Via Alpina - the Finale

Day 1 From Kandersteg with its traditional and romantic buildings from the Belle Epoque period, the route leads across flower-filled alpine meadows and up several steep steps to the Bunderchrinde, the breathtaking passage to the Engstligental and Adelboden. On the way, you will be impressed by the steep rock faces of the Lohner, where, with a bit of luck, you can observe chamois. The Bunderchrinde, which with its unique rock formation is reminiscent of a bowl, immediately makes you forget the sweaty ascent. (Walking time: 7 h, distance: 16.2 km, ascent/descent: 1400/1220 meters).

Day 2 The gentle ascent leads along the Gilsbach stream, through fairytale forests and impressive moorland landscapes up to the Hahnenmoospass. After the ascent, you can fortify yourself in the restaurant of the same name. From here, with a good wind, you can watch numerous model airplane enthusiasts performing their aerobatics. The destination of the stage is Lenk in the rear Simmental. The picturesque mountain village is surrounded by the perfect backdrop of the Wildstubel massif and spectacular waterfalls. (Walking time without rests: 4.30 h, distance: 14 km, ascent/descent: 690/970 meters).

Day 3 Following the Wallbach stream, the trail leads through an impressive gorge at the beginning. Through damp limestone karst terrain you finally reach the Trüttlisberg pass, which connects Lenk with Gstaad. The horizon is wide and boundless. The descent takes you first along a winding moorland path, while you dive deeper and deeper into the lovely and untouched Turbachtal. The destination of the stage is the glamorous Gstaad with an unmistakable touch of luxury and prestige. (Walking time without rests: 7 h, distance: 22 km, ascent/descent: 1070/1090 meters).

Day 4 With the Gummfluh, the landmark of Saanenland, behind you, you hike up to the Col de Jable on increasingly narrow trails. Not only does the German-French language border run up here, the distant view from Les Diablerets to the Rochers de Naye delights every hiker's heart. Following the course of the valley, you leave the lush meadows behind you on the descent to L'Etivaz and sink into the shady forest. In L'Etivaz, cheese lovers will get their money's worth: here, the cheese of the same name is produced by selected cheese dairies according to a traditional recipe and by hand. (Walking time without rests: 7 h, distance: 16 km, ascent/descent: 1270/1150 meters).

Day 5 After a short ride by post bus towards Col des Mosses, the trail initially leads through the idyllic moorland of La Lécherette and along the deep blue waters of Lac de Hongrin. Its imposing dam rises on the opposite side of the valley and fills you with wonder. The destination of today's stage, the Rochers de Naye, can already be seen in the distance. The hike not only gets sweatier with every step, but also more impressive. Surrounded by a spectacular backdrop that stretches across the entire horizon, you'll get the last meters of altitude behind you. It is definitely worth it. The view from the summit over Lake Geneva is breathtaking and a worthy end to Via Alpina. Now the cogwheel train takes you over the steep ramp to the Riviera and the music town of Montreux welcomes you with a touch of Mediterranean atmosphere. Cross now the finish line of the Via Alpina and enjoy the end of the tour on the shores of Lake Geneva. (Walking time without rests: 5 h, distance: 14 km, ascent/descent: 1060/400 meters).