The UNESCO Entlebuch Biosphere Reserve: Switzerland’s pre-Alpine wetlands

Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2001 and a regional park since 2008, Entlebuch is described as Switzerland’s ‘premier marshland region’. Characterised by unspoilt peat bogs, rugged karst formations and rushing torrents, the park offers an almost mystical landscape. The walking trails guide visitors along footbridges suspended above the wetlands, ensuring the protection of extremely rare plant and animal species. For cyclists, the area offers challenging, well-signposted hilly routes linking small rural villages, where visitors can sample cheeses and local specialities bearing protected designations of origin. The strong synergy between nature conservation and local agricultural activities makes Entlebuch a model of sustainable tourism on an international scale.