Swiss National Park
Graubünden
Located in the canton of Graubünden in eastern Switzerland, the Swiss National Park is the country's only national park and the oldest in the Alps, established in 1914. It spans 170.3 square kilometers of protected alpine terrain ranging from valleys to peaks, including the highest point, Piz Quattervals at 3,165 meters. The park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and classified as an IUCN category Ia strict nature reserve, reflecting its strict conservation rules. Visitors must stay on marked trails and camping outside designated areas is prohibited, preserving the park's wild character. The park is home to diverse fauna including alpine marmots, ibex, red deer, chamois, golden eagles, and occasionally wolves and brown bears. A visitor center is located in Zernez, and the park offers over 80 kilometers of marked hiking trails divided into 21 routes of varying difficulty. Its pristine environment allows observation of wildlife at close range, making it a unique destination for nature enthusiasts. The park also serves scientific research and environmental education, emphasizing natural processes without human interference.
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Tip: Visitors should plan their visit during the warmer months for hiking on the marked trails, as winter conditions can be harsh. It is recommended to purchase tickets or join guided excursions in advance via the official visitor center in Zernez. Dogs are not allowed, even on a leash, to protect wildlife. Staying overnight is only permitted at the mountain hut Chamanna Cluozza inside the park. Respecting park rules by staying on trails and not disturbing animals ensures the preservation of this strict nature reserve. Information and guided tours are available through the official website and visitor center.
Interesting facts
- •Swiss National Park is the oldest national park in the Alps and Central Europe, founded in 1914.
- •It is the only Swiss park classified as an IUCN category Ia strict nature reserve, the highest protection level.
- •The park covers 170.3 km², making it the largest nature reserve in Switzerland.
- •Visitors must remain on marked paths; leaving trails and camping outside designated areas is forbidden.
- •Wildlife includes alpine marmots, ibex, red deer, chamois, golden eagles, and occasionally wolves and brown bears.
- •The park is part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1979.
- •Dogs are prohibited in the park to protect wildlife.
- •The highest peak in the park is Piz Quattervals at 3,165 meters.
- •The park administration is based in the historic Planta-Wildenberg Castle in Zernez.
History
The park was founded in 1914 after calls for a nature reserve to protect Swiss landscapes from agricultural expansion.
The area around the Fuorn Pass was chosen for its remoteness and rich biodiversity.
Initially leased from local municipalities, the park's area and protections expanded over the 20th century.
In 1959, a federal law reinforced its protection, banning activities like hunting and logging.
The park became a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1979 and has maintained the highest protection status as a strict nature reserve.
Its administration is based in Zernez, and it remains the only national park in Switzerland to date.
Place Guide
Visitor Centre in Zernez
Provides comprehensive information about the park, exhibitions on its natural environment, and serves as a starting point for excursions.
Marked Hiking Trails
Over 80 kilometers of marked trails divided into 21 routes of varying difficulty that showcase different landscapes and wildlife habitats within the park.
Chamanna Cluozza Mountain Hut
The only designated overnight accommodation inside the park, allowing visitors to experience the park’s wilderness overnight while respecting conservation rules.
Contact
Phone: 081 851 41 41
