The Swiss National Park is a true natural paradise and one of the most impressive travel destinations in the Swiss Alps. With its pristine landscapes, unique wildlife, and well-marked hiking trails, it attracts numerous visitors every year. Here, you will find everything you need to know for your visit to the national park and your stay in the region.
The Swiss National Park is the oldest national park in the entire Alpine region. To preserve its untouched nature, it has been under strict protection since its founding in 1914. The unique ecosystem is home to wildlife such as ibexes, marmots, and chamois. With a bit of luck, you may even encounter them during your hikes and excursions and experience them live.
The park is part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Engiadina Val Müstair and is a highlight for anyone who appreciates Swiss nature as a sightseeing experience. In addition to impressive landscapes, there are also numerous educational offerings, such as guided tours and exhibitions. The supplementary National Park Centre Zernez also provides you with an in-depth insight into the flora, fauna, and history of the park.
The journey to the Swiss National Park is easy and well-organized. Whether by car, train, or bus – you have many options to reach the park.
The main access point to the Swiss National Park is the town of Zernez. It is well-connected to the transportation network. By car, you can easily reach Zernez via the A28. Alternatively, you can travel by the RhB (Rhaetian Railway), which connects Zernez to cities like Chur, Davos, and St. Moritz.
In Switzerland, all expressways and highways are subject to a toll. If you are traveling by car, you will need a digital vignette. In Switzerland, this is only available as an annual vignette. The cost is approximately 49,90 EUR. It is best to purchase your vignette for Switzerland online in advance to avoid potential waiting times and delays at border crossings.
If you are traveling through countries like Austria or Italy, remember to account for vignettes or toll fees there as well. The digital vignette for Austria can also be purchased online in advance. In Italy, however, you pay the toll on-site for specific sections of the route.
There are numerous accommodation options around the Swiss National Park to suit all tastes and types of travelers. Here is an overview:
If you want to stay in a central location, you should consider staying in Zernez. This small town is the gateway to the Swiss National Park and offers a variety of accommodations. From cozy hotels to spacious vacation apartments, there is something for everyone.
For nature enthusiasts who want to experience the mountain atmosphere up close, cabins and mountain hotels in the region are a great option. These accommodations are often simple but provide a unique atmosphere and proximity to nature. The park itself has only one staffed hut: the Chamanna Clouzza.
If you're traveling with a camper, RV, or tent, you'll find several campsites in the region where you can set up camp. These campsites are particularly suitable for families and outdoor enthusiasts who value flexibility.
The Swiss National Park is located in the high valley of Engadine in the canton of Graubünden. The ideal access point for park visits is the easily reachable town of Zernez. You can reach the town directly via the A28 roads. There are also several parking options available once you arrive.
Within the Swiss National Park, the motto is "nature pure." To protect the pristine nature, no private vehicles are allowed in the park. Visitors can only move on foot or with organized transfers. Therefore, plan your route and parking options in advance and equip yourself accordingly for walking or using public transfers.
For a visit to the Swiss National Park, you should keep the following things in mind:
In the Swiss National Park, there are numerous opportunities to experience nature and learn more about the region.
With 21 official routes and 100 km of hiking trails, the Swiss National Park is a paradise for nature lovers. One of the most popular hikes is the circular route Alp Trupchun, where wild animals can often be observed.
Guided excursions are also a great way to explore the park. Under the guidance of experts, you can experience wild animals like ibexes and marmots up close and learn many interesting facts about the park, the region, and the nature.
The National Park Centre is a perfect starting point for your visit to the park. Additionally, the associated National Park Museum Zernez offers informative exhibitions where you can learn more about the park and nature. The opening hours of the National Park Centre vary by season. You can check the website of the park for current hours and entrance fees.
The Swiss National Park is a highlight for nature lovers and an incomparable experience in the Swiss Alps. Whether you want to hike, observe wildlife, or simply enjoy the untouched nature – this is the place to be! Just remember to obtain a vignette for your arrival and check the current weather conditions, trail statuses, and opening hours in advance.
The best time to visit is from June to October. During this time, all hiking trails are open, and the weather conditions are ideal.
There is only one national park in Switzerland – the Swiss National Park. It was founded in 1914 and is the oldest national park in the Alps.
The Swiss National Park is home to many wild animals, including ibexes, chamois, marmots, red deer, and a diverse birdlife such as golden eagles and bearded vultures.
Dogs are not allowed in the Swiss National Park. This is an important measure to protect the undisturbed nature and wildlife in the park.
