THE SWISS PARKS - Federal Council · TE SSS PRS SM NERS TE R Gruyre aysdEnhaut egional Nature ark Nut tarts, apple cider, excursions and overnight stays: The Swiss Parks produce unique

Rochers de Naye

Brienzer Rothorn

MontTendre

Piz Beverin

Langen-berg

Albishorn

MontSoleil

Marbachegg

Wiriehore

VanilNoir

Chasseral

Guggershorn

Etang dela Gruère

Saut du Doubs

SchwarzseeOfenpass/

Pass dal Fuorn

Albulapass

Julierpass

Col duMarchairuz

Passwang

Gurnigelpass

Col dela Givrine

Col duMollendruz

Lausanne

La borne destrois Jorats

L’Abbaye deMontheron

Villars-Tiercelin

Fribourg

Bern

Schwarzenburg

Oey-Diemtigen

Grimmialp

Binn

Ernen

Brig-Glis

Grengiols

Blitzingen

Niederwald

Neuchâtel

Solothurn

Balsthal

Welschenrohr Oensingen

Mümliswil

La Chaux-de-Fonds

Le Locle

Biel/Bienne

Sonceboz-Sombeval

Les Prés-d’Orvin

Delémont

Saint-Ursanne

Saignelégier

Basel

Linn(Bözberg)

Laufenburg

Aarau

Frick

Luzern

Stans

Sörenberg

Schüpfheim

Sarnen

Sion

Sierre

Leuk Gampel

Leukerbad

Bellinzona

Schwyz

Gantrisch

Château-d’Œx

Château de Chillon

Bulle

Thun

Charmey

Altdorf

Glarus

Bergün/Bravuogn

Davos

Thusis

St. Moritz

Bivio

Savognin

Andeer

SafienPlatz

Splügen

Zernez

S-chanf

Scuol

Müstair

Zug

Zürich

Sihlwald

Frauenfeld

Schaffhausen

Jestetten

Wilchingen

Rüdlingen

St. GallenHerisau

Appenzell

Genève

Val Mora

Viam

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Rofflaschluc

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Vallée de Joux

Val Cluozz a

Val Trupch un

Val de R

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Schr

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Pfynwald

Illgraben

Ra

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Schweizerische EidgenossenschaftConfédération suisseConfederazione SvizzeraConfederaziun svizraSwiss Confederation

Bundesamt für Umwelt BAFUOffice fédéral de l’environnement OFEVUfficio federale dell’ambiente UFAMUffizi federal d’ambient UFAMFederal Office for the Environment FOEN

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THE SWISS PARKS SMALL WONDERS OF THE WORLD

These 18 Swiss Parks indicate exceptional areas of Switzerland. They were created to promote the distinctive scenery – both natural and cultivated – by their typical regional biodiversity and an environ-ment that inspires people over and over again be it culturally, economically or for culinary traditions. The parks house a myriad of small wonders, waiting to be discovered, experienced, heard and savoured.

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Background map © swisstopoPerimeters 01/2019 © BAFU/Swiss Parks NetworkPark perimeter provisional in some placesIcons © outdooractive parks.swiss

Doubs Nature Park À contre-courant.

1 Chasseral Nature Park La vie grandeur nature.

2 Thal Nature Park Stille Natur. Lebendiges Thal.

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Argovia JuraparkDie grüne Schatzkammer.4

SchaffhausenRegional Nature ParkRhein ins Vergnügen, raus aufs Land.

5 Wildnispark Zurich SihlwaldIm Rhythmus der Natur.6

Biosfera Val MüstairVon Natur aus anders.18

Swiss National Parkpure wilderness.17

Parc ElaDer grösste Naturpark der Schweiz!Igl pi grond parc natural dalla Svizra!

16Beverin Nature Park Wo der Capricorn zu Hause ist.Igl datgea digl capricorn.

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Binntal Nature Park Starke Wurzeln. Verborgene Schätze.14UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch

visionär. natürlich.13Pfyn-Finges Nature ParkStaunen von Berg bis Tal.12Diemtigtal Nature Park

nah – wild – wertvoll11Gantrisch Nature ParkRaum zum Entdecken – bei Tag und Nacht.10

Gruyère Pays-d’Enhaut Regional Nature ParkUn parc à vivre, un parc à partager.

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Jorat Nature Discovery Park (Candidate)Une terre à vivre au quotidien.

8Jura vaudois Nature ParkHarmonieuse diversité.7

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Town or village

Peak

Mountain pass

Architecture

Barbecue

Bed and Breakfast

Bicycle paths

Biotope

Campsite

Church

Crafts

Easy hiking

Eating/Sleeping

Electric bike

Fauna

Flora

Groceries

Group accommodation

Hiking

Historical site

Historical town centre

Hotel

Hut

Ice sports

Information centre

Mountain biking

Mountain cableway

Mountain inn

Museum

Picking

Nature/culture

Natural monument

Outdoor events

Playground

Recipe

Rest area

Restaurant

Ski lift

Sledging

Snowshoeing

Thematic trail

Town tour

Viewpoint

Winter activities

Winter hiking


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Nut tarts, apple cider, excursions and overnight stays: The Swiss Parks produce unique products and offer services of exceptional quality. Products and services can be found in the park itself, but are also avail-able at retailers and at markets and fairs.

Swiss Parks offer a year-round range of exquisite food products, high-quality consumer items, orig-inal handicrafts and exciting activ-ities. It is worth keeping an eye out for the label for products and services from the parks as this guarantees that the purchase of the product or service benefits the park. Even hotels and restaurants offer certified services for dining out. Fairs and special events like the Swiss Parks Market, the “Genuss” (Best of the Region) and “Genusswoche” (“enjoyment week” in September) and special offers available in the parks around “Parks Day” (always on 24 May) provide an ideal opportunity for discovering the culinary and cul-tural variety on offer in the parks.

