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Swiss National Park: Untamed Alpine Beauty

Discover Switzerland's oldest national park: A pristine Alpine wilderness with diverse wildlife, hiking trails, and a commitment to nature conservation.

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Established in 1914, the Swiss National Park is the oldest national park in the Alps, offering a pristine wilderness experience across 170 square kilometers. Located in the canton of Graubünden, it's a haven for diverse Alpine wildlife and plant life, with over 100 km of hiking trails for visitors to explore.

A brief summary to Swiss National Park

Local tips

  • Stay on marked paths to protect the delicate ecosystem and avoid disturbing wildlife.
  • Bring binoculars for optimal wildlife viewing, especially for spotting ibex, chamois, and marmots.
  • Check trail conditions and weather forecasts before heading out, as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.
  • Visit the National Park Centre in Zernez for valuable information, exhibitions, and guided tour options.
  • Be prepared for varying elevations; wear sturdy hiking boots and bring layers of clothing.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Zernez, the main access point to the Swiss National Park, take the PostBus (line 811) towards Süsom Givè. The bus departs from Zernez, Center Parc Naziunal, and arrives at Champlönch P1 in approximately 8 minutes. The cost is CHF 2-4. From Champlönch P1, various hiking trails into the park are accessible.

  • Walking

    From the Zernez train station, walk to the National Park Centre (approximately 10 minutes). From there, follow the signs towards the park entrance and the PostBus station. While it's possible to walk further into the park from Zernez, it's recommended to take the PostBus to reach the main trailheads. Walking along the Pass dal Fuorn road is discouraged due to traffic.

  • Parking

    If driving to Zernez, several parking options are available. Free parking is available at the Alossai car park, the community centre car park, or the family bath car park. Additional parking spaces are available at the train station and at Prà da Punt. From these parking areas, you can take the PostBus to access the park's trailheads. Parking at Prà da Punt is free.

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Discover more about Swiss National Park

The Swiss National Park, founded on August 1, 1914, stands as a testament to early conservation efforts and a pioneer in Alpine wilderness preservation. Located in the Engadine valley, within the canton of Graubünden in eastern Switzerland, the park encompasses a vast area of untouched natural landscape. It is part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Engiadina Val Müstair, harmonizing human activities and nature. Driven by scientists like Paul Sarasin and Carl Schröter, the park was conceived as a 'complete nature reserve' where nature could evolve without human interference. This vision led to strict regulations: no hunting, logging, grazing, or even the removal of plants or fallen branches. This approach allows natural processes to unfold, making it a unique outdoor laboratory for scientific research. The park's diverse ecosystems host a wide array of Alpine animals, including ibex, chamois, marmots, red deer, and numerous bird species. Visitors can explore over 100 kilometers of marked hiking trails that wind through forests, alpine meadows, and rocky landscapes. The National Park Centre in Zernez serves as the gateway to the park, providing information, exhibitions, and guided tours. Here, you can learn about the park's history, biodiversity, and conservation efforts.

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