By definition, virgin forests are “natural forests that have never been influenced directly by human activities in their development over the centuries”. Forests that are totally untouched by humans hardly exist in Switzerland today. Parts of the Bödmeren forest in Muotathal, the primeval spruce-fir forest of l’Echorcha in Derborence and the virgin spruce forest of Uaul Scatlè above Brigels are small primeval forest-like areas that have remained in their pristine state over the years.

Today, there are also over 800 natural forest reserves in Switzerland, where the forests develop largely without human intervention and have not been managed for decades.

These special areas requiring protection are often open to visitors, making it all the more important to stay on the trails, behave with care and comply with the regulations.

At 600 hectares, Bödmeren Forest in the Muota Valley, in the Canton of Schwyz, is the largest primeval spruce forest in the whole Alpine region. Bödmeren Forest is considered primeval as it has been left virtually untouched by man. The forest grows on an expansive karst landscape furrowed by ditches and fractures. A craggy, wild world, where one in three trees are between 250 and 400 years old, with the oldest even up to 500 years. These ancient trees provide an important habitat for many species of bird. Meanwhile, for us humans, this mysterious and rustic forest offers a glorious green sanctuary. 

Getting there: To Schwyz by train, then on to the hamlet of Stalden by postal bus. Hiking trails lead up to the plateau of the Bödmeren Forest at about 800m. Do not leave the marked hiking trails.  

Open to visitors: Mid-June to mid-October

The primeval forest l’Ecorcha of Derborence is situated on a steep slope above the picturesque lake of the same name. The area is just about the size of 30 football fields and is covered by fir trees that are up to 44m high and 450 years old. The primeval forest is home to the most species-rich undergrowth in Switzerland and regenerates on its own. It even survived the landslide of 1749 that created Lac de Derborence – the youngest natural lake in Europe. To this day, the forest owes its pristine state to the difficult access for timber transport. The reserve has been protected since 1959. Its trees are important long-term witnesses to the development of air quality and its consequences, which is why they are now numbered for scientific surveys. The slope is so steep and rocky that it is difficult to access.  

Getting there: To Sion by SBB train via Lausanne. From there, take the PostBus to Aven, village and on to Derborence. The Derborence stop is only served a few times a day. To the timetable.

Best time to visit: Summer to early autumn.

The approximately 5.5-hectare virgin spruce forest of Uaul Scatlè is located at around 2,000m above sea level above the village of Brigels in Graubünden, making the protected reserve the highest virgin spruce forest in Europe. As per the meaning of its name “Scatlè”, the spruce forest is “boxed in” by steep rocky ledges, boulder debris fields and avalanche paths. Thanks to its remoteness, there was no logging, forest grazing or charcoal burning in the past.

On the ascent from Brigels towards Val Frisal, the trail leads along the left side of the steep spruce forest. The dead trees and apparent neglect are evidence of a piece of forest left in its pristine state. As early as 1909, and even before the Swiss National Park was founded, the municipality of Brigels decided to keep the forest in its original state and create a “Reservat d’uaul primitiv”.

Getting there: To Chur by SBB train, then continue by Rhaetian Railway to Ilanz. From there, take the PostBus to Breil/Brigels, Casa communala. To the timetable.

Best time to visit: Mid-March to the end of October.

Just 10km south of the vibrant city centre of Zurich lies one of the most primeval and beautiful forests in the Swiss plateau – Sihlwald Forest. Stretching out over an area of around ten square kilometres, it is the largest contiguous mixed forest in the Swiss plateau. The forest provided firewood for the city of Zurich for centuries, but no trees have been felled since the year 2000. Anyone walking through the forest today will soon come across giant ancient trees and gnarly deadwood. Close to Sihlwald railway station is a visitor centre with a museum and the Restaurant Sihlwald. Here, visitors can find useful information about the wildlife park an the imaginative Sihlwald forest adventure trail. 

Getting there: Take the S4 from Zurich Central Station to reach the Sihlwald and Sihlbrugg stations in just half an hour. To the timetable.

Best time to visit: Mid-March to the end of October.

Just 15km from Locarno lies the delightful stone village of Lodano. It is wholly surrounded by a large forest reserve with a fascinating landscape that is home to many different plants and animals. The ancient beech forests of Valle di Lodano have spread out in an extremely comprehensive ecological pattern since the last glacial period. For this reason, they have been included as an outstanding example of their kind on the official list for recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nothing beats a visit here to explore the still relatively unknown Valle di Lodano and its many magnificent old beech trees on one of the four hiking trails.

Getting there: Lodano is a little over half an hour by bus from Locarno. From there, the four hiking trails lead through the valley and forests. To the timetable.

Best time to visit: Mid-May to approx. end of October.

At the far end of the idyllic Val S-charl, south of Scuol, lies the highest stone pine forest in Europe. Some trees grow at an altitude of up to 2,400m. Romansch speakers view these forests as a symbol of tenacity, the will to survive and strength. The God da Tamangur has held protected status since 2007, allowing nature to develop and mature freely. Wandering through this fragrant forest past gnarled stone pines, some of which are young and some up to 700 years old, is a unique chance to enjoy the wonders of nature. 

Getting there: Either to Scuol by train and then on to S-carl by bus or to Zernez by train and then to the Ofen Pass by postal bus. The hike to the forest takes around 90 minutes from S-charl and about two-and-a-half hours from the Ofen Pass. To the timetable.

Best time to visit: Mid/end of May to approx. end of October.

The Grand Risoud extends over the gently undulating hilly landscape from the valley floor of the Vallée de Joux in the Canton of Vaud to the French border. It is around 4km wide and 15km long. It is easy to spend hours or even days exploring without leaving the forest – a truly unique experience in small, but hugely diverse Switzerland. It is not just the Risoud Forest that is worth a visit, but also the Vallée de Joux with its eponymous lake and long tradition of watch-making.

Getting there: To Le Brassus or Le Sentier by train. From there, the edge of the forest is a little over 2km away. Visitors are recommended to take along a map and compass to ensure they do not get lost in the forest. Please also absolutely stick to the marked paths at all times. To the timetable.

Best time to visit: Mid-March to the end of October.

The Aletsch Forest lies on the southern lateral moraine of the largest glacier in the Alps, the Aletsch Glacier. At altitudes of between 1,800m and 2,200m, you will mostly find stone pines, interspersed with only a few larch, spruce and beech trees. On an altitude hike through the protected Aletsch Forest, visitors will not only be amazed by the trees, but also by the glorious views of the glacier, Matterhorn and the surrounding mountains.

Getting there: From Brig to Mörel by train then on by cable car to the car-free Riederalp, or to Betten by train and up the Bettmeralp by cable car or to Fiesch by train and then up the Fiescheralp. To the timetable. 

Best time to visit: Mid-May to the end of October.