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The Alpine Pass Route

Via Alpina walking holidays

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!

Find your Via Alpina: The Alpine Pass Route trip

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Why travel with us

Personal Experience of Switzerland's Via Alpina

Our team have been walking in Switzerland for over 5 decades. We are passionate about the Swiss mountains, active holidays and delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of the UK & Europe and bring a multi-disciplined, multicultural and whole-hearted love of all things travel.

Great Value & Quality Trips in Switzerland

Our active holidays in Switzerland are well priced offering great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. When you book, your trip will be fully organised by a dedicated member of our in-house team, so you will always know who you are dealing with. We take the stress out of organising your Via Alpina trip.

Local Knowledge of Switzerland's Via Alpina

We place great emphasis on researching, planning and crafting innovative itineraries of Switzerland to ensure you get the very best experience out of your trip. We believe relationships are important and have been working with many of our hoteliers and local suppliers for years. This means that they know exactly what our travellers following the Alpine Pass Route expect.

Responsible travel

Walkers' Britain is committed to responsible travel and true sustainability. We take travellers to many countries which are home to challenging wilderness, rich biodiversity, and fragile environments. It is the travel choices we make while visiting these environments that reduce the negative impact. This is the essence of responsible and sustainable travel - something we take very seriously. View our award winning Responsible Travel Guidebook here.

Accommodation

Handpicked Hotels

On most Via Alpina hiking holidays we stay in a range of 2-4* hotels, often family run. The hospitality is generous and their local knowledge is invaluable. Where possible, we choose properties that add to your experience.

Refuges or Gîte Hostels

Used mainly on mountain walks, these convivial places add to the atmosphere of your journey through the mountains. Dorms may sleep up to 40 people and the beds are often bunkbeds. Linen and blankets are provided and bathrooms are shared. Private rooms may be available, although private gîte rooms still use shared bathrooms.

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