{"id":234,"date":"2022-11-29T13:50:04","date_gmt":"2022-11-29T13:50:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/huttohuthikingswitzerland.com\/?post_type=tours&p=234"},"modified":"2024-03-14T12:51:08","modified_gmt":"2024-03-14T12:51:08","slug":"via-alpina-switzerland","status":"publish","type":"tours","link":"https:\/\/huttohuthikingswitzerland.com\/de\/touren\/via-alpina-schweiz\/","title":{"rendered":"Via Alpina Schweiz"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","class_list":["post-234","tours","type-tours","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":{"main_site_title":"","tagline":"Plan your Via Alpina self-guided hike across Switzerland and explore the diversity of the Alps on this epic journey, previously known as the Alpine Pass Route.","cover_image":187,"has_page":true,"pay_in_installments":false,"custom_product_link":"","custom_product_pop_up":"","custom_text_badge":"","youtube_video":"","product_gallery":[183,160,165,152,175,153,162,180,184,196,212],"product_description":"The <\/span>Via Alpina<\/b> is Switzerland\u2019s number one hiking route, taking you over the 14 most beautiful mountain passes in the country, leading through a variety of culture, geology, flora, and fauna. It\u2019s the best way to get to know the Swiss Alpine culture.<\/span>\r\n\r\nAlso called the Swiss Alpine Pass Route, it starts in its east at the border with Liechtenstein and continues <\/span>across the whole country<\/b> to the west \u2014 ending at Lake Geneva. As a <\/span>well-maintained<\/b> trail, it is a hiker\u2019s paradise.<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt features <\/span>18 stages<\/b> that require about <\/span>5-7 hours of walking per day<\/b> to complete, but some can be shortened by the use of public transportation (cable cars and buses). It is less challenging technically than the <\/span>Walker\u2019s Haute Route<\/span><\/a>, but fitness-wise it is quite similar.<\/span>\r\n\r\nTo allow you to focus more on enjoying the trail and preparing for it on the physical side, we will take care of the logistical planning.<\/span>\r\n\r\nWe take your wishes and preferences to best advise you on your perfect Via Alpina itinerary. We <\/span>book all of your accommodations<\/b>, organize <\/span>luggage transfers<\/b>, and more, so you can focus on the journey. And a few weeks before setting off, we\u2019ll send you the <\/span>detailed itinerary booklet<\/b> with the planned <\/span>GPS route<\/b>.<\/span>\r\n\r\nIf you think this hike is too long for you, or you don\u2019t have the time, we also offer a shorter version of the trail \u2014 the <\/span>Via Alpina: The Bear Trek<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>","price":"From 4965\u20ac \/ person","hide_price":false,"extras":[{"add_extra":"Transfers to Sargans","add_extra_price":""},{"add_extra":"Transfers from Montreux","add_extra_price":""},{"add_extra":"Luggage transfer","add_extra_price":""},{"add_extra":"Single supplement","add_extra_price":""}],"extras_self_guided":null,"highlights_new":"Hike the entire Via Alpina Green Trail in Switzerland\r\n\r\nDiscover the unique landscapes and rich culture of the Swiss Alps\r\n\r\nEnjoy extraordinary views while crossing over 14 mountain passes\r\n\r\nSleep in mountain huts, hotels, and lovely inns on your hike across the country\r\n\r\nWe take care of the logistics so you can enjoy your adventure","included_new":"19x Accommodations with breakfast\r\n\r\nTour design and organization\r\n\r\nBooklet with detailed itinerary and route instructions\r\n\r\nService and support during your hike\r\n\r\nGPS navigation with an easy-to-use app","included_self_guided":null,"not_included_self_guided":null,"what_to_bring":[{"what_to_bring_item":"Comfortable sports clothes"},{"what_to_bring_item":"Insulation jacket"},{"what_to_bring_item":"Spare socks, underwear and shirt"},{"what_to_bring_item":"Gloves"},{"what_to_bring_item":"Toilet paper"},{"what_to_bring_item":"Snacks"},{"what_to_bring_item":"Headlamp"},{"what_to_bring_item":"ID card"},{"what_to_bring_item":"Trekking poles if you are used to them"},{"what_to_bring_item":"Extra layer"},{"what_to_bring_item":"Rain jacket"},{"what_to_bring_item":"Headwear"},{"what_to_bring_item":"Sports shoes with good grip"},{"what_to_bring_item":"Water bottle"},{"what_to_bring_item":"Sunscreen"},{"what_to_bring_item":"Toothbrush"},{"what_to_bring_item":"Sleeping liner"},{"what_to_bring_item":"Backpack 30-45 l"},{"what_to_bring_item":"Some cash for food and accommodation"}],"faq":[{"faq_question":"How difficult is the Via Alpina?","faq_answer":"Via Alpina is less difficult than the Walker's Haute Route<\/a> but more difficult than the Tour du Mont Blanc<\/a>. It is mostly a hike, with only a few steep, rocky, and exposed sections where you need to use your hands to keep balance.<\/span>\r\n\r\nStill, it features long days with lots of elevation gain and loss, mostly over uneven terrain, which is why only experienced hikers who can hike 4-7 hours a day should attempt it.