Via Alpina

Via Alpina logo

The Via Alpina is a cross-border hiking trail from Trieste to Monaco and crosses the eight Alpine states of Italy , Slovenia , Germany , Austria , Switzerland , Liechtenstein , France and Monaco on its five routes .

History and organization

Signage on site, OeAV

The Via Alpina was initiated in 1999 by the GTA ( Grande Traversée des Alpes ) in Grenoble and launched in 2000 together with a group of public and private organizations from the eight countries. Between 2001 and 2008 Via Alpina was funded by two successive INTERREG IIIB Alpine Space projects, which means that the participating EU countries receive fifty percent (Slovenia from 2004: 75%) funding of the project costs from the regional development fund received by the EU. Since 2002 the Via Alpina has also been an official implementation project of the Alpine Convention , as it contributes to the promotion of sustainable development in the Alpine region. Numerous special offers such as guided tours, complete packages for individual sections with travel, accommodation, culture and history as well as offers for children and senior citizens enliven the Via Alpina and help to keep the added value in the region.

The international secretariat of Via Alpina was headed by the GTA ( Grande Traversée des Alpes ) until January 2014 and then taken over by the International Alpine Protection Commission CIPRA . A national secretariat is responsible for implementation on site in each country. The Austrian Alpine Association and German Alpine Association have taken on this function for Austria and Germany, the Swiss hiking trails for Switzerland and the Office for the Environment for Liechtenstein.

No new paths or other infrastructures were created for the Via Alpina. The network of existing hiking trails and accommodations is used. In addition to the existing signage, the Via Alpina logo will be attached. The 342 stages will be equipped with multilingual information boards.

Routes

There are five routes with a total of over 5000 km and 342 daily stages. There are 121 stages in Italy, 70 stages in Austria, 54 stages in Switzerland, 40 stages in France, 30 stages in Germany, 22 stages in Slovenia, three stages in Liechtenstein and one stage in Monaco. On the official website of Via Alpina, the five routes are marked with the letters A, B, C, D, R.

Violet way

On the Violetten Weg (A) with 66 stages you will find four national parks in Slovenia, Austria and Germany. In addition, the purple section is also a symbol for the rich culture of the Alps with the world's largest monastery library in Admont Abbey or with the royal castles in Hohenschwangau in Bavaria .

The route passes through the following mountain ranges of the Alps: Eastern Julian Alps ( Triglav ), Karavanke , Kamnik Alps , Lavantal Alps , Niedere Tauern , Ennstal Alps , Totes Gebirge , Salzkammergut Mountains , Dachstein Mountains , Tennengebirge , Berchtesgaden Alps , Bavarian Alps , Bavarian Alps , Ammergau Alps , Allgäu Alps .

On the top of Triglav : The Aljažev stumble .

The stages:

• A1: From the Tržaška koča na Doliču hut (2151 m) over the Luknja saddle (1764 m) to the Aljažev dom (1015 m) under the Triglav north face.
• A2: Through the Vrata valley via Mojstrana (641 m) to Dovje (704 m).
• A3: Ascent to Dovška Baba (1891 m), onward to Koča na Golici (1582 m).
• A4: To the hut Prešernova koča na Stolu (2174 m) at the high chair .
• A5: To Roblekov Cathedral (1657 m).
• A6: Over the Preval saddle (1311 m) to the Koča na Dobrči hut (1478 m).
• A7: descent to Tržič (512 m).
• A8: Via Koča na Kriški gori (1471 m) to Dom pod Storžičem (1123 m).
• A9: Over the Stegovnik (1692 m) to Zgornje Jezersko (770 m).
• A10: Via Seebergsattel (1218 m) (Slovenian Jezerski vrh, border Slovenia / Austria) and Kepp (1633 m) to Trögern (988 m), then ascent to the Eisenkappler hut (1533 m).
• A11: Via Bad Eisenkappel (556 m) to Riepl (1270 m).
• A12: Over the Feistritzer Spitze (2113 m) to Bleiburg (479 m).
• A13: To Lavamünd (344 m) on the Drau .
• A14: Over the Weintrattl (1427 m) to Soboth (1057 m).
• A15: Over the Radlpass (Slovenian Radelj, 657  m ) to Eibiswald (383 m).
• A16: To the Schwanberger-Brendlhütte (1572 m).
• A17: To the Koralpenhaus (1960 m).
• A18: Over the Großer Speikkogel (2140 m) to Pack (1116 m).
• A19: Over the Peterer Sattel (1745 m) to the Salzstiegelhaus (1543 m).
• A20: To Gaberl (1547 m).
• A21: To Knittelfeld (643 m).
• A22: Over the Tremmelberg (1194 m) to Seckau (843 m) and on to Ingering II (862 m).
• A23: Crossing the Niedere Tauern: Via the Kettentörl (1864 m) to Trieben (709 m).
• A24: To Admont (640 m).
• A25: Via Pyhrgasgatterl (1305 m), Rohrauerhaus (1308 m) and Bosruckhütte (1043 m) to Spital am Pyhrn (640 m).
• A26: Ascent to the Toten Mann (2294 m), further to the Zellerhütte (1575 m).
• A27: Via Vorderstoder (810 m) to Hinterstoder (591 m).
• A28: Ascent to the Prielschutzhaus (1420 m).
• A29: Via Temlbergsattel (2055 m) and Rotkogelsattel (2000 m) to the Pühringerhütte (1637 m).
• A30: Via the Albert-Appel-Haus (1638 m) and the Hochklapfsattel (1489 m), past the Augstsee (1647 m) to the Loserhütte (1498 m).

The Königssee seen from the Malerwinkel.

• A31: Via the Lambacher Hütte (1436 m) to Bad Goisern (502 m).
• A32: Via the Goisererhütte (1592 m) to Gosau (780 m).
• A33: To the Gablonzer Hut (1550 m) and on to the Theodor-Körner-Hut (1466 m).
• A34: Via the Hofpürglhütte (1705 m) to Lungötz (830 m).
• A35: Via Hochalm (1715 m), Dr.-Heinrich-Hackel-Hütte (1526 m) and Werfenweng (902 m) to Werfen (530 m).
• A36: Via the Mitterfeldalm (1669 m) to the Arthurhaus (1502 m).
• A37: To the Erichhütte (1545 m).
• A38: Via Hinterthal (1016 m) to Maria Alm (802 m).
• A39: To the Riemannhaus (2177 m) in the Steinerne Meer .
• A40: To the Kärlingerhaus (1630 m) above the Funtensee .
• A41: Descent to St. Bartholomä am Königssee (603 m), boat trip to the eponymous district of Schönau am Königssee .

From here to Pfronten (A63) the Via Alpina repeatedly touches the Maximiliansweg ; the numerous deviations seem to primarily serve to include paths that are less frequently used.

• A42: Via the Grünsteinhütte (1196 m) into the Engedey (576 m).
• A43: To the New Traunsteiner Hut (1560 m).
• A44: Across the Reiter Alm to Unken (563 m).
• A45: Over the Peitingköpfl (1720 m) to Ruhpolding (655 m).
• A46: Via Hochfelln (1674 m) and Hochgern (1748 m) to Marquartstein (545 m).
• A47: To the summit of the Kampenwand (1668 m) and to the Kampenwand mountain station (1480 m).
• A48: Via Weitlahnerkopf (1615 m) and Roßalm (1680 m) to the Priener Hütte (1410 m).
• A49: Descent to Sachrang (738 m) and ascent to the Spitzsteinhaus (1259 m).
• A50: Into the Inn valley to Erl (485 m) and on to Oberaudorf (483 m).

Hohenschwangau Castle with Alpsee and Schwansee .

• A51: ascent to the Brünnsteinhaus (1360 m).
• A52: Over the Großer Traithen (1852 m) to the Ursprung valley (832 m) and to the Rotwandhaus (1737 m).
• A53: Via the Spitzingsattel (1129 m) and the Stümpflinghaus (1464 m) to the Sutten Alm ( 994  m , between Spitzingsee and Tegernsee ).
• A54: On the Risserkogel (1826 m) and to Kreuth (779 m).
• A55: Via the Seekarkreuz (1601 m) to Lenggries (678 m).
• A56: Across Brauneck (1555 m) and the Latschenkopf (1712 m) to the Tutzinger Hütte (1327 m) (under the Benediktenwand ).
• A57: Descent to the Kesselberg (858 m) and ascent to the Herzogstandhaus (1575 m).
• A58: crossing to Heimgarten (1790 m), descent to Eschenlohe (639 m), ascent to Hohen Kisten (1922 m) ( Estergebirge ) and to Weilheimer Hütte (1955 m) on the Krottenkopf .
• A59: Via Esterbergalm (1262 m) and Wank summit (1780 m) to Garmisch-Partenkirchen (707 m).
• A60: To the Ammergau Alps . About Pflegersee (849 m), Enningalm (1556 m) and Rotmoos-Alm to Schloss Linderhof (m 950). Long stage (28.4 km, 7h35 '), which can be extended considerably by crossing the Kramerspitz (1985 m).
• A61: Short stage that leaves time to visit Linderhof Palace . From there over the Bäckenalmsattel (1536 m) to the Kenzenhütte (950 m).
• A62: Via Kenzensattel (1650 m) and Gabelschrofensattel (1900 m) past Neuschwanstein Castle to Füssen (808 m).
• A63: Short stage, via Zwölferkopf (1293 m) and Falkenstein castle ruins (1268 m) to Pfronten (858 m).
• A64: South to the Allgäu Alps. Over the Aggenstein (1987 m) and the Bad Kissinger Hütte to Tannheim (1095 m).
• A65: Long stage over the ridge of the Allgäu Alps ( Jubiläumsweg ). Highest point: Gaishorn (2247 m). In the Bockkarscharte connection with the Rote Weg (R49), which only rises here from the Lech Valley . To the Prinz-Luitpold-Haus (1848 m).
• A66: Via Laufbacher Eck (2178 m) and Edmund-Probst-Haus (1927 m) descent to Oberstdorf (813 m). The Rote Weg (R50) offers an alternative route for descent.

Yellow way

The Yellow Path (B) runs mainly (31 of 40 stages) through Italy, initially from Muggia near Trieste along the Slovenian border to the north, then mainly to the west, and finally through Austria to Germany ( Oberstdorf ). It stands for the world of glaciers in the Ötztal and Pitztal Alps, but also for the fascinating story of Ötzi , the ice man who found the Similaunhütte (3,019 m) on the Tisenjoch near the highest point of the entire Via Alpina, the Similaunhütte (3,019 m) has been.

View of the glacier world, Similaun, Austria

The route leads through the following mountain groups in the Alps: Western Julian Alps , Carnic Alps , Dolomites , Ötztal Alps , Lechtal Alps , Allgäu Alps .

