Alpine ibexes and golden eagles inhabit this protected wilderness in eastern Switzerland, where 80 kilometers of marked trails lead through valleys and up to the 3,165-meter Piz Quattervals peak.
In eastern Switzerland's Swiss National Park, you can walk alongside grazing ibexes on mountain trails, watch golden eagles soar overhead, and spot bearded vultures nesting in rocky cliffs. The park's 80 kilometers of marked trails wind through valleys and up to peaks like the 3,165-meter Piz Quattervals, where red deer roam freely and marmots sun themselves on rocks.
Getting to the Swiss National Park
The park sits in the Canton of Graubünden, between Zernez, S-chanf, Scuol, and the Fuorn Pass. Take a 2.5-hour train ride from Zurich to Zernez, then catch a postal bus into the park area. Stop at the Zernez visitor center to pick up trail maps and rent binoculars for wildlife watching.
Trail System and Hiking Options
You'll find 21 marked hiking trails covering 80 kilometers across three difficulty levels. Yellow-marked trails follow gentle slopes on well-maintained paths - wear regular walking shoes for these routes. Red-marked mountain trails climb up to 800 meters in elevation and require hiking boots. For blue-marked alpine trails, like the 5-hour climb to Piz Quattervals, bring technical climbing equipment and come with alpine experience.
Wildlife and Natural Environment
The park's wildlife populations thrive year-round. Marmots appear frequently near trails in late summer as they gather food for hibernation. Look for the 1,500 red deer and 200 chamois in higher elevations, and scan the skies for seven pairs of golden eagles and several bearded vultures that nest in the park. The landscape rises from 1,400 to 3,173 meters, with trees growing up to 2,200 meters.
Essential Park Rules
To protect the environment, stick to marked trails at all times. Leave all natural objects - including plants, flowers, and stones - where you find them. The park doesn't allow dogs anywhere within its boundaries, but you can use the kennels in Zernez if traveling with pets.
Accommodation Within the Park
Sleep inside the park at one of two locations. The Chamanna Cluozza mountain hut sits at 1,882 meters elevation and opens from June to mid-October, with basic dormitory rooms and shared facilities but no showers. Along the Ofenpass road, Hotel Parc Naziunal Il Fuorn offers private rooms with modern amenities.
Family Activities and Education
Children can explore the 2-kilometer Champlönch trail using the GPS-based Nationalpark app, which guides them through interactive nature stations. At the visitor center, kids can learn about local wildlife through touchscreen displays and seasonal exhibitions about Alpine ecosystems.