Guided enjoymentIn the parks themselves, guided walks bring an informative element to the pleasure experience. In Argo-via Jurapark, for example, wine walks take place on two weekends in the year. The Jura vaudois Nature Park runs mushroom excursions led by a mycologist, and between June and September the Diemtig-tal Nature Park invites visitors to “discovery days” on five alps, with

Enjoyment for all

overnight stays. In this way, visitors come into close contact with locals and learn about the production, manufacturing processes and ori-gins of the products.

Markets, cottages and “Gourmet Roads”Each year, the Gantrisch, Thal, Binn-tal and Entlebuch Nature Parks organise a market where locals and visitors can purchase regional products from the local municipal-ities, such as cheese, sausage, dried meat, vegetables, tea and baked goods. The Argovia Jurapark has created a “Gourmet Road”, a circuit of 179 kilometres leading visitors to numerous producers and res-taurants. The Gantrisch Nature Park has come up with an original idea, so-called “Gantrisch Hüsli” (Gantrisch cottages) in numerous shops in the region, including in Bern, which sell local products such as Vreneli cheese, Drachen-hörnli (“dragon macaroni”), the legendary Christmas biscuits and painted Easter eggs. The Entlebuch herb and wild plant market in Escholzmatt is known throughout Switzerland.

An overview of Gourmet Weeks, markets and park products can be found on the homepage of the Swiss Parks Network:

> www.parks.swiss/en/discover_the_parks/eating_drinking/

The wild west of LucerneAlmost no other region can boast as many natural treasures as the “Wild West of Lucerne”. It’s no wonder that Entlebuch has been listed as a UNESCO biosphere re-serve. An enchanting universe un-folds here: unspoiled mires alter-nate with idyllic Alpine meadows and pastures, above which Schrat-tenfluh mountain thrones majesti-cally. Whether you visit the Kneipp spa centre, take a guided tour, follow the mire trail or visit the mire adventure park Mooraculum: Entle buch is simply inspirational.

Mooraculum – the biggest mire adventure park in the AlpsMooraculum and the Sonnentau-weg round walk offer a wide range of experiences in and around the mystical topic of the mire or marsh-land. The Rossweid ob Sörenberg area is full of natural wonders which can be discovered, smelled, felt, enjoyed and tasted at the park.

UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch

Address

UNESCO Biosphäre Entlebuch Chlosterbüel 28 6170 SchüpfheimTel. 041 485 88 50 [email protected] www.biosphaere.ch

Facts and figures

Location: centrally located between Lucerne and Bern

Canton: LucerneArea: 394 km2

Population: 17 800Municipalities: 7

> Sonnentau trail circuit, starts and ends in Rossweid: 1.5 km. Hiking time: 1 hour. www.mooraculum.ch

“Genuine Entlebuch” culinary delightsEnjoy a culinary experience at the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch. The Entlebuch biosphere and its land-scape are as varied as its wide selection of regional products. The “genuine Entlebuch” brand will surprise you with its wide range of dairy, meat and other food and beverage specialties. The products are made using primary products from the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch, are then produced and refined by partner businesses. They are deeply rooted in the region and showcase its unmistakeable identity.

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Strong roots. Hidden treasures.The Binntal Nature Park offers sur-prises at every turn. This tributary valley in the Valais is rich in miner-als, waiting to be discovered among the stones at the Lengenbach quarry or on tours with an amateur geolo-gist. Each summer the well-pre-served mountain village of Ernen becomes a place of music, with classical concerts of international standing. In Grengiols a unique type of wild tulip blooms in the rye fields in May. Niederwald is the hometown of Cesar Ritz, who founded the Ritz-Carlton hotel chain. And there is something for gourmets too: the Binntal Nature Park is home to many excellent restaurants.

Römerweg – Roman RoadThe hiking trail starts in the village of Binn, famous for its minerals, and continues along the historical path through the wild and romantic Twingi Gorge to the “auf dem Blatt”

Binntal Regional Nature Park

Address

Landschaftspark Binntal Postfach 20 3996 BinnTel. 027 971 50 [email protected]

Facts and figures

Location: Upper Valais, 13 km from Brig

Canton: ValaisArea: 180 km2 Population: 1300 Municipalities: 5

chapel. It then leads past the pic turesque hamlet of Hockmatta to Bächerhischere and on to Grengiols, which is famous for its unique tulips.

> From Binn to Grengiols: 12 km. Hiking time: 3 hours. www.wanderland.ch/en/routes/route-0169.html

Music village of ErnenThe music village of Ernen has become well known far beyond the borders of Switzerland for its piano week and its baroque and chamber music festival. Every summer the exceptional classical music festi-val is staged in the midst of breath-taking scenery, thanks to the initi-ative of the now deceased pianist György Sebök.

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Publishing details

Publisher: Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN)

Text credits: Switzerland Tourism, the Swiss Parks, Swiss Parks Network, FOEN

Final editing: Christoph Grosjean, Estelle Paratte, Mireille Rotzetter

In-house consultants: Species, Ecosystems, Landscapes Division: Matthias Stremlow, Simone Remund, Christoph Grosjean

Communication Division: Gabriella Zinke

Design: Metzger Rottmann Bürge Partner AG, Erlenbach/ZH

Picture credits: Roland Gerth, Markus Gyger, semio / Nicolas Denis, Lorenz Andreas Fischer, Gerry Nitsch, Marc Amiguet, Samuel Monnard, Renato Bagattini, Christof Sonderegger, Kathrin Käser / swissimage / Switzerland Tourism / Roberto Buzzini – FOEN / Gantrisch Nature Park / Federal Office for the Environment / Bern Tourismus / Mel Weber / Argovia Jurapark and photographers from the Swiss Parks featured.

Cartography: Metzger Rottmann Bürge Partner AG, supported by Swiss Parks Network

Address for ordering FOBL, Distribution of Publications the print version (free): www.bafu.admin.ch/ud-1050-e Order number: 810.400.055eng

This publication is also available in German, French and Italian.

