Via Francigena Switzerland: Lausanne to the Great St Bernard Pass
Via Francigena Switzerland: Lausanne to the Great St Bernard Pass
8 Days Starting in Lausanne, Switzerland and ending in Saint Bernard Pass, Switzerland
Visiting: Lausanne, Vevey, Aigle, Saint Maurice, Martigny, Orsieres, Bourg St Pierre, St Bernard Pass
Tour operator:
Tour code:
FWS
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey along the Via Francigena from Lausanne to the Great St Bernard Pass, traversing the stunning alpine landscapes of Switzerland. This self-guided walking tour takes you through the picturesque Valais valleys, the historic Great Saint Bernard Pass, and the scenic shores of Lake Geneva, with its UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyards. Explore the charming old town of Lausanne, visit the Swiss Museum of Games, and marvel at the impressive castle in Aigle. Enjoy cozy stays in family-run hotels and mountain inns, with luggage transfers ensuring a hassle-free experience. This adventure promises a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical intrigue.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Lausanne
Location: Lausanne
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you make your own way to Lausanne and check in at the first hotel. Lausanne is the second-largest city on Lake Geneva and there is much to explore. You can visit the charming old town, with its many small alleyways lined with cafes and boutiques. You can also take a cruise on Lake Geneva or visit one of the local museums.
Day 2 : Walk To Vevey / St-Légier Chiésaz (6.5Hrs)
Location: Vevey
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
From the quay in Ouchy, your walk on the Via Francigena begins along the shores of the lake to Vilette. The trail winds through the UNESCO World Heritage listed Lavaux Vineyard Terraces, which date from the 11th century when Benedictine and Cistercian monasteries controlled the area. Enjoy fantastic views over the lake on your way to St-Légier Chiésaz.
Distance 21 km/13mi, +455m/1492ft -455m/1492ft
Day 3 : Continue On To Aigle (7Hrs)
Location: Aigle
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
You continue walking today along the lake shore. The Swiss Museum of Games in the castle at Tour-de-Peilz and famous Schloss Chillon are worth a visit before you reach the Chablais wine region. From Villeneuve you'll continue on to the Rhone plain and follow an idyllic path along the Rhone. Arriving in Aigle you'll marvel at it's impressive castle surrounded by vineyards. Overnight Aigle, Yvorne.
Distance 27km/17mi, Ascent 300m/984ft, descent 280m/920ft.
Day 4 : On To Saint Maurice (5.5Hrs)
Location: Saint Maurice
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
The walk for today is generally quite flat, as you walk along the banks of the Rhone river. As you enter Saint Maurice you'll be able to see the town's famous cliffside Abbey. For pilgrims travelling the whole route from Canterbury to Rome, this is the half way point. Overnight Saint Maurice.
Distance 19km/12mi, Ascent 500m/1640ft, descent 480m/1575ft
Day 5 : Walk To The Town Of Martigny (4.5Hrs)
Location: Martigny
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your walk today follows higher paths and roads to reach Martigny. Martigny, which is situated on the Rhone, has a history which stretches back over 2000 years. The town is home to a restored amphitheatre, Roman thermal baths, temples and living quarters which you can visit. Here you can also visit the St Bernard Dog Museum and learn of the role they played on the Francigena Way. Overnight Martigny.
Distance 17km/10.5mi, Ascent 300m/985ft, descent 260m/853ft
Day 6 : Continue On To Orsieres (6Hrs)
Location: Orsieres
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today's walk is along narrow tracks, which are often in the surrounding forest. There are some steep climbs today. From Martigny a sometimes steep path leads over the narrow Les Trappistes pass to the medieval village of Sembrancher. From here the route follows the Napoleon-Weg. When you arrive in Orsieres you can take in its church and bell tower. Overnight Orsieres.
Distance 18km/11.25mi, Ascent 745m/2444ft, descent 335m/1099ft
Day 7 : Walk To Bourg St Pierre (5Hrs)
Location: Bourg St Pierre
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Most of today's walk follows a steady climb but there are a few short, steeper sections. As you climb you're sure to be rewarded with the stunning alpine views. Bourg St Pierre is a small, alpine village with ties to Napoleon's Italian campaign. Overnight Bourg St Pierre.
