Swiss National Park

The Swiss National Park is a true nature paradise and one of the most impressive destinations in the Swiss Alps. With its untouched 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.

Swiss National Park: The Most Important Information

• The Swiss National Park is located in the Engadin in the canton of Graubünden and covers an area of 170 square kilometers.

• The municipality of Zernez is the ideal starting point for your visit to the national park. Here you will also find numerous parking spaces.

• You can explore the park on your own on foot or take part in a guided excursion.

• A strict protection concept applies throughout the entire national park: leaving the paths, bringing dogs, and collecting plants are not permitted.

• When traveling, keep in mind the toll requirement in Switzerland and arrange your digital vignette in good time.

General Information & Facts Worth Knowing About the Swiss National Park

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 ibex, marmots, and chamois. With a bit of luck, you may even experience them up close during your hikes and excursions.

The park belongs to the UNESCO biosphere reserve Engiadina Val Müstair and is a highlight for anyone who appreciates Switzerland's nature. In addition to impressive landscapes, there are also numerous educational offerings such as guided tours and exhibitions. The accompanying Zernez National Park Center also gives you a deep insight into the flora, fauna, and history of the park.

Important Information for Getting There

Getting to the Swiss National Park is simple and well organized. Whether by car, train, or bus – you have many options for reaching the park.

General Travel Information

The main access point to the Swiss National Park is the municipality of Zernez. It is well connected to the transport network. By car, you can conveniently reach Zernez via the A28. Alternatively, you can travel by the Rhaetian Railway, which connects Zernez with cities such as Chur, Davos, and St. Moritz.

Information on the Toll Requirement in Switzerland

In Switzerland, a toll requirement applies to all expressways and motorways. If you are traveling by car, you will therefore need a digital vignette. In Switzerland, this is only available as an annual vignette. The cost is 38 EUR. It's best to buy your vignette for Switzerland online from home to avoid possible waiting times and delays at border crossings.

Toll Requirements in Other Countries

If you pass through countries such as Austria or Italy on your way, remember to take into account the vignettes or toll fees there as well. For example, you can also purchase the digital vignette for Austria online in advance. In Italy, on the other hand, you pay the toll on-site for the corresponding sections of the route.

Accommodations Around the Swiss National Park

Around the Swiss National Park there are numerous accommodation options for every taste and type of traveler. Here is the most important information:

Zernez Accommodation: Hotels and Holiday Apartments

Anyone wishing for a location as central as possible should stay overnight in Zernez. The small municipality is the gateway to the Swiss National Park and offers numerous accommodations. From cozy hotels to spacious holiday apartments, there is something for everyone here.

Huts and Mountain Hotels

For nature lovers who want to experience the mountain feeling up close, huts and mountain hotels in the region are a great option. These accommodations are often simple, but offer a unique atmosphere and closeness to nature. Within the park itself, there is only one staffed hut: the Chamanna Cluozza.

Campsites

Are you traveling with a camper, motorhome, or tent? Then you will find several campsites in the region where you can set up camp. The campsites are particularly suitable for families and outdoor enthusiasts who value flexibility.

Getting There and Around the Swiss National Park

The Swiss National Park is located in the Engadin high valley in the canton of Graubünden. The ideal access point for park visits is the easily reachable municipality of Zernez. By car, you can reach the town directly via the A28 roads. Several parking options are then available there.

Within the Swiss National Park, the motto is "pure nature." To protect the untouched nature, no private vehicles are allowed in the park. Visitors can only move around on foot or via organized transfers. Therefore, plan your route and parking options in advance and prepare accordingly for the walk or public transfer.

Visiting the Swiss National Park: Important Information and Tips

For a visit to the Swiss National Park, you should keep the following in mind:

• There is hardly any gastronomy in the park. So bring enough food and water with you.

• The only staffed hut in the park is the Chamanna Cluozza. Here there are both various rooms and a dormitory. More information can be found here.

• Always stay on the marked paths to protect nature.

• Dogs are not allowed in the park.

• Familiarize yourself in advance with all nature conservation regulations and adhere to them.

• The hiking routes are generally accessible year-round. However, many trails are closed in winter due to weather conditions. It's best to find out in advance about the current situation and condition of the routes.

• Also find out about the weather conditions and bring appropriate clothing and equipment.

• Use the free National Park app. Among other things, it provides you with route descriptions and much more information about the park.

Switzerland Vacation: Experience Mountains and Nature in the Swiss National Park

In the Swiss National Park, there are numerous ways to experience nature and learn more about the region.

Hiking on 100 km of Trails

With 21 official routes and 100 km of hiking trails, the Swiss National Park is a paradise for nature lovers. The Alp Trupchun circular route, for example, is particularly popular, as wildlife can often be observed there.

Guided Excursions in the Park

Guided excursions are also a great way to explore the park. Under the guidance of experts, you can experience wildlife such as ibex and marmots up close and learn many interesting facts about the park, the region, and nature.

Visit the Zernez National Park Center

The National Park Center is a perfect starting point for your visit to the park. In addition, the associated Zernez National Park Museum offers informative exhibitions where you can learn more about the park and nature. The opening hours of the National Park Center vary from season to season. On the park's website, you can find out about the current times as well as admission prices.

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 for you. Just remember to get a vignette for your journey and find out in advance about the current weather conditions, trail conditions, and opening hours.

The Europamaut Team Wishes You a Pleasant Journey

We wish you a pleasant journey to Switzerland and much joy on your exploration tour through the country's impressive nature. Please find out in good time about the applicable toll regulations. In addition, our route planner is available to help you plan your journey optimally and display the corresponding toll products. Of course, we are happy to help you with any questions. Feel free to contact us at any time by email.

FAQs

When is the best time to visit the Swiss National Park?

The best time to visit is from June to October. During this time, all hiking trails are open and the weather conditions are ideal.

How many national parks are there in Switzerland?

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.

Which animals live in the Swiss National Park?

Numerous wild animals live in the Swiss National Park, including ibex, chamois, marmots, red deer, and a diverse bird population such as golden eagles and bearded vultures.

Are dogs allowed in the Swiss National Park?

Dogs are not allowed in the Swiss National Park. This is an important measure to protect the undisturbed nature and wildlife in the park.