Hiking the 8 Alpine Countries
Traversing the European AlpsThe Via Alpina is a long-distance trail crossing the heart of Europe’s most iconic mountain range. It links alpine villages, lush valleys, and limestone peaks. Spanning eight countries from the Adriatic to the Mediterranean, it offers a shifting mix of cultures, languages, and landscapes.
The Alps are Europe’s largest natural area. They have been inhabited since prehistoric times. Along the route, we will move through wilderness and centuries of human history.
Via Alpina Plan
We will tackle this trail east to west, starting just south of Trieste. On the way we will visit and pass through Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, France and Monaco.
It will be a vastly different experience to the Great Divide Trail in Canada, and the Great Himalayan Trail in Nepal! We can't wait to adventure again on foot, learning more about the region's beautiful mountains and valleys up close!
More Information
As we prepare for our 2026 journey along the Via Alpina, we’re diving deep into route options, stage breakdowns, and seasonal considerations. With the trail crossing multiple countries and alpine environments, careful planning around snowpack, hut openings, and logistics will shape our summer itinerary.
We’re using the official Via Alpina website for detailed stage descriptions and route maps, alongside resources from the Swiss Alpine Club and the Austrian Alpine Club for up-to-date hut information and conditions.