Traveller Tale: Via Alpina Hike in Switzerland

Looking back towards the Rotstock Hut on the Via Alpina | Nicola Croom

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Traveller Tale: Via Alpina Hike in Switzerland

Carlyn hiked the Via Alpina trail in Switzerland with her husband and was pleasantly surprised: the breathtaking Via Alpina trail featured all the spectacular mountain views and Toblerone chocolate stops she could've hoped for! Read on to discover how her trip went.

Stunning views on the Via Alpina trail | <i>Carlyn Roedell</i>

A challenging section of the Via Alpina trail | <i>Carlyn Roedell</i>

A spectacular place to rest on Switzerland's Via Alpine hike | <i>Carlyn Roedell</i>

About the Via Alpina Trail

There are few walks that capture the essence of the Alps as this classic trail through Switzerland's most stunning scenery. As you walk there is a constant backdrop of 4000m+ peaks including the Jungfrau (4158m), Schreckhorn (4078m) and Mönch (4107m) together with the famous Eiger (3970m) and the Wetterhorn (3692m).

Hiking along Europe's spectacular Alpine trails | <i>Brandon Wilson</i>

Whilst the high mountains are an obvious drawcard, there are so many other highlights such as the sound of cowbells as you make your way along scenic paths, the picture postcard villages and towns you pass through and the wildflowers lining the trail. At night experience the engaging hospitality of the hosts in our specially handpicked accommodation and sample local delicacies.

>> View the Via Alpina Self-Guided Hike

Why did you choose to hike the Via Alpina?

My husband and I wanted to hike in Switzerland and the UTracks self-guided tour Via Alpina tour looked like what we had in mind.

The stunning Lake Bachalpsee above Grindelwald | <i>kate Baker</i>

How did you prepare for the walk?

We hiked in the Cascade Mountains near our home in Seahurst twice a week in the summer and also did stair-climbing walks in our neighborhood.

What was the overall trip highlight?

The beautiful mountain vistas as we hiked along the trail.

The ascent above Gindelwald will prove to be very rewarding in terms of views

What was the local cuisine like in Switzerland? Can you describe your favourite food and drink?

We enjoyed every bite after hiking up and down from one mountain valley to the next. It is hard to beat a Toblerone chocolate bar while looking down upon Grindelwald and the Eiger with the Wetterhorn towering above us!

What was your favourite town you visited? Why?

We really liked Wengen because of the accommodation. The hotel room was large with good views and a bathtub to soak in after a long day of hiking.

Comfortable cabin in the Swiss Alps | <i>Sarah Higgins</i>

How challenging did you find the trail?

Challenging is the right word!

What surprised you the most about the Via Alpina?

How great it was to see our luggage sitting in the hotel lobby when we would arrive in the late afternoon to check in! Plus the standout views were nonstop as we had great weather.

Anything else to share?

Yes, it was a memorable, difficult, fun, and wonderful trip!

Thanks to Carlyn Roedell for her tour report of the Via Alpina trail in Switzerland.

More Reviews of the Via Alpina Hike

"Absolutely brilliant trip. Scenery and exercise were outstanding but so was the organisation from UTracks. Nothing went wrong, all hotels were lovely, App map worked well. Couldn’t have been better." Fiona Cottam.

The 3692m Wetterhorn as seen from Grindelwald in the Bernese Oberland. | <i>Switzerland Tourism</i>

The 3692m Wetterhorn as seen from Grindelwald in the Bernese Oberland. | <i>Switzerland Tourism</i>

"Very well planned by the team. A variety of accommodation from luxury resort to budget BnB, but balanced out to an acceptable level. My suitcase was delivered as described each day. Route was well described and mapped." R. Ball.

Sunrise at lake Stellisee (2537 m) with the 4478m Matterhorn in the background. | <i>Switzerland Tourism</i>

"We arranged this last minute due to changing Covid restrictions. Nicola from UTracks was very helpful, helping us chose a holiday to suit us and sorting out all the details. The trip ran very smoothly and it was a perfect fit. Amazing scenery for just the right amount of effort." K. Griffiths, UK.

>> View the Via Alpina Self-Guided Hike

>> View all walking tours in Switzerland

The Via Alpina has been described as one of Switzerland's ultimate hikes - are you in? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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