17 ^th and 18^th centuries were livestock farming, lumber and service in foreign armies. Many, however, were forced to emigrate in search of work, ultimately making names for themselves throughout Europe as confectioners and café proprietors. After a major fire in 1872, which destroyed 117 out of 157 houses, part of the village was rebuilt in an urban style. The village heart of today, therefore, is characterised by houses from the early modern period and from late classicism. Zernez is also known far and wide as the gateway to Switzerland’s only national park. This lies under a thick blanket of snow in winter, but the outstanding new Swiss National Park Visitor Centre is well worth a visit also during the “white season”. Zernez also makes an ideal base for cross-country skiers and ski tourers – as well as those planning snowshoe hikes, for example up on the Ofen Pass.