Article Wild Switzerland awaits

Switzerland‘s diverse, breathtaking landscapes are a haven for a rich array of wildlife. From majestic ibex to playful squirrels and soaring eagles, you’ll come face-to-face with nature at its finest. 

The wild heart of Switzerland

Late every spring as the grass begins to sprout in Alpine valleys, ibex in the Engadin start their annual migration to Pontresina. Watch them grazing in the sun at the village’s upper end, a rare opportunity to observe these handsome creatures up close. For an immersive experience, hike the Ibex Promenade, a trail with informative stops about ibex, their habitat, and distribution. Other spots to see ibex roam freely include the stunning mountain towns of Göscheneralp and Niederhorn. 

The beaver, once extinct in Switzerland, has made a remarkable comeback and is now a vital part of river ecosystems. These fascinating creatures are master builders, creating dams from branches and mud. To see them up close, join a Swiss Ranger on a Beaver Tracking tour in Giessenpark, Bad Ragaz. You can explore their natural habitat and with luck, observe them at work or foraging. 

Arosa, the village of squirrels and bears, offers a unique wildlife experience. Explore the Squirrel Path, a family-friendly trail where you can feed and observe playful squirrels in lush forests. Arosa also features the Bärenland, an alpine sanctuary for rescued bears, where you can observe these impressive animals at close range and learn about animal protection. 

Marmots, known for their cheerful whistles and playful nature, are often spotted in alpine meadows where they live in burrow networks. To see these delightful mammals, head to Spielboden, near Saas-Fee, where marmots often scurry around the meadows or pop their heads out of burrows. Bring a bag of special nuts to feed them, to add a fun memory to your visit. Marmots hibernate in winter, but from mid-April they’re ready to greet you again.

A birdwatcher’s paradise

Switzerland is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with many species, including migratory birds, passing through. Whether you’re observing majestic eagles or tiny songbirds, Switzerland’s bird sanctuaries offer unforgettable experiences:

1. In the Engadin Valley during the winter months, you can feed tit birds of all kinds directly from your hand, while an experienced guide shares insights about their unique behavior.
2. In Liechtenstein, take a chairlift ride to Sareis, accompanied by a falconer and golden eagle. At the top, witness the eagle’s impressive flight skills before you walk back down into the valley.
3. The Altreu Stork Colony near Solothurn is home to over a hundred storks, offering a rare opportunity to see these magnificent birds nesting and flying freely.
4. Observe wildlife discreetly without disturbing their natural habitat in one of the four observatories at the BirdLife Nature Center at La Sauge. It lies at the edge of two of Switzerland’s most significant bird sanctuaries and offers a temporary exhibition and a 500-meter outdoor trail. You may even spot the elusive kingfisher!