Distance 15km/9.5mi, Ascent 970m/3180ft, descent 335m/1099ft.
Day 8 : Final Walk To The St Bernard Pass (4.5Hrs)
Location: St Bernard Pass
Undoubtedly the most symbolic stage on the Via Francigena! The way to the pass leads along a road which has served the whole of Europe for 2000 years. Countless archaeological sites line the ascent, in L’Hospitalet and on the Barasson-Pass. The pass is famous for its hospice and St Bernard dogs that were used to rescue weary pilgrims. Trip concludes. Accommodation is not included tonight - make your own onward arrangements or we can assist with booking the night at St Bernard pass - please ask for our rates. If you'd like to continue walking the Via Francigena, we offer multiple stages through Italy to Rome.
Distance 13km/8mi, +1045m/3428ft, -305 m/1000ft
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay in warm, comfortable family-run hotels and mountain inns, offering friendly hospitality and ensuite facilities, ensuring a cozy and welcoming experience throughout your journey.
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7 breakfasts
Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, tea, coffee, and juices.
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7 nights in 3-4 star hotels and mountain inns
Accommodation on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.
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Digital information pack
Includes route notes, maps, tourist information, and navigational app access.
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Luggage Transfer
Luggage transfer from days 2 to 8, with a maximum of 1 piece weighing up to 20kg. A supplement applies for excess luggage.
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Emergency hotline
Access to an emergency hotline for assistance.
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Credenziale
The pilgrim passport.
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Transport
Travel to Lausanne and from Saint Bernard Pass is included, with luggage transfer provided from days 2 to 8, allowing you to enjoy the walk without the burden of heavy bags.
What's Not Included
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Travel to Lausanne and from Saint Bernard Pass
Travel to the starting point and from the endpoint is not included.
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Meals not listed as included
Lunch and dinner are not included.
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Drinks
Drinks are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory but not included.
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Guide
This is a self-guided walking holiday, so a guide is not included.
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Single room supplement
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Entrance fees not listed as included
Entrance fees to museums, galleries, etc.
, are not included. -
Transfers not listed as included
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage are not included.
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Excess luggage
A supplement applies for excess luggage.
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Hotel taxes
Hotel taxes, if applicable, are payable directly to the hotel.
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Items of a personal nature
Items such as drinks, souvenirs, phone calls, internet, and laundry are not included.
What You Carry
As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, phone etc
Grading
MODERATE to CHALLENGING – GRADE 4
This is a moderate to challenging grade walk along paths that are well defined and clearly marked. You should be an experienced walker and be able to walk for up to 27kms a day. There are some steep hills, and the terrain is mountainous in some parts. A good level of fitness is required. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, three to four times a week for three months prior to your departure.
The walking times are calculated from town centre to town centre and may vary depending on the accommodations booked.
Mode of Transport
Travel to Lausanne and from Saint Bernard Pass is included, with luggage transfer provided from days 2 to 8, allowing you to enjoy the walk without the burden of heavy bags.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in warm, comfortable family-run hotels and mountain inns, offering friendly hospitality and ensuite facilities, ensuring a cozy and welcoming experience throughout your journey.
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Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer is provided from days 2 to 8, allowing you to enjoy the walk without the burden of heavy bags. However, there is a maximum of 1 piece weighing up to 20kg, and a supplement applies for excess luggage.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, which are usually continental and inclusive of breads, tea, coffee, and juices. Lunch and dinner are not included.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is mandatory but not included in the tour package. You will need to arrange your own travel insurance.
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What should I carry during the walks?
As the walks are fully supported, you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, phone, etc.
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What is the difficulty level of the walks?
The walks are graded as moderate to challenging. You should be an experienced walker and be able to walk for up to 27kms a day. There are some steep hills, and the terrain is mountainous in some parts. A good level of fitness is required.
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Is this a guided tour?
No, this is a self-guided walking holiday, so a guide is not included.
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What happens if I need assistance during the tour?
You will have access to an emergency hotline for assistance throughout the tour.
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Are entrance fees to attractions included?
No, entrance fees to museums, galleries, and other attractions are not included in the tour package.
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Can I book a single room?
Yes, you can book a single room, but a supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.