Via Alpina

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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 1-9. 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. Alpenwild's Deluxe Bernese Oberland Traverse tour continues the journey from Lauterbrunnen to Gstaad (Stages 11-16). 

Alpenwild’s Unmatched Expertise in the Alps.

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, and mouth-watering smoked sausages, and a continuous supply of Swiss chocolate will fuel your hiking adventure.