Swiss National Park
The Swiss National Park is a true natural paradise and one of the most impressive travel destinations in the Swiss Alps. With its unspoiled 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 Key Facts
The Swiss National Park is located in the Engadin valley in the canton of Graubünden and covers an area of 170 square kilometres.
The municipality of Zernez is the ideal starting point for your visit to the national park. Here you will also find numerous car parks.
You can explore the park independently on foot or take part in a guided excursion.
A strict conservation concept applies throughout the entire national park: leaving the paths, bringing dogs, and collecting plants are not permitted.
When travelling to the park, please note the toll requirement in Switzerland and make sure to obtain your digital vignette in good time.
General Info & Interesting Facts About the Swiss National Park
The Swiss National Park is the oldest national park in the entire Alpine region. To preserve its unspoiled 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 can even experience these animals 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 the nature of Switzerland. In addition to impressive landscapes, there are also numerous educational offerings such as guided tours and exhibitions. The complementary National Park Centre Zernez also provides you with a deep insight into the flora, fauna, and history of the park.
Important Travel Information
Getting to the Swiss National Park is straightforward and well organised. 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, which is well connected to the transport network. By car, you can comfortably 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.
Toll Requirements in Switzerland
In Switzerland, tolls are mandatory on all expressways and motorways. If you are travelling 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 is best to buy your vignette for Switzerland online from home to avoid potential 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 also account for the vignettes or toll fees there. The digital vignette for Austria, for example, can also be purchased online in advance. In Italy, on the other hand, you pay the toll on-site for the relevant road sections.
Accommodation Around the Swiss National Park
Around the Swiss National Park, there are numerous accommodation options to suit every taste and every type of traveller. Here are the key facts:
Zernez Accommodation: Hotels and Holiday Apartments
Anyone looking for a central location should stay in Zernez. The small municipality is the gateway to the Swiss National Park and offers numerous accommodation options. From cosy hotels to spacious holiday apartments, there is something for everyone here.
Mountain Huts and Mountain Hotels
For nature lovers who want to experience the mountain feel 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 Clouzza.
Campsites
Are you travelling with a camper van, motorhome, or tent? Then you will find several campsites in the region where you can set up camp. The campsites are particularly well suited for families and outdoor enthusiasts who value flexibility.
Getting There and Getting Around in the Swiss National Park
The Swiss National Park is located in the high valley of Engadin in the canton of Graubünden. The ideal access point for park visits is the easily accessible municipality of Zernez. By car, you can reach the village directly via the A28 roads. There are then several parking options available in the village.
Within the Swiss National Park, the motto is "pure nature." To protect the unspoiled nature, no private vehicles are permitted in the park. Visitors may only move around on foot or via organised 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 very little catering available in the park. So bring sufficient food and water with you.
The only staffed hut in the park is the Chamanna Clouzza. Here you will find both various rooms and a dormitory. You can find more information about this here.
Always stay on the marked paths to protect nature.
Dogs are not permitted in the park.
Familiarise yourself with all nature conservation regulations in advance and adhere to them.
The hiking routes are generally accessible year-round. However, many paths are closed in winter due to weather conditions. It is best to check the current situation and the condition of the routes in advance.
Also check the weather conditions and bring appropriate clothing and equipment.
Use the free National Park app. This provides you with route descriptions and much more information about the park, among other things.
Switzerland Holiday: Experiencing Mountains and Nature in the Swiss National Park
The Swiss National Park offers numerous opportunities 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. Particularly popular, for example, is the circular route Alp Trupchun, where wildlife can often be spotted.
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 fascinating facts about the park, the region, and nature.
Visiting the National Park Centre Zernez
The National Park Centre is a perfect starting point for your park visit. The associated National Park Museum Zernez also offers informative exhibitions where you can learn more about the park and nature. The opening hours of the National Park Centre vary from season to season. You can find out about the current times and admission prices on the park's website.
Swiss National Park: Conclusion
The Swiss National Park is a highlight for nature lovers and an unparalleled experience in the Swiss Alps. Whether you want to hike, observe wildlife, or simply enjoy the unspoiled nature – this is the place for you. Just remember to obtain a vignette for your journey and inform yourself in advance about the current weather conditions, route conditions, and opening hours.
The Europamaut Team Wishes You a Pleasant Journey
We wish you a pleasant trip to Switzerland and lots of enjoyment on your exploration tour through the country's impressive nature. Please inform yourself in good time about the applicable toll regulations. In addition, our route planner is available to help you plan your trip optimally and display the relevant toll products. If you have any questions, we are of course happy to help. 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 period, 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.
What 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 life such as golden eagles and bearded vultures.
Are dogs allowed in the Swiss National Park?
Dogs are not permitted in the Swiss National Park. This is an important measure to protect the undisturbed nature and wildlife in the park.
