Examples of nature reserves and national parks in Switzerland. swiss national park

Hiking is one of the most popular leisure activities in the country - more than 50 thousand (!!) kilometers of marked footpaths have been laid across the territory of 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 more when you consider 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, sledding, dog sledding and horseback riding, as well as also about 4 thousand trails for water tourism. All this makes Switzerland one of the the best places in Europe for active rest and ecotourism.

swiss national park

Despite the very modest size of the country, protected areas occupy to some extent up to 14% of its area. And at the same time there is only one full-fledged reserve - the Swiss national park, or Engadine Park (www.nationalpark.ch), created in 1914 in the eastern part of the canton of Graubünden, on the southern slopes of the Engadine 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 adjacent Italian Stelvio National Park.

Here, on an area of more than 172 square 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 endemic alpine triton. Despite the fact that literally everything is protected here (a fine can be issued even for loud sounds!), 21 hiking trails with a total length of about 80 km have been laid across the territory, which allow you to see the life of the inhabitants of these beautiful places. However, cycling is prohibited within the park.

Entrance to the park is free and free, along its perimeter there are nine such free parking lots for cars, from which most trails and routes depart. The reserve is open to the public from June to October daily, 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 is the head office of the park) and Mustair.

Ela Park

The largest and youngest regional natural Park Switzerland - 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 protecting the untouched world of the vast mountain range between the peaks of Ela (Piz Ela, 3339 m) and Kesh (Kesch, 3417 m). The area of the reserve is 600 square kilometers, which is 3.5 times the area of the Engadine National Park, and here economic activity human is allowed to a limited extent. 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 along railway Rhaetische Bahn, inscribed on the List world heritage UNESCO (55 bridges and 39 tunnels over 63 km of the length of the park, there is nothing to say about the beauty of the landscapes!), go skiing on the slopes of Savognin, Samedan, Celerina, Pontresina or St. Moritz (all these resorts lie literally within 15- 20 minutes by car from the most beautiful places in the park), relax on the shores of Lake Marmorera (Lai da Marmorera) or visit the highest pilgrimage site in Europe - the Ziteil Sanctuary (Ziteil, founded in 1580, height - 2434 meters above sea level) near Salouf.

Entlebuch

Well, the country's most easily accessible reserve 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 its kind in central Switzerland. Here, on the most picturesque slopes of the Kleine Emme valley (Kleine Emme, Kleine Emme), on an area of 395 square kilometers, landscapes quite unusual for the country are presented - endless peat bogs and moorlands, idyllic alpine pastures and forests, rocky karst formations and picturesque wild mountains. These regions are often figuratively called the "Wild West of Lucerne" - so diverse and beautiful are the local natural complexes. And at the same time there is a huge selection of facilities, hotels and mountain chalets, many old churches and monasteries, about 75 km hiking trails and even therapeutic mud baths at local thermal springs.

Jura National Park

From Le Sentier to Nyon on the coast Lake Geneva stretching green slopes Jura National Park(Parc naturel régional Jura vaudois) www.parc-jurassien.ch - the second in the country in terms of size and richness of flora. Despite the dense population of these places, many local natural complexes, characteristic of the low Jura Mountains and the famous Joux Valley (Vallée de Joux), considered one of the most beautiful in Switzerland, have been preserved here. Among the beauties of these places are beautiful mountain forests (by the composition of the flora - one of the richest in the region - more than 320 species), ancient swamps, limestone cliffs, secluded meadows and mountain pastures. More than 90 species of mammals and 160 species of birds live here, and the picturesque Zhu Lake has almost 50 species of fish. Since there is an excellent network of hiking and skiing 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 with fans of hiking, horseback riding and cycling, and in winter it becomes one of the best centers mountain recreation- it is quite obvious that he focuses not on skiers, but on fans of snowshoes and flat skiing.

