The Swiss National Park
31 July 2026
The canton of Graubünden is home to the Swiss National Park (Schweizer Nationalpark/parc national suisse), four regional nature parks (Parc Ela, the Beverin Nature Park, Parco Val Calanca, and Biosfera Val Müstair), and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tectonic Arena Sardona.
The Swiss National Park, the Biosphere Reserve Val Müstair, and parts of the municipality of Scuol form the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Engiadina Val Müstair.
Two founders of the national park. Paul Sarasin (1856-1929) and Fritz Bühlmann (1848-1936) in the Val Cluozza around 1910. Image: Schweizerischer Nationalpark
The symbol of the National Park is the bird Cratschla (nutcracker), also the namesake of the magazine Cratschla of the National Park Information Centre in Zernez. Founded in 1914, the National Park is the oldest nature reserve in the Alps. The area is not called a “wild” park for nothing. The park’s motto is, therefore, “Genuinely wild”.
The cratschla.
Nature takes its course without human intervention or activity. Snow avalanches and rockfalls are not catastrophes but natural processes. The (returned) wolves, bears and other predators are natural inhabitants and can live undisturbed.
Pictures in the Panorama Room (Panorama-Raum)
Scientists have been studying the ecosystem, flora and fauna since 1914. All animals, even the smallest, measuring just a few millimetres, such as snails, are closely observed nowadays to understand the effects of climate change.
For example, studies have shown that snails (Schnirkelschnecken, for instance) are moving higher and higher in the mountains, up to 2500 metres, which was previously unthinkable. Nature is adapting. Additionally, both large and small predators are of interest.
The study also includes the God da Tamagur (Tamagur Forest), the highest pine forest in Europe. It is located near S-charl, a hamlet without permanent inhabitants and belonging to the municipality of Scuol. The forest is on the way to the Ofen Pass and Lü in the Biosfera Val Müstair.
The National Park is not only a truly “wild” park and a source of scientific research, but it has also recently opened the newly equipped information centre in Zernez.
The old information centre was built in 2008. The newly designed information centre offers interactive activities for three age groups in five languages (German, French, Italian, Romansh and English). A media guide is available in these languages for young and old.
Image in the Panorama Room (Panorama-Raum)
In vivid visual representations in the Panorama Room, the National Park comes alive in all seasons, on the highest peaks (Piz Quattervals, 3165 metres), and in deep valleys, gorges, streams, and mountain lakes.
The extensive yet well-structured documentation and explanations provide insight into the fascinating ecosystem, with its changing seasons, flora, and fauna.
Impressions of the Wildlife Arena (Wildnisarena)
These presentations are followed by a staged experience of “wildlife”, featuring the wilderness arena with authentic animal sounds and figures, as well as an imitation of the seasons. It is a kind of 3D world, but without the need for 3D glasses. Following this atmospheric experience and a brief history of the park’s creation, the Science and Research area is explored.
The open-air laboratory (Freiluftlabor)
In the open-air laboratory, visitors are actively involved in researching the formation of the landscape, the development and current state of flora and fauna, as well as the glaciers and recent developments concerning climate change. Millions of years are brought into focus using interactive media, models and documentation as if it were yesterday. Here, too, the layout is suitable for all three age groups.
Additionally, visitors in the three age groups are actively engaged in experiencing and perceiving “wild” nature. Experts guide visitors on monitors and other visual media, providing information on specific topics.
(Source and further information: Schweizerischer Nationalpark)
Humankind and Alpine nature over time
The information centre in Zernez also organises temporary exhibitions.
