The Via Francigena in Switzerland runs through a variety of landscapes and is without doubt also one of the most spectacular pilgrims’ paths in Europe.

The route from Sainte-Croix to Vuiteboeuf leads past unique sections of cart tracks then alongside the quiet Venoge to Lac Léman. Stops at Romainmôtier Abbey and the Roman mosaics in Orbe are highly recommended.

From Lausanne, the ViaFrancigena runs through the vineyards of Lavaux to the bend in the Rhone. From the ancient city of Octodurus, it winds through the narrow pass shaped by the wild waters of the Drance to the northern slopes of the Grossen Sankt Bernhard-Pass. In Val d’Entremont, medieval villages line the route, which peaks in the aptly-named Combe des Morts.

Facts 

Stages: 12

Length: 215 km

Requirements: easy (hiking trail) 

Conditions: difficult 

Height difference: Ste-Croix–Col du Gd St-Bernard: 6300 m; Col du Gd St-Bernard–Ste-Croix: 5000 m 

The Swiss stage of the Via Francigena is marked Route 70.