Swiss National Park at Il Fuorn
Zernez, Switzerland
Switzerland’s only national park, strictly protected since 1914. Leave the car at the numbered car parks on the Ofen Pass road and walk in; red deer are easiest to spot at dawn.
The Swiss National Park in the Engadine in Graubünden is Switzerland's only national park and the oldest in the Alps. It opened on 1 August 1914, covers 170.3 square kilometres and belongs to the strictest IUCN protection category (Ia). Il Fuorn lies on the Ofen Pass road near Zernez; overnight stays inside the park are only allowed at the Chamanna Cluozza, and there is also the Hotel il Fuorn.
Marmots are common and often seen up close, alongside ibex, red deer, chamois, foxes and golden eagles; wolves and bears appear only occasionally. The National Park Centre is in Zernez. The trail network has 21 numbered routes; Wikipedia gives over 80 kilometres, the park itself about 100. According to the park, the best way to arrive is by train or bus.
The rules are strict: stay on the marked paths and take nothing with you. Dogs, fires, drones, litter and entry in winter are prohibited. Violations cost up to 300 CHF. Please check the exact rules and season with the National Park Centre in advance.
- Nearest town
- Zernez, Switzerland
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 46.6628, 10.2042
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Switzerland: Vignette needed for motorways. Vehicles over 3.5 t pay the heavy vehicle charge instead of the vignette. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Camping CulCampsite10 km from Swiss National Park at Il FuornTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- AquafrescaCampsite19 km from Swiss National Park at Il FuornTentsCaravansElectricityWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- PalipertCampsite19 km from Swiss National Park at Il FuornTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Stella AlpinaMotorhome stopover19 km from Swiss National Park at Il FuornTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Campeggio Letizia LivignoCampsite21 km from Swiss National Park at Il Fuorn · 22 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityWi-Fi
- Camping MadulainCampsite22 km from Swiss National Park at Il FuornTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
All campsites in Switzerland · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Swiss National Park at Il Fuorn?
Swiss National Park at Il Fuorn is in Zernez, Switzerland, at GPS 46.6628, 10.2042. It is about 8 km from Ofenpass.
Can you camp near Swiss National Park at Il Fuorn?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camping Cul, about 10 km away; within 25 km there are 18 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Swiss National Park at Il Fuorn?
Swiss National Park at Il Fuorn is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Albula Pass and the Lower Engadine.
What is there to see near Swiss National Park at Il Fuorn?
Places worth a stop nearby: Tarasp Castle (14 km), Passo dello Stelvio (24 km), Marienberg Abbey (25 km) and Churburg Castle (29 km).
When is the best time to visit Swiss National Park at Il Fuorn?
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)