© FOEN seventh updated edition: January 2019

An untamed forest on Zurich’s door step, studying an ant colony in the Jura vaudois, delightful walks in the valleys of Valais and exploring sites soaked in history in the mountains of Graubünden: Experience the fascination of Switzerland’s parks in pristine natural and characteristic cultural landscapes and discover a whole new world of learning.

Swiss Parks have something to offer all visitors, from school classes to families and individuals. Here you can explore Alpine land-scapes, walk in gently rolling hills, trek over rugged rock formations or stroll through blossoming orchards. Those interested in cultural and natural history will also find an exciting programme on offer: his-torical routes invite cyclists on a venture of discovery, castles reveal their fascinating history, and marsh-land nature trails offer astonishing new insights. Not forgetting the rich offering of culinary experiences: Families tending herds in the mountains give a taste of Alpine cooking, vintners open their wine cellars, and “tasting trails” let you discover regional products such as cheese, sausage, wine and bread. For e-bike fans, we recommend the “Route Verte” – From Schaffhausen to Geneva, this trail will take you accross the living landscapes of the Jura mountain range’s six Nature Parks (www.larouteverte.ch).

Attractions for visitors

Learning in the fieldThe parks’ location in regions fea-turing extraordinary natural and cultural values makes them an ideal place for learning. One of the key tasks of a park is to develop programmes which raise aware-ness and edu cate both the local population and its guests. The parks offer special arrangements for families, groups and compa-nies, from guided walks and excur-sions to theme trails and talks. There is also a long list of volunteer services, environmental education and adult education courses. The UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch is the largest Swiss provider of nature and culture excur sions.

School in the parkSeveral parks offer a large variety of exciting activities specially for school classes. For example, the Zurich Sihlwald Wilderness Park organises excursions targeted at primary schools. In the Diemtigtal Nature Park it is possible to spend a few days with a class on the Alp learning about the way of life and the work there. In the UNESCO Bio sphere Entlebuch, meanwhile, school chil dren can go to school on the farm. And why not discover the forest from an ant’s perspective in the Jura vaudois Park, home to the larg est known colony of wood ants?

Parks of National Importance are divided into three categories: na -tional parks, regional nature parks and nature discovery parks. These three park categories have differ-ent organisational structures and pursue different goals.

National parkA national park consists of a core and a buffer zone. In the core zone, nature can develop freely and un disturbed. Human activities are se verely restricted. The buffer zone includes villages and cultural land scapes managed in harmony with nature, as well as areas for tourism or forestry. As its name suggests, this zone provides a buffer which protects the core zone from negative influences. Currently, there are no projects in this category.

The Swiss National Park, which has been in existence for over 100 years, has its own legislative basis. The park is one of the best protected wild areas in the Alps.

Park categories

Regional nature parkA regional nature park covers a rural area characterised by a diver-sity of natural features, rich biodi-versity and unique cultural assets such as the Rhaetian Railway in Parc Ela (in Graubünden). These va lues should not only be preserved and enhanced, but also used to develop the region sustainably.

Nature discovery parkA nature discovery park is divided into a core and a transition zone. The core zone provides an undis-turbed habitat for local flora and fauna. The transition zone acts as a buffer for the core zone. In the transition zone there is a wide range of opportunities for educa-tion, relaxation and adventure sports, providing an important contribution to improving the quality of life of the urban popula-tion. A nature discovery park is no more than 20 kilometres from the nearest urban centre and is easily accessible by public transport.


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Home of the ibexFour valleys, two cultures, one Park. The Beverin Regional Nature Park is known for its deep gorges, intact townscapes, crystal-clear mountain lakes and ibexes, called “capricorn” in Romansh. These majestic animals thrive on the steep cliffs around Piz Beverin (2998 metres) and watch over the Beverin Nature Park, whose wild and natural landscape stretches across 412 square kilometres, giving a feeling of endlessness.

Via CapricornThe Via Capricorn is a three-day hike through Beverin federal no- hunting zone, where ibex enjoy free rein. The hike starts and ends at the Hotel Restaurant Capricorns in Wergenstein. Former bridle paths take you up to the Glaspass on Heinzenberg, the end of the first stage. On the second stage the path leads down to the Safiental, and the third takes you from Turra-

Beverin Regional Nature Park

hus via the Farcletta digl Lai Grand back to Wergenstein. The Via Capricorn is a demanding mountain hike, and even expe-rienced mountain walkers need to allow 8–9 hours for each of the three stages.

> Round trip from Wergenstein: 49 km. Hiking time: 3 days www.viamala.ch

Gaping gorges – exhilarating experiencesViamala, Roffla and Ruinaulta – these three gorges are impressive natural features in the park and form the gateways to its four valleys. Discover the myth-enshrouded Via-mala Gorge, the majestic trail to the Roffla Gorge waterfall or the unique countryside of the Ruinaulta. An exhilarating experience is guaran-teed!

Address

Naturpark Beverin Center da Capricorns 7433 WergensteinTel. 081 650 70 10 [email protected] www.naturpark-beverin.ch

Facts and figures

Location: Central Graubünden, approx. 35 km south-west of Chur, approx. 160 km from Zurich

Canton: GraubündenArea: 412 km2 Population: 3200Municipalities: 11

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Discover and experienceParc Ela lies at the heart of Grau-bünden and brings together the three linguistic cultures Romansh, Italian and German. With steep mountainsides and expansive val-leys, surrounded by glaciers and mountain lakes, the park still has a sense of wilderness. The historical villages in the valleys with their baroque churches are a reminder of the former importance of the trade routes via the Albula, Julier and Septimer Alpine passes. The scenery, the people and their pro-ducts make the Parc Ela unique!

Alp Flix mire landscapeThe Flix Alpine meadow and mire landscape is renowned for its spe-cies diversity. Children can discover nature at six locations using the researcher kit. A day of excitement and experience is guaranteed with the insect vacuum, magnifying glass and plaster for casting animal tracks. The researcher kit can be obtained on the trail.

