The Via Alpina

From $6,360.00
18 Days & 17 Nights
5
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The Via Alpina

  • Hike the epic Via Alpina across Switzerland (18 days)
  • Experience the widest range of landscapes, from remote Alps to the Swiss Riviera
  • Cross the symbolic ‘Röstigraben’ cultural divide
  • Extended time in Bernese Oberland, with views of Jungfrau, Eiger & Mönch
  • Stay in comfortable hotels and enjoy Swiss specialties like Potato Rösti
On this inn-to-inn hiking trip, complete one of Europe’s great long-distance treks through Switzerland: the Via Alpina. Starting near the Liechtenstein border in eastern Switzerland, you’ll hike west across the Swiss Alps to the glistening shores of Lake Geneva. Prepare to be captivated by the sheer beauty of this epic trail, spanning 181mi/291.5km and crossing 14 Alpine mountain passes. As you journey through six Swiss cantons [states], experience a changing panorama of alpine landscapes—from flower-filled meadows and quiet valleys to high mountain passes beneath towering peaks. Hike under the iconic Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger, with sections following the historic Bear Trail (Bärentrek), adding a classic alpine feel to the route. Pass through traditional mountain villages with wooden chalets and colorful balconies and enjoy classic Swiss scenery at every stage. Well-marked trails, seamless transport, and comfortable accommodation make Switzerland ideal for self-guided trekking. This point-to-point Via Alpina journey blends independence with support, offering one of the most immersive ways to experience the Swiss Alps.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Zurich Day 2 Train to Sargans and hike to Weisstannen 8 miles / 12.5 km Day 3 Hike to Elm 15 miles / 24 km Day 4 Hike to Linthal, Funicular to Braunwald 13 miles / 21 km Day 5 Hike to Urnerboden 8.5 miles / 13.5 km Day 6 Hike to Unterschachen and bus to Altdorf 9 miles / 14 km Day 7 Bus/cable car to Bruesti and hike to Engelberg 13.5 miles / 22 km Day 8 Cable car to Jochpass and walk to Meiringen 13.5 miles / 21.5 km Day 9 Hike to Grindelwald 17 miles / 28 km Day 10 Hike to Wengen 10 miles / 16 km Day 11 Train to Muerren and hike to Griesalp 11 miles / 17 km Day 12 Hike to Kandersteg 10 miles / 17 km Day 13 Hike to Adelboden 10 miles / 16 km Day 14 Hike to Lenk 9 miles / 14 km Day 15 Hike to Lauenen and bus to Gstaad 9 miles / 14.5 km Day 16 Hike to L’Etivaz 12 miles / 19 km Day 17 Hike to Montreux 13 miles / 21.5 km Day 18 Onward Travel
THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 11kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 11kg is equivalent to 2 Neapolitan margherita pizzas. Buon appetito!. 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 about how we've carbon counted our trips.

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