You can get to the park in literally a dozen ways, since it is located next to the main transport arteries of the country. By rail, the easiest way to get there from Nyon is by train Nyon - St-Cergue with stops at Bassins, Arzier, St-Cergue and Givrine or by train Nyon - Gimel with stops at Bassins, Vaud, Marchissy, Longirod, St-George and Gimel . When departing from Vallorbe (Vallorbe) - by train to Brassus, from Morges (Morges) - by train BAM to Bière et l "Isle with a stop in Montricher. The options for traveling to public transport of all major cities Canton Vaud.

Address: 7530 Zernez, Canton Graubünden, Engadine Valley region, 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 - days off
Visit cost: free entry, free parking

The only national park is located in the Engadine Valley, which extends to the east of the country. Here, in the legendary foothills, you can admire the pristine natural landscapes and watch animals in their natural habitats. Swiss National Park - perfect place For hiking and a unique opportunity to explore wildlife, which we see less and less often due to the rapid growth of urban areas.

For reference

The reserve was opened on one of the most terrible days in the history of mankind, on the day when the First World War that 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 opened in the state, the economy developed and, of course, all kinds of tourist centers.

On August 1, 1914, the Engadine National Park began work. Worrying about endlessly scenic spots park, many rules of conduct have been introduced here. The first of them says that in no case should you leave special tourist trails. The second rule prohibits lodging for the night on the territory of the reserve (for the safety of the guest, too, because an impressive number of animals live here).

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

Flora and fauna of the reserve

The fauna is represented by about 60 species of mammals, more than 100 birds and about 70 amphibians. Some of them are even endemic, such as the alpine ibex and the alpine newt. Here you can meet stone marten, boldly making contact with humans, fast lynx, brown bear and chamois. Red deer and white hare, common in Europe and Asia, are also residents of the reserve. Cunning foxes, squirrels, toads and frogs, agile voles - you will not meet anyone at this celebration of nature. By the way, snakes are rare here. The only snake state reserve- northern viper, which can reach 60-65 cm in length.

Of the birds, bearded vultures or, as they are also called, lambs are especially interesting. The second name of the winged rulers of the Alps was due to 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 unsuited to attack and kill. Also, nutcrackers (birds of the corvid family), huge eagles and white partridge fly over the reserve, the only local bird that does not leave the reserve even in harsh winter.

Despite the fact that 51% of Switzerland's national park 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, stemless tarsus, beloved by butterflies, all kinds of orchids, fairy bells, forget-me-nots, glacier bekvichia and many other plants with difficult-to-perceive names create an interesting flavor of the park. And lingonberries grow in these parts. Of the green endemics, the alpine poppy, the alpine edelweiss and, no matter how terrible another repetition of this word sounds, the alpine aster are known.

How to get there?

You can get to the oldest alpine reserve by bus from Zernez to Mustair. Transport connection between cities excellent, departs every hour for Müstair new bus with passengers. Entrance to the reserve is free, parking is also free. Payment is taken exclusively for and exhibitions. Please note that the park is closed on Saturdays and Sundays, and on weekdays it is always happy to welcome 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, who want to be face to face with wildlife for a little while. However, people tired of city life are not the only ones who visit the reserve. Very often there are special events for the younger generation. They are aimed at forming respect for nature, at a deep understanding of the value of its riches. Therefore, the park is also perfect for family vacation With

Few things compare to the magic and splendor of the African wilderness. Hardly any other national park in the world can match South Africa's Kruger Game Reserve in terms of its pristine countryside, wildlife and vastness of area.

The Kruger National Park has some of the best safari in the world. In one place you can see wide range 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

High and majestic in the Himalayas, Nepal's Sagarmatha Game Reserve contains three of the ten most high mountains around the world, including Everest. Endless glaciers, breathtaking valleys with pristine snow make the Sagarmatha Natural Park part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. And, of course, for wildlife lovers not to visit this alpine reserve means to lose something important.

