Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace Principles
Principles for minimizing your impact while enjoying Switzerland's natural areas
Switzerland's landscapes are precious and fragile. By following these seven Leave No Trace principles, you can help preserve the natural beauty of Switzerland for future generations to enjoy.
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
- •Research camping regulations for your specific destination
- •Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies
- •Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use
- •Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns, or flagging
- •Repackage food to minimize waste
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- •Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses, or snow
- •Protect riparian areas by camping at least 70 meters from lakes and streams
- •Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary
- •In popular areas, concentrate use on existing trails and campsites
- •Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
- •Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods
- •Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 15-20 cm deep, at least 70 meters from water
- •Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products
- •To wash yourself or dishes, carry water 70 meters away from streams or lakes
- •Use small amounts of biodegradable soap
4. Leave What You Find
- •Preserve the past: observe cultural artifacts but don't touch
- •Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them
- •Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species
- •Do not build structures or furniture, or dig trenches
- •Many alpine flowers are protected by law in Switzerland – never pick them
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
- •Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the environment. Use a lightweight stove for cooking
- •Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires
- •Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand
- •Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely
- •In Switzerland, open fires are often prohibited during dry periods
6. Respect Wildlife
- •Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them
- •Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health and alters natural behaviors
- •Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely
- •Control pets at all times, or leave them at home
- •Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
- •Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience
- •Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail
- •Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock
- •Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors
- •Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises
Additional Resources
Learn more about Leave No Trace principles and how to apply them in Switzerland's unique alpine environment: