Switzerland nature reserves and national parks. Switzerland National Park

Hiking is one of the most popular ways of spending leisure time in the country - more than 50 thousand (!!) kilometers of marked footpaths have been laid across Switzerland - this is 1.25 times the length of the Earth's equator. For such a small country, the figure is simply incredible, but it will become even greater if we take into account about 23 thousand kilometers of specialized mountain routes with a higher level of difficulty, as well as an unimaginable number of trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, dog sleds and horses, and also about 4 thousand trails for water tourism. All this makes Switzerland one of the best destinations in Europe for outdoor activities and ecotourism.

Swiss National Park

Despite the very modest size of the country, protected areas occupy, to one degree or another, up to 14% of its area. And at the same time, there is only one full-fledged nature reserve - the Swiss National Park, or the Engadin Park (www.nationalpark.ch), created in 1914 in the eastern part of the canton of Graubünden, on the southern slopes of the Engadin valley. This is the first alpine reserve in Central Europe, moreover, created in an area intensively developed by man. In 1979, it was included in the list of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, along with the adjoining Italian Stelvio National Park.

Here, on an area of \u200b\u200bmore than 172 quadrant kilometers, the unique natural complexes of the Rhaetian Alps are protected - mountain pine forests, alpine and subalpine meadows, as well as numerous lakes and wastelands, and almost half of this territory is secondary forests, recreated after the cessation of human economic activity. The fauna of the park is very rich - more than 60 species of mammals (including alpine ibex, chamois, stone marten, alpine marmot, lynx, brown bear and others), about 100 species of birds, as well as about 70 species of amphibians, including the endemic alpine triton. Despite the fact that literally everything is guarded here (a fine can be issued even for loud sounds!), 21 hiking trails with a total length of about 80 km have been laid through the territory, which allow you to see the life of the inhabitants of these beautiful places. But cycling within the park is prohibited.

The entrance to the park is free and free, along its perimeter there are nine of the same free parking lots, from which most of the trails and routes depart. The reserve is open to the public from June to October every day, from 8.30 to 18.00, on Thursdays - until 22.00.

You can get to the park by buses running at hourly intervals between the towns of Zernez, 1 km east of it there is the park's head office and Mustair.

Ela Park

Switzerland's largest and youngest regional nature park - Ela (Parc Ela, www.parc-ela.ch) starts just 18 km from the northwestern border of the Swiss National Park. It was created in 2006 as a territory that protects the untouched world of a vast mountain range between the peaks El (Piz Ela, 3339 m) and Kesh (Kesch, 3417 m). The area of \u200b\u200bthe reserve is 600 square kilometers, which is 3.5 times the area of \u200b\u200bthe Engadin National Park, and here human economic activity is allowed on a limited scale. This leads to the fact that in Ela Park, in addition to exploring the magnificent nature of the northern slopes of the Engadine, you can ride on the Rhaetische Bahn railway, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List (55 bridges and 39 tunnels over 63 km of the park, about the beauty of the landscapes and there is nothing to say!), go skiing on the slopes of Savognin, Samedan, Celerina, Pontresina or St. Moritz (all these resorts are literally within 15-20 minutes by car from the most beautiful places of the park), relax on the shores of Lake Marmorera ( Lai da Marmorera) or visit the highest pilgrimage site in Europe - the Ziteil sanctuary (founded in 1580, height - 2434 meters above sea level) near Salouf.

Entlebuch

Well, the most easily accessible nature reserve in the country is the Entlebuch Biosphere Reserve (www.biosphaere.ch), located in the canton of Lucerne, just 20 km southwest of its capital. This is the first and only park of this type in central Switzerland. Here, on the most picturesque slopes of the Kleine-Emme valley (Kleine-Emme, Kleine Emme), on an area of \u200b\u200b395 quadrant kilometers, landscapes are quite unusual for the country - endless peatlands and moorlands, idyllic alpine pastures and forests, rocky karst formations and picturesque wild mountains. These lands are often figuratively called the "Wild West of Lucerne" - the local natural complexes are so diverse and beautiful. And at the same time, there is a huge selection of services, hotels and mountain chalets, many old churches and monasteries, about 75 km of hiking trails and even healing mud baths at local thermal springs.

