What to expect:
Step into the quiet forests of the Jura and try to spot Europe's largest land mammal, the wisent, or European bison. This unique project is reintroducing these magnificent animals to Switzerland in a vast, 100-hectare fenced enclosure that you can explore freely. It’s a true nature experience. You can walking along forest paths and listen carefully for the near-silent movement of the herd. Finding them isn't always guaranteed, but the thrill of the search is part of the adventure.
How to get here:
To get here by car, you can park in the village (here) and enjoy a lovely 15-minute walk up to the enclosure entrance.
1.25h drive from Zurich.
If you came with public transport from Zurich, it's also 1.25h, leave the Bus at Welschenrohr, Unterdorf stop, from there it's a 15 min walk.
Notes:
Bison are generally very shy and gentle animals. However, if they are provoked or prevented from behaving naturally (when protecting their young), they can become dangerous.
Please observe the following rules of conduct!
Stay on the paths.
Keep dogs on a short leash (except in dangerous situations).
Never walk or drive through the middle of the herd.
Keep a distance of at least 50 meters from the bison. Even if this means leaving the path and taking a detour!
Bison cows protect their calves, so keep a safe distance from them.
Feeding the bison is not permitted.
Increase your distance from the bison if a bison:
Stares at you and shakes its head, or
scrapes the ground with its hooves, or
lowers its head and moves toward you.
Slowly increase the distance and do not turn your back on the bison.
For assistance, call the bison ranger at: 0041 77 442 90 88
Touristy: 👥
Child-friendly: ⭐⭐⭐
Wow factor: 🤩🤩
Physically demanding: 👟(👟)(👟)(👟)(👟) depends, where the wisents are ;)
