Here, nature can simply be nature. In the Swiss National Park, humans are merely spectators - albeit in an incredibly exciting spectacle! They only became active once - 1914 to be precise, when they created a milestone in the history of nature conservation by founding the first national park in Central Europe. Today, around 100 km of hiking trails and nature trails in the easternmost corner of Switzerland invite young and old to witness the wilderness.
Untouched... People like to make rules. They formulate regulations, issue ordinances and more or less abide by the law. Most of the time, they also determine how nature should behave. Where can trees grow, how straight must the river flow, how crooked should the banana be? The alpine animals and plants in our Parc Naziunal Svizzer can really breathe a sigh of relief, because they are lucky enough to be able to live completely undisturbed. And to follow their own laws and instincts. Their home is 170 wonderfully wild square kilometers at an alpine altitude of 1,400 to around 3,200 m above sea level, which geographically stretches along the Ofenpass between Scuol, S-chanf, Zernez and the Val Müstair. This enormous open-air laboratory offers us important scientific findings so that we can behave considerately and sustainably in other habitats - and also offers its approximately 150,000 visitors every year 150 percent pure enjoyment of nature! ## ... and yet very close to it Young and old can enjoy the spectacle of nature at a relaxed pace provided the park rules are observed, but if you really want to get to the bottom of the secrets of the Swiss National Park, you should not miss one of the numerous guided excursions. ## Ibex ahead! Here are some tips on where you can best see ibexes, chamois, marmots, red deer and golden eagles: Marmots are everywhere. "They love visitors, otherwise it is almost too boring for them," explains national park ranger Fadri Bott with amusement and recommends taking a detour to Alp Stabelchod, from where you have a particularly good view of the marmots. In midsummer, ibexes climb to higher areas, so they can only be reached by a long hike. The best place to go is Alp Trupchun, the "Serengeti of the Alps", where, with luck and patience, ibexes can be observed. There are currently several golden eagles and bearded vulture pairs living in and around the Parc Naziunal Svizzer, which are naturally more difficult to observe than marmots or ibexes. On Alp Grimmels, however, the chances of spotting these majestic birds are good. The information vehicle, which is stationed at the Hotel Il Fuorn until mid-August, not only provides you with up-to-date information on golden eagle observation, but an eagle's nest is also visible from there 500 m away. However, this rocky outcrop is not a breeding ground every year, as golden eagles also need a change of scenery. But watch out for marmot whistles: these can be an alarm signal warning of birds of prey. Quick, look up! The search for red deer should take you to the Hotel Il Fuorn in the evening. With a bit of luck, you can see deer on the meadow in front of the hotel. In the Val Trupchun, there are a lot of red deer in different places from May to October. The best observation spots in the valley are the marked rest areas just before, near and after the Alp Trupchun. The long detour into the Val Cluozza is worthwhile for anyone who likes chamois, because the herds can be easily observed throughout the entire tour. Great bonus: from the Chamanna Cluozza, 220 million year old dinosaur tracks can be clearly seen on a rock slab with binoculars! These are shown as part of excursions. Would you like to find out more? Then be sure to stop by the National Park Center in Zernez. The centerpiece is the exciting interactive exhibition covering 800 m², which is complemented by temporary exhibitions, a shop and other information options.