Jura National Park

Green slopes stretch from Le Santier to Nyon on the shores of Lake Geneva jura National Park (Parc naturel régional Jura vaudois) www.parc-jurassien.ch - the second largest in the country in terms of size and richness of flora. Despite the dense population of these places, it has managed to preserve many local natural complexes characteristic of the low Jura Mountains and the famous Joux valley (Vallée de Joux), which is considered one of the most beautiful in Switzerland. Among the beauties of these places are beautiful mountain forests (in terms of flora composition - one of the richest in the region - more than 320 species), ancient swamps, limestone cliffs, secluded meadows and mountain pastures. It is home to over 90 species of mammals and 160 species of birds, and the picturesque Lake Zhu has almost 50 species of fish. Since there is an excellent network of hiking and ski trails with a total length of 523 km (!!), there are many colorful Alpine cheese factories and vineyards, restaurants and chalets, the park is extremely popular among fans of hiking, horseback riding and cycling, and in winter it becomes one of the best centers mountain recreation - it is quite obvious that in this case he is oriented not towards skiers, but towards fans of snowshoes and flat skiing.

You can get to the park literally in a dozen ways, since it is located next to the main transport arteries of the country. The easiest way to travel by rail is from Nyon by the Nyon-St-Cergue train with stops at Bassins, Arzier, St-Cergue and Givrine, or the Nyon-Gimel train with stops at Bassins, Vaud, Marchissy, Longirod, St-George and Gimel ... Departing from Vallorbe by train to Brassus, from Morges by BAM at Bière et l "Isle, with a stop in Montricher. There are equally varied travel options and public transport from all major cities in the canton of Vaud.

Swiss National Park (Schweizerischer Nationalpark) Is the only national park in the south. It is located in the Engadine Valley area (Engadin), and is located at altitudes from 1400 to 3200 meters above sea level. Its area is more than 170 square kilometers and it is also the oldest national park in the Alps.

This is an amazing place of primeval nature, where everyone can enjoy alpine meadows, forests, mountain slopes and simply picturesque views. It is home to many species of wild animals and birds. For every connoisseur of nature, the national park has developed many hiking trails and excursion routes. This place is definitely worth visiting if you are traveling in Switzerland.

Swiss National Park: How to get there

The most convenient way to get to Zernez (Zernez), where the main entrance to the Swiss National Park is located. In addition, it is highly recommended to use public transport in order to keep the park's nature clean.

Car. The distance between Zurich and Zernez is about 178 kilometers. The road will take you about 2.5 hours along the A3 and 28 highways. The car will need to be left in the parking lot.

Then you need to get to the information center (Nationalparkzentrum) where the main entrance to the park is located. It is located at Urtatsch 2, Zernez 7530, Switzerland. You can take a car or take a taxi.

Swiss National Park: Life Hacks

From the very beginning of exploring the Swiss National Park, it is worth visiting the information center (Nationalparkzentrum), where there is also a museum, exhibitions, and you can book a guided tour. There you will find information for tourists, and by visiting the museum, you will have the opportunity to learn about the history of the national park, its features and learn about its inhabitants. The entrance ticket costs 7 EUR for adults, 3 EUR for children 6-16 years old, and free for children under 6 years old. It is possible to take a family ticket for 15 EUR. Information on prices for tours, the museum, as well as contacts and descriptions can be found on the official website of the Swiss National Park.

