Hiking the Via Alpina on a Women’s-Only Alpenwild tour is a supportive, empowering adventure through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Swiss Alps. You’ll travel with a like-minded group of women in an encouraging, non-competitive environment that fosters confidence, camaraderie, and personal growth.
Expert female guides handle the logistics and offer steady encouragement as you cross high mountain passes, wander through alpine meadows, and explore historic villages. Evenings are spent relaxing in welcoming mountain hotels, sharing stories, and celebrating daily achievements. The experience is as much about connection and empowerment as it is about the trail—leaving you with lasting friendships, unforgettable alpine memories, and a deep sense of accomplishment.
The Swiss Via Alpina is a challenging and rewarding hike, and this women-only tour is designed for hikers who are in strong physical condition and comfortable in mountainous terrain. You should have experience with sustained uphill and downhill walking and feel confident spending full days on the trail. Trekking poles are highly recommended, and a thoughtful training plan that builds endurance, strength, and hiking-specific skills will help you feel empowered and prepared.
Daily distances: 6–10 miles
Time on trail: 7–8 hours per day
Elevation gain & loss: Typically 3,000–4,000 feet per day, with some high points exceeding 8,000 feet
Terrain: Well-maintained alpine trails, with some steep, physically demanding sections
This journey rewards preparation with confidence, camaraderie, and a deep sense of accomplishment—shared with a supportive group of women.
Luggage transfers are included throughout the Via Alpina tour between all hotels, so you can hike comfortably with just your day essentials while your main bag is transported for you. You’ll arrive at the first hotel and depart from the final hotel with your luggage on your own.
We recommend using a well-fitting daypack with a hip belt for items such as rain gear, water, snacks, and other daily necessities. For luggage transfers, please plan to bring one checked-size suitcase per person, with a maximum weight of 20 kg (44 lbs).
Yes — this is a point-to-point trekking tour, which means that each day (except for your rest day in Engelberg) you’ll hike to reach your next hotel. Daily transportation alternatives are not included, so you should be prepared to hike every day.
We strongly recommend training in advance to ensure you’re ready for the physical demands of the route. If you have any concerns about your hiking experience or fitness, please let us know — we can help suggest a less strenuous tour option if needed.
If you’re unable to hike on a particular day, you will be responsible for arranging and covering your own transportation—such as by train, public bus, or private taxi—to reach the next hotel. Our guides are happy to offer advice and recommendations to help you plan your journey.
The full Swiss Via Alpina stretches from Sargans to Montreux, encompassing roughly 19 stages. We offer two separate tours along this route: our Via Alpina tour covers the eastern section (stages 1–9, from Vaduz/Sargans to Grindelwald), while the Bernese Oberland Traverse tour explores the western section (stages 11–15, from Lauterbrunnen to Gstaad). For those seeking the ultimate adventure, the two tours can be combined to hike the entire Via Alpina.
Yes — this women-only Via Alpina tour is safe for solo travelers. You’ll hike with a supportive group of women, guided by experienced leaders who handle logistics, accommodations, and trail safety. Well-maintained alpine routes and secure hotels ensure a worry-free and empowering adventure.
Hotels on the Swiss Via Alpina route are charming, independently owned 3- and 4-star properties, offering alpine character, comfort, and authentic local cuisine. A few details to note:
Most hotels do not have air conditioning, though windows can be opened for ventilation.
Bathrooms typically feature deep tubs with hand-held showers rather than walk-in showers.
At Engstlenalp, we’ve reserved private rooms with shared bathrooms. A limited number of private en-suite rooms are available for an upgrade (subject to availability); these have a single bed only. Twin rooms with 2 beds are only available in shared-bathroom rooms.
All other hotels on the tour provide private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, with twin-bed options available upon request.
Groups are intentionally small, typically 6–12 ladies, to encourage camaraderie and provide personalized guidance. For groups of nine or more, two guides are present, so hikers can move at their own pace while staying fully supported. The minimum group size required to run the tour is 6 guests.
With advance notice, we can accommodate a variety of dietary needs. While Swiss cuisine is often dairy-based, we can cater to allergies and special diets, including gluten-free, vegetarian, and lactose-free options. Vegan meals are limited but often available; however, please note that the mountain hotel at Engstlenalp cannot provide vegan meals, though a vegetarian option will be offered.
For travelers who prefer their own space, the single supplement allows you to stay in a private room. Tour prices are based on double occupancy, with the price of the rooms typically shared between two ladies. If you choose to have a room to yourself, the supplement covers the full cost, giving you extra comfort and privacy throughout the tour.
Switzerland and Liechtenstein use the Swiss Franc (CHF). ATMs, found at most banks, grocery stores, and train stations, generally offer the best exchange rates. While many shops and restaurants accept credit cards, it’s a good idea to carry some cash on hand.
Absolutely! This women-only tour is designed to foster connection, friendship, and shared experiences. From hiking together on the trail to relaxing over meals and evening gatherings, you’ll have plenty of chances to meet like-minded women, share stories, and build lasting friendships along the way.
On the Via Alpina, you’ll spend long hours hiking through alpine terrain, and knowing how to manage bathroom breaks outdoors can make your experience more comfortable. For women, this is completely doable! Here are some helpful tips:
Use discreet trail-side spots: Look for areas off the trail with natural cover.
Carry toilet paper or wipes: Pack out used toilet paper or wipes in a small zip-lock bag, following Leave No Trace principles. You could even consider using a reusable Kula cloth.
Consider a female urination device (FUD): These allow you to stand comfortably when nature calls.
Plan breaks at huts and restaurants: Most days include small villages, refuges, or rest stops with toilets.
Rely on your guides: They’ll point out safe and private spots to make the process stress-free
Outdoor bathroom breaks are a normal part of alpine hiking—and with a little preparation, you can handle them with ease, staying clean, comfortable, and confident while fully enjoying your mountain adventure.
This women’s-only tour is rated strenuous and is designed for experienced hikers in excellent physical condition. You should feel confident hiking 7–8 hours per day on well-maintained alpine trails, including sustained steep ascents and descents. Daily elevation gain typically ranges from 2,500 to 4,000 feet, with hiking elevations reaching approximately 8,000 feet above sea level. Sure-footedness is essential, and hikers with a history of severe vertigo may find certain sections of the trail challenging.
One of the most demanding days is Day 4, which includes a continuous descent of approximately 5,600 feet. There is no lift or public transportation available to shorten this descent, so having strong knees, balance, and endurance is important. On other days, mileage and elevation ranges reflect optional ways to shorten hikes using lifts or local transportation if needed. As a group, we generally hike toward the upper end of the stated ranges, while maintaining a supportive, encouraging pace.
Trekking poles are highly recommended and are especially helpful for stability on long descents. Our female-led environment emphasizes strength, confidence, and mutual support—creating a space where women challenge themselves while lifting each other up.
Pacing Assumptions:
2.5 miles per hour on flat terrain
1,200 feet of ascent per hour
2,000 feet of descent per hour
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