Swiss National Park, National park in Graubünden, Switzerland
The Swiss National Park covers protected alpine terrain with limestone mountains, dense forests, and alpine meadows at elevations between 1,400 and 3,174 meters (4,600 and 10,400 feet). The landscape combines rocky peaks, forested slopes, and open grasslands where you can encounter wildlife moving through these different zones.
The park was established in 1914 as the first national park in the Alps. It has since served continuously as a model for protecting mountain landscapes and natural processes in Europe.
The area operates under strict rules where visitors must stay on marked trails, allowing nature to develop without regular human management. This approach means you can observe how ecosystems work when people step back from controlling them.
A visitor center in Zernez offers maps, displays, and guidance for exploring about 80 kilometers of maintained hiking trails. Proper footwear and preparation for changing weather are essential since conditions at high elevations shift quickly throughout the day.
Systematic research has been conducted since 1920 documenting how animal populations, plant communities, and the environment change over time. This long-term observation reveals patterns that scientists and visitors might never see in managed areas.
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