Then you can take a walk through the park itself. You can book a guided tour or go hiking on your own. About 80 kilometers of hiking trails and 21 routes will be available for you. You also need to prepare in advance and take sunscreen and glasses, a raincoat, change of clothes and shoes, food and water. There are also some rules that must be strictly followed. For example, do not pick mushrooms and flowers, use a bicycle, or bring pets with you.

Few beats the magic and splendor of African wildlife. Hardly any other national park in the world in terms of its unspoiled countryside, wildlife and vastness of the area can compare with the Kruger Nature Reserve in South Africa.

Kruger National Park is capable of offering one of the best safaris in the world. In one place you can see a wide range of the largest mammals on earth, a large number of birds, large predators and their prey. If you are a wildlife lover then this is definitely the place for you.

Sagarmatha National Reserve, Nepal

Highly and majestically located in the Himalayas, Nepal's Sagarmatha Nature Reserve includes three of the ten tallest mountains in the world, including Mount Everest. Endless glaciers, breathtaking valleys of untouched snow make Sagarmatha Natural Park a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And, of course, for lovers of wildlife, not visiting this alpine reserve means losing something important.

Fjordland Game Reserve, New Zealand

If you are into gorgeous fjords and boating, then this is a must visit. The main attraction is Milford Sound, but in addition, the other 14 fjords with the most romantic landscapes make this park a unique place, unlike any other nature reserve in the world.

Galapagos National Park, Ecuador

With stunning landscapes surrounded by clear blue waters, the Galapagos Islands are a haven for exotic animals and wildlife. The unique atmosphere of the islands is of historical and scientific value. Recently, the initiatives of ecological tourism have been strongly supported here.

Tikal National Park, Guatemala

Traveling to Tikal National Park is primarily a means to explore the Mayan heritage. Set in a wild jungle, Tikal hides fantastic ruins of Mayan settlements that date back to around 250-900 AD. Even what remains from those times amazes tourists with the amazing architecture of temples and a variety of different wild animals. Tikal is a place for amazing adventures and unforgettable experiences.

Reserve "Yellow Dragon", China

Calcium sediment here creates the illusion of gold, which gave the name to this place - "Yellow Dragon". Also, this reserve is home to the cute, world-famous panda - the symbol of WWF.

The area features a unique gated ecosystem with waterfalls, hot springs, pristine forests and snow-capped mountaintops, home to endangered species such as the Sichuan gold-bearing monkeys and the giant panda. The Yellow Dragon is a real mecca for photographers from all over the world.

Iguazu National Reserve, Argentina

The Protected Area, which is a World Heritage Site, is the most impressive site in Brazil and Argentina. Over 70 meters high and 1,500 meters wide, these breathtaking waterfalls are home to some of South America's finest fauna. The views of the surrounding subtropical forests will leave no one indifferent.

Kakadu National Wildlife Refuge, Australia

The Kakadu National Reserve is located in Northern Australia. This quintessentially Australian landscape is one of the few places designated as a World Heritage Site, both for its natural and cultural significance.

The reserve stretches over 3.2 million acres and includes several areas of traditional residence of the indigenous peoples of the continent. The wonderful South Alligator rivers, coastal beaches, rainforests and monsoon winds make the Kakadu National Reserve a welcome destination.

National reserve, Switzerland

Although Switzerland is best known for the magic of the Alps, it is home to the only national park worth visiting. The Swiss National Park was established in 1914 and is inhabited by a huge variety of interesting animals such as chamois, ibex, golden eagle or bearded vulture. Rivers, peaks of snowy mountains and alpine valleys represent nature in its most picturesque manifestations.

Machu Picchu, Peru

The majestic Machu Picchu has been the most popular tourist destination in Peru for many years. No matter how many times a tourist has been here to enjoy the grandeur of the ancient monuments, traveling in the footsteps of the Incas always brings excitement, adventure and mystery.

