Self-Guided Via Alpina

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in Sargans

Arrive in Sargans, you can take a short warm-up walk up to Sargans Castle and the Sarganserland Museum, the most popular and most spectacular sight in Sargans. Another option would be to take a bus to Vaduz, Liechtenstein and walk up to the Vaduz castle and explore the town before returning to Sargans. Overnight in Sargans. 

Day 2 – Sargans to Weisstannen

Walk or take a short bus ride from Sargans to Mels to start the hike this morning. After a quick ascent to high alpine pastures our route follows an undulating course through woods and meadows with relaxing views of the Weisstannental and its many waterfalls. You will pass a dozen or more of these streams and rivulets cascading down the hillside. The Weisstannental is the canton of St. Gallen’s longest valley, and you will arrive at your hotel in the peaceful village of Weisstannen. Overnight in Weisstannen. (BD)

Ascent 2500 feet | Descent 850 feet | Distance: 6.5-8.3 miles (may vary)

Day 3 – Weisstannen to Elm (Braunwald)

As you continue ascending the Weisstannental, it narrows and becomes more rugged before passing above a giant chasm leading to the high meadows at Fooalp. The crossing of your first pass, the Foopass (pronounced FOE-pass) takes us to 7300 feet elevation and will give you a good taste for the more challenging alpine passes ahead. The descent to Elm delivers more stunning scenery, with many large waterfalls streaking the hillsides. Elm is in the heart of the Sardona Techtonic Arena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and geologic showpiece. A funicular will speed your ascent to the car-free mountain resort of Braunwald, overlooking the jagged peaks of the Glarus Alps, where you spend the evening basking in the mountain views and starlit sky. Overnight in Braunwald. (BD)

Ascent 3000-4600 feet | Descent 4300-4650 feet | Distance: 10-14 miles (may vary)

Day 4 – Braunwald to Klausenpass

Your route today will take you on a high path above the valley leading to Urnerboden, Switzerland’s largest Alp. The mountain views are still astounding and so different from other peaks in the Alp—reminiscent of the Dolomites. You can stock up on cheese from the large dairy in Urnerboden before taking the bus transfer or hiking the rest of the way to the Klausenpass. There has been a hotel at the top of the Klausenpass since 1902, and the new hotel, completed in 2021, offers unmatched views and traditional hospitality. Overnight in Klausenpass. (BD)

Ascent 1500-3300 feet | Descent 1450-1750 feet | Distance: 8-11.5 miles (may vary)

Day 5 – Klausenpass to Altdorf

The Klausenpass is an historic route that has been used for centuries as a trade route and to connect the hamlets and farms that dot both sides of the pass. There are several great waterfalls along the route that will grab your attention. As you descend the valley into Altdorf you will arrive in the old town of Bürglen, home of William Tell. The 16th-century chapel, built on the site of his house, and the Tell Museum draws you into the life and times of this Swiss hero. Make your way to Altdorf where there is a monument depicting Tell with crossbow and pierced apple in hand. Overnight in Altdorf. (BD)

Ascent 275-1275 feet | Descent 1625-5000 feet | Distance: 7.5-12 miles (may vary)

Day 6 – Altdorf to Engelberg

Today you will cross the Reuss River which descends from the historic Gotthard Pass to start our day’s hike by taking a small cable car from the mountainside village of Attinghausen to Brüsti, just above treeline. The airy route to the Surenenpass ascends below the steep cliffs with the peaks of the Brunnistock and Blackenstock towering overhead. A large permanent snowfield makes for an efficient and speedy ascent route to the pass. Coming down views of Mt Titlis dominate the panorama. You can enjoy lunch at one of the small hamlets and mountain restaurants along the way before arriving in the delightful mountain resort of Engelberg. Overnight in Engelberg. (B)

Ascent 2500-3300 feet | Descent 2250-4000 feet | Distance: 8.7-10 miles (may vary)

Day 7 – Engelberg | Mt Titlis Excursion

With so much to do in the mountain Engelberg mountain resort, it’s hard to call this a rest day. You’ll enjoy one of the great mountain excursions in the Alps as we ascend Mt Titlis, one of the giants of the Uri Alps, on the world’s first rotating cable car. You can visit the 12th century monastery, which houses the exquisite baroque Abbey. You’ll still have time to explore Engelberg with its pedestrian town center. Overnight in Engelberg. (B)

Day 8 – Engelberg to Engstlenalp

Ascending above Engelberg you will enter an expanse of high alpine lakes and grassy meadows. You'll pass the Trübsee and over Jochpass to the Engstlensee. This is the realm of the marmot and hosts an amazing diversity of wildflowers. You have options on the ascent, choosing between a strenuous stretch or taking a more leisurely pace with the help of cable cars. Either way, you will arrive at the traditional Alpine hamlet of Engstlenalp on the Engstlensee where you will stay at the Hotel Engstlenalp, a tradition mountain hotel dating to the 1860s. Overnight in Engstlenalp. (BD)

Ascent 60-4200 feet | Descent 1270-1477 feet | Distance: 2.5-8 miles (may vary) 

Day 9 – Engstlenalp to Meiringen

Departing Engstlenalp you will soon arrive at the equally charming Alpine hamlet of Tannalp with its tiny church and dozens of friendly goats. You will skirt the Tannensee to ascend the Erzegg/Planplatten Ridge, a highlight of the Via Alpina and one of the great ridge walks in the Alps. The highest peaks of the Bernese Alps appear in front of you with the bulky massif of the Wetterhorn dominating the mountainscape. You will descend the ridge into the popular town of Meiringen, where meringues were invented. Overnight in Meiringen. (B)

Ascent 2400 feet | Descent 980-3780 feet | Distance: 7-11 miles (may vary)

Day 10 – Meiringen to Grindelwald

Meiringen sits at the base of four strategic and historic passes and lies on the Aare River before it flows into the Brienzersee. Meiringen has long been a magnet for international travelers like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle who came here and wrote of Sherlock Holmes’ death at Reichenbach Falls. You'll ascend the falls by funicular before continuing up the gorgeous Rosenlaui Valley. You will ascend a thundering gorge which drains the Rosenlaui Glacier, then cross the final pass of your trek, the famed Grosse Scheidegg which leads you to the flower-decked hotel with views to the North Face of the Eiger. Overnight in Grindelwald. (BD)

Ascent 2200-4950 feet | Descent 500-3500 feet | Distance: 7.5-14.5 miles (may vary)

Day 11 – Grindelwald | Jungfraujoch | Other options for Hikes

You can take the classic mountain railway excursion which tunnels through the Eiger to arrive at the Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe, and overlooking the Great Aletsch Glacier, the longest in the Alps. Other hiking options will be provided. Overnight in Grindelwald. (B)

Day 12 – Depart

After breakfast plan your departure or onward travel. Note: it is a 3.5-hour train ride to the Zurich airport, so plan departure flights accordingly. We can help with a hotel in Zurich if needed. (B)