Fiordland Reserve, New Zealand

If you are a fan of magnificent fjords and boat trips, then this is the place to visit. The main attraction is Milford Sound, but in addition, the other 14 fjords with the most romantic scenery make this park unique place, unlike any other nature reserve in the world.

Galapagos Islands National Park, Ecuador

Galapagos Islands with amazing landscapes, surrounded by clear blue water, is a paradise for exotic animals and wildlife. The unique atmosphere of the islands is of historical and scientific value. Recently, eco-tourism initiatives have been strongly supported here.

Tikal National Park, Guatemala

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

Reserve "Yellow Dragon", China

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

The area features a unique closed ecosystem with waterfalls, hot springs, virgin forests and caps of snow on mountain tops, home to endangered species such as Sichuan gold monkeys and giant pandas. "Yellow Dragon" is a real mecca for photographers from all over the world.

Iguazu National Reserve, Argentina

The protected area, which is included in the World Heritage, is the most impressive place in Brazil and Argentina. Imaginative waterfalls over 70 meters high and 1500 meters wide are home to the best views fauna South America. Views of the surrounding subtropical forests will not leave anyone indifferent.

Kakadu National Wildlife Refuge, Australia

national reserve Kakadu is located on the territory Northern Australia. This quintessentially Australian landscape is one of the few World Heritage Sites, both for its natural and cultural significance.

The reserve extends over 3.2 million acres and includes several areas of traditional indigenous peoples of the continent. The wonderful South Alligator rivers, coastal beaches, rainforests and monsoon winds make Kakadu National Reserve a desirable place to visit.

Folk Reserve, Switzerland

Although Switzerland is best known for the magic of the Alps, it is home to the only national reserve that is nonetheless worth a visit. The Swiss National Park was created 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 Peru's most popular tourist destination for many years. No matter how many times a tourist has been here to enjoy the majesty of the ancient monuments, traveling in the footsteps of the Incas always brings excitement, adventure and mystery.

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In the Engadine Valley, which belongs to Switzerland, is the National swiss park. This reserve was founded in 1914 and covered an area of 172.4 km2. The park includes an area covered by the Alps, the height of which, in this area, ranges from 1400 to 3174 meters above sea level.

The terrain of the Swiss National Park is quite diverse, because it includes forests, meadows, mountains, water covers. Also rich enough is animal world reserve. The local nature develops on its own, because human hands do not touch it. There are at least 650 different plants in this area. Among them, typical representatives of the protected area are alpine edelweiss, which people have been collecting in baskets for centuries. This perennial herb with white upper leaves, spreads on limestone mountain slopes. High enough in the mountains one can see the alpine poppy, which with its roots strengthens the local loose soil. Tourists are very attracted to the plant, which grows up to 40 cm and has a yellowish-orange color. This is a local wormwood ragwort, whose home is the highlands in the east, near the river Inn.

The mountain forest cover in this area plays a very important role in nature, because it not only purifies the air of the park, but also protects the area from avalanches. The forest in this area is represented by such tree species as: pine, cedar, larch, and spruce.

The local alpine meadows simply fascinate with a variety of blooming flowers. It is impossible to count the varieties of these wild plants, including buttercups, edelweiss, gentian.

The highlands of the Swiss national park are characterized by dry climatic conditions and poor soil. In this area, it is difficult to adapt to the life of plants and animals, due to constant winds, soil erosion, and low air temperature.

In the Swiss National Nature Reserve you can see animals with enough close range. Goats, deer, hares, marmots and many other quadrupeds are common here. The silence in the park is broken by the singing of birds, which are quite diverse in these lands.

Tourists who have visited the reserve in Switzerland are offered a walk along a specially designed hiking trail. But here it is strictly forbidden to make fires, put up tents, ride bicycles and generally leave behind any traces of your stay. For each offense, you will have to pay a fine.

A walk in the park will surely please you with its virgin natural beauty no matter what period you are here. But, nevertheless, the trip will be more exciting in the spring-summer season, when local mountains covered with carpets of wild flowers.