The names of the peaks along the Via Alpina read like a history of mountain achievement and endeavour. The Wetterhorn, Eiger, Jungfrau, Monch and the Blumisalphorn; all feature in this great traverse of famous alpine passes. 

There can be few greater pleasures in life than a journey through a mountain landscape. Each pass gained brings with it a sense of achievement and is rewarded with a magnificent panorama as the mountains unveil their secrets, presenting yet another tantalising, distant horizon to set our sights on. When that journey takes place by hiking Switzerland's Via Alpina, it will include some of the most dramatic mountains and spectacular scenery known to man.  

The peaks along the Alpine Pass Route will fill the horizons and take your breath away as you travel the lush valleys and explore charming alpine villages. Birdsong and the chirruping of crickets will serenade you along the trail as you escape the bustle of city life and enjoy that very special therapy of pure mountain air and pristine scenery. This popular Swiss route is not only one of the classic walks of the Alps, it will also stand comparison with almost any other long walk in Europe. 

The complete Alpine Pass Route, or Via Alpina, extends east-west from the Liechtenstein border to Lake Geneva. We have selected the most spectacular central section between Engelberg above Lake Luzern and Lauenen above Gstaad. It is a series of superbly scenic passes, almost all well above 2000m and most only open to walkers. Examples include such famous names as Grosse and Kleine Scheidegg, Sefinenfurke, Hohturli, Bunderchrinde, Hahnenmoospass and Trutlisberg. These mountains are flanked to the south by an almost unbroken succession of magnificent rock and ice peaks: the Titlis, the Wetterhorn, the classic triptych of Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau, the Blumlisalp, the Wildstrubel and the Wildhorn. With such a backdrop continuously unfolding when you're hiking the Via Alpina it is easy to run out of superlatives!

Choose below from a selection of self-guided Via Alpina tours. The Alpine Pass Route is a hiking journey full of attractions and easily ranks in quality with the Tour du Mont Blanc!