Swiss Via Alpina - East to West across Switzerland - Cicerone Press

This guidebook presents the stunning Alpine Pass Route, now fully waymarked as Via Alpina 1. The 360km trail traverses Switzerland from east to west, from Sargans near the Liechtenstein border to Montreux on Lac Léman (Lake Geneva). Crossing sixteen Alpine passes, it showcases some of the country's most breathtaking mountain landscapes, boasting views of iconic peaks such as the Wetterhorn, Eiger, Jungfrau and Les Diablerets.

The route is suitable for those with some experience of Alpine trekking: it amasses over 20,000m of ascent and involves some steep sections. It can be completed in 2–3 weeks, although it is also possible to walk shorter sections, or postbus, cable-car and rail connections could be used to allow for a tighter schedule.

With a wealth of practical advice and information on local points of interest, the guide has all you need to plan a successful trip. The Via Alpina 1 is presented in 18 stages, each featuring step-by-step route description accompanied by 1:100,000 mapping, route profiles and notes on transport, accommodation and facilities. In addition, a 26km prologue in Liechtenstein and an alternative finish following the old course of the Alpine Pass Route via Gsteig are also described. Accommodation options range from mountain huts to hotels and inns, with camping available at a number of licensed sites along the route.

Much of the scenery of the Alpine Pass Route is quintessentially Swiss: rocky peaks towering above flower-strewn meadows, traditional wooden chalets nestled in sweeping green valleys. Each pass has its own character – from the spectacular Hohtürli to bustling Kleine Scheidegg – opening onto new vistas and horizons. This is a journey to savour and one which will linger long in the heart and memory.

The Swiss Alpine Pass Route – Via Alpina Route 1
Prologue – The Liechtenstein start
Prologue A European Via Alpina Steg – Gaflei
Prologue B Via Alpina Gaflei – Sargans

The main route
Stage 1 Sargans – Mels – Weisstannen
Stage 2 Weisstannen – Foopass – Elm
Stage 3 Elm – Richetlipass – Linthal
Stage 4 Linthal – Braunwald – Urnerboden
Stage 5 Urnerboden – Klausenpass – Altdorf
Stage 6 Altdorf – Surenenpass – Engelberg
Stage 7 Engelberg – Jochpass – Engstlenalp
Stage 8 Engstlenalp – Planplatten – Meiringen
Stage 9 Meiringen – Grosse Scheidegg – Grindelwald
Stage 10 Grindelwald – Kleine Scheidegg – Lauterbrunnen
Stage 11 Lauterbrunnen – Mürren – Sefinenfurke – Griesalp
Stage 12 Griesalp – Hohtürli – Kandersteg
Stage 13 Kandersteg – Bunderchrinde – Adelboden
Stage 14 Adelboden – Hahnenmoospass – Lenk
Stage 15 Lenk – Trüttlisbergpass – Gstaad
Stage 16 Gstaad – Col de Jable – L’Etivaz
Stage 17 L’Etivaz – Col de Chaude – Rochers de Naye
Stage 18 Rochers de Naye – Sonchaux – Montreux

Alternative finish
Stage 15A Lenk – Lauenen – Gsteig
Stage 16A Gsteig – Blattipass – Col des Andérets – Col des Mosses
Stage 17A Col des Mosses – Col de Chaude – Montreux