Swiss village Lauterbrunnen will now charge entry fee from Tourists

Published on May 21, 2024

The picturesque Swiss village of Lauterbrunnen, nestled in an Alpine valley surrounded by waterfalls and snowy peaks, is considering introducing an entry fee to manage the growing issue of overtourism. Following the example of Venice, Lauterbrunnen is exploring the idea of charging day visitors five Swiss francs to reduce crowding during peak summer travel seasons.

Overtourism Challenges

Lauterbrunnen, located in the Bernese Oberland, has seen a significant rise in tourist numbers, leading to increased traffic, waste, and higher costs. The village’s priest, Markus Tschanz, expressed concerns about the overwhelming influx of tourists, likening the village to an amusement park due to the constant stream of visitors. The village has formed a group to investigate potential solutions to this problem, with the entry fee being one of the options under consideration.

Causes of Overtourism

Experts attribute the overtourism in Lauterbrunnen to several factors:

• Social Media: Platforms like Instagram have popularized locations such as Staubbach Falls, making them “Instagrammable” spots that attract large numbers of tourists seeking the perfect photo.
• Cheap Airfares and Online Booking: The availability of affordable flights and the rise of online booking platforms like Airbnb have increased the capacity for tourists, altering the dynamics of small destinations like Lauterbrunnen.

Venice’s Example

Last month, Venice became the first city to implement an entry fee for day-trippers, charging five euros during a 29-peak-day trial period. This move aims to manage tourist numbers more effectively, with exemptions for those booking accommodations or arriving via public transport.

Local Perspectives

Tourism experts in Switzerland, including Jürg Stettler from the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, acknowledge the challenges in implementing such a fee in a village setting. Fabian Weber, a tourism researcher at the same university, suggested that while the entry fee might not drastically reduce tourist numbers, it could generate funds to manage visitor flows better and compensate for tourism-related damages.

Potential Impacts on Tourism

• Visitor Management: The proposed entry fee could help regulate the number of tourists, ensuring a more sustainable and enjoyable experience for both visitors and residents.
• Economic Benefits: Revenue from the entry fee could be invested in infrastructure improvements, waste management, and other measures to mitigate the impact of tourism.
• Preservation of Natural Beauty: By controlling the influx of tourists, Lauterbrunnen can better preserve its natural landscapes and cultural heritage.

Broader Implications

The consideration of an entry fee in Lauterbrunnen highlights a growing trend among popular tourist destinations to seek sustainable tourism solutions. As more places face the challenges of overtourism, innovative measures like entry fees could become more common, helping to balance tourism growth with environmental and community well-being.