Via Alpina Self-Guided | Swiss Alps Hiking

Via Alpina

Highlights

Complete the classic Via Alpina Trail (Bernese Oberland Traverse) in Switzerland
Hike with a backdrop of spectacular peaks - some topped with sun-glistening glaciers
Enjoy spectacular mountain views while crossing as many as 14 alpine passes
Savor smooth, indulgent Swiss chocolate to fuel your hiking adventure
Stroll through wildflower-filled meadows alive with the sound of cowbells
Explore Montreux’s scenic lakeshore & vineyards, known as the Swiss Riviera

Experience the unforgettable beauty of Switzerland on the iconic Via Alpina, one of the country’s most celebrated long-distance hiking trails. Perfect for avid hikers, this route leads you through postcard-worthy landscapes in the Swiss Alps - from high Alpine passes and crystal-clear lakes to dramatic rock faces and the stunning Bernese Oberland, finishing in the culture-rich town of Montreux.

A true bucket-list Swiss Alps hiking vacation for point to point hiking enthusiasts, the Via Alpina combines rewarding trails with welcoming 3-star hotels and traditional Swiss mountain chalets. Enjoy hearty dinners on select nights and connect with hikers from around the world.

Choose the itinerary that suits you best: the East Section from St. Gallen to the high Alps, the West Section from the Bernese Oberland to Lake Geneva, or the entire Full Via Alpina Route for the ultimate challenge: all sections overlap with the infamous Bear Trail or locally known as the Bärentrek. Whether you’re seeking a weeklong getaway or an epic Alpine trek, the Via Alpina promises an inspiring and unforgettable adventure.

With Macs Adventure, planning is easy - our specialists have been crafting self-guided Switzerland hiking tours since 2008 and offer personalized recommendations so you can book with confidence.

All Photos (10)

Discover Via Alpina

What is the Via Alpina?

The Via Alpina, created in 2000 by eight Alpine countries, is an epic long-distance hiking network spanning 5,000 km (3,107 miles) across eight nations, with five color-coded routes and 342 stages.

Our Switzerland itineraries focus on the spectacular Red Trail through the Bernese Oberland - home to some of the most inspiring scenery in the Swiss Alps - and include iconic segments like the renowned Barentrek. This route offers an accessible yet unforgettable journey through the heart of European alpine long-distance hiking, blending dramatic mountain landscapes with rich cultural encounters.

Highlights of the Via Alpina Red Trail (Switzerland):
• Cross historic Alpine passes and flower-filled valleys
• Discover charming Swiss villages in the Bernese Oberland
• Stay in cozy chalets, mountain huts, and vibrant alpine towns
• Hike legendary routes like the Barentrek in the Swiss Alps
• Perfect for a classic inn-to-inn Swiss Alps hiking adventure
Fun Fact: Why is it called the Bärentrek (Bear Trek)?

The Bärentrek – a highlight of the Bernese Oberland along the Via Alpina – gets its name from the German word “Bär,” meaning “bear.”

While you won’t find bears on the trail today, they once roamed these alpine valleys. The name also honors the bear as the enduring symbol of the Bern region, whose rugged landscapes the trek traverses.

In short: no bears on the path—but plenty of wild, untamed Swiss Alpine spirit.
Why Choose Macs Adventure to book your Hiking Vacation in Switzerland?
Macs Adventure has been creating self-guided hiking trips in Switzerland since 2008, helping travelers explore the country’s mountains, lakes, glaciers, and storybook villages on foot. Our passion for Switzerland has led us to handpick the very best regions and routes for unforgettable Alpine adventures.

Every year, we send more than 2,000 hikers to Switzerland, each choosing the itinerary that inspires them most. Travel at your own pace, with the freedom to select your route, and travel companions - while we handle the logistics.

Why Book Your Switzerland Hiking Vacation With Macs Adventure?
- Over 15 years of expertise in self-guided Swiss hiking vacations
- Ideal for travelers seeking authentic Alpine experiences
- Curated routes with comfortable, friendly accommodations
- Luggage transfers included - hike light and carefree
- 24/7 support while traveling