The Swiss Alpine Pass Route – Via Alpina 1

Guidebook to the Alpine Pass Route following the Swiss Via Alpina 1, a 360km trek east-west across Switzerland, from Sargans, on the border of Liechtenstein, to Montreux, including prologue from Liechtenstein. A demanding 3-week trek described in 18 stages, crossing 16 passes including the 2778m Hohtürli. Requires good fitness and experience.

Since the advent of Swiss national hiking routes and the European Via Alpina network, the route has been fully waymarked as Via Alpina 1, with a new start-point in Liechtenstein. This guide takes stock of changes to the original route and includes a 26km (16 mile) 'prologue' stage through Liechtenstein to the traditional start-point at Sargans, as well as alternative stages between Lenk and Montreux to follow the 'old' Alpine Pass Route via Gsteig rather than the VA1 via Gstaad.

The main route is described in 18 daily stages of 12.5-29km (8¾-18 miles), with suggestions of ways in which public transport could be used to support a tighter itinerary than the 3 weeks recommended. Comprehensive route description is accompanied by 1:100,000 mapping and a wealth of advice for planning a successful trip, covering safety, transport, accommodation and language.

Crossing 16 passes as it threads its way through mountain and valley, the Via Alpina 1 gives hikers the opportunity to experience the beauty and exhilaration of the Swiss Alps, taking advantage of the region's excellent hiking infrastructure. From flower-strewn meadows to snow-capped peaks, the route boasts spectacular mountain vistas at every turn, with highlights including the majestic Wetterhorn, Eiger and Jungfrau. 

Kev Reynolds

Kev Reynolds is a freelance writer, photojournalist and lecturer. A prolific compiler of guidebooks, his first title for Cicerone Press appeared in 1978; he has since produced 27 titles for Cicerone, with others being researched. A member of the Outdoor Writers' Guild, the Alpine Club and Austrian Alpine Club, his passion for mountains and the countryside remains undiminished, and he regularly travels throughout Britain to share that enthusiasm through his lectures.