Swiss National Park (Parc Naziunal Svizzer)
Swiss National Park (Parc Naziunal Svizzer)
Swiss National Park (Parc Naziunal Svizzer)
4.5
About
Founded in 1914, the Swiss National Park (SNP) is the oldest national park in the Alps and the largest wilderness area in Switzerland. It covers 170 km2 of untouched natural landscape with 100 km of marked hiking trails. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the SNP is a reserve in the category 1a (highest class of protection, wilderness area). Animals, plants, habitats and natural processes are protected against all human interference. Scientific research makes it possible to understand natural processes. The SNP serves as an open-air laboratory where we can observe and understand how nature develops without human interference.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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4.5
114 reviews
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3
Somufi
Geneva, Switzerland132 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
We came here hoping for a more wild experience than other hiking trails. Unfortunately there were a lot of people on the trails, and it was impossible to get some peace and quiet because the road going through the park is so close by. There were also some bike tracks and people smoking on the trail, these are supposed to be prohibited... If you do decide to visit this park, it’s better to go off season and very early in the morning. It is still a beautiful place as Graubünden is amazing!
Written 9 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Natureale
Lausanne, Switzerland22 contributions
Sept 2016
It is the third time that I visit the national park (P7, P8 and P9 road from Zernez) with 10x42 binoculars. Each time I come up with the same disappointing conclusion. I hear no life, I feel almost no life and I see less animals than in the public woods close to the villages. Indeed, when I walked near Pontresina, at the entrance of the Val Roseg which is literally 1 min walking distance from the village and the busy roads. Result: several squirrels , several deers. Many birds (depending on the day there are several great spotted woodpeckers, and / or nut cracking crows). I also had the chance to see a stoat close to the Morteratsch. Of course it requires to observe the nature and be loaded with patience. But in the National Park, there is not much to see to be honest. No bearded vulture (while I have seen it several times elsewhere in Switzerland), even close to where they were re-introduced some years ago. Almost no deers (just one to be fair after 1 hour walk), no squirrels, no other birds, no sounds, nothing. This is the same in spring, summer and autumn.
I would be very happy to get an explanation to this as I do not find any. I like the idea to have preserved this land, but if there is no life, what is the point?
I would be very happy to get an explanation to this as I do not find any. I like the idea to have preserved this land, but if there is no life, what is the point?
Written 10 October 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Toby P
Perth, Australia53 contributions
Sept 2015
The Swiss National Park (SNP) is very much an insiders tip for some of the most beautiful and rugged part of the Swiss and Italian alps. It lies along the side of the road from Zernez to Ofenpass/Fournpass. Unlike much of the rest of Switzerland it is deliberately left undeveloped - so you will not find cable cars, funiculars or restaurants on the tops of mountains. But that is not a bad thing. There is a paved mountain pass road through the SNP which allows access by car or by regular post-bus (at least once per hour). There are also two restaurants and a hotel by the side of the access road. You access the park via one of several parking spots and can enjoy the 21 designated hiking paths through some of the most stunning and diverse mountainous countryside. There are hiking paths to suit your experience and fitness levels, ranging from easy, medium to significant alpine experience required. Being a nature reserve there are a number of rules that apply (and are enforced quite strictly): No going off the designated (well signed) paths, no making unnecessary noise (to protect the wildlife and ensure you see it up close), no littering, no dogs, no mountain biking inside the park itself. Because it has been protected for over 60 years you can encounter all sorts of wildlife - a range of birds, chamois, ibex, deer, marmots, squirrels and adders. You may purchase maps and route descriptions from the SNP office (the Nationalpark-Haus in Zernez) which helps pick the best hikes for your fitness levels. It is highly recommended you have proper hiking boots for the medium or harder hikes - I would say minimum ankle high outdoor shoes. Do bring a rain jacket (the weather can turn quickly in the alps and it gets windy) and plenty of food and water for any hikes. The route profiles are very useful to work out the distance and length of a trail. Hike duration estimates are pretty accurate but assume you do not take many breaks or stop for photos. In my experience you do want to do that though. It is too pretty just to race through. So a 2-3h designated hike can take you as much as 5h if you take your time.
Written 14 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tim B
Lausanne, Switzerland142 contributions
Sept 2020
Breathtaking experience. If you are lucky you might also spot wildlife, but the park per se is already fantastic. Kilometers and kilometers of perfectly kept huking trails in a protected park. The nature is fantastic and we can really feel the absence of human impact here.
We saw numerous edelweiss.
We saw numerous edelweiss.
Written 8 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dominika17
Lausanne, Switzerland17 contributions
Sept 2018 • Solo
After visiting all the famous mountain resorts in Switzerland I was recommended to go hiking to SNP. And yes, it’s the most beautiful and preserved nature I have found in CH. Not too many tourists, high chances to see wild animals, lovely locals, beautiful hikes... all a hiker can wish for. From now on, this is my Top hiking destination in switzerland!
Written 22 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RuthPasq
Fribourg, Switzerland175 contributions
Oct 2020
This is a beautiful place to visit. If you love walking, then it's a place to go to spend quality time in connection with nature.
Written 21 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gebizzle
Zurich, Switzerland112 contributions
Oct 2017 • Couples
A lot of swiss people fly around the world to hike in national parks - but a lot of them do not know, that there is a national park in their own country. And I'm ashamed to admit, that I'm one of them. Finally went there. And I need to say that is outstanding! Go there before you pay for a flight to the west coast of the USA to see Yosemite (all though you should do that to). Haha.
Written 20 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Niels L
Silkeborg, Denmark395 contributions
Jul 2017 • Friends
The Swiss National Park has some awesome panoramas. Moving only a short distance reveals new mountain tops, and green valleys. Wether you are hiking or mountain biking you'll find peace and quiet and a vast amount of jaw-dropping trails.
Written 27 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shannon R Jaritz
Berlin, Germany26 contributions
Jun 2013 • Friends
I am not by any means an experienced hiker, but I participated in a hike of the Swiss National Park as part of a study abroad program I was in. The views were incredible, and while the hike was a bit challenging, anyone in reasonably good shape would be just fine.
It was a rainy day (with even a bit of snow at the top of our hike), and even with the weather the views were breath taking.
It was a rainy day (with even a bit of snow at the top of our hike), and even with the weather the views were breath taking.
Written 11 October 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martin Z
Rapperswil, Switzerland23 contributions
Jul 2019 • Couples
If you like nature, this is a must see in switzerland. The scots pine forests look like they are the homes of elves and trolls.
Written 22 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi. Is it worth going to Swiss NP if you are 77 and love to walk but do not walk very strongly and would only tackle 'Easy' grade walks. I love forests and mountains but I don't want to just drive around. What do you think - anyone?
Written 16 November 2019
Dear hugivilin
I think, you know yourself (and your condition) best, it's difficult for us to give advices. What we can tell you is, that there are a lot of different hiking trails, so there should be possibilities for almost everyone to hike in the park. You find detailed information on each hiking trail at our webpage > walking routes.
This might help you to assess your possibilities.
Driving around is - by the way - not possible in the Swiss National Park, as we are a strict nature reserve. More about the Swiss National Park (also in English) can be found on our webpage.
We hope we could help you.
Best wishes from Zernez
A. Millhäusler
Written 13 February 2020
A Tripadvisor member
do I have to pay for the buses inside the park that take you to the different sites? what are the entrance fee costs to the park?
Written 13 July 2016
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