Parc Ela

Parc Ela is a nature park in the Swiss canton of Graubünden, covering the Albula and Surses valleys. It is the largest nature park in Switzerland. Its purpose is to protect the regional habitats, promote their sustainable use and give a boost to an area rich in scenery and cultural assets but economically weak.

Where is Parc Ela and what does the name mean?

The park lies between the Albula valley and the Surses region in the heart of Graubünden. It is named after Piz Ela, a peak roughly at its centre. In Romansh, "ela" means "wing". Many local place names, Surses included, come from Romansh.

How big is the park and how high does it go?

Sources give an area of around 550 to 600 square kilometres, several times the size of the Swiss National Park. The elevation range is huge. The highest point is Piz Kesch at 3,418 m, and the lowest is the Schinschlucht gorge at about 745 m. A single park spans deep rocky ravines and high alpine terrain.

How does it differ from a national park?

In a nature park, people are part of the landscape. Villages, fields and pastures belong to the concept instead of being excluded, as in a strict national park. The park was formed by 21 municipalities, and around 6,000 people live in the Albula and Surses valleys. It opened in 2006.

What can you see and do?

The park advertises about 100 km of hiking trails. The region is tied to the historic Albula, Julier and Septimer passes, which carried merchants and travellers for centuries. Historic villages and baroque churches recall that past. In Savognin, which lies inside the park, the baroque church of Son Martegn is worth a visit. Tourism material also lists the Albula Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Languages and culture

Three languages coexist here: Romansh, Italian and German. You notice it in village names, on signposts and in conversations in local shops and mountain huts.

How do you get there?

From Chur, the Rhaetian Railway reaches the park in under an hour. At Tiefencastel station there is paid parking, a handy base for visitors arriving by car.

Frequently asked questions

Is Parc Ela a national park? No, it is a nature park. It allows farming and village life, unlike the Swiss National Park.

What is the highest peak in the park? Piz Kesch, at 3,418 m.

Which languages are spoken? Romansh, Italian and German.

Can I get there by train? Yes, from Chur by Rhaetian Railway in less than an hour.

How many trails are there? The park advertises about 100 km of hiking trails.