Navigating the Swiss parks network
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Swiss Parks Network
Monbijoustrasse 61
CH-3007 Berne

Tel. +41 (0)31 381 10 71
Mob. +41 (0)76 525 49 44
info@parks.swiss

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News from the parks

Die Schweizer Pärke am Salon Goûts & Terroirs 2024

Die Genussmesse «Salon Suisse des Goûts et Terroir» findet vom 30. Oktober bis am 3. November in Bulle (FR) statt. 
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Categories & missions

No two parks are alike

In Switzerland there are four different park categories, each of which have different objectives and functions.

Categories overview

The Swiss National Park is in the Engadine. Born in 1914, it has a long story and is regulated by its own law.

The other Swiss parks exist since 2008. They were created under the Federal Act on the Protection of Nature and Cultural Heritage (NCHA), which provides for three park categories:

The Swiss National Park is a wilderness area according to the International Union for Conservation of nature (IUCN). It meets the highest standards applying to nature reserves.

Not only do animal and plants benefit from high protection standards in wilderness areas, but tourism as well. Practically unspoiled nature and the unforgettable experience of animal watching attract many visitors to the Swiss National Park.

Goals:

  • Safeguarding the free development of nature
  • Environmental education and awareness-raising
  • Research

Nature can develop on its own in the national parks' core zone. Sustainable traditional landscapes management is a must in the buffer zone, as well as the development of sustainable economic activities.

Not only do animals and plants benefit from high protection standards in wilderness areas, but tourism as well. Practically unspoiled nature and the unforgettable experience of animal watching attract many visitors to the Swiss National Park.

Goals:

In the core zone:
  • Safeguard the free development of nature
In the buffer zone:
  • Restrain any negative influences from reaching the core zone
  • Near-natural management of the cultural landscape
  • Promote a sustainable economy
In the whole park:
  • Environmental education and awareness-raising
  • Research

(Currently, there are no park projects in this category.)

The regional nature parks preserve traditional cultural landscapes and enhance their value. They stimulate the creation of added value according to sustainable development criteria. For instance, beautiful landscapes and an unspoiled nature are great assets for tourism. Finally regional nature parks also promote local farming and production.

Goals:

  • Preserve and enhance cultural and natural landscape
  • Promote a sustainable economy in the region
  • Environmental education and awareness-raising

For biosphere reserves:

  • Research

Nature discovery parks are located near cities. They offer unspoiled habitats to the indigenous flora and fauna and allow the general public to experience nature. They offer special outdoor activities in their transition zones.

Goals:

In the core zone:
  • Safeguard the free development of nature
In the transition zone:
  • Prevent harmful instructions into the core zone
  • Manage cultural landscapes in a near-natural manner
In the whole park:
  • Environment education and awareness-raising

Minimum area

National parks of new generation

Core zone

in the Alps: min. 100 km2
in the Jura and the south Alps: min. 75 km2
in the Swiss midlands: min. 50 km2  

Buffer zone

must surround the core zone possibly in one piece  

Regional nature park

The regional nature park is not divided into any zones.  

Total area

min. 100 km2  
The whole municipalities' territory is part of the park.  

Nature discovery parks

Core zone

min. 4 km2  

Buffer zone

min. 2 km2