Parc Ela

> Research trail: 3 km. Hiking time: 3 hours with experiments. www.parc-ela.ch

Rhaetian Railway: UNESCO World Heritage SiteThe Albula line of the Rhaetian Railway opened in 1903 and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. Considering the con-ditions at the time, the construc-tion of the railway was a gigantic project, comparable to today’s New Rail Link through the Alps. On the Albula Railway Adventure Trail or in the Railway Museum in Bergün, visitors can explore the history of the Rhaetian Railway and its im pact on the everyday life of the people in the region.

Address

Info- und Buchungsstelle Parc Ela Stradung 42 7460 SavogninTel. 081 659 16 18 [email protected] www.parc-ela.ch

Facts and figures

Location: Albula region: Tiefencastel, Filisur, Bergün, Savognin, Bivio

Canton: GraubündenArea: 548 km2

Population: 5400Municipalities: 6

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Pure wilderness!The Swiss National Park represents a pioneering achievement in the context of nature conservation in Europe. Established as the first Alpine national park in 1914, it has the highest classification as a wil-derness area. In addition to all plants and animals, all natural pro-cesses in the Swiss National Park are protected. The 80 kilometres of marked hiking trails enable visi-tors to experience this fascinating landscape and its dynamics at close quarters without causing any major disturbance to natural pro-cesses. The Swiss National Park, the neighbouring Biosfera Val Müstair and the municipality of Scuol have jointly formed the UNESCO Engiadina Val Müstair Bio sphere Reserve since 2010.

MargunetThe Margunet nature trail leads through the Ofenpass forests to high Alpine meadows rich in flora and fauna and provides a glorious panoramic

Swiss National Park

view over half the national park. It also provides interesting in formation about the open and hidden secrets along the route.

> From Stabelchod (car park P8) to Il Fuorn: 8 km. Hiking time: 3 hours. www.nationalpark.ch/en/visit/trails-routes

Zernez Visitors CentreThe Zernez visitors centre was opened in 2008 and is housed in a striking, monolithic building de -signed by the Graubünden archi-tect Valerio Olgiati. The beauty of the Swiss National Park can be explored there using modern tech - nology and solid mechanical devices. The centre includes an exhibition, audio guides in five languages, a discovery trail for children, seasonal special exhibitions, a shop and information point. Starting on 1 May 2019: special exhibition on wolves.

http://www.nationalpark.ch/en/ visit/national-park-centre/

Address

Schweizerischer Nationalpark Schloss Planta-Wildenberg 7530 Zernez Tel. 081 851 41 41 [email protected] www.nationalpark.ch

Facts and figures

Location: In the Engadine, approx. 170 km from Zurich

Canton: GraubündenArea: 170.3 km2 Population: 0Municipalities: 4

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Naturally different!Naturally different, the idyllic Val Müstair is a world in itself. Lush green meadows and picturesque villages form a stark contrast to the wild nature of the nearby National Park. For this reason, its unique landscape has been given two honours: The Val Müstaire was named a Regional Nature Park in 2011 and made part of the UNESCO Engiadina Val Müstaire Biosphere Reserve, along with the Swiss National Park and parts of the municipality of Scuol.

A la Riva dal Rom – on the banks of the RomThis thematic hike starts at the source of the Rom above Tschierv. From here the route winds its way for 14 kilometres following the nat-ural path of the Rom via Fuldera, Valchava and Santa Maria as far as Müstair. The trail’s beauty lies in the wealth of fascinating scenery, from enchanting wetlands and

Biosfera Val Müstair

dense larch forests to striking marshlands and flowering mead-ows.

> A la riva dal Rom: 14 km, 3–4 hours www.biosfera.ch/de/erlebnisse- angebote/la-riva-dal-rom

Promenada William WolfensbergerThis sunny panoramic trail with a total of five benches was created to commemorate the 100th anniver-sary of the death of poet William Wolfensberger. What Wolfensberger describes in his poems is right before your eyes here. In addition, you can enjoy a free view of the impressive peaks of Piz Daint and Piz Dora.

> Promenada William Wolfensberger: 3,5 km, 1 hour 30 min. www.biosfera.ch/de/erlebnisse- angebote/promenada-william- wolfensberger

Address

Biosfera Val Müstair Center da Biosfera 7532 Tschierv Tel. 081 850 09 09 [email protected] www.biosfera.ch

Facts and figures

Location: Val Müstair, 60 km from St. Moritz and 130 km from Chur

Canton: GraubündenArea: 199 km2


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In creating a park, the local popu-lation makes a conscious decision to pursue a sustainable economic and social development in their region. This development should be in tune with local natural and land-scape values, and at the same time maintain an outlook for the local inhabitants and future genera-tions. Changes are therefore desir-able, but they must concord with the sustainability criteria to which the region commits itself.

A park can offer many benefits to the local population. These might include developing marketing strategies for the sale of regional products, encouraging innovative me thods of caring for the cultural landscape for farmers, or helping to market natural attractions for the tourism sector. Some parks now offer new and varied activities for a wide range of visitors and are committed to creating accessible tourism. Such activities extend a park’s value-added chain and create additional value. They help to ensure that existing jobs are maintained and new ones created.

Benefits for the local people

Strengthening identityOverall, a park strengthens the po-sitioning of a region. It can help to ensure that services such as vil-lage shops or public transport are preserved and can encourage so-cial cohesion. A park may also bring new impulse to a region. For ex - ample, several parks have estab-lished working groups and forums to discuss the future of the region and develop concrete projects. Thus, cultural offers, discussion groups and panel discussions are being created as a result of direct initiatives taken by the local population. Such initia-tives strengthen the culture and identity of the region.

Between nature and cultureThe Jura Vaudois Nature Park stretches from the Dôle peak as far as the little me dieval town of Romainmôtier, with its famous abbey. The park has a rich variety of natural features: quiet forests, mysterious marshlands, wide open grasslands and karst rocks. The region is a great place for biking and for pleasure hikes with numerous traditional pubs and farmhouse inns serving local specialities.

