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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Swiss National Park Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
Switzerland – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type J
Type C:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Swiss Franc (CHF) £1 ≈ CHF 1.10 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Switzerland is very cashless-friendly, with credit and debit cards widely accepted. Mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also increasingly common.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Switzerland. Most service charges are included in bills. In restaurants, rounding up to the nearest 5 CHF or leaving 5-10% is common. Taxi drivers and hotel staff appreciate small tips for exceptional service. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is allowed and socially acceptable in Switzerland, but being disruptive is frowned upon. Alcohol can be consumed in parks, trains, and outdoor events. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is banned indoors in public places but allowed in designated areas. Outdoor smoking is common. |
| Swiss National Day (August) |
Expect celebrations, parades, and fireworks throughout the country. |
|---|---|
| Christmas (December) |
Markets and festive events are common, with tourist areas being busier than usual. |
| Easter (March/April) |
Many attractions are closed, but some areas offer special events and celebrations. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Uber, Bolt |
| Other: | Switzerland is famous for its natural beauty, well-organised transport, and multilingual culture. The Swiss Travel Pass is highly recommended for tourists. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Swiss National Park, Switzerland
Hiking season roughly June to October, depending on snow; high trails often open only late June
Hotel Il Fuorn and the park's mountain huts open summer only, closing in late October
Walking off marked trails, camping and dogs are banned in the park all year
Don't miss
- 🥾 Hike Panorama Trail, view alpine vistas
- 🐐 Spot ibex roaming near Gletsch Valley
- 🦌 Photograph chamois at sunrise over mountains
- ❄️ Explore glacial meltwater streams in Lätzen valley
- ✨ Attend guided night walk for stargazing, wildlife sounds
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Swiss National Park?
The Swiss National Park in the canton of Graubünden offers a quiet, unspoiled experience of alpine nature. Established in 1914, it is the oldest national park in the Alps and protects a wide range of habitats from high mountain meadows to deep valleys. The park’s strict protection policy means that visitors can observe wildlife in its natural state without any human interference. You’ll find species such as ibex, chamois, marmot, golden eagle and alpine ibex grazing or nesting on the rocky slopes. The landscape is varied: towering peaks, glacial lakes and dense pine forests create a dramatic backdrop for hiking. The park’s network of marked trails ranges from easy walks to more demanding routes that take you close to the summit of Piz Bernina, Switzerland’s highest peak. Along the way, you’ll encounter alpine meadows blooming with wildflowers in summer and snow-covered ridges in winter. Because the park is a protected area, there are no facilities or commercial services inside its boundaries; this keeps the environment pristine and encourages visitors to bring their own supplies and respect the rules. The absence of infrastructure also means fewer crowds, allowing for a more contemplative experience. Whether you’re interested in geology, biology or simply enjoying quiet mountain scenery, the Swiss National Park provides an authentic glimpse into alpine ecosystems that has remained largely unchanged for over a century.
Knowledge before you go
- Pack layered clothing; temperatures vary widely in alpine terrain.
- Carry a reusable water bottle and refill at designated stations to reduce plastic waste.
- Respect wildlife by staying on marked trails, keeping distance from animals and not feeding them.
- The park offers free guided hikes during peak season; check the official website for schedules and seasonal highlights.
How to travel to Swiss National Park
The Swiss National Park in Graubünden, Switzerland, is accessible via public transport and private vehicles. The nearest railway station is in Zernez, approximately 15 km from the park’s main entrance at Schanfigg Valley. Buses operated by PostBus connect Zernez to nearby towns like St. Moritz and Scuol, with seasonal schedules available. Drivers can reach the park via the A13 motorway, exiting at Zernez or S-US Graubünden, then follow signs to the Schanfigg Valley. Parking is permitted at designated lots near trailheads such as Tufi and Pischa. Bicycles are allowed on most paths but must be stored in designated areas when not in use.
Access summary
- From Zurich Airport (ZRH): Train to Chur (2h), bus to park entrance (30min).
- From Chur: Local bus to park entrance (30min); from Davos: Bus via Klosters (45min).
- By train to Sargans, then bus to the park (1h 15min).
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Swiss National Park
In the vicinity of the Swiss National Park, lodging ranges from rustic alpine chalets to modern eco‑resorts, catering to both budget travelers and luxury seekers. Small family‑run inns offer cozy rooms with traditional décor for about CHF 120 – 180 (£109.08 – 163.62) per night, while boutique hotels provide contemporary comforts at CHF 250 – 350 (£227.25 – 318.15). For those preferring self‑contained stays, well‑equipped mountain lodges and B&Bs are available between CHF 150 (£136.35) and CHF 220 (£199.98), often featuring panoramic views of the park’s rugged terrain. The area is renowned for its sustainable accommodations: many establishments use renewable energy, local timber construction and offer organic farm‑to‑table dining, reflecting Switzerland’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around Swiss National Park
Exploring Graubünden’s Swiss National Park by public transport is efficient and eco-friendly. The region’s remote location means cars are not essential, with buses connecting major towns like Scuol and Zernez to park entrances. The PostBus network offers regular routes across the canton, including lines reaching key trailheads such as Tufi and S-chanf. For a scenic experience, consider the Rhaetian Railway (RhB), which links Chur to nearby mountain stations with easy access to hiking paths within the park. Bicycles are also popular – rentals are available in towns like Pontresina for self-guided rides along quiet roads and dedicated trails. Parking is limited near trailheads, so prioritize public transit or bike rentals to minimize environmental impact while enjoying the alpine scenery.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in the region are around 59% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot more on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to CHF) is 6% worse than in recent years. That means travelling now is more expensive compared to the past.
Travel costs (Data for Chur, Switzerland - 53 km away)
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Switzerland’s Graubünden region, including the Swiss National Park, is exceptionally safe for travelers. Low crime rates, reliable public transport and strict wildlife regulations ensure a secure environment. Visitors should respect park rules, stay on marked trails and keep valuables secured.
Health & Medical
Switzerland’s Graubünden region, including the Swiss National Park, offers top‑tier medical care with highly trained professionals and state‑of‑the‑art facilities nearby. Clean air, low pollution and pristine alpine environments reduce health risks, though altitude sickness may affect unacclimated visitors.
Accessibility
Switzerland’s Swiss National Park in Graubünden offers excellent accessibility: well‑maintained, wheelchair‑friendly trails and clear signage. However, some remote paths remain steep or uneven, so visitors with mobility issues should plan ahead, use guided tours and check weather conditions.
Tap water
Tap water in Switzerland’s Graubünden region, including the Swiss National Park, is exceptionally clean and safe to drink straight from the tap. Public fountains are plentiful throughout the park, ensuring hikers stay well‑hydrated while exploring pristine alpine landscapes.
Packing recommendations for Swiss National Park
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
🥾
Walking boots
📷
Camera
⛰️
Trekking poles
🌞
Sun cream
🚰
Reusable water bottle
🍫
Energy snacks
🧥
Waterproof jacket
🕶️
Sunglasses
🪰
Insect repellent
🔦
Torch
👛
Cash in small denominations
🗺️
Map or GPS device
🔋
Power bank
🛂
Visa and travel permits
🩹
Basic first aid kit
👒
Sun hat
🧥
Fleece mid-layer
🧭
Compass
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
📣
Safety whistle
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
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