Pure enjoyment of nature: the Swiss parks

Would you like to enjoy unspoiled landscapes and clean, fresh air?  Observe protected animal and plant species? Get to know local traditions, craftsmanship and regional delicacies? Then the Swiss parks are just right for you!

The Swiss parks are exceptional regions with enchanting, pristine landscapes, living traditions and diverse habitats. Vacations in the parks offer unforgettable experiences and a unique opportunity to combine nature, culture and relaxation. They offer a sustainable alternative to conventional vacation destinations and help to protect the environment and support the local community.

In 1914, the Swiss National Park was established in the canton of Graubünden, it was the first national park in the Alps and remained the only park in our country for almost 100 years. It was not until 2007 that the park landscape began to develop further. Thanks to a revision of the law, numerous park projects were designed and realized in record time in all parts of the country. Today Switzerland has 20 parks in 12 cantons. They cover almost 41,300 km², which is more than 14 percent of the country's surface area.

But not all parks are the same - the diversity of Switzerland is also reflected in its parks. They range from the 548 km² Parc Ela to the thirty times smaller Zurich Sihlwald wilderness park. The Parc Ela in the canton of Graubünden offers an impressive variety of landscapes, from alpine peaks to green valleys. The Wildnisspark Zurich Sihlwald gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy a natural forest landscape on the doorstep of Switzerland's largest city and discover the local flora and fauna.

In addition to fantastic hiking trails and bike routes - including e-bike charging stations - the parks also offer exciting educational playgrounds and opportunities for swimming, horse riding and many other outdoor activities. In addition, the parks with barrier-free activities to ensure that people with disabilities can also experience the beautiful landscapes (find out more about barrier-free vacations on the farm).

Of course, the Swiss parks are also outstanding pleasure landscapes. They not only offer the opportunity to discover local or regional specialties and products, but also to get to know their producers. With "Savurando", the parks even offer culinary treasure hunts with enjoyable discoveries and lots of puzzle fun along a hiking route or e-bike tour. Whether it's fine bread, a glass of wine with cheese and sausage or a veggie option - nobody goes home hungry in the park.

Our tip: In the Swiss parks app you will find countless suggestions for wonderful excursions as well as useful information on the most beautiful sights.

Farm vacations in the nature park

The Swiss parks have so much to offer that you should definitely plan to spend several days in the park! And what better way to experience nature in the park than to spend the night on a farm close to nature, perhaps even sleeping on straw!

For example in the Thal Nature Park: The Thal is the insider tip in the mountain ranges of the Solothurn Jura, you can experience the varied landscape and the unique nature of the region on hikes and bike tours and discover many rare animal and plant species - including endangered weasel species and the Wisent (European bison), the almost extinct gentle giants from the Ice Age.

In the middle of the park's magnificent nature lies the Berghof Montpelon surrounded by forests and lush meadows and with beautiful views of the valley. A highlight of the farm is the natural wellness garden with barefoot path and treading pool - perfect for recharging your batteries among fragrant flowers and herbs. Other highlights include the farm's wide range of accommodation options, which include charming rooms, a 3.5-room vacation apartment and pitches for campers, as well as the unique experience of Sleeping on straw and a transparent bubble suite with a 360° view of the starry sky.

Further information and bookings

Discover more farms in the Swiss parks here.

Special offer "Free public transport to the Swiss parks"

If you book 3 or more nights in a participating accommodation in a Swiss park, you will receive free travel to and from the park by public transport!

For the third time in a row, the Swiss parks and their partners are inviting visitors to discover the lively landscapes of the parks by train and bus. The offer is valid for reservations from June 17 for travel from August 1 to October 31, 2024, while stocks last.

Book your stay with one of the following Swiss agritourism businesses:

• Thal Nature Park
  Berghof Montpelon, Gänsbrunnen (SO)
• UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch
  Birkenhof, Sörenberg (LU)
• Binntal Nature Park
  BerglandHof, Ernen (VS)
• Biosfera Val Müstair
  Pauraria Puntetta, Müstair (GR)

Further information at parks.swiss/freetravel.

Note: This text was translated by machine translation software and not by a human translator. It may contain translation errors.