Few beats the magic and splendor of African wildlife. Hardly any other national park in the world in terms of its unspoilt countryside, wildlife and vastness of the area rivals the Kruger Nature Reserve in South Africa.
Kruger National Park is capable of offering one of the best safaris in the world. A wide variety of the largest mammals on earth can be seen in one location, a large number of birds, large predators and their prey. If you are a wildlife lover then this is definitely the place for you.
Sagarmatha National Reserve, Nepal
Highly and majestically located in the Himalayas, Nepal's Sagarmatha Nature Reserve includes three of the ten most high mountains in the world, including Everest. Endless glaciers, breathtaking valleys with untouched snow make nature Park Sagarmatha is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. And, of course, for lovers of wildlife, not visiting this alpine reserve means losing something important.
Fjordland Game Reserve, New Zealand
If you are into gorgeous fjords and boating, then this is a must visit. The main attraction is Milford Sound, but in addition, the other 14 fjords with the most romantic landscapes make this park unique place, unlike any other nature reserve in the world.
Galapagos National Park, Ecuador
Galapagos Islands with amazing landscapes surrounded by clear blue water is a paradise for exotic animals and wildlife. The unique atmosphere of the islands is of historical and scientific value. Recently, the initiatives of ecological tourism have been strongly supported here.
Tikal National Park, Guatemala
Traveling to Tikal National Park is primarily a means of exploring Mayan heritage. Set in a wild jungle, Tikal hides fantastic remains of Mayan settlements that date back to around 250-900 AD. Even what remains from those times amazes tourists. amazing architecture temples and a variety of different wild animals. Tikal is a place for amazing adventures and unforgettable impressions.
Reserve "Yellow Dragon", China
Calcium sediment here creates the illusion of gold, which gave the name to this place - "Yellow Dragon". Also, this reserve is home to the cute, world-famous panda - the symbol of WWF.
The area features a unique gated ecosystem with waterfalls, hot springs, virgin forests and snow-capped mountaintops, home to endangered species such as the Sichuan gold-bearing monkeys and the giant panda. The Yellow Dragon is a real mecca for photographers from all over the world.
Iguazu National Wildlife Refuge, Argentina
The protected area, which is included in the World Heritage, is the most impressive location in Brazil and Argentina. Over 70 meters high and 1,500 meters wide, the breathtaking waterfalls are home to best views fauna South America... The views of the surrounding subtropical forests will leave no one indifferent.
Kakadu National Wildlife Refuge, Australia
The Kakadu National Wildlife Refuge is located in Northern Australia. This quintessentially Australian landscape is one of the few places designated as a World Heritage Site, both for its natural and cultural significance.
The reserve stretches over 3.2 million acres and includes several areas of traditional residence of the indigenous peoples of the continent. The wonderful South Alligator rivers, coastal beaches, rainforests and monsoon winds make national reserve Cockatoo is a welcome place to visit.
National reserve, Switzerland
Although Switzerland is best known for the magic of the Alps, it is home to the only national reserve that is nevertheless worth a visit. The Swiss National Park was established in 1914 and is inhabited by a huge variety of interesting animals such as the chamois, ibex, golden eagle or bearded vulture. Rivers, snow-capped mountains and alpine valleys represent nature in its most picturesque manifestations.
Machu Picchu, Peru
The majestic Machu Picchu has been the most popular tourist destination in Peru for many years. No matter how many times a tourist has been here to enjoy the grandeur of ancient monuments, traveling in the footsteps of the Incas always brings excitement, adventure and mystery.
Switzerland is a small country by European standards, so it is not surprising that there is only one national natural park here. By the way, it is called the Swiss National Park. At the beginning of the 20th century, the territory of today's park was subjected to the so-called industrialization.
This term, translated into normal language, means total production natural resources... And after the latter were almost completely used, someone came up with an idea: "Shouldn't we create a national natural park here, all like this."
And since this idea absolutely did not contradict the democratic principles of building society, it fell on fertile soil and is still there. In any case, in 1914, economic activity was completely prohibited on its territory.
And after a while, it was announced that national park... And the reason for the creation of the park was announced: the need to study the ability of nature to restore.
The park is located in the Engadine Valley and its total area is 172.4 square kilometers. Moreover, all of it is located within heights from 1400 meters above sea level to 3174 meters.
Its second name is: Engodin Park, due to the fact that it occupies the southern slopes of the valley of the same name. This park became the first alpine reserve in Europe, created in a place actively developed by man.
What to see.
Since human economic activity in the park is prohibited in any field of activity, this fact has a very favorable effect on the fauna of the park. Anyway, not everyone nature reserve today will be able to boast of the presence of more than 60 species of mammals.
