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The thinking behind the trail

The Via Alpina trail has been developed around various political, environmental and tourist considerations in order to meet the twofold objective of being a symbolic link and a practical development Instrument.

An international trail:

The Via Alpina encompasses eight countries: France, Monaco, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, Austria and Slovenia. The route allows walkers to cross the borders more than 60 times.

A trail with a strong Alpine identity:

The Via Alpina trails are located close to the most renowned natural and cultural sites of interest, and take full advantage of alternative trails in order to ensure better visitor management. The majority of paths are situated between 1000m to 3000m in altitude, in accordance with the composition of the ranges and the climate.

A trail accessible to everyone:

The Via Alpina is generally accessible from 1 July to 15 September – although some less snow-covered sections remain clear for a longer period. The entire trail is of moderate difficulty, avoiding climbing and glaciers. The paths are well signposted and are marked at regular intervals with the Via Alpina logo.

A cultural trail:

The Via Alpina is also ideal for exploring historical sites, architectural treasures and heritage museums. The trail allows walkers to experience local communities, their festivals and their traditions. Naturally, many gateway towns are located along the route and nearby.

A trail that contributes to local development:

The Via Alpina genuinely stimulates local development, whether this be a matter for tourism professionals or the numerous local communities involved – 30 regions, cantons, Iänder and over 200 communes, all of which are likely to benefit from increased or more evenly-distributed tourist activity. The Via Alpina is an international showcase for the Alpine regions. The aim is that the trail will provide new resources for guides and accommodation providers, who will be able to offer holidays and discovery packages at all levels built around the five trails. The Via Alpina is also intended to stimulate new ideas, providing an opportunity for mountain professionals to exchange experiences, thus promoting better facilities for walkers.

A trail which respects an exceptional natural environment:

The Via Alpina crosses 9 national parks, 17 nature parks and 22 nature reserves. Discovery opportunities and joint awareness campaigns are being established for the benefit of local residents and visitors alike. Full use is made of existing trails and facilities: no new trails will be built, nor will there be any heavy infrastructure development.

A trail with tailored services:

At the end of each daily stage, the walker will find accommodation and catering facilities, plus access to shops and services at regular intervals. Of course, there are numerous connections to the public transport system. Tourism professionals are invited to exchange ideas and experiences on how to meet walkers expectations consistently.

A trail as a connecting link:

The Via Alpina truly links regions. Thanks to a large number of intersections with other Alpine trails, it also offers a multitude of access points to other areas that are not included on the five marked trails. The Via Alpina is designed to be a heritage discovery trail par excellence, rather than simply a sporting goal. It not only targets long-distance walkers, but also a wider audience of families and older people interested in exploring the cross-border Alpine identity in all its diversity. Walkers are free to choose trail combinations that allow them to get to know a new region each year, and then return to try the connecting local trails.

Source: Via Alpina, Press pack August 2003