Swiss National Park wilderness guide
National Park · GR

Swiss National Park

Swiss National Park is Switzerland’s only national park, offering visitors unspoiled alpine landscapes, diverse wildlife, and extensive hiking opportunities in the eastern canton of Graubünden.

National Park42,7504+ Trails
DesignationNational Park
Total Wilderness Area42,750
Elevation / TerrainDiverse Wilderness
Field Editorial Guide

About Swiss National Park

Swiss National Park is Switzerland’s only national park, offering visitors unspoiled alpine landscapes, diverse wildlife, and extensive hiking opportunities in the eastern canton of Graubünden.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Established in 1914, Swiss National Park is the oldest and only national park in Switzerland, covering over 170 square kilometers of pristine alpine terrain in the Canton of Graubünden. It is located in the Eastern Alps and managed under strict protection rules that prohibit any form of disturbance to the natural processes. The park's topography ranges from deep valleys, dense forests, rocky cliffs, and alpine meadows to glaciers and mountain streams. This variety supports a range of flora and fauna, including iconic species such as ibex, chamois, marmots, golden eagles, and red deer. The park provides a rare opportunity to witness ecosystems evolving without significant human intervention. Visitors can explore over 80 kilometers of marked trails, which include easy walks as well as more demanding hikes to peaks and scenic viewpoints. There are several interpretive paths that educate hikers about the park's geology, vegetation, and animal life. The park is highly regarded for its conservation efforts, scientific research, and environmental education programs. Visitors are required to respect strict park regulations with no camping, no dogs, and no picking of plants allowed. Due to its remote location and preservation status, Swiss National Park offers a rugged and quiet mountain experience, ideal for those seeking solitude in nature and wildlife observation. Nearby historical villages provide cultural insight and practical amenities, making the park accessible while maintaining its wilderness character.

Field Guide · National Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Swiss National Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Zernez Visitor Center with detailed exhibits about the park's ecology and history✦ Piz Pisoc, the highest peak in the park offering panoramic Alpine views✦ Observation of native wildlife such as ibex and marmots in their natural habitat✦ Fuorns Pass Trail, a remote and scenic route crossing the park's alpine terrain
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Swiss National Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Swiss National Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Swiss National Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Swiss National Park
Park Recreation

Snow Sports

Available in Swiss National Park
Park Recreation

Nature Study

Available in Swiss National Park
Park Recreation

Guided Tours

Available in Swiss National Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Swiss National Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access with no permits required; strict conservation rules must be followed

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Swiss National Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Zernez, Switzerland
⌖ 3.44 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Zernez, Switzerland

Zernez offers an unparalleled alpine adventure as a gateway to the Swiss National Park. Enjoy hiking, skiing, and wildlife watching in the midst of stunning alpine landscapes, all while surrounded by authentic Swiss charm.

Gaschurn, Vorarlberg
⌖ 18.80 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Gaschurn, Vorarlberg

Gaschurn, Vorarlberg is a dynamic alpine town where skiing, biking, hiking, and paragliding come alive. Positioned in the Silvretta and Verwall ranges, it’s a prime adventure hub open for summer and winter thrills.

Winter and Summer
Explore Town
Pontresina, Switzerland
⌖ 20.23 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Pontresina, Switzerland

Pontresina is an exciting adventure hub in the Swiss Alps, welcoming outdoor enthusiasts with hikes, skiing, and glacier treks. Experience majestic landscapes and enjoy thrilling alpine activities in this picturesque town.

Summer and Winter
Explore Town
St. Moritz, Graubünden
⌖ 21.88 miles
Gateway Basecamp

St. Moritz, Graubünden

St. Moritz offers top-tier skiing and snowboarding in winter and hiking, mountain biking, and paddling opportunities in summer. This luxury Alpine town blends outdoor adventure with lakeside charm and breathtaking high-mountain scenery.

Winter and Summer
Explore Town
Vandans, Austria
⌖ 28.83 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Vandans, Austria

Vandans is a picturesque Alpine town perfect for adventure. Whether you love skiing, hiking, or mountain biking, this corner of Austria offers a scenic backdrop for diverse outdoor activities.

