Swiss National Park: Insider's Guide to Nature's Splendor

Switzerland is an absolute land with plenty of jaw-dropping landscapes and natural wonders. Swiss beauty not only lies in their scenic nature but also in their food, culture, traditions and people. If you are looking to explore magnificent landscapes with a plethora of flora and fauna in their natural habitat then visit the divine Swiss National Park on your Switzerland tour package. This oldest reserve is situated in the southeast corner of Switzerland, this park covers an area of around 172 sq km. Let's dig deep in to know more.  

About

Swiss National Park is a great place to start your Switzerland trip from India. This wonderful park was founded in the year 1914 and is in the Valley of Engadine at the height of 1400 to 3170 metres. It is about two and a half hours away from Zurich, making it an ideal spot for weekends or your Switzerland trip. You can hike the natural 80km trail, participate in excursions with family and kids, camp at the camping park or admire the magnificent views. From soaring mountains, lush forests, and deep valleys to an enormous range of flora and fauna. It will be a perfect natural getaway with your loved ones in Switzerland where you can explore the real side of this great country!

• Address: 7530 Zernez, Switzerland
• Hours: 8:30 am to 6:00 pm
• Tickets: 
  • Adults: CHF 7
  • Children (6 – 16): CHF 3 (Children under 6 free)
  • Family ticket: CHF 15
  • Groups (10 or more): CHF 6

Note: The park is very strict with its rules and regulations. Do not pick flowers and mushrooms, no fire or hunting, no straying from trails, no throwing garbage anywhere and more. These rules are made to protect the park and its life.

How to get there

The National Park is easily accessible by public transport or by private transport but It is recommended to use public transportation, bus and train services to reach your destination. It gives the opportunity to make interesting excursions and contribute to the environment a bit. 

• By Train: Take a train via Zurich to Zernez and complete the 2.5 hours of journey. It might be a slow journey but very cost effective. 
• By Bus: There are many bus services also available to reach Swiss National Park. You can check the bus daily timetable and choose the bus.
• By Car: you can book a cab or taxi and reach your destination very easily. The journey is quick and short but might be harsh for your pockets. 

What to expect at Swiss National Park.

Fauna

• Snow vole
• Fox
• Marmot
• Red deer
• Mountain hare
• Squirrel
• Chamois
• Ibex
• Northern viper
• Common lizard
• Mountain clouded yellow
• Grass frog
• Wood ants
• Ptarmigan
• Golden eagle
• Bearded vulture
• Nutcracker
• Brown bear
• Lynx
• Wolf

Flora

• Mountain pine
• Vanilla orchid
• Pinnate-leaved ragwort
• Larch
• Norway spruce
• Alpine clematis
• Glacier crowfoot
• Cembra pine
• Alpine toadflax
• Rhaetian poppy
• Pygmy buttercup
• Moss Campion
• Swiss androsace (or rock-jasmine)
• Alpine aster
• Cowberry
• Lady's-slipper
• Fairy thimble bellflower
• Mountain avens
• Edelweiss
• Mezereon
• Striated Mezereon, Common Mezereon

Habitat

• Alpine meadow habitat
• High alpine habitat
• Alpine mixed forests
• Pass dal Fuorn forests

Geology

• Allgau Limestone
• Verrucano
• Dolomite
• Cornieule
• GneissGneiss
• Amphibolite
• Coralline limestone
• Radiolorite
• Dinosaur tracks