Via Alpina Blog - Everything you need to know about the Via Alpina 1 in Switzerland
Approaching the Blüemlisalphütte, near Kandersteg
We’ve put together a list of many questions we get asked about the Via Alpina 1 - Switzerland (along with the answers, of course!). However, if there is something you want to know which isn’t covered, please just get in touch, and we’ll be happy to help out!
Shortcuts
1. What is the Via Alpina?
The Via Alpina in full is a traverse of the Swiss Alps, from Sargans in the east - close to Liechtenstein, to Montreux in the west - just across the water from France. Regardless of whether you are doing the whole thing, or just a section, you will take in some of the very best of the Swiss Alps and delve into truly chocolate box Switzerland. The route is all about crossing mountain passes - almost every day brings a new pass to conquer, some tough, some easy, all spectacular.
The Via Alpina is Number 1 of the Swiss National Hiking Routes, and therefore known as “VA1”, “Via Alpina 1” or just “1” on different maps. It mostly follows an old trekking route known as the Swiss Alpine Pass Route (APR). Confusingly, there are many “Via Alpinas” across different alpine countries, but this Swiss version is the most established. Hence we try to differentiate by calling it the “Via Alpina 1 - Switzerland”.
The Bachsee, just above Grindelwald
2. How long does the Via Alpina take?
For those looking to walk every step of the Via Alpina, we offer either VAS-1, VAS-2 or VAS-3 itineraries, which cover the route in 18, 20 or 23 walking days respectively, depending on how much distance you prefer to cover each day.
However, if you don’t have that many days to spare, we also offer our VAS-C-2 Central Highlights itinerary which covers a spectacular 10 day section in the Bernese Oberland, in the central part of the route.
All our holidays are completely open to customisation - just get in touch and we’re more than happy to create the itinerary that works best for you.
3. When is the best time to walk the Via Alpina?
It is usually only practical to hike the Via Alpina between mid-July and mid-September. Before July, snow can often block the high mountain passes, and by the end of September, fresh snow becomes a risk. Also, the mountain refuges which you may stop at for refreshments won't generally open outside of these months.
Different months in summer have different advantages and disadvantages. July is great for wildflowers, and for the hottest temperatures. August is rather warm as well, but the summer holidays will mean somewhat busier walking trails. September often means cooler and more settled weather, with fewer other walkers on the trails.
The Lauterbrunnen valley, from Wengen
4. Do I have to stay in Refuges on the Via Alpina?
Not unless you want to. Unusually for an alpine trek, on our Via Alpina itineraries you will stay in a town or village every night, and therefore sleep in a hotel or guest house. However, if you are keen to stay in a refuge, just let us know and we can adjust your itinerary to do so for one or two nights!
5. Can I skip or shorten stages on the Via Alpina?
Absolutely. There are plenty of options for this along the trail, in the form of cable cars, buses, taxis and trains. Reducing your daily distance is possible on almost every stage of the route, as well as skipping the day entirely. Though do bear in mind that the transport will often have to take a long way round, and therefore takes longer - and costs more - than you might expect.
Please just get in touch and we can set out all the options in detail. You will also find all important information in your Trail Doc when you book your holiday - neatly summed up for when you need it!
Approaching Grindelwald
6. Where should I add rest days on the Via Alpina?
For a rest day around a third of the way along the trail we recommend Altdorf - the historic home of Swiss legend William Tell, and a large town with plenty of hotel options. It’s also close to beautiful Lake Lucerne, popular for boat trips.
Whether you are doing the whole trail, or just the central highlights, you will pass through Grindelwald about halfway, which is the perfect spot for a rest day. There are plenty of hotels to choose from, and outdoor shops to stock up at. Multiple cable cars and mountain railways give easy access to spectacular day walks - such as the Bachsee lake, or the Eiger Trail. And of course there is the famous Jungfrau railway - whisking you up to Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe (3,454 metres) overlooking the Aletsch Glacier.
A bit further along we recommend Kandersteg, a charming resort with a multitude of pleasant strolls possible.
7. How tough is the Via Alpina? How fit do I need to be?
The Via Alpina is a relatively demanding trail, so you do need a good level of fitness, and we wouldn’t recommend it as a first Alpine trek. It’s a good option for those hikers who have walked something like the Tour du Mont Blanc or Alta Via 1 Dolomites already, and are looking for their next adventure.
Primarily the challenge is the ascent - most days on the Via Alpina involve going over a substantial mountain pass, meaning that the daily ascent is usually well over 1000m (3280 feet), with distances of 15 to 25 km (9 to 15 miles).
