National Park

Incredible but true: in the far eastern corner of Switzerland is a world that has remained unchanged since the days of our great-grandparents. 170 square kilometres of an untouched natural world, where man has had no influence on development for nearly one hundred years.

The Swiss National Park near Zernez, just 30 minutes by car from St. Moritz, is a nature reserve that is fully protected from all human influences and encroachments. Since the day the park was founded, there has been no hunting and fishing, nor use or maintenance of forests and pastureland. All flora and fauna have been left to Mother Nature by forgoing any form of interference in natural processes.

The park is also scientifically researched with inventories made of plants and wildlife species and the investigation and mapping of waters, soil and rock formations. The interaction between plant and animal communities (ecology) is closely monitored.

A paradise for flora and fauna that only came into being because as early as the end of the 19th century, a few Swiss citizens had concerns for the future of our planet. Equally visionary and unique at that time was their undertaking to create Central Europe’s first national park in Graubunden.

The area has been under a protection order since 1914, with no intervention even taking place when a forest fire raged in 1951. Today, several thousand species of animals and plants can be observed and admired – from dandelions and mountain pines to bearded vultures and marmots. And in 2005, a brown bear was sighted after an absence of over 90 years.

However, as bears usually steer well clear of humans, wonderful hikes can be undertaken in the National Park – with or without a guide.

More Information:

www.nationalpark.ch