grindelwald is hosting the famous Eiger Ultra Trail race ((17th to 21st July). We recommend avoiding the Via Alpina at this time as the area is bustling and most accommodations are full.
Fly into Zurich, Geneva or Bern then continue by train to Zurich (10 mins, 3 or 1 hours). For general travel planning and information in Switzerland, please go to: www.myswitzerland.com/en-gb/transport-travel/getting-around
Take a train from Montreux to Geneva (1.5 hours) , Zurich (3hours) or Bern (2 hours) airports. Train timetables and details of public transportation in Switzerland are available via the excellent travel planner at www.sbb.ch.
Baggage transfers are included in the price of your trip. Please limit your baggage to one bag per person, with a maximum weight of 20 kg.
Booking this tour with Macs Adventure requires suitable travel insurance that covers you for the activity, emergency evacuation, and hospital care.
This trip is graded moderate to strenuous with the average daily distance being 18km. Although almost every day has an option to shorten it by using some form of public transport. Each day has significant ascent and descent and the paths are a mixture of woodland trails, rocky mountain paths, grassy paths, moraine, scree and paved country roads. There is some light scrambling involved in places and there are cables, ropes and chains to aid ascent/descent in some places. Please be aware that on the highest passes, there may be some residual snow lying in patches, but this will not require any special equipment or skills; just a steady foot, walking experience and a head for heights. Walking poles are highly recommended. To get the most of this trip, you should be in good physical shape.
Bag transfer is included in this trip. We ask that you limit your baggage to one bag per person with a maximum weight of 20kg per person. Leave your bag at the reception before 9am and it will be transferred to your next accommodation by 6pm each day.
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as this area is extremely popular with a relatively short season. Please note you can start this holiday on any day of the week.
You will need good walking boots, comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers and warm layers just to mention a few of the items required. We supply a detailed packing list with your information pack.
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