Summer and Winter
Explore Town
Chur, Switzerland
⌖ 30.69 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Chur, Switzerland

Chur, Switzerland, offers a perfect blend of urban charm and Alpine adventure. From skiing in winter to mountain biking and hiking in summer, it's an ideal base for exploring Swiss outdoor wonders.

All year round
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Swiss National Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Montafon | PANORAMA FLUG
ADVEXPEDITION
Gaschurn, Vorarlberg
Air ActivitiesADV Bookable

Montafon | PANORAMA FLUG

Soar high above Montafon’s stunning peaks with PANORAMA FLUG paragliding. Experience breathtaking views and unforgettable thrills in Austria’s premier alpine region.

Air ActivitiesAb 8 Jahren • Ab 90 Minuten • 10-25 Minuten reine Flugzeit • Unser Klassiker!Certified Outfitter
From$220
Book Trip
Montafon | 2 TANDEMFLÜGE (2 Pers)
ADVEXPEDITION
Gaschurn, Vorarlberg
Air ActivitiesADV Bookable

Montafon | 2 TANDEMFLÜGE (2 Pers)

Ready to soar above the Austrian Alps? Discover tandem paragliding adventures in Montafon with expert guides ensuring unforgettable flights with stunning mountain views.

Air ActivitiesAb 8 Jahren • 2 Stunden • Flugzeit je nach Route und Buchung • mit Ihrem Partner abhebenCertified Outfitter
From$580
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Montafon Thermikflug — Riding the Mountain Currents Above Gaschurn
ADVEXPEDITION
Gaschurn, Vorarlberg
Air ActivitiesADV Bookable

Montafon Thermikflug — Riding the Mountain Currents Above Gaschurn

A concise field guide to a two‑hour tandem paragliding outing from Gaschurn that includes 30–45 minutes of thermal flight over the Montafon, with practical notes on what to expect and what to bring.

Air ActivitiesPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Sun, Wind and a 40‑HP Open Dayboat: AS 19 GL OPEN from Colico
ADVEXPEDITION
Colico, Lombardia
Boat RentalADV Bookable

Sun, Wind and a 40‑HP Open Dayboat: AS 19 GL OPEN from Colico

A short‑to‑full‑day hire of the AS 19 GL OPEN — a compact, open motorboat for relaxed cruising off Colico; this guide distills what to expect, who it suits and the practical must‑haves.

Boat RentalPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Nature Tour: Varenna & l’Orrido di Bellano
ADVEXPEDITION
Colico, Lombardia
Boat TourADV Bookable

Nature Tour: Varenna & l’Orrido di Bellano

A six-hour small-group boat tour from Colico that pairs villa gardens, a dramatic gorge walk at the Orrido di Bellano, and the medieval lanes of Corenno Plinio. Perfect for photographers, families, and first-time Lake Como visitors who want an intimate, curated sampler of the lake.

Boat TourEsperienza Esclusiva di 6 ore • Per tutte le età • Fino a 10 personeCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Villas Boat Tour 4h
ADVEXPEDITION
Colico, Lombardia
Boat TourADV Bookable

Villas Boat Tour 4h

Glide past Villa del Balbianello, Villa Melzi and George Clooney’s Villa Oleandra on a private four-hour cruise from Colico. Perfect for photographers, film-location fans, and anyone who wants a concentrated taste of Lake Como’s grand villas.

Boat TourBoat Tour di 4 ore • A partire da €930 • Esperienza Privata • Per tutte le età • FinoCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Photoshoot Boat Tour
ADVEXPEDITION
Colico, Lombardia
Photography TourADV Bookable

Photoshoot Boat Tour

Sail the northern tip of Lake Como from Colico with a professional photographer for a private three-hour portrait cruise. Receive roughly 200 edited images—perfect for proposals, anniversaries, and family sessions.

Photography TourEsperienza fotografica Privata • Per tutte le età • Fino a 8 personeCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip