3 Best National Parks To Explore In Switzerland In 2023

For those who love exploring national parks and nature parks, Switzerland should be at the top of the list. Known for its chocolate-box scenes of snowy mountains, pretty lakes and quaint villages, this is a great destination whatever the time of year. Whether skiing in the winter or hiking in the summer, there is never a time when your surroundings are not gloriously beautiful. Moreover, Switzerland has 18 official natural parks and three candidate parks, classified into three categories – national parks, regional nature parks and nature experience parks. To narrow down the choices a bit, here we look at three of the best national parks to explore in Switzerland.

1. Schweizerischer Nationalpark (Swiss National Park)

Swiss National Park is located in the Western Rhaetian Alps of eastern Switzerland, within the canton of Graubünden. The park lies between Zernez, S-chanf, Scuol, and the Fuorn Pass of the Engadin valley. Founded on August 1, 1914 (a national holiday in Switzerland) it was one of the earliest national parks in Europe. Moreover, the Swiss National Park forms part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

To keep the park pristine, a number of rules must be adhered to. Hikers are not allowed to leave marked paths or light a fire. Moreover, hikers are not allowed to sleep outside of the Chamanna Cluozza mountain hut, located in the park. Meanwhile, dogs are not allowed in the park, even on a leash, and it is forbidden to disturb animals or plants or take home anything found there. While this might sound extreme, this is the only park in the Alps categorized by the IUCN as a strict nature reserve at the highest protection level. While the rules are strict, the beauty of the park makes everything worthwhile.

The park has a visitor center, located in Zernez and the road through the park heads over the Fuorn Pass (Ofenpass) to South Tyrol in Italy.

2. Gruyère Pays-d’Enhaut Regional Nature Park, Switzerland

This exceptional nature park runs from the shores of Lake Geneva through the nature of Pays-d’Enhaut, Saanenland and Gruyère regions. Moreover, its territory covers three cantons, between Montreux, Gstaad and Bulle. Hikers can enjoy the lowest altitude on the shores of Lake Geneva right up to the highest peak, Tarent.

Meanwhile, this nature park is renowned for its unspoiled nature, beautiful landscapes and active alpine economy. Projects are underway to preserve the quality of nature here through economic activities based on sustainability.

While hiking through the landscapes, visitors can learn more about the various activities and educational walks available. Here, a number of guided wildlife observations, and historical and cultural tours of the villages are available, as well as discovery walks in the nature reserves.

3. Gantrisch Nature Park, near Bern

Gantrisch Nature Park is located in a beautiful hilly area, close to Bern, that stretches from Belp through to Schwarzsee. The park features forests and pretty villages and is protected by the towering Gantrisch Range. Of interest to note, the park was certified a Regional Nature Park by the Swiss Confederation in 2012.

Meanwhile, the park offers endless attractions, including rare animals and plant life. Due to this, protecting the park’s biodiversity is a top priority. Part of this includes preserving the natural night landscape, which is extremely important for the wildlife that lives here to prevent their day-night rhythm from being disturbed.

Here, visitors can enjoy hiking in the warmer months and cross-country skiing on 45 km of trails in the winter months, where snow is guaranteed, along with vistas of snow-capped mountain peaks.

Make a plan to visit the beautiful national and natural parks of Switzerland in 2023. Find out more information about the parks here.