Highlights on the Via Alpina

1 The innkeepers in Alpenhof in Weisstannen (stage 2)

• Andreas and Marcel put a lot of heart and soul into running the inn – they take time for each guest and are passionate about their cooking. The building looks inconspicuous from the outside, but the interior with its antique furniture is somewhat of a surprise. In the evenings, hikers can relax with a book in the cosy lounge.

2 Obererbs ski hut (stage 4)

• A modern hut with old charm and a friendly hut warden, for whom generous hospitality is second nature. Chatting with like-minded people while sitting in a warm lounge and sipping a glass of punch or tea, surrounded by mountains with a view of the stars – what better way to end an evening after a long day’s hiking? 

3 From Tannensee to Planplatten (stage 9)

• The ascent past Tannensee is rewarded with an unforgettable view of Tannensee and Melchsee. The trail then leads along an stunning panoramic path. Be sure to set out early morning as the sun rises – the light is breathtaking and very few people are out on the trail. If you don’t want to put too much strain on your knees, take the cable car down to Meiringen.

4 Enjoy the sunset on Engstlenalp (stage 9)

• The sunset makes the mountain peaks glow around Engstlensee. The wonderful mountain panorama makes a walk along Engstlensee all the more worthwhile. In midsummer, the mountain lake is an inviting place to have a swim.  The historical Hotel Engstlenalp is a good stop for tired hikers to spend the night. This way, you don’t need to rush to catch the last postal bus and can instead enjoy the sunset in all its glory to the very end.

5 The Sefinenfurgge descent (stage 12)

• The landscapes here are like a scene from the Lord of the Rings. There are small hills with lush green meadows, through which meanders a beautiful river with a small waterfall, with dark rocks beyond. These contrasting images are unforgettable. The steep steps to Sefinenfurgge are equally impressive!

6 Blüemlisalp (stage 13)

• The SAC Blüemlisalphütte above Hohtürli at 2,840 m is well worth a visit. From here, hikers enjoy a wonderful 360°-degree view of Lake Thun, glaciers (the Blüemlisalp glacier) and the Bernese Alps. 

7 Lake Oeschinen (stage 13)

• Seeing the lake for the first time and walking over the ridge is an unforgettable experience. If you arrive at the lake after a strenuous day of hiking, the best thing to do is to dip your feet in the cool water or even to jump right in! The crystal-clear water at the foot of the imposing rock face is magnificent.

8 Ascent to the Bunderchrinde Pass (stage 14)

• The spectacular view over the Kandersteg Valley, the mountain panorama and the view of the Oeschinensee in the distance are simply breathtaking. There are also impressive rock formations and strata on the Bunderchrinde Pass to marvel at. With a little bit of luck, you might also see ibexes.

9 Over the Trüttlisberg Pass to Gstaad (stage 16)

• At the beginning of the hike, you walk through the Wallbach gorge along fascinating rock formations shaped by the rushing water of the brook. Seemingly endless green meadows await hikers at the top of the pass, where they can look down into the wild Turbach Valley. You can stop off for a bite to eat at the restaurant Sunnestübli just before Gstaad and let the excitement of the stage sink in. 

10 Rocher de Naye (stage 19 /stage 20)

• Wonderful sunset over the lake on the plateau. The viewing point is slightly below the summit

Recommended by Via Alpina experts: 

Cécile Kühn, Jana Figliuolo, Kevin Wildhaber, Matteo Seen, Fabian Engeler and Ann Ziegler – multimedia students and producers at HTW Chur – walked the entire length of Via Alpina in the summer of 2018, providing images, texts and films for Switzerland Tourism.

“The mountain, the camera and us – for us, it was the perfect combination. As multimedia producers and outdoor enthusiasts, we could barely imagine anything better than working in the mountains all summer long. The days were long, the climbing difficult and the backpacks heavy. But we got to enjoy spectacular views, unforgettable experiences and exciting acquaintances. It was worth every drop of sweat – as it so often is.” Cécile, Jana, Kevin, Matteo, Ann and Fabian