Swiss National Park Travel Guide: Explore Switzerland's Oldest Wilderness

Hidden in the stunning Engadin Valley of eastern Switzerland lies a land of raw beauty and unspoiled nature — the Swiss National Park. As Switzerland’s only national park and the oldest in the Alps (established in 1914), it offers a glimpse into what the natural world looked like before human interference.
 

Whether you’re an avid hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or someone seeking peace in the heart of the mountains, this guide will help you explore the very best of Swiss National Park — responsibly and thoroughly.

📍 Where is the Swiss National Park?

Location: Canton of Graubünden, eastern Switzerland

Nearest town: Zernez (gateway to the park)

Area: 170 km² (65.6 mi²)

Altitude: 1,400 m – 3,174 m (4,593 ft – 10,413 ft)

Situated in the Rhaetian Alps, near the borders of Italy and Austria, the park is part of the larger UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Engiadina Val Müstair.

🦅 Why Visit the Swiss National Park?

Here’s what makes this place so special:

Pristine nature: No roads, no camping, no off-trail hiking — just wilderness.

Abundant wildlife: Spot ibex, chamois, marmots, golden eagles, and over 80 bird species.

World-class hiking: 80+ km of marked trails through alpine meadows, forests, and rugged mountains.

Conservation legacy: Established in 1914, it's the oldest national park in the Alps and a model for wilderness preservation worldwide.

🌄 Top Hiking Trails in Swiss National Park

The park boasts 21 official hiking trails (numbered and well-marked), ranging from easy strolls to steep mountain routes.

Here are some of the best trails for all levels:

1. Val Trupchun (Trail 1) – Best for Wildlife Watching

Distance: ~14 km round trip

Duration: ~4.5–5 hours

Start/End: Prasüras near S-chanf

Difficulty: Moderate

Highlight: A hotspot for spotting red deer during the rutting season (Sept–Oct)

This is one of the most famous routes, often called "Switzerland’s Serengeti".

2. Munt la Schera (Trail 7) – For Panoramic Views

Distance: ~9 km loop

Duration: ~3–4 hours

Start/End: Il Fuorn (near Hotel Parc Naziunal)

Difficulty: Moderate to hard

Highlight: Sweeping views over the park and Lake Livigno

3. Champlönch (Trail 11) – Family-Friendly and Educational

Distance: ~3.5 km

Duration: ~1.5 hours

Start: Il Fuorn

End: Ova Spin

Difficulty: Easy

Highlight: Audio-guided walk via smartphone or app

Great for families and beginners, this short trail offers interpretive signage and gentle terrain.

4. Fuorcla Trupchun (Trail 17) – Challenging Alpine Route

Distance: ~20 km round trip

Duration: 7–8 hours

Start: S-chanf

Difficulty: Hard

Highlight: Cross the Fuorcla Trupchun pass with stunning glacier views

For experienced hikers, this route offers dramatic landscapes and solitude.

🐐 Wildlife and Nature in the Park

The park’s strict protection laws allow wildlife to thrive. If you're patient and quiet, you may spot:

Alpine ibex (symbol of the park)

Chamois and red deer

Golden eagles, nutcrackers, and bearded vultures

Marmots, often whistling from their burrows

Rare alpine flora, including edelweiss and gentians

📸 Tip for photographers: Early morning and late afternoon offer the best lighting and wildlife sightings.

🏞️ Rules and Ethics in Swiss National Park

This is not your typical recreational park. Its motto is “Nature Nature Be Left Alone” – and visitors are expected to respect the strict conservation laws:

Stay on marked trails – No straying off-path

No camping, fires, or drones

No dogs allowed, even on leash

No collecting plants, stones, or wildlife — Take only pictures

Leave no trace

These rules help protect over 5,000 species of plants and animals in a truly wild habitat.

🏡 Where to Stay Near the Park

While you can't stay inside the park, there are excellent accommodations in nearby towns.

🏘️ Best Base Towns:

Zernez – Closest to the park, with the visitor center

Scuol – Spa town with beautiful scenery and wellness resorts

S-chanf, Lavin, or Tschierv – Quieter villages with Alpine charm

🏨 Recommended Hotels:

Hotel Parc Naziunal Il Fuorn – Located at the park entrance, ideal for hikers

Hotel Crusch Alba (Zernez) – Cozy rooms and regional food

Hotel Belvédère (Scuol) – Spa luxury with panoramic views

🥘 Where to Eat

While hiking, pack your own food and water. But nearby towns offer authentic cuisine:

Restorant Sper l’en (Zernez) – Traditional Engadine dishes like capuns and plain in pigna

La Chadafö (Scuol) – Fine dining with local flair

Hotel Il Fuorn Restaurant – Alpine food with views of the forest

🎟️ Swiss National Park Visitor Centre (Zernez)

Before hitting the trails, stop at this interactive museum.

🧭 Highlights:

Educational exhibits about Alpine geology, flora, and fauna

Short films and multimedia guides

Helpful staff with trail updates, maps, and seasonal advice

Open from late May to October and December to March.

🚆 How to Get There

🚄 By Train:

Take a train to Zernez via Landquart or Scuol-Tarasp

Travel time from Zurich: ~2.5–3 hours

🚗 By Car:

Accessible via Flüela Pass or Vereina car shuttle tunnel

Parking available at Prasüras, Il Fuorn, and Ova Spin

🚫 Note: No cars allowed inside the park — trails are accessed on foot.

📅 Best Time to Visit

The hiking trails are open from mid-June to late October, depending on snow conditions.

🎒 What to Pack

Hiking boots (trail conditions vary)

Layered clothing (mountain weather changes quickly)

Reusable water bottle and lunch

Sunscreen and hat

Binoculars and camera

Map or app from Visitor Centre

🌿 Responsible Travel Tips

To protect the park’s delicate ecosystem:

Use public transport when possible

Respect quiet zones and wildlife space

Stay on trails to avoid erosion and plant damage

Support local businesses and eco-certified accommodations

✅ Summary: Why Visit the Swiss National Park?

🌍 Switzerland’s only and oldest national park

🦌 Home to rare wildlife like ibex, marmots, and eagles

🥾 80+ km of marked hiking trails for all levels

❄️ A pristine example of true Alpine wilderness

🚫 A strictly protected area with zero commercialization

For travelers looking to connect with nature, escape the crowds, and experience Switzerland as it once was, Swiss National Park is an unforgettable destination.