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Via Alpina

Hiking trail · Switzerland

Via Alpina

Mürren Grindelwald

▲ 2,056 m
MürrenLauterbrunnenWengenGrindelwald
22.9km
Distance
12 h
Walking time
3
Stages
Moderate
Difficulty
Jul · Aug
Best months

All 3 stages

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When to go

  1. January: 2%
  2. February: 2%
  3. March: 2%
  4. April: 4%
  5. May: 7%
  6. June: 13%
  7. July: 20%
  8. August: 30%
  9. September: 12%
  10. October: 5%
  11. November: 3%
  12. December: 1%

30% of hikers choose August. Quietest: January, December.

Before you go

8Pass
4Peak

About this trail

This short section of the Via Alpina through Canton de Vaud captures the pastoral character of the Swiss Pre-Alps, where open meadows and mixed forest give way to occasional views across the soft ridgelines of the Vaudois highlands. As a linear one-way segment it slots neatly into the wider Via Alpina network, but it also stands on its own as a quiet walk through one of Switzerland's gentler alpine landscapes. The terrain is a mix of grassy tracks and compacted earth paths that can turn slippery after rain, so sturdy footwear is worthwhile even for an outing this brief. Waymarking follows the standard Swiss red-white-red system and is reliable throughout. The most comfortable window runs from early May to late October; snow can make the route awkward during winter months. At this length there are no water sources or shelters to count on along the way, so come self-sufficient and arrange transport connections at both endpoints before setting off.

Distances, elevation and times are approximate; follow waymarks and local conditions on the trail.

Map

On the trail

Follow this route on your phone

  • Step-by-step route following
  • Voice alert when you go off-route
  • GPS recording and group planning
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Via Alpina: frequently asked questions

How long is Via Alpina?

About 22.9 km in total. The route is split into 3 stages; each has its own page with map, elevation profile and water points.

How long does it take to walk Via Alpina?

About 12 h of walking in total, spread across the stages.

When is the best time to hike Via Alpina?

Hikers choose June, July, and August most often.

How difficult is Via Alpina?

Overall difficulty: Moderate. It varies between stages — each stage page shows its own ascent and difficulty.

Can I follow Via Alpina on my phone?

Yes. In the Snail Trail app every stage has step-by-step directions, and you get a voice alert when you leave the route.

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