Switzerland, a land synonymous with breathtaking alpine vistas, pristine lakes, and meticulously preserved landscapes, offers a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts. Renowned for its dedication to environmental stewardship, Switzerland has established a network of nature parks that protect its diverse ecosystems and cultural heritage. Nearly 60% of this compact European nation is embraced by the majestic Alps, while the Jura mountain range accounts for another 11%. Interestingly, only a fraction, about 7.5%, of the country’s total area is inhabited. This leaves vast expanses of untouched wilderness, inviting both residents and visitors to explore and immerse themselves in the splendor of the Swiss outdoors.
The Swiss Parks system, a testament to the nation’s commitment to conservation, comprises 19 carefully selected parks. These parks stand out for their ecological significance, rich cultural heritage, and historical importance. Some are even strategically located near urban centers, offering city dwellers easy access to nature’s embrace. With a long-standing tradition of sustainable tourism, Switzerland encourages visitors to explore these natural havens responsibly, treating them with respect and ensuring their preservation for generations to come. This complete guide to Switzerland’s Nature Parks will help you discover each park’s unique beauty.
Here’s a glimpse into the diverse landscapes and experiences that await within each of these remarkable natural sanctuaries, presented in alphabetical order:
Beverin Nature Park
Nestled within the Graubünden canton of southeastern Switzerland, Beverin Nature Park is a tapestry of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Spanning 515 square kilometers, this park encompasses four distinct valleys, eleven charming communities, and two vibrant cultures: the German-speaking Walser and the Rhaeto-Romansh, a language rooted in ancient Roman traditions. Towering over the landscape is Piz Beverin, the park’s namesake, a majestic peak that seems to pierce the sky.
The park boasts a diverse ecosystem, providing refuge for a thriving population of Alpine ibex, the iconic long-horned mountain goats that roam the rugged terrain. Visitors can wander through traditional villages, their architecture whispering tales of centuries past. Dramatic river gorges carve their way through the landscape, offering breathtaking views and thrilling opportunities for canyoning. Sweeping vistas of verdant pastures and snow-capped mountains create a picturesque backdrop for outdoor adventures. Hiking, mountain biking, and canyoning are popular activities, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the park’s natural wonders. Access to Beverin Nature Park is facilitated by the Viamala, a historic road (Route #13) that winds its way from Reichenau to Bellinzona.
Binntal Landscape Park
Each of Switzerland’s nature parks possesses a unique charm, but Binntal Landscape Park offers a singular attraction: the opportunity to unearth your own treasures. This geologically rich area is renowned for its abundance of rock crystals, attracting amateur geologists and gem enthusiasts from around the world. Armed with hammers and chisels, visitors eagerly search for sparkling pieces of crystal to take home as souvenirs.
The park is also home to the village of Ernen, a cultural gem that hosts the esteemed Festival Musikdorf Ernen every summer, filling the air with classical melodies. In May and June, the landscape transforms into a vibrant canvas as fields of wild tulips bloom near the village of Grengiols, painting the hillsides in a riot of color. Binntal Landscape Park lacks grand attractions, but its charm lies in its traditional settlements, countless hiking trails, and the thrill of discovering your own piece of geological history. Situated in the northeastern Valais canton, Binntal lies nestled between the Italian border and the Furkastrasse road (#19), which connects Brig to Obergoms.
Chasseral Regional Park
In stark contrast to the remote wilderness of some parks, Chasseral Regional Park is one of Switzerland’s most densely populated nature parks. Nearly 40,000 residents reside within its 388 square kilometers, creating a unique blend of nature and community. Visitors flock to Chasseral, the highest point in the Bernese Jura (the French-speaking region of the Bern canton), for its high-altitude hiking trails that offer panoramic views.
While nature takes center stage, the park also features notable man-made attractions. A towering communications tower atop Chasseral Mountain serves as a landmark, while the rolling landscape is adorned with numerous windmills, harnessing the power of the wind. This juxtaposition of natural beauty and human ingenuity makes Chasseral Regional Park a compelling destination. Located between Bielersee (Lake Biel) and the French border, Chasseral is accessible via the Route de Sonvilier (#30), which traverses the eastern part of the canton of Bern.
Diemtigtal Nature Park
Diemtigtal Nature Park is a 16-kilometer-long celebration of Switzerland’s idyllic pastoral landscapes. The park showcases the country’s agricultural heritage and offers visitors a glimpse into traditional rural life. A highlight of the park is the Diemtigtal House Trail, a captivating route that allows hikers, cyclists, and drivers to admire the intricately carved and painted farmhouses that dot the valley. These homes, adorned with vibrant colors and ornate details, stand as testaments to the region’s rich artistic traditions.
During the summer months, a water playground comes alive, offering a refreshing and educational experience for children. This interactive space features a system of sluices, streams, and fountains, allowing kids to splash around and learn about the flow of water through the park. Diemtigtal Nature Park seamlessly blends natural beauty with cultural heritage and family-friendly activities. Tucked away in a valley west of Lake Thun, Diemtigtal Nature Park can be reached via the Oeystrasse and the Diemtigtalstrasse, a scenic rural road that meanders through the valley. A train station in Diemtigen also provides convenient access.
