Via Alpina
HARD (3.3/10)Griesalp → Kandersteg
3D Trail Preview
Via Alpina is a 17.1 km point-to-point hard hiking route in Switzerland, running from Griesalp to Kandersteg. The route covers 1,569m of ascent and 1,812m of descent, with elevations ranging from 1,171m to 2,752m. Allow approximately 7h 32m for the full route.
The route is divided into 5 segments. The toughest stretch is the 5.9 km from Griesalp to Blüemlisalphütte, climbing 1,373m.
About 52% of the trail is runnable, but the remaining steep sections will push most people into power-hiking mode. The steepest pitches reach 60% gradient.
Budget roughly 4,826 kcal of energy expenditure and 4.5 L of water.
Mountain route up to 2752m. Best June–October; snow possible into June.
Elevation Profile
Route Map
Trail Splits
Waypoint-to-waypoint breakdown with estimated hiking times (Naismith's Rule).
| Segment | Dist | ↑ Ascent | ↓ Descent | Time | Cum. km |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
📍 Griesalp → Blüemlisalphütte | 5.9 km | +1373m | -39m | 3h 30m | 5.9 |
🏠 Blüemlisalphütte → Schwarzhorn | 0.8 km | +18m | -229m | 22 min | 6.7 |
⛰️ Schwarzhorn → Fuli Flue | 2.2 km | +15m | -493m | 53 min | 8.9 |
⛰️ Fuli Flue → Berghaus Unterbärgli | 1.4 km | +19m | -279m | 33 min | 10.4 |
🏠 Berghaus Unterbärgli → Kandersteg | 6.7 km | +144m | -772m | 2h 13m | 17.1 |
| Total | 17.1 km | +1,569m | -1,812m | 7h 32m | 17.1 |
Pace & Fuel Calculator
Adjust your flat 10K pace to see personalized finish time, calorie burn, and hydration needs.
Terrain Analysis
Surface & Technicality
⛰️ Highly technical route. Power-hiking the steep sections is expected.
Sun Exposure
🌤️ Mixed shade and exposure. Sections above 2000m are fully exposed. Lower sections offer some tree cover. Sun protection still recommended.
Current Conditions
Conditions for June
✅ Snow unlikely at this elevation in June. Trail conditions expected to be clear.
🥾 Muddy sections likely. Waterproof boots recommended.
Snow Conditions
Suggested Gear List
Auto-generated based on 17.1 km, 1569m ascent, max altitude 2752.2m, ~8h duration.
- 👟 Trail running shoes / hiking bootsRequired for any trail
- 📱 Phone (charged) + offline mapNavigation & emergency contact
- 💧 3L hydration vestNo water sources on route
- 🍫 Trail mix, bars & sandwichEst. 4826 kcal burn
- 🧴 Sunscreen SPF 50+UV intensifies above 2000m
- 🧢 Sun hat / capExposed alpine terrain
- 🧥 Windbreaker / shell jacketSummit at 2752.2m — wind chill
- 🆘 Emergency space blanketCritical if injured at altitude
- 🕶️ Sunglasses (cat 3+)Snow & rock glare at altitude
- 🧤 Warm mid-layer (fleece)Temps drop ~6°C per 1000m
- 🔦 Headlamp8h route — plan for delays
- 🩹 Mini first aid kitBlister plasters, tape, antiseptic
- 🥢 Trekking poles52% steep terrain, 1569m+ ascent
- 🧊 Microspikes / light cramponsSnow risk in November, December, January
- 🦵 GaitersKeep snow out of boots
- 💰 Cash (CHF/EUR)Mountain huts often cash-only
Logistics
This route runs from Griesalp to Kandersteg (17.1 km by trail). You'll need to arrange transport back to your starting point.
Nearby Points of Interest
⛰️ Peaks
- Schwarzhorn km 6.7 · 713m off trail
- Chlyne Bundstock km 6.8 · 1.4 km off trail
🏠 Mountain Huts
- Blüemlisalphütte km 5.9 · 793m off trail
📍 Nearby Places
- Pochtenalp 243m off trail
- Nessli km 0.4 · 390m off trail
- Zürcherweide 576m off trail
- Lärchenboden km 0.7 · 722m off trail
- Mutzboden 838m off trail
Route Details
- Network
- National Trail Network
- Sport
- hiking
- Start
- Griesalp
- End
- Kandersteg
- Start Coordinates
- 46.54732, 7.76143
- OpenStreetMap
- View on OSM →
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