Via Alpina C8: Engelberg - Meiringen

This crosses 14 of the most beautiful Alpine passes. Across 6 cantons of Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein, we encounter diverse culture, geology, and topography. Wide roads end in airy ridge paths. One of the world's most diverse floras and faunas lines the trail. Quiet relaxation phases alternate with thriving tourist resorts. The modern alp with pipelines and its showroom is also on the route, as is the alpine hut, where pigs, goats, and cows watch the herdsman at work. Faults, overthrusts, subsidences, and rock falls bear witness to interestingly structured geology. Breathtaking panoramas alternate with small beauties along the way, and the gastronomy offers a variety of delicacies.

Stage Engelberg - Engstlenalp
Today we are also hiking in a popular recreational area, where snow sports enthusiasts are active in winter and hiking predominates in summer. It is not surprising that the cable cars invite us to simplify the already short stage further – all the way up to the Jochpass.
We reach the Jochpass in three stages: first, from Engelberg the initial ascent to Gerschni, then it flattens out somewhat to Rosswald, where a second ascent to the spectacularly located Trübsee must be managed, and then we climb again up to the Jochpass. At the Jochpass, we cross the border into the canton of Bern and enter the Bernese Oberland.
From here, it goes down to the idyllic Engstlenalp. Today we spend the night not in a valley bottom but enjoy the summer freshness on the alp.

Stage Engstlenalp - Meiringen

Today we have no major ascents ahead but rather a pleasurable ridge hike along the border of the cantons Bern and Obwalden and a long descent to the stage destination Meiringen.

Up to the Tannalp by the Tannensee, we ascend gently through beautiful Alpine flora. There awaits us a guesthouse and a cheese dairy. The ridge hike over the Balmeregghorn to Planplatten offers us a breathtaking view of the Bernese trio Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.

For the long descent to Meiringen, cable cars can be used again; otherwise, we can enjoy the view more extensively while hiking, and finally, the dwarf Muggenstutz and a sculpture garden provide additional variety. Today's stage ends at Meiringen station square.