Among the latter, there are such rare today species as the alpine ibex, chamois, alpine marten, lynx, brown bear and a considerable number of others, among which there is even an endemic alpine newt.
It is clear that such types of illegal fishing as poaching are unacceptable here. Moreover, there are many prohibitions in the park, which are not very easy to explain by Slavic logic.
In particular, it is forbidden to ride a bicycle, make loud noises and sleep in tents in the park. Moreover, the fines here are issued not by the human traffic police, but by the strict and incorruptible park security service.
But the most important asset in the park is 21 hiking route... Their total length is 80 kilometers and they fully represent the opportunity to admire the beauty of these places and see the local inhabitants in their natural conditions.
It is also interesting that the entrance to the park is absolutely free, which is quite rare for Switzerland. In addition, there are 9 parking lots along its perimeter, which are also free and have their own routes departing from them.
The park is open from June to October, so everyone who wants to hurry up, otherwise the protracted economic crisis can make its not very good amendments to such a safe and cheap location.
The most interesting thing is that opposite the southern slopes of the Engadine Valley are the northern slopes. So on these slopes there is also a nature reserve created in 2006. Its name is Ela Regional Park.
It covers the territory of the local mountain range between the peaks El and Kesh. Its area is 600 square kilometers and here human economic activity is permitted on a limited scale.
Its last feature, in particular, allows you to ride on railroad Rhaetische Bahn, which is included in the UNESCO lists. Its length is 63 kilometers. It would seem that it is, if not for 55 bridges and 39 tunnels, which are also included in the route.
And actually there is nothing to say about the views of the Engadin mountains, because it is a must see. In addition, there is ski resorts, on which the fashion to ski from year to year does not pass.
There is also another popular Jura Natural Park in Switzerland. Apparently, it was named after the first cosmonaut on Earth. It's along the coast Lake Geneva from Le Santier to Nyon. The Jura Mountains and one of the most beautiful valleys in Switzerland, the Zhu Valley, are considered the pearls of the park.
Despite the rather populated area, there is a very rich world of flora and fauna. And in Lake Zhu there are over 50 species of fish. As elsewhere in Switzerland, there is an excellent network of hiking and ski trails. Their total length is 523 kilometers.
And the local catering sphere will add color in the form of restaurants and cafes. Is here and cycling routes, which enjoy increased attention among fans of two-wheeled cars with a foot drive. Search for cheap hotels.
How to get there.
The best option active rest in the Engadin National Park, there will be a stop at St. Moritz. This area has a very developed infrastructure and anyone who suffers from natural spectacles will feel comfortable here.
The main mode of transport for arriving at the St. Moritz resort is the railway. The most convenient train is from Zurich, which runs every hour to Chur. In the latter, a transfer is made to St. Moritz. From Kura, trains run once an hour, starting at 13.58 and ending at 17.58.
Travel Plan - "DSBW Travel Collection" organizes excursion tours to Switzerland in 2020, which we offer at very competitive prices for small groups of up to 12 people, which provide the highest level of comfort in sightseeing trip... We have tours both only in Switzerland and in combination with Bavaria, for example a tour "Bavaria - Switzerland" or tour "Switzerland Classic"... Our tours include Zurich and Bern, Geneva and Lucerne, Montreux and Vivey, the Rhine Falls and the medieval Stein am Rhein, Fondue Dinner in Gruyeres and much more.
Switzerland is an amazing country that has been spared by the war and hardships of the past century. For many, she is a model of comfort and tranquility. Switzerland is many-sided and varied. Different traditions and cultures coexist here: German-speaking Zurich and French-speaking Geneva, speaking Italian Ticino - they are all part of the same, but very different countries. Excursion tours to Switzerland allow our travelers to see all the cultural diversity of this country's life. You will also find many interesting tours covering three countries at once - Switzerland, Germany and Austria.
Our tours to Switzerland are designed for tourists from different cities Russia. In each round, in the "Transport" section, there is information on flights and transfers: from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Tyumen, Kazan, Samara, Rostov-on-Don, Krasnodar, Novosibirsk, Vladivostok. We also welcome tourists from other cities.
Switzerland is very interesting in terms of excursion and educational plan, but enough dear country... We have developed our programs in such a way that the cost of traveling in Switzerland would be comparable to tours to other countries and regions of Europe. With extensive experience in Switzerland, we offer a variety of tours both to Switzerland itself and in combination with Bavaria, Austria or Italy. Using our own transport allows us to provide both high quality service, and guarantee all announced dates of the tours.
