Swiss National Park
The Swiss National Park is the only national park in Switzerland. It lies in the Lower Engadin in the east, near the Italian border. It is a strict nature reserve, and nature has been left alone since 1914.
You will find forests, high meadows and rocky peaks. Red deer, chamois, ibex and marmots are common. The park has no villages. It is a place for hiking and watching wildlife.
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When to visit
June to October is the visiting season. July and August are warm but busy. September and early October are good for autumn colours and for the deer rut. The park is closed to most visitors in winter, and snow covers the trails.
Top sights
- Parco Nazionale Svizzero is the park itself, with about 80 km of marked trails.
- Chamanna Cluozza is the only hut inside the park. You can sleep and eat there.
- Piz d’Esan is a peak on the edge of the park with wide views.
- Lai da Müschauns is a small mountain lake.
- Parkhütte Varusch is a park hut in the Val Trupchun, one of the best places to see deer.
What to experience
- Hike a day trail in the park.
- Watch deer and ibex in the early morning or evening.
- Visit the park's visitor centre in Zernez.
- Stay a night at the Cluozza hut.
- Take pictures from a distance and use binoculars.
Tours & Activities
Swiss National Park — Map
Day trips
Where to explore
Getting there
- By air: Zurich is the main airport, about 4 hours away by train.
- By train: the nearest stations are Zernez and S-chanf on the Rhaetian Railway. Check times on SBB.
- Postal buses run through the park on the Ofen Pass road.
Getting around
- There are no roads inside the park, except the Ofen Pass road.
- Postal buses stop at the trailheads.
- Walking is the only way into the park.
- Cars may park only at marked car parks outside the park.
Driving
- The Ofen Pass road crosses the park. You may not stop on it, except at car parks.
- Car parks near trailheads are paid and fill up in summer.
- The pass may be closed in winter.
Food & drink
Food is simple in the park. Bring your own picnic. In the villages, try Engadin nut tart, barley soup and local cheese.
People speak Romansh and German. English is widely understood.
Safety & health
- The park rules are strict. Stay on marked trails.
- Do not pick plants or feed animals.
- Fires, camping and dogs are not allowed.
- Mountain weather changes fast. Carry water and warm clothes.
History
The park opened in 1914. It was the first national park in the Alps. The land had been used for mining and logging before that.
Since then, forests have regrown and wildlife has returned. The park is a research area for nature.
Country facts
Quick practical facts for Switzerland at a glance:
- Currency
- Swiss Franc CHF CHF · Card payments · Widely accepted
- Emergency numbers
- 112
- Electricity
- 230 V · 50 HzType C / Type J
- Languages
- German, French, Italian, Romansh
- Tap water
- Safe to drink
- Driving side
- Right
- Calling code
- +41
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