• The address: 7530 Zernez, canton Graubünden, Engadin Valley, Switzerland
• Telephone: +41 81 851 41 41
• Official site: www.nationalpark.ch
• Square: 172.4 km²
• Foundation date: August 1, 1914
• Working hours: daily from 9.00 to 12.00 and from 14.00 to 17.00, Saturday and Sunday are days off
• Visit cost: admission is free, parking is free

The only national park is located in the Engadine Valley, which lies in the east of the country. Here, in the legendary foothills, you can admire the pristine natural landscapes and observe animals in their natural habitat. The Swiss National Park is ideal for hiking and a unique wildlife exploration opportunity that we see less and less often due to the rapid growth of urban areas.

The reserve was opened on one of the most terrible days in the history of mankind, on the day when the First World War began, which claimed the lives of more than 17 million people. Switzerland is known for its unshakable decision to remain neutral: it was not involved in the war. Instead, enterprises were opened in the state, the economy developed and, of course, all kinds of tourist centers.

On August 1, 1914, the Engadine National Park began operations. Worried about the endlessly picturesque places of the park, many rules of behavior have been introduced here. The first of them says that in no case should you leave the special tourist trails. The second rule prohibits spending the night on the territory of the reserve (for the safety of the guest too, since an impressive number of animals live here).

However, there are exceptions to this rule - Hotel Il Fuorn and Chamanna Cluozza's hut. Within the walls of the hotel and the forest house, no one will bother you, and you will spend time with comfort and pleasure. It makes no sense to list all the rules, but it should be remembered that order is very closely monitored in the park. You can get a fine even for the most ordinary loud sounds (whether it's music or your own voice, it doesn't matter), because they can scare the representatives of the local fauna.

The fauna is represented by about 60 species of mammals, more than 100 birds and about 70 amphibious creatures. Some are even endemic, such as the Alpine ibex and Alpine newt. Here you can find a stone marten, boldly making contact with a person, a fast lynx, a brown bear and a chamois. Red deer and white hare, widespread in Europe and Asia, are also inhabitants of the reserve. Cunning foxes, squirrels, toads and frogs, nimble voles - whoever you can meet at this celebration of nature. By the way, snakes are rare here. The only snake of the state reserve is the northern viper, which can reach 60-65 cm in length.

Of the birds, bearded or, as they are also called, lambs are especially interesting. The winged rulers of the Alps received the second name because of researchers who mistakenly believed that these birds feed on sheep. In fact, the best delicacy for them is carrion and bones, and their claws are completely not adapted to attack and kill. Also, nutcrackers (birds of the corvid family), huge eagles and the ptarmigan, the only local bird that does not leave the reserve even in the harsh winter time, fly over the reserve.

Despite the fact that 51% of the national park in Switzerland is made up of rocks without the slightest hint of vegetation, there is plenty of curious greenery here. While mountain pines, endless larches and spruces form whole forest armies, the stemless resin beloved by butterflies, all kinds of orchids, fabulous bells, forget-me-nots, glacial bekvichia and many other plants with difficult-to-understand names create an interesting flavor of the park. Lingonberries also grow in the local area. Of the green endemics, Alpine poppy, Alpine edelweiss and, no matter how awful another repetition of this word sounds, Alpine aster are known.

You can get to the oldest alpine nature reserve by bus from the town of Zernez to Mustair. Transport links between the cities are excellent, every hour a new bus with passengers leaves for Müstair. The entrance to the reserve is free, parking is also free. Fees are taken exclusively for and exhibitions. Please note that the park is closed on Saturdays and Sundays, and on weekdays it is always glad to have guests from 9.00 to 12.00 and from 14.00 to 17.00.

Every year there are more and more visitors to the park. From the first days of June until mid-autumn, more than 150 thousand tourists from all over the world come here, wishing to be at least a little with the wild nature face to face. However, people tired of city life are not the only ones who visit the reserve. Very often, special events for the younger generation are held here. They are aimed at developing respect for nature, at a deep understanding of the value of its wealth. Therefore, the park is also perfect for families with