Swiss National Park wilderness guide
National Park · Switzerland
Wildlife%20Viewing Guide

Swiss National Park

Swiss National Park offers a pristine wilderness experience with its rugged Alpine terrain and diverse ecosystems, attracting nature enthusiasts from around the world.

National Park42,0002+ Trails

Designation

National Park

Total Wilderness Area

42,000

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Swiss National Park

Swiss National Park offers a pristine wilderness experience with its rugged Alpine terrain and diverse ecosystems, attracting nature enthusiasts from around the world.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Swiss National Park is the only national park in Switzerland, located in the eastern part of the country in the canton of Graubünden. Established in 1914, it spans an impressive 42,000 acres of untouched nature. The park's landscape is characterized by majestic mountain ranges, deep valleys, and a mix of coniferous forests and alpine meadows. Home to a variety of wildlife, including ibex, chamois, and red deer, the park also protects numerous bird species and rare plants. Visitors can explore over 50 miles of hiking trails that wind through the dramatic scenery, offering opportunities to observe the park's natural inhabitants. Notable landmarks within the park include Piz Pisoc, the highest peak, and the serene Macun Lakes. With a strict policy against any form of interference with nature, Swiss National Park offers a unique chance to experience the raw beauty of the Alps in its most pristine form.

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

Piz Pisoc - the highest peak in the parkMacun Lakes - a group of serene alpine lakesVariety of wildlife - including ibex and chamoisZernez Visitor Center - gateway to the park
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Swiss National Park

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

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, no entrance fees required

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
5.48 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.

Pontresina, Switzerland
18.57 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
20.75 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
Gaschurn, Vorarlberg
23.60 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
Caslino al Piano, Lombardia, Italy
28.33 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Caslino al Piano, Lombardia, Italy

Caslino al Piano in Lombardia is a hidden gem for outdoor lovers seeking hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and rural tranquility amid rolling hills and serene lakes.

Spring through early Autumn
Explore Town
Cogolo, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy
31.95 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Cogolo, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy

Cogolo, Trentino-Alto Adige, is a small alpine town that offers rugged hiking, mountain biking, and thrilling winter sports like ski touring and ice climbing in the heart of the Italian Dolomites.

Winter and Summer
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 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
Rinvigorire corpo e mente nella stube aromatiche di Peio Fonti
ADVEXPEDITION
Peio Fonti, Trentino-Alto Adige
LodgingADV Bookable

Rinvigorire corpo e mente nella stube aromatiche di Peio Fonti

A curated, three-hour alpine wellness session at Terme di Pejo featuring mountain-herb scrubs, an edelweiss face mask and arnica foot wraps, plus exclusive use of sauna, steam bath and hot tub.

LodgingPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip