New Alps Route
After reviewing the endless route choices and trail systems in the Alps I became so overwhelmed with options that I would plan to follow the traditional well published Via Alpina route and if alternate routes seemed better, I would just deviate on the fly. So sticking with my original start in Feldkirch Austria, passing through Vaduz and connecting with the start of the Via Alpina in Sargans Switzerland. Following the Via Alpina through to Rochers de Naye and from there altering the route, heading south so that I end up in Saint Gingolph France instead of Montreux Switzerland.
Although not really excited that each day takes me through a town or village, I am happy that it will allow me to carry less since I can resupply daily. It seems most people who hike this route don’t take camping gear (camping in the Alps is frowned upon) but instead make arrangements at each town for lodging. I suppose that is an option but for now, I’m still planning on camping either in the mountains or by making arrangements with local farmers. It’s said that often approaching the farmers and asking to buy food items from them, that they will usually let you camp on the edge of their property. I’ll let you know how that goes…
I will be taking my SPOT again this year, so live satellite tracking will be available for you to follow along. I’ll be posting a new page just before I leave for your to bookmark and to follow along. The only time during the trek I think I might post an update is if I take rest days in a town. Other than that, there wont be any action on the site.
Here are the sections of the route.
- Feldkirch, Austria ~ Vaduz, Liechtenstein
- Vaduz ~ Sargans, Switzerland
- Sargans ~ Weisstannen
- Weisstannen ~ Elm
- Elm ~ Linthal
- Linthal ~ Urner Boden
- Urner Boden ~ Altdorf
- Altdorf ~ Engleberg
- Engleberg ~ Engstlenalp
- Engstlenalp ~ Meiringen
- Meiringen ~ Grindewald
- Grindewalk ~ Laurterbrunnen
- Laurterbrunnen ~ Griesalp
- Griesalp ~ Kandersteg
- Kandersteg ~ Adelboden
- Adelboden ~ Lenk
- Lenk ~ Gstaad
- Gstaad ~ L’etivaz
- L’etivaz ~ Rochers de Naye
- Rochers de Naye ~ Villeneuve
- Villeneuve ~ Saint Gingolph, France
Dan, I think it will be an incredible adventure, it was great getting to spend some time last weekend hearing the details. Stay safe and come back and help keep the island safe. Cheers!
Dan, looking forward to following you on your trek. I had dinner in a castle in Vaduz I think, or maybe Feldkirch, also toured vineyards in Vaduz. Went to a beautiful garden at Lake Constance with a butterfly area. So pretty. The alps were gorgeous. did that on a different trip. You will love it. I envy you seeing it all but not the hiking! I’m a car or tour bus kind of traveler.
Later
Kay
I’ll be descending in to Vaduz from the big mountain it boarders. There is a nice route from Feldkirch the follows the ridge and breaks off to the capital. In Vaduz I’ll spend the day walking around and then head across the Rhone towards Switzerland. I have just added the Satellite Tracking page so you can follow along. I’ll update it to the Alps map this Friday, just before I try and fly out.
The link is on the top menu bar or you can just follow this link: http://www.danslife.net/satellite-tracking/
PS – Rogers house is coming along nicely! Cement work today!
Fire 70! Thanks, speaking of last week, thanks for taking the time to be in the field with me, it was fun. It will for sure be an excellent adventure, and I’ll for sure be back to help keep the island safe.
Fire 73
With a route like that you’re going to accumulate quite the total elevation gain/loss – any idea how much? Take care – no helicopter-assists on this one – can’t wait to see your pictures when you get back!
Yeah there is a lot of climbing on this one. I have not calculated from Feldkirch to Vaduz however from Vaduze to Montreux is 379km (229 miles) in length and 24,400m (80,052 feet) in elevation. That is pretty close to the planned route! After this one I should be able to fit in to your dry suite!
No helicopters on this one, but I should brush up on my German, French, Italian and Rumantsch!
Have a wonderful trip, Dan! Can’t wait to see the photos when you get back. Sounds like a most excellent adventure!
Ti ° How are you? It certainly is an excellent adventure. Are you going to be back at the White Mountains again?
I will be posting pictures as soon as I can, not likely until mid September though. Hope all is well.
Dan
Hey Dan,
Hope your trek went well. My wife and I trekked the length of the Via Alpina in the summer of 2009 from Trieste to Monte Carlo. Whew! 1200 miles with 700,000 feet of ups and downs. Hope you enjoyed the challenge. My new book tells our nitty-gritty tale, with photos, illustrations, maps and gear list.
Check out:
http://www.pilgrimstales.com/overthetopandbackagain.html
Hey Dan,
Can you tell us something more about your camping experiences? I’m planning a trip along the Via Alpina, but I’m having a hard time finding camp sites along the route…
Kind regards,
Patriek