The stages:

• B1: From Muggia (6 m) near Trieste to the Rifugio Premuda (245 m).
• B2: To Sella di Opicina near the Trieste suburb of Villa Opicina (290 m).
• B3: To Sistiana (75 m).
• B4: To Gorizia (Görz, 86  m ).
• B5: To Castelmonte (618 m).
• B6: According to Rif. Casoni Solarie (956 m).
• B7: According to Rif. G. Pelizzo (1320 m).
• B8: Via Stupizza (203 m) to Montemaggiore (795 m).
• B9: Via the Punta di Montemaggiore (1613 m) to the Passo di Tanamea (857 m).
• B10: Very long stage via Bivacco Manzano (1690 m), Stolvizza (566 m), Ricovero Igor Crasso (1655 m) to Resiutta (317 m).
• B11: Over the Forca Nuviernulis (1732 m) to the Rifugio Grauzaria (1250 m).
• B12: Via the Rifugio Monte Sernio (1419 m) to Tolmezzo (343 m).
• B13: Very long stage over the Arvenis Alm (1602 m) to Ovaro (567 m).
• B14: Via Forcella Pass (1824 m) and Rifugio Casera Losa (1765 m) to Sauris di Sotto (1205 m).
• B15: Over the Risumiela-Scharte (1973 m) to Forni di Sopra (894 m).
• B16: Via the Rifugio Flaiban-Pacherini (1587 m) to the Rifugio Pordenone (1249 m).
• B17: Via the Forcella Montanaia (2333 m) to the Rifugio Padova (1287 m).
• B18: descent to Vallesella (711 m) on Lake Cadore ; Ascent to Rifugio P. Galassi (2017 m).
• B19: Via Forcella Piccola (2120 m), Rifugio San Marco (1823 m) and Rifugio Scotter-Paladini (1580 m) to San Vito di Cadore (1010 m); Ascent to the Rifugio Città di Fiume (1917 m).
• B20: Via Forcella Ambrizzola (2277 m) and Passo di Giau (2236 m) to Pieve di Livinallongo (1470 m).
• B21: Via the Monti Alti d'Ornela (2160 m) to Passo Pordoi ( Pordoi Pass, 2239  m ).
• B22: Via the Bindelweg to Rifugio Castiglioni (2054 m) on Lake Fedaia and on to Rifugio Contrin (2016 m).
• B23: Via Forcia Neigra (2509 m) and Pian de Siele (2361 m) to Fontanazzo (1395 m).
• B24: Ascent to Rifugio Antermoia (2487 ​​m).
• B25: Via Passo Antermoia (2770 m), Passo Principe ( Grasleiten Pass , 2601  m ) and Molignon Pass (2598 m) to the Schlernhaus (Rifugio Bolzano, 2450  m ).
• B26: Via the Tschafonhütte (1733 m) and Tiers (1014 m) to Bozen (266 m).
• B27: Via Jenesien (1089 m) to the Meraner Hütte (1960 m).
• B28: Via Meran (323 m) and Dorf Tirol (594 m) to the Hochganghaus (1839 m).
• B29: To the Patleid snack bar (1386 m).
• B30: To Karthaus (1327 m).
• B31: Over the Vernagt reservoir (1710 m) to the Similaunhütte ( 3010  m , border crossing to Austria).
• B32: Via the Martin-Busch-Hütte (2518 m) to the mountaineering village Vent (1900 m), municipality of Sölden , in the Ötztal.
• B33: Via Tiefenbachferner car park (2781 m), Petznersee (2640 m) and Gaislachalm (1959 m) to Zwieselstein (1461 m), also a district of Sölden.
• B34: Over the Pitztaler Jöchl (2987 m) to the Braunschweiger Hütte (2759 m) in the Ötztal Alps . From here to the end of the trail in Oberstdorf, it shares a common course with the European long-distance hiking trail E5 .
• B35: descent to Mittelberg (1729 m); Valley hike or bus ride to Wenns (1001 m) in the Pitztal .
• B36: Over the Glanderspitze (2480 m) to Zams (764 m) am Inn .
• B37: In the Lechtal Alps : Over the Seescharte (2594 m) to the Memminger Hütte (2234 m).
• B38: Via Madau (1296 m) and Bach to Holzgau (1103 m) in the Lechtal .
• B39: In the Allgäu Alps : Over the Mädelejoch ( 1968  m , border crossing to Germany) to the Kemptner Hut (1839 m).
• B40: Descent via Spielmannsau (925 m) to Oberstdorf (824 m). Contact with the violet and red path.

Green way

The green path (C) is the shortest with 14 stages. It leads from Liechtenstein via Central Switzerland to the Bernese Oberland and can be seen as a shortcut within the Red Trail.

Logo of the Via Alpina in Switzerland

The path begins in the Rätikon at 1,402 m above sea level at the mountain inn on the Alpe Sücka ( Triesenberg FL), where it branches off from the Rote Weg. From the Gaflei observation tower , the Green Trail is part of hiking route 1 in the hiking region of Switzerland , which was also known as the Alpine pass route until 2008 and is now consistently referred to as the Via Alpina (see Via Alpina (Switzerland) ). The stages from Meiringen to Adelboden also coincide with the Hintere Gasse long-distance trail .

The route:

• C1: From Berggasthaus Sücka (1377 m) via Gaflei (1608 m) to Vaduz (460 m)
• C2: Along the Rhine to Sargans (484 m)

Through the Appenzell Alps , Glarus Alps , Urner Alps :

• C3: Via Weisstannen (984 m) and the Foopass (2210 m) to Elm (976 m)
• C4: Over the Richetlipass (2251 m) to Linthal (648 m)
• C5: Via Braunwald (1313 m) to Urnerboden (1376 m)
• C6: Over the Klausenpass (1957 m) to Altdorf (452 m)
• C7: Over the Surenen Pass (2282 m) to Engelberg (1002 m)
• C8: Via Jochpass (2204 m), Engstlenalp (1836 m) and Balmeregghorn (2255 m) to Meiringen (599 m)

Through the Bernese Alps :

• C9: Via the Grosse Scheidegg (1956 m) to Grindelwald (1036 m)
• C10: Via Kleine Scheidegg (2062 m) to Lauterbrunnen (803 m)
• C11: Via Mürren (1634 m) and Sefinenfurgge (2594 m) to Griesalp (1415 m)
• C12: Over the Hohtürli (2778 m) and the Oeschinensee (1587 m) to Kandersteg (1174 m)
• C13: Via the Bunderchrinde (2385 m) to Adelboden (1347 m)
• C14: Over the Hahnenmoospass (1947 m) to Lenk ( 1071  m , stage identical to R101).

