Swiss National Park — Attraction in Zernez

The Swiss National Park (SNP) is very much an insiders tip for some of the most beautiful and rugged part of the Swiss and Italian alps. It lies along the side of the road from Zernez to Ofenpass/Fournpass. Unlike much of the rest of Switzerland it is deliberately left undeveloped - so you will not find cable cars, funiculars or restaurants on the tops of mountains. But that is not a bad thing. There is a paved mountain pass road through the SNP which allows access by car or by regular post-bus (at least once per hour). There are also two restaurants and a hotel by the side of the access road. You access the park via one of several parking spots and can enjoy the 21 designated hiking paths through some of the most stunning and diverse mountainous countryside. There are hiking paths to suit your experience and fitness levels, ranging from easy, medium to significant alpine experience required. Being a nature reserve there are a number of rules that apply (and are enforced quite strictly): No going off the designated (well signed) paths, no making unnecessary noise (to protect the wildlife and ensure you see it up close), no littering, no dogs, no mountain biking inside the park itself. Because it has been protected for over 60 years you can encounter all sorts of wildlife - a range of birds, chamois, ibex, deer, marmots, squirrels and adders. You may purchase maps and route descriptions from the SNP office (the Nationalpark-Haus in Zernez) which helps pick the best hikes for your fitness levels. It is highly recommended you have proper hiking boots for the medium or harder hikes - I would say minimum ankle high outdoor shoes. Do bring a rain jacket (the weather can turn quickly in the alps and it gets windy) and plenty of food and water for any hikes. The route profiles are very useful to work out the distance and length of a trail. Hike duration estimates are pretty accurate but assume you do not take many breaks or stop for photos. In my experience you do want to do that though. It is too pretty just to race through. So a 2-3h designated hike can take you as much as 5h if you...

Here’s a detailed and informative review of the Champlönch Trail in Swiss National Park:

Starting Point: Zernez Ending Point: Il Fuorn Length: 9 km (one way) Duration: 3 to 4 hours Difficulty: Moderate

You can access Zernez by train or car, and there are parking facilities and a visitor center where you can gather information about the trail.

Initial Section: The trail starts in Zernez with a gentle ascent through a forested area. The path is well-marked and maintained, making it easy to follow. Mid-Section: As you progress, the trail opens up into picturesque meadows with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. This section is relatively flat and provides a pleasant walking experience. Scenic Meadows: The trail continues through scenic alpine meadows, where you can enjoy the tranquility and natural beauty of the park. This is a good spot to take breaks and soak in the views. Descent to Il Fuorn: The trail descends gradually towards Il Fuorn, where you’ll find the park’s information center, a restaurant, and...

It was founded on 1 August 1914, the national holiday of Switzerland. It was one of the earliest national parks in Europe.

As of 2009, it is the only National Park in Switzerland, though there are plans to create more.[2] It has an area of 174.2 km² and is the largest protected area of the country.

In the park, it's not allowed to: leave marked paths, light a fire or sleep outside the Chamanna Cluozza; the mountain hut located in the park. It is also forbidden to disturb animals or plants, or to take home anything found in the park. Dogs are not allowed, even on a leash. Due to these strict rules, the Swiss National Park is the only park in the Alps which has been categorized by the IUCN as a strict nature reserve, the highest protection level.

A visitor centre is located in Zernez. The road through the park leads over the Fuorn Pass (or Ofenpass) to South Tyrolin Italy.

In addition to the Swiss National Park, Switzerland also has sixteen...