THE SWISS ALPINE PASS ROUTE - VIA ALPINA ROUTE 1

u003cpu003eGuidebook 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.u003c/pu003eu003cpu003eSince 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.u003c/pu003eu003cpu003eThe main route is described in 18 daily stages of 12.5-29km (83/4-18 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.u003c/pu003eu003cpu003eCrossing 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. u003c/pu003e