Switzerland Guide
Graubünden
Parc Naziunal Svizzer
Established in 1914, the Parc Naziunal Svizzer's credo is to leave nature well alone: absolutely everything, from the tiniest lichen to the breeding pairs of golden eagles, is protected. Forest fires are monitored but allowed to burn; injured animals are left to their own devices; and roaming wardens will impose fines should you so much as pick a flower. You're allowed to walk in the park (provided you don't step off the marked trails), but prominent noticeboards publish stringent regulations prohibiting everything from littering to making loud noises – with the result that the park remains pristine. Red and roe deer, ibex and chamois roam freely, as do hares, foxes and huge numbers of marmots. Wolves, lynxes and brown bears are all predicted to re-establish a permanent presence in the area in forthcoming years. Aside from the golden eagles, there are also bearded vultures, kestrels, ravens, various woodpeckers, grouse, partridge and skylarks. The venomous northern viper or adder is also around (but you'd have to tiptoe to come upon one unawares). Pine and larch forests grow up to 2300m, beyond which Alpine meadows are carpeted in springtime with edelweiss, gentians and a host of other high-altitude flowers. Further up still are bare rocky areas and permafrost.
There are 21 marked walking trails in and around the park, ranging from full-day mountain ascents to brief roadside strolls.