Parc Ela

Parc Ela is Switzerland's largest nature park, and Savognin sits at its northern edge. The park covers a wild stretch of the Graubünden Alps including the Julier Pass, the Albula Pass, and the upper valleys of several rivers. The landscape shifts from subalpine forest through open alp meadows to barren high-altitude terrain above 3,000 metres.

For walkers, the park has an excellent network of marked trails. From Savognin, popular routes include the climb to Piz Mitgel (3,159 metres) for serious alpinists, and the more accessible walks along the Gelgia river valley and through the larch forests above Cunter. In October the larches turn gold across the hillsides — one of the more spectacular autumn displays in eastern Switzerland.

The park authority runs guided walks and programmes in summer, with a focus on geology, biodiversity, and traditional Romansh culture. Visitor information is available at the Savognin tourist office.

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Parc Ela was designated Switzerland's largest nature park in 2012, covering 548 square kilometres. Unlike national parks in many other countries, it has no fencing and no restrictions on residents living within its boundaries — the park is designed around the idea of people living sustainably in a landscape rather than being excluded from it. Over 4,000 people live inside the park's perimeter.