Bernina Trek

The Bernina Trek (Via Bernina) is a classic seven-stage SAC hut route through eastern Switzerland’s Engadin and Poschiavo valleys. The published classic covers roughly 135 km and about 6,200 m of climbing from Madulain to Poschiavo, with six mountain-hut nights and long, uneven stages through glacier country.

Lee hiked it self-guided over seven days in summer, covering about 146 km and 6,000 m of ascent after detours, route choices and one very long Day Six. It felt wilder and quieter than trails like Alta Via 1 — fewer hikers, bigger days and more time between villages.

Start with the complete guide for the official stages, hut rhythm and Lee’s day-by-day notes, then use the Trek Cost Calculator (CHF hut model) and Packing List Builder for a realistic Swiss hut kit.