Aletsch Glacier, Bernese Oberland, Valais, Switzerland

At its end point in Adelboden or Lenk, the Green Trail touches the Red Trail again (a common stage). The Swiss Via Alpina / hiking route 1 continues to Lake Geneva .

Blue way

The Blue Path (D) leads on 61 stages through Switzerland, Italy and France. Along the Maritime Alps you will find plenty of peace and quiet in lonely mountain villages and the unique landscape in the area of ​​the Gran Paradiso National Park still testifies to the wildness of nature.

The path leads through the following mountain groups in the Alps:

Valais Alps (Pennine Alps) - Piedmont - Cottian Alps ( Queyras / Monviso ) - Maritime Alps

The stages:

• D1: From Riale (1732 m) past Tosafall via Canza (1412 m) to Alpe Vannino (2194 m).
• D2: Via Colle Scatta Minoia (2599 m) to Alpe Devero (1631 m).
• D3: Via the Geisspfad ( Passo della Rossa ) ( 2465  m , border crossing to Switzerland) to Binn (1400 m).
• D4: Over the Saflisch Pass (2563 m) to Rosswald (1929 m).
• D5: Over the Mäderlicke (2887 m) to the Simplon Pass (2006 m).
• D6: Via Simplon Dorf (1472 m) and Gabi (1228 m) to Zwischenbergen (1359 m).
• D7: Via Passo di Monscera ( 2103  m , border crossing to Italy) and San Bernardo (1628 m) to Alpe il Laghetto (2039 m).
• D8: Via Passo di Pontimia (2385 m) and Passo d'Andolla (2447 m) to Rifugio Andolla (2061 m).
• D9: Past Lago Alpe dei Cavalli to Antronapiana (902 m).
• D10: Via Alpe Prei (1425 m) and Alpe della Colma (1570 m) to Madonna della Gurva (Molini di Calasca , 480  m ). In Molini di Calasca is the northern end point of the Grande Traversata delle Alpi (GTA), whose route the Via Alpina uses several times in the following.

Path marking with the lettering "gta"

• D11: On the GTA via Rifugio Alpe del Lago (1545 m) and Colle dell'Usciolo (2037 m) to Campello Monti (1305 m).
• D12: Via the Bocchetta di Campello (1924 m) and Rimella (1216 m) to Santa Maria di Fobello (1125 m).
• D13: Over the Col d'Egua (2239 m) to Carcoforo (1304 m); there separation from the GTA, which remains in Valsesia .
• D14: Via Colle del Termo (2351 m), Rima (1411 m) and Colle Mud (2330 m) to the Rifugio Ferioli (2264 m).
• D15: Via Alagna Valsesia (1186 m) and Riva Valdobbia (1112 m) to S. Antonio di Valvogna (1386 m).
• D16: Over the Colle Valdobbia ( 2480  m , transition from Piedmont to the Aosta Valley ) to Gressoney-Saint-Jean (1385 m).
• D17: Via Colle del Lazouney (2402 m), Colle della Mologna Grande (2354 m) and Rifugio Rivetti (2150 m) to Piedicavallo (1055 m).
• D18: Over the Colle della Vecchia (2185 m) to Issime (972 m).
• D19: Over the Colle del Dondeuil (1814 m) to Challand-Saint-Victor (676 m).
• D20: Via Torille ( 368  m , crossing the Dora Baltea ) to Covarey (1257 m).
• D21: Via the Colle del Lago Bianco (2307 m) to the Rifugio Dondena (2185 m).
• D22: Via Rifugio Misérin (2588 m) and Col Pontonnet (2898 m) to Rifugio Sogno di Berdzé al Péradzà ( 2530  m , Alpe Pérazda).
• D23: Via Col de la Nouva (2938 m), San Besso (2019 m) and Colle della Borra (2578 m) to Piamprato (1551 m); from there back together with the GTA.
• D24: Via the Bocchetta delle Oche (2419 m) to Tallorno (1222 m).
• D25: Over the Colle del Prà (2647 m) to Ronco Canavese (948 m).
• D26: Over the Colle Crest (2040 m) to Talosio (1225 m).
• D27: Over the Alpe Praghetta (2160 m) to San Lorenzo di Piantonetto (1041 m).
• D28: Via Pra del Cres (2002 m) to Ceresole Reale (1535 m).
• D29: Over the Colle della Crocetta (2641 m) to Pialpetta (1069 m).
• D30: Via the Colle del Trione (2485 m) to Balme (1432 m).
• D31: Over the Passo Paschiet (2435 m) to Usseglio (1265 m); there separation from the GTA.
• D32: Via the Colle della Croce di Ferro (2558 m) to the Rifugio Riposa (2205 m).
• D33: Via Rifugio Cà d'Asti (2854 m), Alpe Crest (2000 m) and Prapiano (1799 m) to Rifugio Stellina (2610 m).
• D34: border crossing to France; Via Grand Croix (1877 m) past Lac du Mont Cenis to the Refuge du Petit Mont Cenis (2110 m).
• D35: Via the Col Clapier ou de Savine ( 2477  m , border crossing to Italy) to the Rifugio Vaccarone (2741 m).
• D36: Via the Cima Quattro Denti (2106 m) and the Passo Clopaca (2800 m) to the Rifugio Levi Molinari (1850 m).
• D37: Via Colle Chabriere (2351 m) and Salbertrand (1032 m) to Rifugio D. Arlaud (1700 m).
• D38: Over the Colle dell'Assietta (2472 m) to Usseaux (1416 m); from there mostly together with the GTA.

