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

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.

Both the East and West sections of the Via Alpina are 10-day inn-to-inn hiking trips in the Swiss Alps, but they offer distinctly different experiences depending on the kind of journey you’re looking for. Hikers can choose either section individually or complete the full Via Alpina crossing of Switzerland over 18 days.

The East Via Alpina (Sargans to Grindelwald) follows a quieter, more remote route starting near Zurich. It quickly leaves populated areas behind and moves through peaceful valleys and less-travelled alpine passes. This section gradually builds toward the dramatic Bernese Oberland, finishing in Grindelwald beneath the Jungfrau region. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a more tranquil hiking experience with fewer crowds and a stronger sense of solitude and discovery.

The West Via Alpina (Grindelwald to Montreux) begins in the heart of the Bernese Oberland and moves through a more varied and continuously changing landscape. The route crosses alpine passes, meadows, and traditional mountain villages before descending all the way to Lake Geneva and the Swiss Riviera. It suits hikers who want a greater sense of contrast—moving from high alpine terrain to vineyards and lakeside scenery within the same journey.

In short: the East focuses on quieter trails and a gradual build into the mountains, while the West delivers a wider range of landscapes and a more pronounced transition from high Alps to lakeside Switzerland. Both offer classic Swiss hiking with comfortable accommodation, well-marked trails, and luggage transfer throughout. Breaking the route into 2 trips (an east and west section) allows you to complete the entire route over the course of several years.

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