On foot through the Jura vaudois Nature ParkThis 2–3 day hike takes you along the ridges from St-Cergue to Ro - main môtier, on to Mont Tendre (1679 m), and down to the foot of the Jura. Along the way you can enjoy the magnificent panorama of the Vallée de Joux, the Alps and the Lake Geneva region.

Jura Vaudois Regional Nature Park

> From St-Cergue to Romainmôtier: 46 km.

Hiking time: a total of 12:30 hours over 2–3 days. www.parcjuravaudois.ch

One of Switzerland’s biggestforest areasSituated more than 1000 metres above sea level, the huge Risoud forest covers an astounding 2277 hectares. The trees are principally spruce, providing wood of a very high quality. It is said that resonant wood from this forest was used to construct some Stradivarius violins. Discover this mystic forest steeped in legend and stories of contra-band…

Address

Parc Jura vaudoisRte du Marchairuz 2 1188 St-GeorgeTel. 022 366 51 70 [email protected] www.parcjuravaudois.ch

Facts and figures

Location: Jura vaudois, 25 km from Yverdon-les-Bains and 35 km from Lausanne

Canton: VaudArea: 531 km2 Population: 34 900Municipalities: 30

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The largest forest on the Swiss PlateauLying north of Lausanne, the huge forest expanse of the Jorat is the largest continuous wooded area on the Swiss Plateau. With its many springs and wetlands, it is a source of high quality drinking water for the region. The Jorat is a special area with a very strong identity.

Fountain Trail in the Jorat forestFor centuries, the main springs in this region have been tapped to provide drinking water to the inhabitants of Lausanne and the surrounding towns and villages. Other less important springs and resurgences have also been tapped over the years to feed the foun tains along the forest paths, formerly for woodcutters and their horses, and nowadays for the de light of walkers.

> Round trip from the Chalet-à-Gobet: 11.7 km. Hiking time: 3 hours.

Jorat Nature Discovery Park

Handicap & Nature TrailThe five-kilometre route, starting and ending at the Villars-Tiercelin forest hut, leads through varied forest landscapes dotted with observation posts on fauna, flora and the mountains. Part of the track is laid out on a removable deck made of oak from the local forest. There are crossing places for wheelchairs every 50 to 100 metres.

> Round trip from the Villars-Tiercelin forest hut: 5 km. Hiking time: 1 hour and 15 min.

Address

Parc naturel périurbain du JoratRue des Fontaines 8 1058 Villars-TiercelinTel. 021 903 09 30 [email protected] www.jorat.org

Facts and figures

Location: north of Lausanne

Canton: VaudArea: 22 km2


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Landscapes with peopleIn the Gruyère Pays-d’Enhaut Re-gional Nature Park, people, nature and culture are bound together in impressive harmony: rugged hills dotted with shingleroofed Alpine huts and historic villages with their stone bridges over the River Saane bear witness to a centuries-old culture. Today the local people still celeb rate their pride in their region with numerous folk festivals and cus toms. And they take delight in the wonderful landscape: La Pierreuse and the Vanil Noir nature reserves being of particularly out-standing beauty.

Chemin de la Sarine in the Pays-d’EnhautThe hike begins in Rougemont, which has several delightful build-ings, and follows the path of the Saane as far as Château-d’Œx. The trail then takes you across meadows to Rossinière. This vil-lage is known for its extraordinary wooden buildings, including the

Gruyère Pays-d’Enhaut Regional Nature Park

Address

Parc naturel régional Gruyère Pays-d’Enhaut Place du Village 6 1660 Château-d’Œx Tel. 0848 110 888 inscriptions@ gruyerepaysdenhaut.chwww.gruyerepaysdenhaut.ch

Facts and figures

The centre of the park is located 80 km from Lausanne and 60 km from Freiburg

Cantons: Fribourg and VaudArea: 503 km2 Population: 14 500Municipalities: 13

fa mous Grand Chalet, in which the painter Balthus spent his final years.

> From Rougemont to Rossinière: 15 km. Hiking time: 3–4 hours. www.gruyerepaysdenhaut.ch

Information centre at the Maison de L’EtivazThe Maison de l’Etivaz is the first Relais Infos – information centre – established in the Gruyère Pays- d’Enhaut Regional Nature Park. It provides general information about the park and the Alpine economy. There are two slide shows which give an insight into local cheese-making techniques in Alpine cha-lets where visitors are invited to participate in the summer months.

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Fresh air park near the capitalThe landscape in Gantrisch Regional Nature Park is characterised by forests, canyons and the unique Gantrisch mountain chain. The area is rich in legends and stories, like the folk song “Vreneli ab em Guggisberg”. The low level of light pol lution provides unimpeded views of the stars. The unspoiled land-scape is ideal for relaxation. The region has been designated as a “Regional Nature Park of National Importance” since 2012. This means that state support is provided for projects in the region that bene- fit nature, society and sustainable business activities.

Gantrisch panoramic trailThe name of this 20-kilometre-long trail holds no false promises. The Gäggersteg footbridge across the forest area damaged by Storm Lo thar will be the high point of this hike for children. Virtue was made of a necessity here: a forest reserve now exists in the area in which entire expanses of forest

Gantrisch Regional Nature Park

were le velled by the storm in the winter of 1999.

> From Gurnigelbad to Zollhaus: 20 km, Hiking time: 7 hours (can be completed in stages). www.schweizmobil.ch/en/ hiking-in-switzerland/routes/route-0379.html

Leisurely Walk in the Gantrisch Regional Nature ParkAlong the circular walk, visitors are rewarded with amazing views and impressions: From the path, visitors can take in the direct view of the Alps, hike through the wild Thanwald, pass the noteworthy and charming town of Oberbütschel and refresh themselves at two restaurants. On Wednesdays, they can take a tour of the nearby Uecht Observatory, where they will be able to gaze at the magnificent starry sky.