Usseaux, district of Pourrières

• D39: Over the Colle Albergian (2713 m) to Balsiglia (1370 m).
• D40: Over the Colle Serrevecchio (1707 m) to Ghigo di Prali (1448 m).
• D41: Ascent to the Rifugio Lago Verde (2586 m).
• D42: Over the Col d'Abriès ( 2684  m , border crossing to France) to Le Roux / Abriès (1761 m).
• D43: Over the Col d'Urine ( 2530  m , border crossing to Italy) to the Rifugio Willy Jervis (1736 m).
• D44: Via Rifugio Granero (2377 m) and Colle Manzol (2663 m) to Rifugio Barbara Lowrie (1753 m).
• D45: Via the Colle della Gianna (2525 m) and Pian della Regina (1745 m) to Pian del Re (2005 m).
• D46: On the Giro di Viso via the Colle delle Traversette ( 2933  m , border crossing to France) to the Refuge du Viso (2463 m).
• D47: Over the Passo di Vallanta ( 2833  m , border crossing to Italy) and the Rifugio Vallanta (2433 m) to the Rifugio Savigliano ( 1698  m , Pontechianale ).
• D48: Over the Colletto della Battagliola (2248 m) to Chiesa di Bellino (1470 m).
• D49: Over the Colle della Bicocca (2285 m) to Serre di Val d'Elva (1637 m).
• D50: Over the Colle San Michele (1935 m) to Ussolo (1337 m).
• D51: Via the Rifugio Capanna Ussolo (1830 m) and the Colletto Sarasin (2040 m) to Chiappera (1616 m). Here junction with the Red Way and final separation from the GTA.
• D52: Over the Colle del Sautron ( 2692  m , border crossing to France) to Larche (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence) (1690 m).
• D53: Over the Pas de la Cavale (2681 m) to Bousiéyas (1887 m).
• D54: Over the Col de la Colombière (2244 m), St. Dalmas le Selvage (1502 m) and the Col d'Anelle (1753 m) to St-Etienne-de-Tinée (1166 m).
• D55: Over the Col de Blainon (2001 m) to Roya (1516 m).
• D56: Via Col de Crousette (2486 m) and Col des Moulines (1983 m) to Refuge de Longon (1894 m).
• D57: Descent to St. Sauveur sur Tinée (495 m). From here to the end of the path, it shares a route with the GR 52A , Sentier Panoramique du Mercantour .
• D58: Via Col St. Martin (1506 m) to Saint-Martin-Vésubie (989 m).
• D59: To Belvédère (815 m).
• D60: To the Col de Turini (1617 m).
• D61: Via Moulinet (787 m) to Sospel ( 348  m ; connection to the Rote Weg).

Red way

With 161 daily stages, the Rote Weg (R) is the longest of the five routes, crosses each of the eight Alpine states and touches each of the four other routes at least twice.

Kleiner Ahornboden, Karwendel, Tyrol, Austria

The path leads through the following mountain groups in the Alps: Julian Alps , Karawanken , Carnic Alps , Dolomites , Rieserferner Group , Zillertal Alps , Tux Alps , Karwendel , Wetterstein Mountains , Mieminger Chain , Lechtal Alps , Allgäu Alps , Lechquellen Mountains , Bregenz Forest Mountains , Rätikon , Silvretta , Sesvennagruppe , Rhaetian Alps , Lepontine Alps , Walliser Alps , Bernese Alps , Chablais , Mont Blanc , Graian Alps , Dauphiné , Cottian Alps , Maritime Alps , Lower Piedmont , Ligurian Alps .

The stages:

• R1: From Muggia near Trieste to the Rifugio Premuda .
• R2: transition to Slovenia; the next stages mainly in a north-easterly direction, later in a north-westerly direction. Through Lipica (famous as the Lipizzaner stud farm ) to Matavun , part of the Divača municipality , where the famous Škocjan Caves are located.
• R3: After Razdrto .
• R4: First ascent to over 1000  m , to Predjama , the Lueg Castle is worth seeing .
• R5: After Črni vrh .
• R6: To Idrija .
• R7: To Planinska koča na Ermanovcu .
• R8: To the Dom Andreja Žvana mountain hut (1590 m) in Borisa near Porezen .
• R9: In the Triglav National Park to the Dom Zorka Jelinčiča mountain hut on Črna prst (1844 m).
• R10: Ridge hike above Lake Wochein (Bohinjsko jezero) to the Dom na Komni hut (1520 m).
• R11: Short but expandable stage to the Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih hut (1685 m).
• R12: Ridge or balcony hike, with the possibility of crossing Kanjavec (2568 m) to the Koča na Doliču hut (2151 m) on Triglav (2864 m). There the beginning of the violet way.
• R13: Descent west to the village of Trenta ( 680  m , National Park Information Center).
• R14: Pass crossing (road 1611  m ) to the Dom v Tamarju hut (1108 m).
• R15: Descent to Podkoren , ascent to the Karawanken kamm ( Wurzenpass 1073  m ), following this at the triangle (SLO-IA, 1423  m ) past Thörl-Maglern (646 m) on the southern motorway .