Whilst virtually all trails in the Alps are clear and well signposted, there are sections of the Via Alpina which pass through remote and wild terrain, so you’ll need to be comfortable navigating with map and compass if necessary. There are also occasional sections of steep and rocky trail, where a good head for heights is necessary.
The mighty Jungfrau, from Mannlichen viewpoint above Wengen
8. How high does the Via Alpina go? Is altitude an issue?
The highest point on the Via Alpina is the Hohtürli Pass at 2778m (9114 ft). This kind of altitude is safe - you won’t feel any significant effect of the height, and altitude sickness is not a risk. However we certainly recommend a sun hat and plenty of sun cream - sun rays are stronger at higher altitudes and not to be underestimated if you are out all day!
9. Do I need to pre-book accommodation on the Via Alpina?
You definitely need to pre-book, however, compared to other trails such as the Tour du Mont Blanc and Alta Via 1 in the Dolomites, the accommodation along the Via Alpina doesn’t become fully booked so far in advance. Most summers we are able to take a booking just a few weeks in advance for the Via Alpina, though this can vary.
The village of Gstaad
10. Are there luggage transfers available on the Via Alpina?
Yes. Luggage transfers on the Via Alpina are able to access every location along the trail - so you can hike with a small pack during the day, safe in the knowledge that your suitcase will be waiting for you at your accommodation that night. We offer luggage transfer as an optional extra for our holidays, so just let us know that you’d like to include this when enquiring with us!
11. How busy is the Via Alpina?
Not very. Sometimes the Via Alpina does pass through locations which are popular with other walkers and daytrippers - especially the central areas of the Bernese Oberland around Grindelwald, Wengen and Mürren. But for most of the trail you will be in much less frequented areas, coming across a few other hikers along the way. Having done many research trips on the Via Alpina, we have rarely felt there were too many other people.
Lac Léman, near Montreux
12. What is the weather like on the Via Alpina?
Temperatures vary by height and season, but to give a rough answer, it usually ranges from about 20 to 30 degrees celsius (68 to 86 fahrenheit) down in the valleys, and 10 to 20 degrees celsius (50 to 68 fahrenheit) up on high points of the trail.
Generally hikers doing the trail will experience mostly warm and dry days, with the occasional rain shower - though sometimes these rain showers can develop into thunderstorms, usually in the afternoons.
It’s very important to pack for all weathers - carrying a waterproof jacket and trousers with you is just as crucial as your sun hat, sun cream and plenty of drinking water.
13. What do I need to pack for the Via Alpina?
We have a comprehensive kit list of essential and recommended kit to bring along - just get in touch and we’ll be happy to share it!
Lauterbrunnen
14. Should I wear Hiking Boots or Trail Shoes on the Via Alpina?
This is completely down to personal preference. The most important thing is that you have worn them in with plenty of walking before setting out on the trail. Some hikers find the ankle support of boots to be beneficial over long distances, whilst others prefer the lightweight nature of trail shoes. Whichever you choose, just make sure they have good tread/grip on the bottom. Whilst footpaths in Switzerland are well maintained, you are still travelling in high mountain terrain where potential snow patches or wet rocks are likely to occur.
15. What is the best section of the Via Alpina?
For sheer wow factor, the central section from Meiringen to Kandersteg is hard to beat. As the trail passes through some classic mountain towns like Grindelwald, Wengen and Mürren, you’re treated to spectacular views of the highest peaks of the Bernese Oberland - the Eiger, Jungfrau and Mönch being the most famous. The Oeschinensee lake just above Kandersteg is arguably the most beautiful in the Alps.
The trail approaching Wengen, below the Jungfrau
16. How do I get to the Via Alpina?
This being Switzerland, every major stop along the trail is well connected by rail to the major Swiss cities of Zurich and Geneva, where you can connect with international trains and airports. We’ve sketched out some approximate journey times by train below:
Sargans: 1 hour to Zurich. 4 hours to Geneva.
Altdorf: 1 hour 20 mins to Zurich. 4 hours to Geneva.
Kandersteg: 2 hours 20 mins to Zurich. 3 hours to Geneva.
Montreux: 3 hours to Zurich. 1 hour to Geneva.
17. Can you just organise this all for me?
Of course! We’d love to take all the hard work out of organising your hike on the Via Alpina, allowing you to get on and enjoy the hike. Just get in touch and we’ll be more than happy to send you a quotation, and answer as many questions as you might have about the trail.
Wildflowers in the Bernese Oberland