Page 254 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Switzerland

4
SWISS

NATIONAL PARK

EXPERIENCE Eastern Switzerland and Graubünden
! G4 ⌂ 148 km (92 miles) SE of Zurich # Jun–Oct: 8:30am–6pm daily;
Nov–May: 9am–5pm daily ∑ nationalpark.ch
Established in 1914, the Swiss National Park, or Parc Naziunal Svizzer
in Romansch, was the first national park to be created in the Alps.
This pristine nature reserve covers an area of 170 sq km (66 sq miles)
and its topography ranges from sheltered valleys and dense forests
to flower-covered meadows and rocky, snow-covered peaks.

The best way to appreciate the park is to follow its 80 km
(50 miles) of well-marked hiking trails. Many of these
start from parking areas off Ofenpassstrasse, the
only highway through the park. A free app has
detailed maps and park information, including
where to find overnight accommoda tion in the
park. Walkers are also reminded that they are
forbidden to stray from these trails for
conserva tion reasons. On the park’s western
border, Ova Spin overlooks rugged mountain
terrain. To the east are mag ni ficent snowy views
of Piz Nair and Munt la Schera, while in the north
the vista is of mountains blanketed in pine forests.

TOP TOP FIVE
5 ALPINE
ANIMALS
Ibex
The Alps’ iconic
goats are instantly
recognizable bytheir
long horns.
Chamois
These skittish Alpine
antelopes dart easily
up and down cliffsides.
Golden Eagles
These regal birds spiral,
disappear and swoop on
the mountain wind.
Northern Viper
The park’s only snake,
vipers are often found
motionless in the grass.
Marmots
These adorable rodents A pair of hikers
thrive in the park’s negotiating the terrain,
meadowlands. which is dotted with
mountain huts (inset)
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