Swiss National Park: A Retreat To The Wildlife Of Switzerland

Breathing in the essence of Swiss National Park in Switzerland.

Switzerland is a country renowned for its striking scenery and unspoiled beauty. And for being one of those, Swiss National Park is the winner. Switzerland’s park is located in the country’s far southeast corner. Additionally, the park is located in the beautiful Engadine valley at an elevation of 1400 – 3170 meters and spans approximately 172 square kilometers. Swiss National Park may be reached from Zurich in roughly two hours and fifty minutes. The Swiss National Park Camping program is a fun experience for all.

Location

Lost in the timeless charm of Swiss National Park's paths in Switzerland.

Photo: Sebastian Messingschlager / Wikimedia Commons

Swiss National Park, which covers 170 square kilometers and is situated in the Western Rhaetian Alps, is a part of the global UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The national park’s vast protected territory includes scenic valleys with abundant wildlife and natural river streams, as well as towering mountains. It includes an especially striking section of Alpine nature with a diverse range of plants and animals. It is the oldest national park in central Europe and the Alps, having been established in 1914. It demonstrates the tranquil coexistence of biodiversity and conservation at every turn.

How To Reach

Exploring the neighboring valleys and mountains of the main destination.

Photo: Hansueli Krapf / Wikimedia Commons

Although private or public transportation can readily reach the National Park, it is advised to take bus, train, and public transportation to get there:

By Rail: Travel the two and a half hours to Zernez by train via Zurich. The travel may be slow, but it’s quite economical.

By Road: Numerous transport routes are also offered to get to Swiss National Park. You can select the bus by looking at the daily schedule. You can quickly get to your destination by booking a taxi or cab. Although the trip is brief and swift, it could be expensive.

Places To Visit In And Around Swiss National Park

Here are the best places to add to your itinerary around Swiss National Park for additional experiences during your trip:

1. Lakes Of Macun

Finding peace and tranquility at Macun at the various lakes.

Photo: Niculin Meyer / Wikimedia Commons

Lakes of Macun are twenty-three sapphire, azure, and turquoise blue lakes glisten on this high-alpine plateau. Located 2,600 meters above sea level, the Macun Lake Plateau is home to 23 mountain lakes of varying sizes. The largest and deepest of them is the Lai Grond, which spans 1.5 hectares and descends 8.5 meters. Visitors are also inspired by the unusual plant species and crystalline rock. If you’re lucky, you may even see chamois or ibex. After all, Macun is Romansch for Ibex.

Distance: 9 km (from SNP)
Timings: 24*7

2. Munt La Schera

Hiking at Munt la Schera during a trip to Switzerland.

Photo: Gio 2000 / Wikimedia Commons

Munt La Schera is a circular hike that is both varied and expansive. Highlights along the way include the view from Munt la Schera, the earth currents at Munt Chavagl, and the former mine tunnels above Buffalora. Additionally, particularly in the early summer, an amazing array of alpine flora beckons. There are even plenty of edelweiss at Munt la Schera. There is parking for free at the Zernez train station.

Distance: 6.4 km (from SNP)
Best Time To Visit: July to October

3. Val Mingèr

Strolling and enjoying at Val Mingèr in Switzerland.

Photo: BECK François / Wikimedia Commons

The park was established ten years before the last native bear in Switzerland was slain in this region in 1904. Take an enjoyable, brief stroll in a valley that has a rich past. There is a wildlife area left to its own devices, from the area of mining (thereby the name Val Mingèr, Valley of the Miners). The uppermost portion of Val Plavna is quite stony. Along with excellent chances to spot chamois and deer, the climb provides a stunning vista from Sur il Foss.

Distance: 4.4 km (from SNP)
Best Time To Visit: December to March

4. Alp Trupchun

Capturing the stunning views of Alp Trupchun.

Photo: Martingarten / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The same-named valley, which includes a portion of the Swiss National Park, is home to Alp Trupchun. At the valley’s end lies also the border between Italy and Switzerland. Families will enjoy this family-friendly, flat valley, and the three-hour drive from S-chanf to Alp Trupchun offers a fair overview of the park. This is the best place to see deer rutting in the fall.

