Via Alpina 1

The Via Alpina 1 is one of the 7 ´National Routes´ in Switzerland that offers a great journey through the Swiss Alps. This trail and thru-hike is part of a larger network of five trails of the Via Alpina that traverse eight Alpine countries, an exploration of the Alpine region’s natural beauty and cultural diversity.

Spanning approximately 390 kilometers, the Via Alpina 1 winds through 14 of the best Alpine passes, showcasing a vast array of cultures, geological features, and topographies across seven Swiss cantons. The trail is well known for its breathtaking scenery, which includes wide roads that give way to high ridge trails, offering hikers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

One of the most popular parts of the Via Alpina 1 lies in the Bernese Oberland. The stages in this Swiss canton will give you a lot of elevation gain as you pass through Switzerland’s most famous mountain villages and peaks. You walk through Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, and Mürren along the mighty 4000m mountain peaks Jungfrau, Eiger, and Mönch. These three are the most famous peaks in the Jungfrau Region.

The trail is challenging, especially on the so-called king’s stage, the most beautiful and hardest day of the Via Alpina towards Kandersteg. But when you spend the night in the Blümlisalp hut at 2840m after a long day, it’s all worth it. The idyllically located mountain hut next to the glacier is almost touching. It is easy to feel insignificant among all those mighty mountain giants and the unique mountain world. The next day the trail leads you to the famous alpine bright blue lake: Oeschinensee, another highlight. These stages are also a part of the Bärentrek, a shorter trail, basically stages 10 to 15 from the Via Alpina 1, if you only want to hike a part of the trail.

The Via Alpina 1 is classified as a medium difficult mountain hiking trail. While it never gets really technical on the trail, with so much elevation gain, the trail is a physical and mental challenge. Please remember that you’re hiking for a great amount of time above the 2000m line in the Alps and that the weather can change fast.

The best time of the year to hike the Via Alpina 1 is generally from late spring June to early autumn in September. These periods typically offer a better balance of better weather in the mountains, longer daylight hours, and less chance of snow-packed trails. When you go hiking earlier in the season you may find snowfields on your way or if you go later you might end up in a snowstorm. Also, not all accommodations are open off-season.

Safety

The Via Alpina 1 demands an understanding of the environment. The Alps are known for their unpredictable weather, where sunny skies can swiftly turn into rain or thunderstorms, especially at higher altitudes.

Detailed planning is key for a successful hike. The official Switzerland Mobility website provides comprehensive resources, including detailed route descriptions, maps, and practical tips. Whether you’re planning your daily mileage or looking for accommodation options along the trail, these resources are invaluable for ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trek.

Gear

Of course, you will bring your hiking shoes with good grip, but the key to staying comfortable on the high-altitude mountain trails lies in adaptable clothing. Layering allows you to adjust to changing temperatures and conditions seamlessly. Start with a base layer to wick sweat, followed by an insulating layer for warmth, and top it off with a waterproof and windproof hardshell to fend off the elements. Pack your down jacket for the cool mornings and chilly evenings.