The following stages (from Thörl-Maglern to Sexten) coincide with the Carnic High Trail :

• R16: To the Feistritzer Alm (1713 m).
• R17: To the Egger Alm (1411 m).
• R18: To Naßfeld (1513 m).
• R19: To the Zollnerseehütte (1739 m).
• R20: Over the Köderkopf (2150 m) to the Lower Valentinalm (1211 m).
• R21: To the Wolayerseehütte (1967 m).
• R22: To the Hochweißsteinhaus (1857 m).
• R23: Crossing from Carinthia to East Tyrol. High alpine stage, consistently over 2200  m , to the Porzehütte (1935 m).
• R24: To the Obstansersee hut (2303 m).
• R25: Over the Eisenreich (2665 m) to the Sillianer Hütte (2433 m).

Transition to the Dolomites :

• R26: Descent to Sexten (1302 m), ascent to the Dreizinnenhütte ( 2405  m , it. Rifugio Locatelli).
• R27: Descent into the Höhlensteintal (1406 m), ascent to the Dürrensteinhütte ( 2028  m , Italian Rifugio Vallandro).
• R28: To the Seekofelhütte ( 2327  m , it. Rifugio Biella).
• R29: Over the Pragser Wildsee (1494 m) and Welsberg (1087 m) to St. Martin in Gsies (1276 m).

Crossing the Rieserferner Group , Zillertal and Tux Alps :

• R30: Over the Grübelscharte (2394 m) to Antholz-Mittertal (1241 m).
• R31: To the Rieserfernerhütte (2791 m).
• R32: Via Rein (1598 m) to Ahornach (1334 m).
• R33: To the Chemnitzer Hut (2419 m).
• R34: Via the Edelrauthütte (2545 m) to Dun (Pfunders) (1468 m).
• R35: To the Pfitscherjoch ( 2261  m , border crossing to Austria).
• R36: Descent to the Schlegeis reservoir , on to Ginzling (985 m).
• R37: To Finkenberg (834 m).
• R38: To the Rastkogelhütte (2124 m).
• R39: Via Hochfügen (1464 m) to the Loassattel (1652 m).
• R40: Via the Kellerjochhütte (2218 m) and Kreuzjoch (2335 m) to Schwaz (550 m) in the Inn Valley.

Transition to the Northern Limestone Alps :