> www.gantrisch.ch/musse

Address

Fördeverein Region Gantrisch Naturpark Gantrisch, Schloss Schlossgasse 13 3150 SchwarzenburgTel. 031 808 00 20 [email protected] www.gantrisch.ch

Facts and figures

Location: between Bern, Fribourg and Thun

Cantons: Bern and FribourgArea: 404 km2

Population: 37 100Municipalities: 22

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Close by – wild – treasuredWild landscapes, exciting disco-veries: the Diemtigtal Nature Park offers many outdoor adventures right on your doorstep. With 140 Alpine farms and over 10,000 dairy cows, heifers, sheep, goats and horses, the Diemtigtal is the lar-gest Alpine farming community in Switzerland. The cultural and eco-nomic traditions of this community are still upheld and highly valued today, something which is clearly seen and felt.

Springenboden Wrestling TrailDo you know the Wyberhaken? Home of Swiss wrestling champion Kilian Wenger, here you can find out more about this popular natio-nal sport, which has managed to uphold its deep-rooted traditions.

> Circuit from Springenboden: 2 km, 1:30 hours

Diemtigtal Regional Nature Park

Alpine treatsWhat could be nicer than ending your Alpine experience actually on an Alp? Book a day helping with the cows (“chüejeren”), or cheesema-king in the Füürhus before enjoying a platter of tasty cheese and bread, assorted meats or the traditional farmer’s dish, “rösti” (hash browns). Visitors can round off the day with a glass of wine under a starry sky, in the midst of fascinating moun-tain scenery.

> www.diemtigtal.ch/alpgenuss

Address

Naturpark DiemtigtalBahnhofstrasse 203753 OeyTel. 033 681 26 [email protected]

Facts and figures

Location: Bernese Oberland, half an hour away from the city of Bern

Canton: BernArea: 136 km2 Population: 2400Municipalities: 2

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Delights from mountain to valleyGrasslands and biotopes, idyllic mountain villages and towns, hilly vineyards and one of the largest spruce forest in the Alps… the Pfyn-Finges Nature Park concen-trates huge natural diversity in a small area and has an astonishing variety of different landscapes and richness of flora and fauna.

Illgraben – Bhutan bridge round tripThe 134-metre-long suspended footbridge was constructed in 2002 in cooperation with the Kingdom of Bhutan. It provides an attractive way of accessing the Pfynwald nature conservation area. The bridge also leads the visitor across the Illgraben valley, one of the most active debris flow areas in the entire Alpine region.

Pfyn-Finges Regional Nature Park

Address

Naturpark Pfyn-Finges Kirchstrasse 4 Postfach 653970 SalgeschTel. 027 452 60 60 [email protected] www.pfyn-finges.ch

Facts and figures

Location: Central Valais, 25 km from Visp

Canton: ValaisArea: 277 km2 Population: 11 300Municipalities: 12

> Illgraben – Bhutan Bridge round trip, starts and ends at Leuk train station: 7 km. Hiking time: 2:30 hours. www.pfyn-finges.ch/ illgrabenbhutanbruecke

Info centresFurther information about the region can be obtained at the Pfyn-Finges Nature Park, at the Leuk Tourism entrance to the SOSTA sport and culture centre at Leuk railway sta-tion, and at Siders railway station.

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Swiss Parks of National Importance are characterised by their scenic beauty, rich biodiversity and valua-ble cultural heritage. The people within the park communities are committed not only to preserving this valuable resource, but also to improving it and using it for the economic and social development of their region.

Significant scenic, natural and cultural valueOf significant value in a Park of Na tional Importance are forests and waters rich in biodiversity, rare habitats such as marshlands, alluvial zones and dry meadows, and unique landscapes of excep-tional beauty such as the Jura Heights in the Argovia Jurapark or the managed grasslands of the Alps in the Diemtigtal Nature Park. In addition, the buffer zones around national parks and regional nature parks are areas of well-tended cul-tural landscapes, unspoilt villages and valuable cultural as sets such as the St. Johann Monastery in the Biosfera Val Müstair (GR), which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Supported by the peopleParks originate in the hearts and minds of the local people: The pub-lic gives the impetus for the crea-tion of a park. Only then will the federal government support a park project and award it the park label – provided all requirements are ful-filled. The local municipalities play a considerable role in the park autho rity, making strategically important decisions about the park.

The Swiss Parks

Preserving value and promoting sustainable managementIncreasing numbers of municipali-ties in Switzerland are adopting policies based on sustainable deve lopment. This is particularly noticeable in the parks, where the in habitants are aware of the spe-cial nature of the local and regional area and of the value of the land-scape. This value also lies in the vil-lages and the culture of the people living there. Municipalities within the parks work together and with other partners to develop visions and strategies to preserve these values and use them to develop their municipalties sustainably.

Fascination and enjoymentThe parks provide the opportunity to experience nature up close and learn new things about the natural world; this might happen, for exam-ple, on a “herb walk” or “marshland landscape path”. Village shops sell locally produced sausages, wine and cheese and local restaurants offer tempting regional specialities.

It is a combination of all these qualities, which makes the Swiss Parks unique.

The Federal Office for the Environ-ment (FOEN) awards the park label for a period of ten years to parks that fulfil all federal requirements. Products and services from these parks, which meet particular requirements can be certified with a product label by the park authority. Park labelIf a park meets the requirements, it receives the protected label of “Park of National Importance” from the federal authorities. The park label is valid for ten years, after which time the park authorities must submit a new application. This ensur es that the park meets all the natural, landscape and cultural requirements, that the management works professionally, and that all democratic, financial and territorial aspects of the park are guaranteed over the long term. Prospective parks can request a provisional candidate label whilst at the development stage.

