“Fabulously detailed itinerary. The hike was challenging but magnificent” - Via Alpina guest
The Swiss Via Alpina hiking route is generally rated strenuous depending on the section and your pace. Hikers should be in good physical condition, experienced with mountain walking, and comfortable with sustained uphill and downhill sections. We recommend trekking poles for this tour and you’ll want a training plan that builds endurance, strength, and hiking-specific skills.
Daily distances: 6–10 miles
Duration: 7–8 hours per day
Elevation gain and descent: Moderate, often up to 3,000-4,000 feet per day, with some higher points reaching over 8,000 feet
Terrain: Well-maintained alpine trails, but some sections are steep and can be physically demanding
The Via Alpina tour starts in Vaduz, Liechtenstein, and finishes in Grindelwald, Switzerland. You will have a 1-day rail pass to reach Vaduz and another 1-day rail pass from Grindelwald to your departure airport (GVA or ZHR). We provide detailed instructions and recommendations for train schedules, and since seat reservations are not required in Switzerland, there’s no need to book in advance. Each 1-day rail pass is valid only on its assigned travel date, but allows unlimited travel throughout Switzerland on that day.
Additionally, you’ll receive a Swiss Half Fare Card, offering discounted rates on extra train tickets, buses, and mountain excursions. This card can be used for any additional days you spend in Switzerland before or after your tour.
We maintain small, intimate groups—usually 12 to 13 guests—to provide personalized attention and exceptional service. A minimum of 6 guests is required for the tour to be confirmed.
Luggage transfers are included during the Via Alpina tour between all hotels, allowing you to hike with only the essentials while your main bags are transported for you. You will arrive and depart from the tour with your luggage on your own. We recommend using a backpack with a hip belt for your daily items, such as rain gear, water, and snacks. For the luggage transfers, please bring just one checked-size suitcase per person, and ensure it weighs no more than 20 kg (44 lbs).
Yes — this is a point-to-point trekking tour, meaning that each day (except your rest day) you’ll hike to reach your next hotel. Transportation alternatives are not included, so you should be prepared to hike every day. We highly recommend training in advance to make sure you’re ready for the physical demands of the route. If you have any concerns about your hiking ability, please let us know — we may be able to suggest a less strenuous tour option.
If you’re unable to hike on any given day, you’ll need to cover the cost of your own transportation (such as a train, public bus, or private taxi) to the next accommodation. Our guides will be happy to provide advice and recommendations to help you get there.
The full Swiss Via Alpina route spans from Sargans to Montreux and includes approximately 19 stages. We divide the route into two tours: our Via Alpina tour covers the eastern half (stages 1–9, from Vaduz/Sargans to Grindelwald), while our Bernese Oberland Traverse tour covers the western half (stages 11–15, from Lauterbrunnen to Gstaad). You can also combine both tours to hike the entire route.
Hotels on the Swiss Via Alpina route are charming, independently owned 3- and 4-star properties, offering alpine character, comfort, and authentic local cuisine. Some things to be aware of:
Most hotels do not have air conditioning, though windows often open for ventilation.
Bathrooms typically have deep tubs with a hand-held shower rather than walk-in showers.
There is one mountain hotel (at Engstlenalp) where we have reserved private rooms with shared bathrooms. They do have a few private rooms with ensuite bathrooms, so it is possible to pay for this upgrade if there is availability. Please note the private rooms with ensuite bathrooms have only 1 bed in the room. If you want a twin room with 2 separate beds at Engstlenalp, you will need to stay in a private room with a shared bathroom.
All other hotels on this tour will have private rooms with en-suite bathrooms and will have the ability to request twin beds.
Yes, with advance notice. Although Swiss cuisine is largely dairy-based, we can cater to guests with allergies and special diets, including gluten-free, vegetarian, and lactose-free needs. Vegan options are limited but often available; however, please note that the Mountain Hotel Engstlenalp cannot provide vegan meals, though a vegetarian option will be offered.
The single supplement is an additional charge for travelers staying alone in a single-occupancy room. Our tour prices are calculated based on double occupancy, meaning the cost of a hotel room is shared between two guests. If a room is occupied by only one person, an extra fee is required to cover the full cost of the room.
Switzerland and Liechtenstein use the Swiss Franc (CHF). ATMs, available at most banks, grocery stores, and train stations, usually provide the best exchange rates. While many shops and restaurants accept credit cards, it’s recommended to carry some Swiss Francs in cash for buses, certain cable cars, and mountain restaurants that may not accept cards.
We rate this trip as strenuous. You should be an experienced hiker in good physical condition. You should be capable of walking -7-8 hours per day on good trails with some steep ascents and descents, averaging 2500-4000 vertical feet per day at an elevation up to about 8000 feet above sea level. Sure-footedness is important and if you have a history of severe vertigo, it may impact your ability to do this tour.
Please note that on Day 4, there is a descent of about 5600 feet, for which there is no lift or public transportation to reduce the descent. The other days may list a range on the stats, meaning that there are ways to shorten the hikes if needed, with lifts or local transportation. The group tours will generally hike on the upper side of the stat ranges. Trekking poles are highly recommended on this tour.
Assume 2.5 miles/hour on the flat.
Assume 1200 feet of up per hour.
Assume 2000 feet of down per hour.