• R41: Into the Karwendel to the Lamsenjochhütte (1942 m).
• R42: Descent to the Großer Ahornboden (1202 m), on to the Falkenhütte (1841 m).
• R43: Via the Karwendelhaus (1752 m) to Scharnitz (962 m).
• R44: Into the Wetterstein Mountains : Over the Hohe Sattel (1492 m) into the Leutasch Valley , ascent to the Meilerhütte (2354 m).
• R45: Via the Schachenhaus (1861 m) to the Reintalangerhütte (1375 m).
• R46: Via Knorrhütte (2043 m) and Zugspitzgatterl (2053 m) to the Coburger Hütte (1889 m) in the Mieminger chain .
• R47: Via Biberwier (1012 m) to the Wolfratshauser Hut (1761 m) in the Lechtal Alps .
• R48: Via Berwang (1315 m) to Weißenbach am Lech (883 m).
• R49: Over the Bockkarscharte (2149 m) to the Prinz-Luitpold-Haus (1839 m) in the Allgäu Alps (border crossing to Germany).
• R50: Over the Himmeleck (1983 m) through the Oytal to Oberstdorf (824 m). There branch of the yellow and violet way.
• R51: To the Mindelheimer Hütte (2012 m).
• R52: border crossing to Austria; over the Hochtannbergpass (1677 m) to Schröcken (1263 m).
• R53: Via the Biberacher Hut (1846 m) to Buchboden (919 m).
• R54: To St. Gerold (858 m).
• R55: To Feldkirch (437 m).
• R56: To Rätikon : Via the Feldkircher Hütte (1205 m) to the Gafadurahütte ( 1421  m ), border crossing to Liechtenstein via the Sarojasattel (1626 m).
• R57: Over the Garsellikopf (2052 m) to Sücka (1377 m). There branch of the green way.
• R58: To the Pfälzerhütte (2098 m).
• R59: Via the Gross Furgga (2354 m) to the Schesaplanahütte ( 1893  m , border crossing to Switzerland).
• R60: To the Carschinahütte (2234 m).
• R61: descent to St. Antönien (1405 m).
• R62: Over the St. Antönier Joch ( 2363  m , border crossing to Austria) to Gargellen (1413 m).
• R63: Via Vergaldajoch (2510 m) and Mittelbergjoch (2419 m) to the Tübinger Hut (2190 m).
• R64: Via the Hochmadererjoch (2505 m) to the Madlenerhaus (1993 m) on the Silvretta reservoir .
• R65: Over the Getschnerscharte (2819 m) to the Jamtalhütte (2154 m).
• R66: Over the Futschölpass ( 2767  m , border crossing to Switzerland) to Scuol (1283 m) in the Inn Valley.
• R67: To S-charl (1814 m).
• R68: Over the Cruschetta ( 2298  m , border crossing to Italy) to Taufers (1246 m).
• R69: Over the Plaschweller Kamm (2455 m) to Stilfs (1306 m).
• R70: Over the Dreisprachenspitze (2843 m) to the Stilfser Joch (2757 m).
• R71: Via Rifugio Garibaldi (2841 m), Bocchetta di Forcola (2768 m) and Lago di Cancano (1960 m) to Arnoga (1850 m).
• R72: Over the Passo di Verva (2301 m) and the Rifugio Enrico Falk (1960 m) to Eita (1703 m).
• R73: Over the Passo di Vermolera (2732 m) to Malghera (1964 m).
• R74: To the Rifugio Schiazzera (2080 m).
• R75: Descent to Tirano (437 m) in the upper Valtellina ( Adda valley ).
• R76: Via San Romerio (1768 m) to Poschiavo (1014 m).
• R77: Over the Passo di Campgneda (2609 m) to the Rifugio Zoia (Campo Moro) (1998 m).
• R78: To Chiareggio (1607 m).
• R79: Over the Passo del Muretto ( 2563  m , border crossing to Switzerland) to Maloja (1814 m).
• R80: Over the Lunghin pass ( 2644  m above sea level ), the Septimer pass ( 2310  m above sea level ) and the Forcellina (2676 m) to Juf (2126 m).
• R81: To Innerferrera (1485 m).
• R82: Over the Niemet Pass ( 2285  m , border crossing to Italy) and the Rifugio Bertacchi (2161 m) to Isola (1286 m).
• R83: Over the Passo di Baldiscio (2329 m) to Passo San Giacomo ( 1173  m , border crossing to Switzerland).
• R84: Via Mesocco (793 m) and the Bocchetta di Trescolmen (2172 m) to Selma (981 m).
• R85: Over the Passo del Mauro (2393 m) to Capanna Alpe Cava (2068 m).
• R86: To Biasca (292 m).
• R87: Over the Passo di Gagnone (2204 m) to the Capanna d'Efra (2046 m).
• R88: To Sonogno (916 m).
• R89: Via the Forcella di Redòrta (2159 m) to Prato-Sornico (745 m).
• R90: Via the Bocchetta di Fiorasca (2289 m) to Fontana (Val Bovana) (623 m).
• R91: To Robiei (1891 m).
• R92: Via the Bocchetta di Val Maggia ( 2636  m , border crossing to Italy) to Riale (1732 m). There branch of the blue path.
• R93: Over the Griespass ( 2473  m , border crossing to Switzerland) to Ulrichen (1346 m).
• R94: Via Bellwald (1557 m) and Fiesch (1085 m) to Fieschertal (1114 m).
• R95: Via Märjela (2364 m) to Riederalp (1909 m).
• R96: Via Blatten (1335 m) and Belalp (1879 m) to Mund (1205 m).
• R97: To Gampel (640 m).
• R98: To Leukerbad (1409 m).
• R99: Over the Gemmi pass (2317 m) to Schwarenbach (2039 m).
• R100: Over the Chindbetti pass (2636 m) to Adelboden (1347 m). There branch of the green way.
• R101: Over the Hahnenmoospass (1947 m) to Lenk (1071 m).
• R102: Over the Trütlisbergpass (2033 m) to Lauenen (1242 m).
• R103: Over the Chrinepass (1643 m) to Gsteig (1187 m).
• R104: Over the Sex Rouge pass (2304 m) to Godet (1374 m).
• R105: Over the Pas de Cheville (2025 m) to Anzeindaz (1888 m).
• R106: Via Col des Essets (2015 m), Pont de Nant (1253 m), Les Martinets (2084 m) and Col des Perris Blancs (2544 m) to Col du Demècre (2357 m).
• R107: Via Portail de Fully (2269 m) and Sex Carro (2083 m) to Vernayaz (458 m) in the Rhone Valley .
• R108: Over the Col de Susanfe (2494 m) to the Cabane de Susanfe (2089 m).
• R109: Over the Col de Coux ( 1913  m , border crossing to France) to Refuge Tornay-Bostan (1757 m).
• R110: descent to Salvagny (764 m).
• R111: Over the Col d'Anterne (2243 m) to the Refuge de Moëde-Anterne (1993 m).
• R112: Over the Col du Brévent to La Flégère (1865 m).
• R113: Via Col de Montets (1469 m), Le Buet (1339 m) and Col de Balme ( 2200  m , border crossing to Switzerland) to Trento (1330 m).
• R114: Via Col de la Forclaz ( 1537  m ), Bovine (1986 m) to Champex (1481 m).
• R115: Via Orsières (892 m) to Bourg-St-Pierre (1638 m).
• R116: To the Col du Grand-Saint-Bernard ( 2467  m , border crossing to Italy).
• R117: Via Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses (1615 m), Saint-Léonard (1518 m) and the Col Citrin (2481 m) to Cérellaz (1249 m).
• R118: Via Avise (777 m) to Valgrisenche (1648 m).
• R119: Over the Col du Mont ( 2633  m , border crossing to France) to the Refuge de l'Archeboc (2027 m).
• R120: To Le Monal (1876 m).
• R121: To Le Lac de Tignes (2099 m).
• R122: Over the Col de La Leisse (2726 m) to the Refuge de La Leisse (2488 m).
• R123: Via the Refuge de Plan du Lac (2376 m) to Termignon-la-Vanoise (1325 m).
• R124: To Modane (1131 m).
• R125: Over the Col de la Vallée Etroite (2456 m) to Granges de la Vallée Etroite (1776 m).
• R126: Over the Col des Thures (2196 m) to Névache (1603 m).
• R127: Over the Col de Buffère (2428 m) to Le Monêtier-les-Bains (1474 m).
• R128: Over the Col de l'Eychauda (2429 m) to Vallouise (1186 m).
• R129: Over the Col des Lauzes (1817 m) to Freissinières (1188 m).
• R130: To Mont-Dauphin (Guillestre) (1052 m).
• R131: To Refuge de Furfande (2299 m).
• R132: Via Pont de Bramousse (1194 m) and Col de Bramousse (2249 m) to Ceillac (1651 m).
• R133: Over the Col Girardin (2674 m) to Maljasset (1910 m).
• R134: Over the Col de Mary ( Italian Colle Maurin, 2643  m , border crossing to Italy) to Chiappera (1616 m). There junction with the Blue Way. The next stages together with the Grande Traversata delle Alpi (GTA).

Traditional houses in the hamlet of Chiappera, Acceglio municipality , Valle Maira .