Doubs Nature Park
Water reigns supreme at Doubs Nature Park, situated on the French border and straddling the cantons of Jura, Bern, and Neuchâtel. The Doubs River gracefully meanders through the 294-square-kilometer park, shaping its distinctive landscape. Known for its cascading waterfalls, lush riverine ecosystems, and verdant forests, Doubs Nature Park is a haven for nature lovers.
The park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including canoeing, fishing, horseback riding, biking, and hiking, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the beauty of the Doubs River and its surroundings. During the winter months, groomed trails beckon cross-country skiers, transforming the park into a winter wonderland. Doubs Nature Park is an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and outdoor adventure in a picturesque setting. Access the park by exiting Swiss Route 18 at Saignelégier and following the Route de France (also served by buses).
Parc Ela
Parc Ela stands as the largest of Switzerland’s nature parks, encompassing a vast expanse of 548 square kilometers. This park showcases the grandeur of the Alps, encompassing numerous towering peaks, glistening glaciers, and pristine rivers and tributaries. Beyond its natural beauty, Parc Ela is home to an engineering marvel: the Rhaetian Railway, a historic railway line that snakes through the Rhaetian Alps, connecting Tirano, Italy, to St. Moritz, Chur, Davos, and other Swiss cities.
Hikers exploring Parc Ela should not miss the Landwasser Viaduct, an iconic railway bridge that soars over the Landwasser River. The Landwasser Water Trail, an 11-kilometer loop, provides a captivating journey that encompasses both the viaduct and the river. Parc Ela offers a captivating blend of natural splendor and human ingenuity. Located south of Chur in the Graubünden canton, Parc Ela can be reached via the Rhaetian Railway or by driving along Route #3 and connecting to secondary roads.
UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch
Entlebuch holds the distinction of being Switzerland’s first UNESCO Biosphere, recognized for its exceptional biodiversity, unique karst landscape, and panoramic Swiss vistas. The biosphere boasts a diverse array of flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and scientists alike. Its distinctive karst landscape, characterized by its rugged limestone formations and subterranean drainage systems, adds to its geological significance.
The park offers a variety of activities for visitors, including children’s trails, guided nature excursions, and the renowned 80-kilometer Moorlandschaftspfad (Moorlands Trail), which can be explored in smaller sections. This trail meanders through the region’s extensive moorlands, providing insights into this unique ecosystem. Situated in the canton of Lucerne, southwest of the city of Lucerne, the biosphere can be accessed from Schüpfheim, off the #10 Unterdorf route.
Gantrisch Nature Park
Nestled at the foot of the Alps, Gantrisch Nature Park is characterized by its lush valleys and rolling meadows, creating a picturesque landscape that evokes a sense of tranquility. The park’s mostly small towns and hamlets have preserved their rural traditions, offering visitors a glimpse into Switzerland’s cultural heritage.
Despite its proximity to major cities, Gantrisch Nature Park maintains a sense of isolation, allowing visitors to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life. Highlights of the park include the ruins of the Ruggisberg monastery, a testament to the region’s rich history, and a boardwalk trail that meanders through a pristine forest, offering an immersive experience in nature. Situated between Bern, Fribourg, and Thun in the Bern canton, the park can be reached via Swiss PostBus or a network of small roads that radiate from those cities.
Gruyère Pays-d’Enhaut Regional Natural Park
Gruyère Pays-d’Enhaut Regional Natural Park is located right in the heart of cheese country, offering visitors a delectable blend of natural beauty and culinary delights. The park’s rolling hills and verdant pastures provide the perfect backdrop for cheesemaking, a tradition that has been passed down through generations. Several trails and itineraries wind through the park, leading visitors past cheesemakers and dairy farms, where they can witness the art of cheesemaking firsthand and sample the region’s famous Gruyère cheese.
Among the most popular trails is the Chemin du Gruyère, a gentle hike that showcases the beauty of the region. For experienced hikers seeking a challenge, the Grand Tour des Vanils is an ambitious 11-day trek with overnight stays in cozy country inns or rustic mountain huts. Park headquarters are located in Château d’Oex, which is accessible by train. The park also has six visitor centers.
Jorat Nature Discovery Park
Established as an official nature park in 2021, Jorat Nature Discovery Park provides a small haven for outdoor recreation for the residents of nearby Lausanne, offering a respite from the urban environment. This compact 9-square-kilometer park features woodlands, rolling meadows, and a wheelchair-accessible nature trail, making it accessible to visitors of all abilities. Jorat Nature Discovery Park offers a convenient escape into nature for those seeking tranquility and outdoor activities. It can be reached via trains and buses from Lausanne or by taking the Route de Berne (#1).
Aargau Jura Park
Aargau Jura Park, conveniently located near Basel and Zürich, attracts visitors from both cities who seek to immerse themselves in lush green meadows dotted with mature hardwood trees, explore traditional villages, and savor regional cuisine. The park offers a diverse landscape that caters to a variety of interests.
