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

Designation

National Park

Total Wilderness Area

42,750

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse 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).
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