Via Alpina Blue D56 Roya - Refuge de Longon
The place
The Via Alpina Blue (route B) links Trieste (Italy) to Vaduz (Liechtenstein) over 97 stages and roughly 1,100 km, crossing Slovenia, Austria, Germany and Liechtenstein. More accessible than the Red route, it follows lower alpine valleys and greener landscapes: the lakes of Carinthia, Bavarian forests and Liechtenstein's vineyards. Ideal for exploring the eastern Alps without the technical difficulty of high-altitude routes, the Via Alpina Blue suits hikers in good physical shape looking for a multi-day journey through several cultures.
Why go
Lake Bled (SI). The lakes of Carinthia (Wörthersee, Millstätter See). Berchtesgaden and Königssee (DE). The Zugspitze glimpsed from the foothills. The micro-principality of Liechtenstein and its capital Vaduz, perched between vineyards and castle. Alpine forests rich in wildlife.
A bit of history
Certified as part of the Alpine Convention in 2002–2009 (see the Via Alpina Red for general context), the Via Alpina Blue was specifically designed as the more accessible counterpart to the Red route, favoring valleys and low- to mid-altitude passes.
Getting there
Trieste: direct trains from Venice and Ljubljana. Vaduz: Sargans or Feldkirch station (CH/AT) then bus. National sections accessible from their major cities: Ljubljana, Klagenfurt, Munich, Innsbruck.
Recommended gear
Waterproof hiking boots. Layered clothing. Trekking poles. Booking accommodation in advance is recommended on busy sections.
Best season
May to October for the lower sections. July to September for the alpine sections. Accessible earlier than the Via Alpina Red thanks to lower average altitudes.