Trekking the Swiss Via Alpina : East to West across Switzerland - the Alpine Pass Route

This epic journey traverses Switzerland east to west, crossing dramatic mountain passes, verdant valleys, and idyllic alpine villages, offering ever-changing vistas of towering peaks and historic landscapes. The trek covers nearly 400km (250 miles) and crosses 16 high passes on the way to Lake Geneva, with the high point of the trek at the Hohtürli Pass (2778m) and a cumulative ascent of nearly 23,000m. This comprehensive Cicerone guidebook presents the complete Swiss Via Alpina described in 19 day-long stages (plus an optional prologue from Liechtenstein), with route variants via Lenk and Gsteig to tailor the trek to your plans and ambitions. Each stage includes distance, ascent/descent, and estimated walking time, making it easy to plan your days. You'll explore Switzerland's iconic Alpine landscapes, including the Titlis region, the Bernese Oberland, Kandersteg, and Les Diablerets. The route is best enjoyed from early July to mid-September, when snow has cleared from the highest passes and mountain accommodation is open. Features 1:100,000 mapping and free downloadable GPX tracks for every stage, ensuring straightforward navigation across varied alpine terrain. Each route description includes practical information on accommodation, refreshment options, and public transport connections. The guidebook also covers essential planning advice on fitness, equipment, travel, safety, and languages, plus a German–French–English glossary and stage facilities planner. Practical suggestions are included for condensing the full trek into two weeks using cable cars and public transport, or for walking celebrated sections such as the central Oberland Bärentrek, allowing you to adapt the route to suit your timeframe and experience.