Nationalparkzentrum Zernez

About the museum

The National Park Centre in Zernez is the gateway to the Swiss National Park. The cubic, monolithic concrete building on Ofenpassstrasse was built between 2002 and 2008 to plans by Valerio Olgiati and opened on 31 May 2008 by Federal Councillor Moritz Leuenberger. Among other awards, it received the “Hase in Gold” in 2008 and the Concrete Architecture Prize in 2009. Opposite it are Planta-Wildenberg Castle, home to the national park administration, and the Schlossstall auditorium.

Here visitors learn what makes the Swiss National Park special: the exhibition “Wildnis im Zentrum” (“Wilderness at the Centre”) places true wilderness at its heart as a guiding theme. In four exhibition rooms, the strictly protected natural processes can be experienced; at interactive stations visitors take on the role of researchers themselves, and a staged presentation tells the key moments in the park's history. Questions about one's own attitude to wilderness run through the show and lead into a surprising finale. The exhibition was created by the scenographers of Groenlandbasel in collaboration with the park's communications team.

There is also a changing special exhibition every year, a module on the seven Graubünden parks, and an information desk where staff explain hikes, excursions and the condition of the trails. The Zernez guest information office and a shop with maps, hiking guides and specialist literature are also in the building.

Highlights

• Exhibition “Wildnis im Zentrum” in four rooms with interactive stations
• Architecture by Valerio Olgiati, opened in 2008
• Media guide in five languages and a radio play for children with Furbina and Ratsch
• Information desk, hiking maps and shop; Zernez guest information office in the building
• Barrier-free access according to Procap

Permanent exhibitions

• Wildnis im Zentrum – National park exhibition in four rooms with interactive stations, a staged presentation of the park's history and questions about one's own attitude to wilderness.
• Modul Bündner Pärke – Interactive parks wall on the ground floor with images and videos on the seven Graubünden parks and the differences between park categories.

Founded

2008

Operated by

Schweizerischer Nationalpark

Admission & discounts

The information area of the visitor centre is also accessible without admission. The Swiss Museum Pass is valid; free admission with the Raiffeisen MemberPlus card. Reka cheques and Engadin vouchers are accepted.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

According to Procap Switzerland, the visitor centre is very well accessible without barriers. Dogs are not allowed in the exhibition rooms.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

Radio play featuring the nutcrackers Furbina and Ratsch for children aged about 5 to 12, play stations for younger children; the hand puppets are available in the centre.

Getting there & parking

Zernez lies at the transport hub between the Upper and Lower Engadine, the Ofen Pass and the Val Müstair; from the north via the Flüela Pass or the Vereina Tunnel.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

Shop with the national park hiking map, guides, specialist literature, clothing and souvenirs; binoculars can be rented and excursions booked at the information desk. Free Wi-Fi throughout the building.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Up to 150 guests.

Available for rent are the Schlossstall auditorium (up to 150 people, with foyer and garden), a meeting room (up to 30 people) and a training room in the National Park Centre (up to 30 people).

Plan your visit