b

Swiss National Park - Munt La Schera

Graubünden  >  Switzerland

Swiss National Park is best known for the re-introduced Gipeto. The most established birding place is Munt la Schera.

Aggiunto* da Peter Wittemann
Ultimo aggiornamento 23 gennaio 2025

Descrizione

The Swiss National Park, founded in 1914, is the oldest national park in Central Europe and spans 170 km² at an altitude of 1,400 to nearly 3,200 meters above sea level. It is home to typical alpine flora and fauna. Just over 120 bird species have been recorded in the park. One-third of its area is below the tree line, one-fifth consists of meadows, and the rest is barren terrain (rocks, ice, and snow).

The easiest way to explore the park is via an east-to-west alpine valley, the Val Müstair, through which the park's only road, the Ofenpass-Strasse H28, runs. Mountain peaks rise to the north and south of the road, while the largest part of the national park stretches south into the Val Trupchun. Munt la Schera is an easily accessible mountain south of the road and features the most popular birdwatching route in the area, with the park’s only specific reference points on Switzerland’s birdwatching website ornitho.ch. Similar species may also be found in the more remote Val Cluozza or the Val dal Spöl.

At the foot of Munt la Schera (1), the Ova dal Fuorn runs through the valley. At various points along the river, one can find Merlo acquaiolo, Ballerina gialla, and Piro piro piccolo. The latter is the only regularly reported wader in the area, aside from the rare Piviere tortolino, which has rested on Munt la Schera several times between late August and mid-September in recent years. This species, however, is more reliably observed on the Cassonsgrat outside the park.

The first elevation gains lead through spruce forests (2). The Nocciolaia, the park's emblematic bird, is omnipresent here. Additionally, Crociere comune, Picchio tridattilo, and, with some luck, Fagiano di monte can be observed. The Picchio cenerino is a rarity, and the Beccaccia is elusive, best seen in the evening. Secretive owl and grouse species may also be present.

Beyond the tree line, the dry dolomite is overgrown with meadows and scattered shrubs (3), forming the preferred habitat of Sordone, Organetto minore, Spioncello, Bigiarella, Culbianco, Venturone alpino, and occasionally Codirossone.

Following the path higher up, through steep scree slopes and rocky, vegetation-poor areas (4), one might, with patience and sharp eyes, spot the well-camouflaged Pernice bianca as well as Picchio muraiolo and Fringuello alpino.

The true highlights of the park are often found high up in the skies. Alongside Gracchio alpino and Corvo imperiale, the park's birds of prey include Falco pecchiaiolo, Falco pellegrino, Aquila reale, and the iconic Gipeto, which was reintroduced to the park in 1991 after being driven to extinction. For several decades, this largest bird of the Alps has been breeding in the area and can be seen throughout the park. It is no longer the only vulture here: since 2018, there have been occasional sightings of Grifone. Increasingly larger groups of this species spend the summers in the Central Swiss Alps.

Dettagli

Accesso

The Swiss National Park is easiest to reach from Zernez. From there, the Postbus 811 runs hourly toward Mals. The suggested route begins at the Il Fuorn P6 stop, where the park's only hotel is also located. P1 to P10 are parking areas, but due to the limited number of spaces, traveling by public transport is strongly recommended. Cars can be parked in Zernez (at the Alossai parking lot, the municipal parking lot, the parking lot of the bath, the train station, or at Pra da Punt).

The suggested route (6 km one way) is well-maintained but is a mountain trail. Good physical condition, sufficient water, sturdy footwear, and sun protection are essential. Checking the weather beforehand is highly recommended.

Terreno e habitat

Foresta , Montagna , Canyon/scogliera , Alberi e cespugli sparsi , Prateria/pascolo , Valle

Caratteristiche dell’area

Montagnoso , Roccioso , Asciutto , Non ombreggiato

Percorso ad anello

Si

È utile un cannocchiale?

No

Buona stagione per il BW

Estate , Autunno

Miglior periodo per visitare

Estate

Percorso

Strada sterrata

Grado di difficoltà del percorso a piedi

Difficoltà media

Modalità di accesso

A piedi

Capanno/torretta di osservazione

No

Informazioni aggiuntive

The National Park can only be visited in the summer (from mid-June). Dogs are not allowed in the National Park.

Overnight stays are only permitted in the hotel or the Chamana Cluozza, a hut in a different valley, which must be booked early. Otherwise, it is recommended to find accommodation in Zernez.

Leaving the trails is prohibited in the park. Birds and mammals such as marmot, chamois, and ibex are not particularly shy due to the quiet environment and can be easily observed. Red deer are best observed during rut in autumn.

Link

Visualizza siti in questa area pubblicati su Birdingplaces

Mappa

Le 5 migliori specie

Altre specie che si possono osservare qui

Mostra più uccelli Mostra meno uccelli
Mostra più foto Mostra meno foto

Commenti

Rilascia feedback
Valuta questa area