Park and product label

Product labelGoods and services from the parks are eligible for the Swiss Parks product label designation from the park authority. Fourteen parks already offer over than 1,700 dif-ferent food products – and the range is grow ing. For example, the “Jurakette” (“Jura chain”) sausage is produced in the Thal Nature Park (SO). The L’Étivaz Alpine cheese from the Gruyère Pays-d’Enhaut Nature Park, the “Mostbröckli” (smoked and air-dried beef, served in thin slices) from the Argovia Jurapark and the cereal risotto from the Gantrisch Nature Park all carry the “Swiss Parks” product label, which guarantees that the product is a high-quality regional speciality from a park. The label is only awarded if the products meet the requirements of a local brand and the services are essentially provided within the park area. In addition, they should be produced sustainably and help to strengthen the regional economy. The federal level certification process ensures that this is the case. Consumers of local goods and services thus contribute to preserving and improving the local biodiversity and countryside, to promoting spe-cific cultural values and boosting the regional economy.

River, border and bondThe Doubs River forms a natural border for 40 km between Switzer-land and France. In Les Brenets, this wonder of nature is particularly impressive because here the river becomes a lake flanked by steep cliffs. The lake’s tranquil waters are suddenly agitated before becoming the Saut du Doubs waterfall. You can reach the water-fall on foot from the pier. The river continues its course through wild gorges, passing through Goumois and continuing all the way to Clos du Doubs before reentering France. Saut du DoubsThe hike starts in Les Brenets and after three kilometers takes visi-tors to the trail’s first highlight, the “Saut du Doubs” waterfall, then continues alongside the Lac de Moron on to the dam. The small “Halte du Châtelot” restaurant was once a meeting place for smugglers. The Doubs River runs past rugged cliffs, at times furiously gushing and then calmly flowing on to La Rasse.

Doubs Regional Nature Park

> From Les Brenets to Biaufond: 21.2 km. Hiking time: 6:25 hours. www.schweizmobil.ch/en/ hiking-in-switzerland/routes/route-095.html

Étang de la GruèreThe Étang de la Gruère is an oasis of greenery located at the heart of the Franches-Montagnes, between Saignelégier and Tramelan. A trail winds its way along this scenic body of water in the midst of a marshy landscape. Lush and beau-tiful vegetation thrives in the wet-lands, which are also home to interesting terrestrial and aquatic fauna.

Address

Parc du Doubs, Place du 23-Juin 6 CP 316 2350 SaignelégierTel. 032 420 46 70 [email protected] www.parcdoubs.ch

Facts and figures

Location: Northwestern Swit-zerland, approx. 60 km from Basel and 20 km from Neuchâtel

Cantons: Jura, Neuchâtel and BernArea: 294 km2 Population: 14 400Municipalities: 16

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The great outdoorsThere are many aspects to the Chas-seral Regional Nature Park, which takes its name from the splendid mountain ridge that overlooks western Switzerland. The pastures, vineyards, wild gullies, plateaus and valleys bear testimony to a fierce desire to live with dignity. Quality watches and famous cheeses: dependable values. Everyone will encounter life’s true pleasures while walking, eating, breathing, observing and chatting here.

Pioneers’ trailOn this two-day hike from the Chasseral to Vue des Alpes, walk-ers can discover how nature in the Jura mountains was “tamed” by humans. Nature, in turn, shaped the special character of inhabit-ants. The trail with its many spec-tacular views leads along hedges, dry stone walls and mountain inns (métairies).

Chasseral Regional Nature Park

> From the Chasseral to the Vue des Alpes: 28 km. Hiking time: 2 days of 3:20 hours and 4:45 hours. www.parcchasseral.ch

Anabaptists’ trailOn this two-day trip you can discover various visible traces of the life of the Anabaptists (a community that sought refuge in the plateau region of the Jura mountains in the 17th century), including secret gathering places with mysterious inscriptions, the Anabaptist Archive, networks of dry stone walls and much more.

> From Sonceboz-Sombeval to the Chasseral: 33 km. Hiking time: 2 days of 4:30 hours and 6 hours. www.schweizmobil.ch/en/ hiking-in-switzerland/routes/etappe-0992.html

Address

Parc régional ChasseralPlace de la Gare 2CP 2192610 Saint-ImierTel. 032 942 39 49 [email protected] www.parcchasseral.ch

Facts and figures

Location: 10 km from Biel, Neuchâtel and La Chaux-de-Fonds Cantons: Bern and Neuchâtel

Cantons: Bern, NeuchâtelArea: 387 km2 Population: 38 700Municipalities: 21

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and on to Mieschegg. It is worth taking a quick detour to the dry stone wall on the Probstenberg, before the path leads back down to the village of Welschenrohr.

> Round trip back to Welschenrohr: 14 km. Hiking time: 4 hours. www.naturparkthal.ch/ wolfsschlucht-weg

Holzweg Thal, Balsthal and HolderbankThe “Holzweg Thal” is a discovery trail that introduces visitors to the forest and its product, wood, via the media of art and play, inviting them to think, feel and touch. Artist Sammy Deichmann’s instal-lations present nature in new and unexpected ways. They blend harmoniously with their natural surroundings, inviting discovery.

> Several possible routes: 1:30 hours – 2:30 hours. www.holzwegthal.ch

Address

Naturpark Thal Hölzlistrasse 57 Postfach 255 4710 Balsthal Tel. 062 386 12 30 [email protected] www.naturparkthal.ch

Facts and figures

Location: Solothurn Jura, bet-ween Berne, Basel, Lucerne and Zurich

Canton: SolothurnArea: 139 km2 Population: 14 800Municipalities: 9

Ideal at any paceAlthough the Thal Nature Park lies right in the middle of Switzerland, it is a relatively well-kept secret. Nestling in the hills of the Solothurn Jura, this is a place where nature can be enjoyed at any pace. You can cycle through the countryside scattered with ruined castles or hike along the thematic trails and discover more about the flora and fauna, the geology of the region and local myths and legends. Altern a tively, you may want to try out your climbing skills. And those who just want to relax can enjoy a good meal in one of the many mountain restaurants.

