Instagram tourists in the Berchtesgadener Land: Nature in danger!

Instagram tourists in the Berchtesgadener Land: Nature in danger!

Königssee, Deutschland - The tourism sector shows a constant growth that has both positive and negative effects. According to ARD Mediathek , overcrowded cities, garbage problems and damaged cultural sites are increasingly in focus. In particular, the increase in "Instagram tourists", which are often inspired by influencers, ensures additional challenges.

Especially young people are looking for the perfect selfie in popular places. This hunt for the best picture has an impact on nature, but also on the quality of life of the locals. Speakingly, more and more communities report that they have to defend themselves against this trend.

protective measures against the rush

An example of effective measures is the closure of the area around the gumps of the Königsbach waterfall in the Berchtesgadener Land. This decision was made by the district office to protect nature. The Königsbach waterfall, which is above the Königsee, has experienced an exponential increase in visitors in recent years, especially through Instagram posts and hashtags that have made this place popular, like National Geographic reported.

Carolin Scheiter from the National Park Administration Berchtesgaden mentions that the increase in Instagram tourists has been significantly noticeable for about three years. While most visitors to the national park behave in an exemplary manner and stay on the ways, there are more and more guests who disregard these rules. Sometimes there are long snakes on the gumps, where every visitor only has five minutes to take photos.

consequences and challenges

The gumps are off the official paths, which reinforces the problem with trambings. Visitors are often seen who beat through the bushes to get to the best photo points. GPS data also leads to an increased number of visitors, although there is no official signage in the national park that indicates the gumps.

The increasing number of visitors has serious effects on nature and the locals. The challenges that tourism entails show the need for measures to preserve the environment and balance between tourist interests and nature conservation.