Via Alpina, Network of alpine hiking trails
Via Alpina is a long-distance trail that stretches across three countries and crosses the Alps from east to west. The path leads through forests, over mountain passes, past lakes and rivers, with climbs and descents across both rugged and gentle ridges.
The trail was planned and conceived in the 1980s as a cross-border hiking route connecting alpine regions. Its development across three countries followed a shared commitment to make mountain areas accessible and hiking safe.
The trail connects different alpine communities and shows how mountain valleys are inhabited and used. Along the way, you see traditional villages, local craft workshops, and working alpine pastures that shape life in the mountains today.
The trail is divided into several stages, each taking one to two days of walking, so hikers can plan flexibly. Lodging and supplies are found in villages along the route, so you should budget time between stages.
The trail actually connects five different hiking routes within one system, allowing walkers to choose and vary their paths. This modular structure lets hikers explore parts of the entire alpine system in new and personal ways.
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