Wolfsschlucht – “Wolf’s Gorge” trail, WelschenrohrThis hike takes you through the many different aspects of the Thal Nature Park. The route begins with an ascent through the beautifully wild and romantic Wolfsschlucht (Wolf’s Gorge) and then continues along the airy heights of the second Jura mountain chain to Tannmatt

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Thal Regional Nature Park

Recreation and relaxationNestled between the rivers Aare and Rhine lie the hills of the Aargau Jura. This is the largest natural recreation area between Basel and Zurich, where hikers can delight in majestic fir trees, areas dotted with orchids, orchards, rocky out-crops and vineyards. It is the perfect place to relax, to discover and enjoy your surroundings and to get some exercise. At the heart of the park lies the Tafeljura between Frick and Villigen, an area of high plateaus giving views far into the Alps. The Aargau Jura, with its orig-inal valleys and villages, provides a gentle contrast to the built-up areas along the Aare and Rhine.

Frick Valley cherry trailThe Chriesiwäg cherry trail in Gipf- Oberfrick takes walkers through the spectacularly beautiful land-scape of the Frick Valley with its abundance of cherry trees. The trail includes eleven information panels about cherry cultivation. Direct tas - ting from marked trees is permitted.

Argovia Jurapark

> Round trip from Gipf-Oberfrick bus stop, bridge: 5.5 km. Hiking time: 1:30 to 2 hours, longer option 4 hours. www.chriesiwaeg.ch

Raftsmen’s trailRafting was an important industry in the 19th century. Rafters steered the timber rafts on the Aare and the Rhine from Stilli to Laufenburg and walked overland from there back to the starting point. Today, this well-marked trail winds through the vineyards of the Mettau Valley and has information boards about the history. Take a break and enjoy a “rafting beer” or an overnight stay at the Gasthaus Bären in Hottwill.

> Start: Laufenburg, destination: Stilli (Villigen) – or opposite direction Distance : 20 km, 4–6 hours www.floesserweg.ch

Address

Jurapark Aargau Linn 51 5225 Bözberg Tel. 062 877 15 04 [email protected] www.jurapark-aargau.ch

Facts and figures

Location: Aargau Jura, 40 km from Zurich, 8 km from Aarau, 25 km from Basel

Cantons: Aargau, Solothurn

Area: 241 km2 Population: 41 300Municipalities: 28

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Schaffhausen Regional Nature Park

Randen, vineyards, RhineIn the northernmost corner of Swit-zerland lies an unexpectedly diverse landscape waiting to be discovered and experienced in all kinds of ways. The Schaffhausen Regional Nature Park is an area of expansive arable land, exceptional grasslands, wide- ranging forests and beautifully tended vineyards, and the unique landscape through which flows the River Rhine. Take in the view across the region and beyond from the Randen towers, learn about the countryside and its people in a tour around the picturesque villages or delve into the past at the Kessler-loch.

Rhine-vineyard routeHike through vineyards and along the Rhine. Follow the trails used by the Romans, Celts and ferry operators and discover a piece of history.

Address

Regionaler Naturpark Schaffhausen Hauptstrasse 50 8217 Wilchingen Tel. 052 533 27 07 [email protected]

Facts and figures

Location: Swiss-German border, north of the Rhine, 30 km north of Zurich

Cantons: Schaffhausen; Waldshut district (DE)

Area: 209 km2, of which 175 km2 in Switzerland

Population: 26 000 Municipalities: 15; two villages on

German side

> From Jestetten ((D) with SBB) to Buchberg: 13 km, 3:30 hours www.natourpark.ch (Wandern)

Reiatweg Discover one of the most northern regions of Switzerland. The hike through varied terrain and the view of extinct volcanoes and the Alps is thrilling.

> Recommended starting point: Hüttenleben bus stop in Thayngen.

> Round trip starting and ending in Thayngen: 19 km, 4:45 hours www.wanderland.ch/en/ hiking-in-switzerland/ hiking-in-swiss-parks.html

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Something unique is emerging in the Sihlwald forestThe Wildnispark Zurich Sihlwald in Switzerland’s Central Plateau is unique in that it features a vast, connected area of around 11 square kilometres and offers a rare example of a primeval beech for-est. Although human management of the Sihlwald was ceased not so long ago in 2000, there are already large sections of the forest with dead standing trees and fallen, decaying tree trunks, which pro-vide insight into the emerging for-est and wilderness. The wilderness offers a wide range of habitats for plants and animals. Hundreds of beetle, gnat and fly species make their homes in and on the dead-wood. The variety of lichens, moss and fungi is amazing. Beech, ash and silver firs grow into huge giants over 50 metres tall. The Sihlwald was the first area in Switzerland to receive the official “Nature Discov-ery Park” label and certification. These credentials refer to its unique combination of nature pro-

Wildnispark Zurich Sihlwald

tection and recreation. For visitors who seek recreation, it boasts 73 km of hiking trails, 59 km of cycling routes and 55 km of bridle paths. Current and previously local wild animals, such as brown bear, wolf, lynx, deer, elk and European bison, can be found in the expansive and near natural compounds of the Wildnispark Zurich Langenberg.

Visitors CentreThe visitors centre of the Wildnis-park Zurich Sihlwald is located five minutes away from Sihlwald railway station. It provides information about the park, has a restaurant, a souvenir and bookstore, a large wilderness playground and a nature mu seum. Opening hours: 21st of March till the end of October, Tue to Sat from 12 to 5:30 pm; Sun 9 am to 5:30 pm; closed Mondays.

Address

Stiftung Wildnispark Zurich Alte Sihltalstrasse 38 8135 SihlwaldTel. 044 722 55 22 [email protected] www.wildnispark.ch

Facts and figures

Location: 20 km south of Zurich

Canton: ZurichArea: 11 km2

Population: 90Municipalities: 6 perimeter

municipalities / 13 affiliated municipalities

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THE SWISS PARKS - Federal Council · TE SSS PRS SM NERS TE R Gruyre aysdEnhaut egional Nature ark Nut tarts, apple cider, excursions and overnight stays: The Swiss Parks produce unique

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