- The address: 7530 Zernez, Canton Graubünden, Engadine Valley, Switzerland
- Telephone: +41 81 851 41 41
- Official site: www.nationalpark.ch
- Square: 172.4 km²
- Foundation date: August 1, 1914
- Working hours: daily from 9.00 to 12.00 and from 14.00 to 17.00, Saturday and Sunday are days off
- Visit cost: admission is free, parking is free
The only national park is located in the Engadine Valley, which stretches in the east of the country. Here, in the legendary foothills, you can admire pristine natural landscapes and observe animals in their natural habitat. Swiss National Park - perfect place for hiking and a unique opportunity to explore wildlife that we see less and less often due to the rapid growth of urban areas.
For referenceThe reserve was opened on one of the most terrible days in the history of mankind, on the day when the First World War began, which claimed the lives of more than 17 million people. Switzerland is known for its unshakable decision to remain neutral: it was not involved in the war. Instead, enterprises were opened in the state, the economy developed and, of course, all kinds of tourist centers.
On August 1, 1914, the Engadine National Park began operations. Worrying for endlessly scenic spots park, many rules of conduct have been introduced here. The first of them says that leaving special hiking trails in no case is it possible. The second rule prohibits spending the night on the territory of the reserve (for the safety of the guest too, since an impressive number of animals live here).
However, there are exceptions to this rule - the Il Fuorn hotel and the Chamanna Cluozza hut. No one will bother you within the walls of the hotel and the forest house, and you will spend your time with comfort and pleasure. It makes no sense to list all the rules, but it should be remembered that order is very closely monitored in the park. You can get a fine even for the most ordinary loud sounds (whether it's music or your own voice, it doesn't matter), because they can scare the representatives of the local fauna.
Flora and fauna of the reserveThe fauna is represented by about 60 species of mammals, more than 100 birds and about 70 amphibious creatures. Some of them are even endemic, such as the Alpine ibex and Alpine newt. Here you can find a stone marten, boldly making contact with a person, a fast lynx, a brown bear and a chamois. Red deer and white hare, widespread in Europe and Asia, are also inhabitants of the reserve. Cunning foxes, squirrels, toads and frogs, nimble voles - whoever you can meet at this celebration of nature. By the way, snakes are rare here. The only snake state reserve- northern viper, which can reach 60-65 cm in length.
Of the birds, bearded vultures, or, as they are also called, lambs, are especially interesting. The winged rulers of the Alps received the second name because of researchers who mistakenly believed that these birds feed on sheep. In fact, the best delicacy for them is carrion and bones, and their claws are completely unsuitable for attack and murder. Also, nutcrackers (birds of the corvid family), huge eagles and the ptarmigan, the only local bird that does not leave the reserve even in the harsh winter time, fly over the reserve.
Despite the fact that 51% of the national park in Switzerland is made up of rocks without the slightest hint of vegetation, there is plenty of curious greenery here. While mountain pines, endless larches and spruces form whole forest armies, the stemless resin beloved by butterflies, all kinds of orchids, fabulous bells, forget-me-nots, glacial beckvichia and many other plants with difficult-to-understand names create an interesting flavor of the park. Lingonberries also grow in the local area. Of the green endemics, Alpine poppy, Alpine edelweiss and, no matter how awful one more repetition of this word sounds, Alpine aster are known.
How to get there?You can get to the oldest alpine reserve by bus from Zernez to Mustair. Transport connection excellent between cities, every hour goes to Musteer new bus with passengers. The entrance to the reserve is free, parking is also free. Fees are taken exclusively for and exhibitions. Please note that the park is closed on Saturdays and Sundays, and on weekdays it is always glad to have guests from 9.00 to 12.00 and from 14.00 to 17.00.
Every year there are more and more visitors to the park. From the first days of June until mid-autumn, more than 150 thousand tourists from all over the world come here, wishing to be at least a little with wild nature face to face. However, people tired of city life are not the only ones who visit the reserve. Very often, special events for the younger generation are held here. They are aimed at developing respect for nature, at a deep understanding of the value of its wealth. Therefore, the park is also perfect for family vacation With
Hiking is one of the most popular ways of spending leisure time in the country - more than 50 thousand (!!) kilometers of marked footpaths have been laid across Switzerland - this is 1.25 times the length of the Earth's equator. For such a small country, the figure is simply incredible, but it will become even greater if we take into account about 23 thousand kilometers of specialized mountain routes with a higher level of difficulty, as well as an unimaginable number of trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, dog sleds and horses, and also about 4 thousand tracks for water tourism... All this makes Switzerland one of the best places in Europe for outdoor activities and ecotourism.
Swiss National Park
Despite the very modest size of the country, protected areas occupy, to one degree or another, up to 14% of its area. And at the same time, there is only one full-fledged nature reserve - the Swiss National Park, or the Engadin Park (www.nationalpark.ch), created in 1914 in the eastern part of the canton of Graubünden, on the southern slopes of the Engadin valley. This is the first alpine reserve in Central Europe, moreover, created in an area intensively developed by man. In 1979, it was included in the list of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, along with the adjoining Italian Stelvio National Park.
