Self-Guided Via Alpina

Itinerary

Day 1 – Train to Sargans

Upon arriving in Sargans, you can enjoy a short warm-up hike to the impressive Sargans Castle and visit the Sarganserland Museum, the town's most popular and stunning attraction. Alternatively, take a bus to Vaduz, Liechtenstein, where you can hike up to Vaduz Castle and explore the charming town before heading back to Sargans. Overnight in Sargans.

Day 2 – Sargans to Weisstannen

Begin your morning by walking or taking a short bus ride from Sargans to Mels to kick off the hike. After a brief ascent to the high alpine pastures, the route undulates through woods and meadows, offering soothing views of the Weisstannental and its numerous waterfalls. Along the way, you’ll encounter a dozen or more streams and rivulets cascading down the hillsides. The Weisstannental is the longest valley in the canton of St. Gallen, leading you to your hotel in the tranquil 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 (onward travel to Braunwald)

As you continue your ascent through the Weisstannental, the valley narrows and becomes more rugged before leading you above a dramatic chasm toward the high meadows of Fooalp. Here, you’ll cross your first pass, the Foopass (pronounced FOE-pass), reaching an elevation of 7,300 feet, offering a glimpse of the more challenging alpine passes that lie ahead. The descent to Elm reveals even more breathtaking scenery, featuring numerous large waterfalls cascading down the hillsides. Elm is located in the heart of the Sardona Tectonic Arena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a geological marvel. From Elm, you will take a bus and train to Linthal. A funicular will whisk you up to the car-free mountain resort of Braunwald, where you can unwind and enjoy the stunning views of the jagged peaks of the Glarus Alps beneath a starry sky. Overnight in Braunwald. (BD)

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

Day 4 – Braunwald to Urnerboden and on to Klausenpass

Today's route will lead you along a high path above the valley toward Urnerboden, Switzerland's largest Alp. The mountain vistas are breathtaking, showcasing a unique landscape that evokes the beauty of the Dolomites. In Urnerboden, you can stock up on delicious cheese from the local dairy before either taking a bus transfer or hiking the remaining distance to Klausenpass. A hotel has stood at the top of Klausenpass since 1902, and the newly completed hotel, finished in 2021, offers unparalleled views and warm, 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 a historic route that has served as a trade pathway for centuries, connecting the hamlets and farms that line both sides of the pass. Along the way, you'll encounter several stunning waterfalls that will captivate your attention. As you descend into the valley toward Altdorf, you'll pass through the charming old town of Bürglen, the legendary home of William Tell. Here, the 16th-century chapel, built on the site of his house, and the Tell Museum invite you to explore the life and times of this Swiss hero. Continue to Altdorf, where you'll find a monument depicting Tell with his crossbow and a 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’ll begin your hike by crossing the Reuss River, which flows down from the historic Gotthard Pass. A small cable car will take you from the mountain village of Attinghausen to Brüsti, just above the treeline. The scenic route to Surenenpass ascends alongside steep cliffs, with the majestic peaks of Brunnistock and Blackenstock towering above you. A large, permanent snowfield provides an efficient and swift ascent to the pass. As you descend, the impressive views of Mt. Titlis dominate the landscape as you make your way to the charming 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 see and do at the Engelberg mountain resort, it's hard to call this a rest day. Experience one of the premier mountain excursions in the Alps as we ascend Mt. Titlis, one of the towering giants of the Uri Alps, aboard the world's first rotating cable car. You’ll have the chance to visit the 12th-century monastery, home to the stunning Baroque Abbey. There's also plenty of time to explore Engelberg's charming pedestrian town center. Overnight in Engelberg. (B)

Day 8 – Engelberg to Engstlenalp

As you ascend from Engelberg, you’ll enter a stunning landscape of high alpine lakes and grassy meadows. You’ll traverse past Trübsee and over Jochpass to reach Engstlensee, a habitat for marmots and a showcase of vibrant wildflowers. You can choose between a challenging stretch of the ascent or a more leisurely pace with the aid of cable cars. Regardless of your choice, you’ll arrive at the traditional Alpine hamlet of Engstlenalp by the shores of Engstlensee, where you'll stay at the Hotel Engstlenalp, a classic mountain hotel dating back 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

Leaving Engstlenalp, you'll soon reach the equally delightful Alpine hamlet of Tannalp, known for its quaint church and friendly goats. You’ll walk along the shores of Tannensee as you ascend the Erzegg/Planplatten Ridge, a highlight of the Via Alpina and one of the premier ridge walks in the Alps. Before you, the towering peaks of the Bernese Alps come into view, with the imposing Wetterhorn massif dominating the landscape. Your descent will lead you into the charming town of Meiringen, famously known as the birthplace of meringues. Overnight in Meiringen. (B)

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

Day 10 – Meiringen to Grindelwald

Meiringen is situated at the base of four historic passes and lies along the Aare River before it flows into Brienzersee. This charming town has long attracted international travelers, including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who came here to write about Sherlock Holmes’s death at Reichenbach Falls. You’ll take a funicular to ascend the falls before continuing up the stunning Rosenlaui Valley. As you make your way through a thundering gorge that drains the Rosenlaui Glacier, you’ll cross the final pass of your trek, the renowned Grosse Scheidegg.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

Today you can embark on the classic mountain railway journey that tunnels through the Eiger, leading you to the Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe, where you can gaze upon the great Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps. Additional hiking options will also be available for your enjoyment. Overnight in Grindelwald. (B)

Day 12 – Depart

After breakfast plan your departure or onward travel. (B) Note: it is a 3.5-hour train ride to Zürich airport and the first train departs Grindelwald at 5:17am, so plan departure flights accordingly. We can recommend hotels in Zürich if needed.