The Via Alpina East

Arrive in beautiful Zurich, which is easily reached by train—just 10 minutes from the airport, or a scenic journey from Geneva (3 hours) or Bern (1.5 hours). Switzerland’s largest city feels surprisingly intimate, with a walkable old town, world-class museums like the Swiss National Museum and Kunsthaus, and the sparkling shores of Lake Zurich, perfect for a relaxed stroll or lakeside pause to soak in the atmosphere.

Begin with a scenic one-hour train ride to the small town of Sargans and the official start of the Via Alpina. Today is a a rewarding introduction to the to the rhythm of alpine trekking. Leaving the town behind, you’ll wander through charming hamlets and quiet countryside before leaving the road and gradually climbing above the valley floor.

As the path rises, vineyards stretch out beneath you, offering sweeping views over Sargans, Mels, and the distant peaks of Liechtenstein. The air feels fresher here, the pace slower, inviting you to settle into the experience. After reconnecting with a country road near Schwendi, you’ll continue through serene landscapes until reaching Weisstannen, a tranquil alpine village where tradition and mountain beauty meet.

Ascent/Descent: 641m/144m (2,103ft/472ft)

Ease into the day with a relaxed 5.5mi/9km hike along a country road before beginning your clime  to Foopass (at 7,293ft/2223m), your first true alpine crossing. As you ascend, pass through scenic farmland dotted with wildflowers, waterfalls, and the occasional marmot, with views growing more dramatic at every step. Crossing the border between St Gallen and Glarus, the landscape shifts to a wilder, more rugged feel before a long descent leads you to Elm, a charming mountain town set beneath the striking peaks of Piz Sardona and Piz Segnas. 

Ascent/Descent: 1292m/1301m (4,239ft/4,268ft)

A long but deeply rewarding day, crossing two passes as the landscape grows ever more dramatic. After the first crossing, tackle the steep zigzag ascent to the Richetlipass (2261m/7,418ft), where sweeping views open over the wild Durnachtal valley. A sharp, sometimes narrow descent – with a short chain-assisted section – adds a touch of adventure before reaching Linthal, nestled beneath towering Tödi, the “King of Little Mountains.” From here, enjoy a short funicular ride (10min) up to the peaceful, car-free hamlet of Braunwald, perched high above the valley.

Note: The path from Richetlipass to Linthal is narrow and can be tricky in wet weather, so allow plenty of time.

Ascent/Descent: 1427m/17036m (4,682ft/5,587ft)

From Braunwald, follow the high balcony path with sweeping views across the valley to Urnerboden. One of the Alps’ most striking valleys, its broad, open floor of pastures contrasts beautifully with the sheer, towering cliffs that rise on either side, creating a truly unforgettable setting.

Ascent/Descent: 385m/264m (1,263ft/866ft)

Today’s highlight is the historic Klausenpass (1948m/6,391ft), a storied crossing between Glarus and Uri that has linked these regions for centuries. The ascent is steady and rewarding, followed by a scenic descent through open meadows and forest, passing the hamlet of Aesch and the dramatic Stäubi Falls cascading down the cliffs. Finish in Unterschachen before a short bus ride (30min) to Altdorf, the charming capital of Uri.

Ascent/Descent: 587m/943m (1,926ft/3,094ft)

One of the finest stages of the Via Alpina, today begins with a short bus ride (10min) to Attinghausen and a cable car up to Brüsti (1525m/5,003ft). From here, a steady climb to the Surenenpass (at 2291m/7,516ft) winds past alpine huts and farms, with glimpses of Lake Lucerne below.

At the top, soak in a spectacular panorama dominated by the jagged peak of Mount Titlis before descending through beautiful mountain scenery to Engelberg, a renowned alpine resort.

Ascent/Descent: 836m/1368m (2,743ft/4,488ft)

Begin with a cable car ride to reach the heights of Jochpass (at 2207m/7,241ft). Then descend on foot to the serene Engstlensee, a shimmering alpine lake framed by rugged peaks. Ahead, the striking Wetterhorn comes into view, hinting at the grandeur of the Bernese Oberland. From Engstlenalp, follow a spectacular balcony path with sweeping valley views and cascading waterfalls before reaching Reuti, where you can walk or take the cable car down to Meiringen—famed as the setting of Sherlock Holmes’ dramatic final chapter.

Ascent/Descent: 0m/1610m (0ft/5,282ft)

Today, enter the heart of the Bernese Oberland, a landscape shaped as much by mountain culture as by nature itself and popular with tourists. Leaving Meiringen, follow the wooded Reichenbachtal as the trail rises steadily toward Grosse Scheidegg (at 1962m/6,437ft), a sweeping mountain pass with ever-expanding views.

On clear days, your first sight of the iconic Eiger (at 3,967m/13,015ft) is a true highlight of the journey. From the pass, descend past alpine scenery to Hotel Wetterhorn before continuing into the lively mountain town of Grindelwald, a renowned mountaineering hub and the halfway point of the trail. It's an ideal place to pause, add a rest day, and indulge in a well-earned upgrade to 4 star spa hotel.

Ascent/Descent: 1676m/1217m (5,499ft/3,993ft)

Check out of your hotel after breakfast. Grindelwald is served by railway and you can reach many Swiss and European destinations from here. 

If you would like even more hiking, and would like more time to explore the Bernese Oberland, you may be interested in our Best of the Bernese Oberland tours. Just ask our Destination Specialists for more information.