Key Takeaways

Experience the evergreen forest and snow-melt stream crossing leading to the mouth of Val dal Botsch, offering a quick, gentle ascent and majestic alpine peaks backdrop in Switzerland's oldest National Park.

Quick Swiss National Park Hike for Road Trips: Ideal 0.8-mile (1.3 km) leg-stretch hike located directly off Via Pass dal Fuorn (Ofenpassstrasse) near P8, perfect for travelers on a Swiss Alps road trip seeking a brief, high-impact nature immersion.

A well-maintained, easy out-and-back trail that provides soft footing and a secluded atmosphere, starting conveniently from Parking Area P8 for a hassle-free stop in the Swiss National Park.

Swiss National Park Nature Hike

This short, family-friendly out-and-back 1.3 km (0.8 mile) hike offers a perfect leg-stretcher and a quick immersion into the pristine wilderness of Swiss National Park, Switzerland's oldest and most treasured national park. Located right off the scenic Via Pass dal Fuorn (Ofenpassstrasse), this hike is an essential stop for anyone on a Swiss Alps road trip seeking a taste of alpine solitude.

Trail Guide: Val dal Botsch Short Hike (Swiss National Park)

The hike begins just across the road from Parking Area P8 on the north side of the Via Pass dal Fuorn. The initial stretch of the trail leads you westward into a serene, fragrant evergreen forest. You will immediately be surrounded by towering conifers. While the dense canopy occasionally obscures the massive peaks above, the path offers a quiet, shaded environment perfect for slowing down and listening for the sounds of the forest. The trail is well-maintained and provides soft footing, ideal for travelers looking for a short, but secluded forest hike.

About 0.24 km from the trailhead, through the forest section, the trail crosses a tributary stream over a sturdy wooden footbridge. This stream is fed by seasonal snow-melt from the surrounding mountains, often featuring refreshingly clear, cold water—a true sign of the park's untouched nature. This is a great spot to pause, take a deep breath, and appreciate the sound of running water or take in the views of the towering alpine peaks.

Ascent into Val dal Botsch

After crossing the bridge, the trail continues westward, passing through more evergreens. Near 0.55 km, the path curves sharply to the north. Here, you will need to carefully cross the Via Pass dal Fuorn (be mindful of traffic) to pick up the trail on the opposite side. From here, the trail begins a short, gentle ascent into the mouth of Val dal Botsch. This route ends shortly after the initial ascent, marking a natural turnaround point before returning the way you came. For hikers with more time, at the top of the Val dal Botsch trail sits a majestic view of Swiss National Park, worthy of a longer day hike. Unfortunately for us, we did not have enough time on our road trip for any further exploration so we turned back here. If you plan to follow this route, the hike back to parking is easy - simply head back the way you came to wrap up this 1.3 km (0.8 mile) out-and-back nature hike through Swiss National Park!

Parking & Directions: How to Get to Swiss National Park

Visitors to Swiss National Park will find the main road, Via Pass dal Furon, cuts through the heart of the park. At the coordinates provided (46.661009, 10.22944), near P8, you'll find two parking lots on either side of the road. Each parking lot can accommodate approximately 20 vehicles each.

Pets

Dogs are not allowed on trails at Swiss National Park as of September 2025. Please check the park's rules and regulations before planning a hike here.