<\/span>\r\n\r\nLearn more about the Via Alpina difficulty ><\/a>"},{"faq_question":"How to travel to\/from the starting\/ending point of the hike?","faq_answer":"The starting point of the Via Alpina in Switzerland is Sargans, which can be easily reached by train from Zurich or Basel.<\/span>\r\n\r\nYou end the hike in Montreux, from where a train can take you to Geneva airport.<\/span>\r\n\r\nYou can find more details about the travel to the starting point here<\/a>."},{"faq_question":"Can I hike the trail with kids?","faq_answer":"You can, but they need to be used of long hiking days and surefooted. We therefore recommend that they\u2019re at least 8 years old.<\/span>"},{"faq_question":"Can I shorten some of the stages?","faq_answer":"Most of the stages can be shortened via cable cars or other modes of public transportation, saving your knees on the downhills or catching up on lost time because of bad weather."},{"faq_question":"Can I have my luggage transferred?","faq_answer":"Via Alpina stages are much more accessible than Haute Route's, which is why we can organize luggage transfer for you for an extra charge. This will make your backpacks lighter and easier to carry over the many mountain passes of the route."},{"faq_question":"What currency should I have on me?","faq_answer":"Switzerland uses Swiss francs (CHF), so it\u2019s best to have them on you to pay for services in some remote mountain huts.<\/span>"}],"itinerary_name_primary":"","itinerary":[{"day_headline":"Day 1: Sargans - Weisstannen","day_description":"One of the rare stages without a pass, this is a great warm-up to the Via Alpina. You\u2019ll explore the Swiss countryside and walk through villages, meadows, and woods up the river towards <\/span>Weisstannen<\/b>.<\/span>","itinnerary_gallery":[138,139,141],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"","select_accommodations_posts":null,"itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"14 km and 650 m elevation gain, 100 m elevation loss","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 2: Weisstannen - Elm","day_description":"Continue up the valley on cattle trails towards the first pass of the adventure. Over green pastures, you\u2019ll reach the <\/span>Foopass (2,223 m)<\/b> with a great outlook over the Glarner Alps in the distance. Solid paths take you down to the village of <\/span>Elm<\/b>, known for preserving its architectural heritage.<\/span>","itinnerary_gallery":[140,143,145],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"","select_accommodations_posts":null,"itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"23 km and 1250 m elevation gain, 1300 m elevation loss","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 3: Elm - Linthal","day_description":"One of the most challenging days on the route, it also hikes in some of its most impressive terrain, namely the Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona. You\u2019ll climb up steep paths along the mountains and green and rocky terrain to <\/span>Richetlipass (2,261 m)<\/b>. Descend is more leisurely, on a mule path through pastures and later woods towards Linthal.<\/span>\r\n\r\nYou can take a gondola lift at the beginning of the stage to lower the elevation gain for the day.<\/span>","itinnerary_gallery":[144,147,146],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"","select_accommodations_posts":null,"itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"24 km and 1450 m elevation gain, 1800 m elevation loss","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 4: Linthal \u2013 Klausenpass","day_description":"After a short steep part towards <\/span>Braunwald<\/b>, you\u2019ll circle the mountainside towards the <\/span>largest alp in Switzerland<\/b> (around 1,200 cows). You can optionally end the day there, at the village of <\/span>Urnerboden<\/b>, or continue up along the hairpin bend road towards <\/span>Klausenpass<\/b>, where you stay the night.<\/span>","itinnerary_gallery":[255,254,153],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"","select_accommodations_posts":null,"itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"17 km and 1300 m elevation gain, 100 m elevation loss","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 5: Klausenpass \u2013 Altdorf","day_description":"The postbus takes you back to the top of the pass, from where you descend on the panoramic trail to the meadows in <\/span>Aesch<\/b>. After admiring the wonderful waterfall, continue down the valley along the river to the lake town of <\/span>Altdorf<\/b>.<\/span>","itinnerary_gallery":[156,155,154],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"","select_accommodations_posts":null,"itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"22 km and 1100 m elevation gain, 1500 m elevation loss","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 6: Altdorf \u2013 Engelberg","day_description":"The sixth day is a long one, with over 1800 meters of elevation gain. Only in the beginning do you have a chance to shorten it by taking a cable car to <\/span>Br\u00fcsti<\/b>, saving you a kilometer of uphill hiking. Ascend the narrow ridge to reach the rocky <\/span>Surenenpass (2,291 m)<\/b>. From there, a pleasant but long route leads down the green valley into <\/span>Engelberg<\/b>, a small town.