Unfortunately, we have suspended our self-guided tours for 2024 due to a lack of hotel availability. We have all our hotels secured in advance for our guided tours, but we can no longer accommodate self-guided. We still have availability on some of our guided group tours for 2024. 

The Ultimate Alps Experience

Imagine hiking through deep-cut valleys, in the shadow of lofty alpine peaks, surrounded by plunging waterfalls and wildflowered meadows. Now imagine having this spectacular alpine wonderland all to yourself—with perhaps few choice friends. The Via Alpina (National Route 1) is just that—the quintessential Swiss Alps experience without the crowds. It may be the most inspiring and dreamy mountain scenery on earth.  No wonder Backpacker Magazine proclaimed it “World’s Best Hike.”

Get to know the Alps

You’ll discover an overwhelming diversity of culture, scenery, geology, and flora. You’ll get to know the Swiss Alps in a way few travelers will ever experience. The Via Alpina crosses 14 of Switzerland’s most beautiful Alpine passes and reveals breathtaking panoramas at every turn. The Via Alpina is a trove of hidden treasures and new surprises, even for experienced Alps hikers.

Undiscovered Hiking Gems in Eastern Switzerland

The National Route 1 Via Alpina spans Switzerland from East to West—from Liechtenstein and the Rhine Valley to Montreux and the shores of Lake Geneva with the peaks of the Mont Blanc range ahead. The entire route covers 370km/230 miles and features 19 stages.

This trek showcases the eastern portion of the Via Alpina and encompasses stages 1-10. It traverses the Glarus and Uri Alps, before concluding in Grindelwald at the base of the North Face of the Eiger and within view of many of the most stunning peaks of the Alps. The Alpenwild Bernese Oberland Traverse continues the journey from Lauterbrunnen to Gstaad (Stages 11-16). 

Alpenwild’s Unmatched Expertise in the Alp.

You’ll benefit from our first-hand knowledge of the Alps, and a level of expertise that no other operator can offer. Alpenwild was the first North American company to offer travelers the Via Alpina on both a guided and self-guided basis. You'll be treated to luggage transfers every night of your stay, so you can hike with just a light daypack. Our selection of superb hotels, fine cuisine, and the scenic splendor of the Swiss Alps make this an Alpenwild signature trip.

Combine World-Class Hiking with Superb Cuisine

Every Alpenwild trip places a high priority on the wonderful cuisine and regional food specialties of the region in which we travel, and our Via Alpina 1 is no exception. Farmstead alpine cheeses, rösti, mouth-watering smoked sausages, and a continuous supply of Swiss chocolate will fuel your hiking adventure.

Trip Videos

Overview Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in Sargans

Day 2 – Sargans to Weisstannen

Day 3 – Weisstannen to Elm (Braunwald)

Day 4 – Braunwald to Klausenpass

Day 5 – Klausenpass to Altdorf

Day 6 – Altdorf to Engelberg

Day 7 – Engelberg | Mt Titlis Excursion

Day 8 – Engelberg to Engstlenalp

Day 9 – Engstlenalp to Meiringen

Day 10 – Meiringen to Grindelwald

Day 11 – Grindelwald | Jungfraujoch | Other options for Hikes

Day 12 – Depart

View Detailed Itinerary
View Detailed Itinerary

Tour Price

$3,695 USD per person, double occupancy

$1,225 single supplement

Reserve your place on this tour with a $500 per person deposit

Trip Dates

20 June 2024 - 20 September 2024 for 12 days

20 June 2025 - 20 September 2025 for 12 days

Or, book a private departure

Trip Highlights

  • Optional visit the Principality of Liechtenstein and Vaduz Castle
  • Cross the UNESCO World Heritage Sardona Tectonic Arena
  • Take the classic railway excursion to the Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe, and overlooking the longest glacier in the Alps
  • Take the revolving tram to the summit of Mt Titlis
  • Conclude in Grindelwald at the North Face of the Eiger

Trip Videos

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