Here, on an area of more than 172 quadrant kilometers, unique natural complexes of the Rhaetian Alps are protected - mountain pine forests, alpine and subalpine meadows, as well as numerous lakes and wastelands, and almost half of this territory is secondary forests, recreated after the termination of human economic activity. The fauna of the park is very rich - more than 60 species of mammals (including alpine ibex, chamois, stone marten, alpine marmot, lynx, brown bear and others), about 100 species of birds, as well as about 70 species of amphibians, including endemic alpine triton. Despite the fact that literally everything is guarded here (a fine can be issued even for loud sounds!), 21 walking excursion trails with a total length of about 80 km have been laid across the territory, which allow you to see the life of the inhabitants of these beautiful places... But cycling within the park is prohibited.
The entrance to the park is free and free, along its perimeter there are nine of the same free parking lots, from which most of the trails and routes depart. The reserve is open for visits from June to October every day, from 8.30 to 18.00, on Thursdays - until 22.00.
You can get to the park by buses running at hourly intervals between the towns of Zernez, 1 km to the east of it is the park's head office and Mustair.
Ela Park
The largest and youngest regional nature park in Switzerland - Ela (Parc Ela, www.parc-ela.ch) starts just 18 km from the northwestern border of the Swiss National Park. It was created in 2006 as a territory that protects the untouched world of a vast mountain range between the peaks El (Piz Ela, 3339 m) and Kesh (Kesch, 3417 m). The area of the reserve is 600 square kilometers, which is 3.5 times the area of the Engadin National Park, and here human economic activity is permitted on a limited scale. This leads to the fact that in Ela Park, in addition to exploring the magnificent nature northern slopes Engadine, you can ride on the Rhaetische Bahn railway, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List (55 bridges and 39 tunnels over 63 km long through the park, there is nothing to say about the beauty of the scenery!), Ski on the slopes of Savognin, Samedan, Celerina, Pontresina or St. Moritz (all these resorts are literally within 15-20 minutes by car from the most beautiful places of the park), relax on the shores of Lake Marmorera (Lai da Marmorera) or visit the highest pilgrimage site in Europe - the Ziteil sanctuary , founded in 1580, height - 2434 meters above sea level) near Salouf.
Entlebuch
The most easily accessible nature reserve in the country is the Entlebuch Biosphere Reserve (www.biosphaere.ch), located in the canton of Lucerne, just 20 km southwest of its capital. This is the first and only park of this type in central Switzerland. Here, on the picturesque slopes of the Kleine-Emme valley (Kleine-Emme, Kleine Emme), on an area of 395 quadrant kilometers, landscapes quite unusual for the country are presented - endless peatlands and moorlands, idyllic alpine pastures and forests, rocky karst formations and picturesque wild mountains... These regions are often figuratively called the "Wild West of Lucerne" - the local natural complexes are so diverse and beautiful. And at the same time, there is a huge selection of facilities, hotels and mountain chalets, many old churches and monasteries, about 75 km hiking trails and even therapeutic mud baths at local thermal springs.
Jura National Park
Green slopes stretch from Le Santier to Nyon on the shores of Lake Geneva Jura National Park(Parc naturel régional Jura vaudois) www.parc-jurassien.ch - the second largest in the country in terms of size and richness of flora. Despite the dense population of these places, many local natural complexes characteristic of the low Jurassic mountains and the famous Vallée de Joux, considered one of the most beautiful in Switzerland. Among the beauties of these places are beautiful mountain forests (in terms of flora composition - one of the richest in the region - more than 320 species), ancient bogs, limestone rocks, secluded meadows and mountain pastures. It is home to over 90 species of mammals and 160 species of birds, and the picturesque Lake Zhu has almost 50 species of fish. Since there is an excellent network of hiking and skiing trails with a total length of 523 km (!!), there are many colorful Alpine cheese mills and vineyards, restaurants and chalets, the park is extremely popular among fans of hiking, horseback riding and cycling, and in winter it becomes one of the best centers mountain recreation - it is quite obvious that at the same time he focuses not on skiers, but on fans of snowshoes and flat skiing.
You can get to the park literally in a dozen ways, since it is located next to the main transport arteries of the country. By rail, the easiest way to travel from Nyon is the Nyon-St-Cergue train with stops at Bassins, Arzier, St-Cergue and Givrine, or the Nyon-Gimel train with stops at Bassins, Vaud, Marchissy, Longirod, St-George and Gimel ... Departing from Vallorbe by train to Brassus, from Morges by BAM on Bière et l "Isle with a stop in Montricher. public transport of all major cities canton of Vaud.
