The Swiss National Park

The only national park in Switzerland

Located at a distance of 168 km from Zurich – travel time from Zurich: approx. 2 hrs 15 min

Size: 172.3 km² (0.42% of the area of Switzerland)
There is only one national park in Switzerland
Major attractions: Unequaled alpine scenery, re-introduced bearded vulture, golden eagle, ibex, chamois, deer, marmots, alpine forests and flowers.
Elevation: Between 1400 and 3173 m.a.s.l.
80 km of trails

Suggestion for accommodation:
Camping Cul , Zernez - the gateway to the Swiss National Park

Location and how to get there:
It takes about 2.5 hours to get from Zürich to Zernez (one way). Zernez is the gateway to the national park, it also hosts the visitor center. The Swiss National Park is located in the very east of Switzerland in the Canton Graubünden in an area where the local language is Romansh therefore its official name is "Parc Naziunal Svizzer". Access to the park is free, but a small fee is charged to visit the exhibition and the 17 minutes film show about the park. There is one road that runs through the national park, it is called "Pass dal Fuorn" and connects Zernez with Müstair, a remote valley close to the Italian border. It is open to public, but we suggest to take the postal bus. There are nine parking lots (P1 to P9) and many bus stops along the road which provide access to the various trails. As mentioned above, there are about 80 km (50 miles) of hiking trails available in the park.

Animals

Marmots

Marmots
You can’t miss the marmots in the Swiss National Park. They have their burrows everywhere on open meadows, where they hibernale in winter. The social animals live in colonies and stand on their hind legs, watching out for predators and human beings, warning their family with a loud whistle.

Steinbock

Chamois , Red deer and ibex
These are very typical animals for this area. While red deer can only be found in the park from May to mid-October, chamois can usually be seen the whole year round – as long as enough patience is provided. Ibex are difficult to spot as they aren’t as numerous and stay at high altitudes.

Golden Eagle
The golden eagle is the largest bird of prey in Switzerland. It’s wingspan averages 2 metres and offers a majestic sight soaring into the clear blue sky of the Alps

Snakes
The common viper is one of the few poisonous snakes in Switzerland. Its bite is painful but usually not deadly for humans. Don’t worry – many Swiss people have never come across one, but use common sense.




Flowers

The mountain flora is very varied and in spring the flowers colour the pastures like precious gems.

Edelweiss
The Edelweiss is the (inofficial) national flower of Switzerland. It is strictly protected, not only within The national park, but throughout the whole country.

Edelweiss
Alpenrose

The hairy alpenrose
The hairy alpenrose, a kind of rhododendron with rose-pink flowers, grows in clear areas of alpine forests up to 2500 meters above sea level and covers some of the slopes.

The thorny thistle
The thorny thistle grows on dry rocky areas on lower elevations.