• R135: Over the Colle Ciarbonet (2206 m) to Chialvetta (1494 m).
• R136: Via Passo della Gardetta (2439 m) and Passo Rocca Brancia (2606 m) to Pontebernardo (1320 m).
• R137: Via Colle di Stau (2545 m), Prati del Vallone (1710 m) and Passo Sottano di Scolettas (2223 m) to the Rifugio Zanotti (2200 m).
• R138: Via Passo di Rostagno (2536 m), Rifugio Migliorero (2094 m) and Passo di Laroussa (2453 m) to Strepeis (1281 m).
• R139: Over the Passo di Bravaria (2311 m) to Sant'Anna di Vinadio (2010 m).
• R140: Over the Colle della Lombarda (2350 m) and the Passo d'Orgials (2600 m) to the Rifugio Malinvern (1839 m).
• R141: Via the Colletto di Valscura (2570 m) to the Rifugio Questa (2388 m).
• R142: Via Terme di Valdieri (1368 m) to the Rifugio Morelli-Buzzi (2351 m). There (?) Separation from the GTA, which runs deeper and makes stages in valley locations.
• R143: Via Colle del Chiapous (2533 m), Lago di Chiotas (1980 m) and Colle di Finestrelle (2463 m) to the Rifugio Ellena-Soria (1796 m).
• R144: Over the Colle Finestra ( 2477  m , border crossing to France) to the Refuge de la Madone de Fenestre (1912 m).
• R145: Via the Pas du Mont Colomb (2506 m) to the Refuge de Nice (2230 m).
• R146: Over the Baisse du Basto saddle (2682 m) to the Refuge de Valmasque (2238 m).
• R147: descent to Castérino (1559 m).
• R148: Via Fort de Giaure ( 2237  m , border crossing to Italy) to Limonetto (1296 m). From there again together with the GTA.
• R149: Over the Colle Piana (2214 m) to the Rifugio Garelli (1970 m).
• R150: Via Passo di Lapassè (2228 m), Lago Biecai (1958 m), Colle del Pas (2350 m) and Carnino (1336 m) to the Rifugio Mongioie (1538 m) above Viozene ( Ormea municipality ); the GTA takes another pass to its end point in Viozene.
• R151: Höhenweg ( balconata ) to Ormea (754 m). Possible transition to Alta Via dei Monti Liguri .

Ormea Viozene, southern terminus of the GTA, in autumn.

• R152: Via Carià (1164 m) to Garessio (588 m).
• R153: Via Colle San Bernardo (952 m), Colle del Prione (1291 m) and San Bartolomeo (1439 m) to Caprauna (1056 m).
• R154: Via the Colle di Caprauna (1371 m) to the Colle di Nava (933 m).
• R155: Via Colla dei Boschetti (1226 m) and Colla Rinella (1283 m) to San Bernardo di Mendatica (1265 m).
• R156: Over the Passo del Saccarello (French: Pas Saccarel, 2145  m ) to the Colla Melosa (1548 m).
• R157: Over several passes, including the Passo di Fonte Dragurina (1821 m) to Saorge ( 510  m , border crossing to France). The next two stages together with the GR 52A , the Sentier Panoramique du Mercantour .
• R158: To Breil-sur-Roya (288 m).
• R159: Via Col de Brouis (874 m) and Baisse de Levens (1082 m) to Sospel (348 m). There junction of the Blauer Weg, which initially runs together with the GR 52A .
• R160: Over the Col du Farguet (1081 m) to Peillon (381 m).
• R161: Over the Col de Guerre (559 m) to Monaco - Place du Palais (58 m).

Paths included

The following already existing long-distance routes have been fully or partially included in the Via Alpina:

• The European long-distance path E5
• The Maximiliansweg in the Bavarian Alps
• The Friedensweg on the Carnic Ridge
• The Sentiero Italia in Lombardy
• The Grande Traversata delle Alpi (and thus also the Sentiero Italia ) in Piedmont
• The Alta Via Val di Susa in the Piedmontese Susa Valley
• The GR 5 (also known as the Grande Traversée des Alpes in the Alps ) in France
• The GR 52A in the French Maritime Alps

Literature (in German)

• Via Alpina, the Austrian and adjacent stages , brochure
• Mark Zahel: Via Alpina - dream routes across the Alps , illustrated book
• Guido Gisler: Hiking in Switzerland. Volume 1: Via Alpina , hiking guide
• Evamaria Wecker: Bruckmann's tour guide Via Alpina Gelber Weg - From the Adriatic coast to the Allgäu Alps
• Evamaria Wecker: The silent paths of the Via Alpina - On the way on the Violet Path , ISBN 978-3-7654-4857-7
• Wolfram Mikuteit: On the Via Alpina through the Maritime Alps and the Ligurian Alps by Sabine Bade , Fernwege-Verlag, 3rd edition 2011, ISBN 978-3-937304-50-2
• Walter Mair: Natural history guide Via Alpina - Karnischer Kamm , publisher: Austrian Alpine Association
• Hannes Schlosser: Natural history guide Via Alpina - Ötztal Alps , publisher: Austrian Alpine Association
• Gerlinde and Hans Haid: Natural history guide Via Alpina - Totes Gebirge , publisher: Austrian Alpine Association / Bad Aussee Alpine City of the Year 2010 / Pro Vita Alpina & PlanetAlpen Edition
• Horst Höfler and Lutz Stitzinger: Via Alpina , Geocenter, 2003, ISBN 3-925308-11-3 (out of print)
• Martin Prinz: Over the Alps , travel novel

Web links

Commons : Via Alpina  - collection of images, videos and audio files

• Discover the Alps: via-alpina.org official information on all stages of the Via Alpina with descriptions and maps, experience reports and news
• The Bündner Stages , official information about the Via Alpina stages in the Swiss canton of Graubünden.
• westalpen.eu with personal information and photos about stages of the red and blue trails leading through Italy and France.