Via Alpina (Switzerland)
~15 days · 224.7 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Via Alpina (Switzerland) is known for
Switzerland's Via Alpina crosses the northern arc of the Swiss Alps from Vaduz to Montreux in 20 stages, threading high passes between valleys, villages, and celebrated mountain landscapes. This whole-route itinerary follows roughly 390 km of SwitzerlandMobility national route 1;
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 4,918 ft to 28,684 ft over 224.7 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 102.1 mi · 46%
- Downhill 103.6 mi · 46%
- Flat 17.7 mi · 8%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Via Alpina (Switzerland)?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Via Alpina (Switzerland) scores 89/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Via Alpina (Switzerland) take?
Most backpackers hike the Via Alpina (Switzerland) in about 15 days (14 nights out) over its 224.7 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Via Alpina (Switzerland)?
The Via Alpina (Switzerland) climbs roughly 75,377 ft total — about 335 ft per mile, topping out near 9,049 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.