Distance: 9.5 km (from SNP)
Best Time To Visit: July to October

5. Val Cluozza

A visit to Val Cluozza, a place with deer, marmots, chamois and golden eagles.

Photo: Whgler / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Val Cluozza, the “primordial cell” of the Swiss National Park, is reached by the trail. It has been under protection since 1909. The 3.5-hour uphill trek through the larch and pine forests of Zernez leads to the magnificently pristine valley, where deer, marmots, chamois, golden eagles, and even ibex can be seen. Take on a four-hour climb to Vallun Chafuol via the 2545-meter saddle of Murter to increase the difficulty, keeping an eye out for dinosaur footprints and preserved coral.

Distance: 2.4 km (from SNP)
Best Time To Visit: July to October

Where To Stay

Lodging options are available to tourists near Swiss National Park.

Photo: Ximonic (Simo Räsänen) / Wikimedia Commons

The National Park’s only maintained hut is Chamanna Cluozza. At 1882 meters above sea level, it is situated right in the middle of the park and provides comfortable, basic lodging in either mattress dormitories or rooms. The Val Cluozza, the first valley made accessible to the fledgling National Park by the municipality of Zernez in 1909, is a great place to start walks from the hut. The second lodging option in the National Park, the Hotel Parc Naziunal Il Fuorn, is situated on the Pass Del Fuorn road and provides a few extra modern amenities. You may make reservations through private companies or the visitor centers in the villages.

What To Eat

Savoring Swiss delights, one bite at a time near Swiss National Park.

Photo: Peachyeung316 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

North Italian, French, and German culinary influences are all combined in Swiss cuisine.When visiting Switzerland’s Swiss National Park. There are various restaurants near Swiss National Park, which tourists can try. Saloon San Jon provides capuns, Grisons barley soup, and biera engiadinaisa, a few of the regional favorites that are served here. Chamanna Cluozza provides a few vegan options that are clearly marked and created using organic, seasonal, and local ingredients at this mountain restaurant/hut.

Other Factors To Consider

Embracing the magic of Swiss National Park in the heart of Switzerland.

Photo: Hansueli Krapf / Wikimedia Commons

Summer is the best season to trek and explore the Swiss National Park because many of the park’s routes close in the winter to allow for snowfall.

Tips For Travellers

  • Visitors are not permitted to leave any type of marked footpaths in the park.
  • No timber or plants may be removed from Swiss National Park by individuals.
  • It is completely forbidden for visitors to hunt, hurt, or disturb any of the fish or creatures that call this place home.
  • Stoves and other fire-related items are prohibited in the park.
  • Visitors are not permitted to bring dogs or any other pets into the park.
  • The park does not allow camping or overnight parking.
  • It is forbidden for visitors to leave rubbish in the park; they must remove it themselves.

An excellent site to begin your journey from India to Switzerland is Swiss National Park. It is the perfect location for weekends or your trip to Switzerland because it is only two and a half hours from Zurich. Hike the 80-kilometer nature trail, go on family and kid-friendly outings, camp at the park, or just take in the breathtaking scenery. A vast variety of plants and animals can be found there, along with towering mountains, lush woods, and deep valleys. With your loved ones, it will be the ideal natural retreat where you can discover Switzerland’s true nature. Plan with TripXL to visit Swiss National Park and its environs.

Cover Photo: Hansueli Krapf / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

The remarkable diversity of plants and animals found in Swiss National Park is well known, as is the fact that they are preserved in their original habitat free from human interference. This park, which spans around 172 square kilometers, is located in Switzerland's southeast.
When visiting Swiss National Park, bring binoculars, a water bottle, winter clothes, and sturdy walking boots.
Camping is only permitted on designated campsites surrounding the Swiss National Park, which will provide you with incredible experiences and excitement. Camping is not permitted within the park itself.
April through June, September, and October are the ideal times of year to travel to Switzerland. These are spring and the first few months of summer.
The Swiss National Park (SNP), established in 1914, is the largest wilderness area in the Alps and the oldest national park.

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