Its proximity to major urban centers makes Aargau Jura Park a popular destination for day trips and weekend getaways. Park headquarters are located in Linn, which is served by PostBus and is off Route 3, the Bözbergerstrasse.
Jura Vaudois Nature Park
Nestled northeast of Geneva and bordered by Lake Geneva and the French border, Jura Vaudois Nature Park lies at the foot of the Jura mountain range. The 531-square-kilometer park is home to 30 small communities, most of which are centered around agriculture. Dry stone walls crisscross the terrain, marking ancient boundaries, while over 200 Alpine chalets provide welcoming havens for hikers and other park visitors. Jura Vaudois Nature Park provides a glimpse into traditional Swiss rural life. Saint-George, which is reached by train and bus from Geneva, is the most convenient access point for the park.
Pfyn-Finges Nature Park
Wildlife sightings, wineries, and Swiss history converge at Pfyn-Finges Nature Park, which extends along the Rhône River between Gampel and Sierre. The park traverses the linguistic boundary between German- and French-speaking Switzerland, offering visitors a glimpse into the two distinct sides of Swiss culture.
Hiking trails, a Tibetan swinging bridge, Alpine peaks, and the Rhône landscape contribute to the park’s allure. Located primarily in the canton of Valais, the park can be accessed from the Rhone Autobahn (Route #9) or the train line that runs parallel to it.
Schaffhausen Regional Nature Park
Schaffhausen Regional Nature Park, partially following the course of the Rhine River, briefly crosses into Germany, making it Switzerland’s only "international" nature park. Traditional villages with half-timbered houses are nestled within the park’s borders. The nearby Rhine Falls and a wine route that can be explored by hiking, biking, or driving are major attractions. Park headquarters are located in Wilchingen, in the Schaffhausen canton near the German border. Trains connect to rural areas, and the Trasadingerstrasse (Route #13) passes through them.
Swiss National Park
Founded in 1914, the aptly named Swiss National Park is the oldest park in Switzerland. Yet, it is the only park classified as a national park, while the others are regional parks. The park is situated in the mountainous Engadine region, near the Italian border. It is known for its comprehensive visitor center, which houses a museum and offers guided hikes and interpretive programs. Wildlife thrives in the park, making it an excellent destination for families. The park center is located in Zernez, which has a train station. Buses connect visitors to trails and points of interest within the park.
Thal Nature Park
Located in the northeastern canton of Solothurn, Thal Nature Park lies between Basel, Bern, and Zürich. It is characterized by its rolling meadows at the foot of the Jura Alps, lush fern-covered forests, and dramatic gorges. An extensive network of hiking and biking trails crisscrosses the park, making it a popular weekend destination for city dwellers. The park office and information center are located in Balsthal, which is connected to the rest of Switzerland by train. Routes 12 and 30 pass through the town.
UNESCO Biosfera Engiadina Val Müstair
Organic farms, traditional rural crafts, pristine meadows and river valleys, and a handful of historic towns define the UNESCO Biosfera Engiadina Val Müstair. The biosphere is nestled in the tranquil Müstair Valley, which is also home to another UNESCO World Heritage Site: the 8th-century Convent of St John Müstair, renowned for its frescoes. Park highlights include a historic weaving mill, mine tours, and donkey trekking. Located in the Graubünden canton in easternmost Switzerland, the park is accessible via Route 28, which extends into Italy. Buses also serve the biosphere.
Wilderness Park Zürich
The most urban of Switzerland’s nature parks, Wilderness Park Zürich still provides a sense of escape from the nation’s largest city. The park is divided into two areas located 4 kilometers apart: the Nature Discovery Park Sihlwald and the Langenberg Wildlife Park. The former features nature trails, a natural history museum, and observation decks with sweeping views of Lake Zürich and the city. The latter showcases a small zoo of native species in natural habitats. The Langenberg Wildlife Park is situated 12 kilometers south of Zürich and can be reached via the S-Bahn line (Wildpark Höfli stop). To reach the Nature Discovery Park Sihlwald, continue on the S-Bahn to the Sihlwald stop.
Parco Val Calanca
Dramatically carved by the Calancasca River, Parco Val Calanca, one of Switzerland’s newest nature parks, is also one of its wildest and most remote. Chamois antelopes cling to rocky cliffs above the raging river, and only a few small villages, some accessible only by cable car, dot the landscape. Access to park trails may be limited in winter. Located in the Italian-speaking region of the Graubünden canton, a rural road served by PostBus runs through the park.
These 19 nature parks exemplify Switzerland’s dedication to preserving its natural heritage and providing opportunities for responsible outdoor recreation. Whether you seek breathtaking mountain vistas, tranquil lakeshores, or cultural immersion, Switzerland’s nature parks offer something for every nature enthusiast. When visiting The complete guide to Switzerland’s Nature Parks, remember to tread lightly, respect the environment, and enjoy the beauty that surrounds you.