<\/span>","itinnerary_gallery":[159,158,161],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"","select_accommodations_posts":null,"itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"30 km and 1900 m elevation gain, 1300 m elevation loss","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 7: Engelberg \u2013 Engstlenalp","day_description":"This day starts with a steep ascent, but already halfway, your effort will be rewarded once you reach <\/span>Engstlenalpsee<\/b> lake. From there onwards, you\u2019ll have a great view over the Bernese Alps, all the way to <\/span>Jochpass (2,207 m)<\/b>. After a short downhill, you\u2019ll reach Hotel <\/span>Engstlenalp<\/b>, located in surreal alpine surroundings.<\/span>","itinnerary_gallery":[256,257,164],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"","select_accommodations_posts":null,"itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"11 km and 1250 m elevation gain, 450 m elevation loss","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 8: Engstlenalp \u2013 Meiringen","day_description":"After passing a few traditional dairy farms at <\/span>Tannalp<\/b>, you\u2019ll visit the tranquil lakes on the plateau. From there, the route continues up a narrow ridge to the <\/span>Plantappen<\/b> mountain, where you\u2019ll have constant <\/span>great views over the Jungfrau massif<\/b>, with Eiger in sight. The descent from the peak to <\/span>Meiringien<\/b> is long, so there is an option of hopping on a cable car and saving your knees.<\/span>","itinnerary_gallery":[167,170,169],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"","select_accommodations_posts":null,"itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"20 km and 650 m elevation gain, 1900 m elevation loss","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 9: Meiringen \u2013 Grindelwald","day_description":"An easier day compared to others before it, it takes you over the <\/span>Grosse Scheidegg<\/b>. You will also hike past the <\/span>Reichenbach Falls<\/b>, made famous by Sherlock Holmes. The route from the pass gently descends through the woods and pastures towards <\/span>Grindelwald<\/b>, a popular town amongst tourists.<\/span>","itinnerary_gallery":[171,172,179],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"","select_accommodations_posts":null,"itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"22 km and 1400 m elevation gain, 1000 m elevation loss","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 10: Grindelwald \u2013 Wengen","day_description":"On day ten, you will hike below one of the most famous rock walls in the Alps, the <\/span>Eiger North Face<\/b>. The route will take up from the tourist hustle and bustle into the pastures below this awe-inspiring mountain. On your highest point at <\/span>Kleine Scheidegg<\/b>, you can also join the <\/span>Jungfraujoch<\/b> railway for an excursion or continue the sunny descent down to <\/span>Wengen<\/b>, another famous resort in the region.<\/span>","itinnerary_gallery":[174,178,182],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"","select_accommodations_posts":null,"itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"19 km and 1200 m elevation gain, 900 m elevation loss","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 11: Wengen \u2013 Murren","day_description":"An easy day takes you in the shade of the woods up onto the sunny terrace on which the car-free town of <\/span>Murren<\/b> lies. If you want, you can make this a rest day and just take the cable car.<\/span>","itinnerary_gallery":[186,184,189],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"","select_accommodations_posts":null,"itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"9 km and 850 m elevation gain, 500 m elevation loss","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 12: Murren \u2013 Griesalp","day_description":"Today you will tackle the second-highest pass on the Via Alpina, a good warm-up for the next day (with the highest pass). Climb up the lush meadows past <\/span>Rotstockh\u00fctte<\/b>, where you can rest before continuing to the <\/span>Sefinenfurgge Pass (2,612 m)<\/b>. The path down will be unusually dark and rocky for Switzerland but will soon turn back into a lush landscape. Past waterfalls and pastures, you\u2019ll reach the village of <\/span>Griesalp<\/b>.<\/span>","itinnerary_gallery":[190,191,192],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"","select_accommodations_posts":null,"itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"17 km and 1100 m elevation gain, 1300 m elevation loss","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 13: Griesalp \u2013 Kandersteg","day_description":"Get ready for this extraordinary stage. You\u2019ll hike over Bundalp to the top of <\/span>Hoht\u00fcrli Pass (2,778 m)<\/b>, the highest on the whole Via Alpina trail. But just above the pass lies the <\/span>Bl\u00fcemlisalph\u00fctte<\/b>, arguably the highlight of the day. Enjoy the rest at this hut at the foot of the glacier before descending to <\/span>Lake Oeschinen<\/b>, where you can take the cable railway to <\/span>Kandersteg<\/b>.