What you need to know about Switzerland's 19 stunning nature parks
Switzerland has only one national park but it is also home to 19 breathtaking nature parks that are well worth a visit.
Switzerland might be home to some of the world's most stunning scenery but there is actually only one national park in the country.
But it is also home to some 19 regional nature parks, which are spread around the country.
READ ALSO: What you need to know about visiting Switzerland's only national park
The 19 nature parks
Mainly situated in the Jura Mountains and the foothills of the Alps, these parks boast mesmerising views of the surrounding landscape.
The following parks are based in German-speaking Switzerland: UNESCO Biosphäre Entlebuch, Naturpark Gantrisch, Jurapark Aargau, Regionaler Naturpark Schaffhausen, Naturpark Thal and Wildnispark Zürich Sihlwald.
Bloggerin Laila tauschte für ihren aktuellen Blog-Beitrag die südamerikanische Anden gegen die Schwändelifluh und Co. der UNESCO Biosphäre Entlebuch und ging beim Lamatrekking auf Tuchfühlung mit den (meistens) gut gelaunten Tieren 🦙⛰🍃 https://t.co/nhQlRCwf2Q pic.twitter.com/YSVERxNCUn
— UNESCO Biosphäre Entlebuch (@Entlebuch) October 9, 2023
In French-speaking Switzerland, you can find the largest selection of nature parks: Landschaftspark Binntal, Parc régional Chasseral, Parc naturel régional Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut, Parc naturel du Jorat, Parc Jura vaudois, Naturpark Pfyn-Finges and Parc naturel régional de la Vallée du Trient.
Le Parc naturel du Jorat a reçu hier le prix Elisabeth et Oscar Beugger 2022. Son ambitieux projet de développement naturel montre comment concilier le développement de la nature avec les besoins de la population. #parcssuisses #Lausanne @DuJorathttps://t.co/r3FMONSvOX
— Pro Natura Suisse (@ProNaturaSuisse) June 30, 2022
Those resident in or near the canton of Graubünden can not only drop by the Swiss National Park, but also visit the Naturpark Beverin, Naturpark Diemtigtal, Parc Ela (the country’s largest nature park), Parco Val Calanca and Biosfera Val Müstair.
Click below to see an interactive map from the Swiss Parks website.
While there are no nature parks are based in Ticino, Parco Val Calanca – the smallest such park in Switzerland – is based in the Italian-speaking part of Graubünden.
As with Switzerland’s National Park, if you plan on visiting any of its 19 nature parks, you will have to abide by a set of strict rules – however, those will differ depending on the type of park and area within the park you visit.
READ MORE: 8 rules nature lovers should follow in the Swiss countryside
In a nutshell, you must stick to the marked paths and must, under no circumstances, disturb the wildlife.
It is also advised to pay close attention to the signposts around you, not to litter or take home any natural objects.
Similarly, starting a fire is not permitted in many of the parks. While some do permit fires, you will only be allowed to do so in the designated fireplaces.
In any case, make sure to inform yourself of the rules pertaining to the nature park of your choice.
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Switzerland might be home to some of the world's most stunning scenery but there is actually only one national park in the country.
But it is also home to some 19 regional nature parks, which are spread around the country.
READ ALSO: What you need to know about visiting Switzerland's only national park
The 19 nature parks
Mainly situated in the Jura Mountains and the foothills of the Alps, these parks boast mesmerising views of the surrounding landscape.
The following parks are based in German-speaking Switzerland: UNESCO Biosphäre Entlebuch, Naturpark Gantrisch, Jurapark Aargau, Regionaler Naturpark Schaffhausen, Naturpark Thal and Wildnispark Zürich Sihlwald.
Bloggerin Laila tauschte für ihren aktuellen Blog-Beitrag die südamerikanische Anden gegen die Schwändelifluh und Co. der UNESCO Biosphäre Entlebuch und ging beim Lamatrekking auf Tuchfühlung mit den (meistens) gut gelaunten Tieren 🦙⛰🍃 https://t.co/nhQlRCwf2Q pic.twitter.com/YSVERxNCUn
— UNESCO Biosphäre Entlebuch (@Entlebuch) October 9, 2023
In French-speaking Switzerland, you can find the largest selection of nature parks: Landschaftspark Binntal, Parc régional Chasseral, Parc naturel régional Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut, Parc naturel du Jorat, Parc Jura vaudois, Naturpark Pfyn-Finges and Parc naturel régional de la Vallée du Trient.
Le Parc naturel du Jorat a reçu hier le prix Elisabeth et Oscar Beugger 2022. Son ambitieux projet de développement naturel montre comment concilier le développement de la nature avec les besoins de la population. #parcssuisses #Lausanne @DuJorathttps://t.co/r3FMONSvOX
— Pro Natura Suisse (@ProNaturaSuisse) June 30, 2022
Those resident in or near the canton of Graubünden can not only drop by the Swiss National Park, but also visit the Naturpark Beverin, Naturpark Diemtigtal, Parc Ela (the country’s largest nature park), Parco Val Calanca and Biosfera Val Müstair.
Click below to see an interactive map from the Swiss Parks website.
While there are no nature parks are based in Ticino, Parco Val Calanca – the smallest such park in Switzerland – is based in the Italian-speaking part of Graubünden.
As with Switzerland’s National Park, if you plan on visiting any of its 19 nature parks, you will have to abide by a set of strict rules – however, those will differ depending on the type of park and area within the park you visit.
READ MORE: 8 rules nature lovers should follow in the Swiss countryside
In a nutshell, you must stick to the marked paths and must, under no circumstances, disturb the wildlife.
It is also advised to pay close attention to the signposts around you, not to litter or take home any natural objects.
Similarly, starting a fire is not permitted in many of the parks. While some do permit fires, you will only be allowed to do so in the designated fireplaces.
In any case, make sure to inform yourself of the rules pertaining to the nature park of your choice.
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