Navigating the Swiss Parks Website
Map

No two parks are alike

There are four different park categories in Switzerland: the Swiss National Park - National Parks of new generation - Regional Nature Parks - Nature Discovery Parks. 19 parks are operative and 1 is in the establishment phase.

Maps

Mention copyrights and sources

Clear goals in mind

Swiss parks have clearly defined goals and visions. They preserve and maintain valuable cultural and natural landscapes. They promote a sustainable regional economy and education for a sustainable development. They raise both their inhabitants and visitors' awareness about the ecological, cultural, historical and economic aspects of the region and support these elements.

Sustainable Development

Swiss parks are model regions for sustainable development. They value ecological, social and economic interests equally and promote sustainable development in their region.

Born thanks to the willingness and commitment of their inhabitants, the parks strengthen regional identity and ties, and provide a rich habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna. They also encourage slow tourism and promote local products thanks to the "Swiss parks" label.

From the idea to the actual park

Great ideas notwithstanding, parks do not emerge overnight. The community's commitment is an absolute prerequisite. First step: a feasibility study identifies a park potential for a particular region. Second step: the strategy and the objectives are defined in a charter. Finally, the inhabitants vote on the project. Should they accept it, the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) grants the Park label to the newly born park.

The charter has a ten-year duration, after which park inhabitants vote again.

Making history

In 1914, the Swiss National Park made history as the first National Park in the Alps. Almost one hundred years later, time was ripe for another historical moment: in 2007, the new Nature and Cultural Heritage Protection Act provided for more parks to be created. Since then, 19 new parks were born or are currently being established.

Current events

20 March
Naturpark Pfyn-Finges

Bearded vulture and the alpine habitat

Bearded vulture and alpine habitat on the Gemmi

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10 April
Naturpark Pfyn-Finges

Ornithology excursion: Spring Awakening

Ornithological excursion "Spring Awakening"

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13 April
Naturpark Pfyn-Finges

Wellness for the protected reserve Pfyn forest

Wellness for the protected forest - cleaning day

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17 April
Naturpark Pfyn-Finges

Birds in the cultural landscape of Brentjong

Guided ornithological excursion

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20 April
Naturpark Pfyn-Finges

Excursion: Spring adonis

Adonis florets in the Kastleren cultural landscape

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24 April
Naturpark Pfyn-Finges

(Migratory) Birds at Leukerfeld

Ornithological excursion

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1 May
Naturpark Pfyn-Finges

Birds in forest flooding plain

Ornithological excursion

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7 May
Naturpark Pfyn-Finges

Ornithology excursion: Nightingale

Ornithological excursion "Nightingale"

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11 May
Naturpark Pfyn-Finges

Ornithological-Poetic Walk

Ornithological-poetic walks in the early-morning.

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