<\/span>","itinnerary_gallery":[195,259,196],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"","select_accommodations_posts":null,"itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"16 km and 1400 m elevation gain, 1650 m elevation loss","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 14: Kandersteg \u2013 Adelboden","day_description":"Today\u2019s hike will take you to <\/span>Bunderchrinde Pass (2,385 m)<\/b>, a rocky window onto the other side of the mountains. You will hike up the river and towards the end of the valley, ascend the meadows to the <\/span>Lohner Hut<\/b>, and continue your way to the pass. When there, you\u2019ll have a nice view of the path up ahead, which will zig-zag down into <\/span>Adelboden<\/b>.<\/span>","itinnerary_gallery":[197,199,200],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"","select_accommodations_posts":null,"itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"17 km and 1350 m elevation gain, 1200 m elevation loss","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 15: Adelboden \u2013 Lenk","day_description":"This is an easier day, whichever option you choose. You can follow the streams and go past holiday lodges into the grassy pastures above <\/span>Adelboden<\/b> on a direct route, or choose to climb up to the ridge to have a better view of the surrounding region. Both routes cross the grassy <\/span>Hahnenmoospass<\/b>, where you can have a rest. Descend directly to <\/span>Lent<\/b> or take a detour past the Simme waterfalls.<\/span>","itinnerary_gallery":[135,201,202],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"","select_accommodations_posts":null,"itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"20 km and 950 m elevation gain, 1200 m elevation loss","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 16: Lenk \u2013 Gstaad","day_description":"The hike will begin with the ascent through the <\/span>Wallbach Gorge<\/b>, later giving way to green meadows with all-around views. Crossing this wild landscape, you\u2019ll meet an occasional flock of sheep. You will cross the <\/span>Tr\u00fcttlisbergpass<\/b> and gradually descend into <\/span>Lauenen<\/b>, from where you will hike into <\/span>Gstaad<\/b>.<\/span>","itinnerary_gallery":[204],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"","select_accommodations_posts":null,"itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"23 km and 1150 m elevation gain, 1150 m elevation loss","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 17: Gstaad \u2013 Ch\u00e2teau-d\u2019Oex","day_description":"This day will take you over another pass, past the <\/span>Gummfluh<\/b> peak, the iconic landmark of the area. Once you reach <\/span>Col du Jable<\/b>, you\u2019ll also cross over into another linguistic area of Switzerland. Descend to <\/span>L\u2019Etivaz<\/b>, taste some of their famous cheese, and continue to <\/span>Ch\u00e2teau-d\u2019Oex<\/b>.<\/span>","itinnerary_gallery":[203,205],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"","select_accommodations_posts":null,"itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"26 km and 1500 m elevation gain, 1600 m elevation loss","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 18: Ch\u00e2teau-d\u2019Oex \u2013 Montreux","day_description":"This last stage is the cherry on top of the cake, especially the on the last descent. You\u2019ll start the final day hiking up above the <\/span>Lac de l\u2019Hongrin<\/b>, admiring its dam. After that, the last pass of Via Alpina Switzerland awaits you \u2014 <\/span>Col de Chaude<\/b> \u2014 and a ridge to <\/span>Rochers de Naye<\/b>. The views from there are outstanding \u2014 you\u2019ll see Lake Geneva and both Jungfrau and Mont Blanc massifs.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe last descent to the Mediterranean micro-climate of <\/span>Montreux<\/b> is well worth it, but if you feel it\u2019s too much, you have multiple opportunities along the way to take the train down.<\/span>\r\n\r\nSome people choose to divide this last stage into two days, taking the railway from Rochers de Naye down to Montreux and returning the next day to hike the last descent.","itinnerary_gallery":[207,208,210],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"","select_accommodations_posts":null,"itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"Min:<\/strong> 21 km and 1860 m elevation gain, 850 m elevation loss\r\n\r\nMax:<\/strong> 33 km and 1900 m elevation gain, 2600 m elevation loss\r\n\r\n ","itinerary_cycling":""}],"starting_point":"Sargans","finish_point":"Montreux","duration":"18 days \/ 17 nights","duration_groupe":{"duration_value_field":"18","type_duration_dropdown":"days"},"technical_level":"2","fitness_level":"5","product_dates_NEW":null,"self_guided_price_NEW":{"price_product_prefix_inline":"From:","price":"4965","price_product_suffix_inline":"\/person"},"google_map_iframe":"