Characteristics

Total protection

The Swiss National Park encompasses a particularly impressive piece of Alpine landscape, with a wealth of flora and fauna. Within its boundaries nature is left to develop freely; humans remain in the background and are merely witnesses of the evolution that contributes so greatly to the incomparable character of this habitat.

Oldest National Park in the Alps

Extending over 170 km2, the Swiss National Park is the largest protected area in Switzerland and the country's only National Park. It is designated by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as a category 1 nature reserve (highest protection level - strict nature reserve/wilderness area). Founded in 1914, it is the oldest national park in the Alps and central Europe.

Fascinating fauna and flora

The National Park is well known for its extraordinary variety of alpine animals, such as chamois, deer and marmots. A host of alpine plants provide a colourful sight as visitors make their way through the Park. There is a wide choice of paths, with differing degrees of difficulty.