Swiss spots struggle with social media-driven visitor impact Tourism vs. nature

Switzerland's breathtaking landscapes, long celebrated for their natural beauty, are increasingly feeling the strain of mass tourism.

One of Switzerland’s most breathtaking locations is now taking steps to limit tourist access in an effort to preserve its natural beauty from the influx of Instagrammers, Caliber.Az reports citing the foreign media.

The picturesque Riffelsee lake, located above the renowned resort town of Zermatt, offers a stunning view of the Matterhorn, perfectly reflected in its glacial waters.

During peak season, thousands of tourists are transported daily by the rack railway, all seeking the perfect photograph. In June and July, as spring arrives in the high Alps, visitors could previously enjoy not only the spectacular Matterhorn views but also the alpine flowers flourishing at 2,800 meters (9,200 feet), such as edelweiss, gentian, and alpine golden primrose.

However, this idyllic experience is now under threat.

The influx of tourists arriving every few minutes via the railway has begun to take a toll on the Riffelsee area, with crowds trampling across the pastures and damaging the delicate alpine flora. Edelweiss, once a common sight around the lake, has not been seen there for several years.

In response, Zermatt authorities have implemented new measures to protect the environment. While visitors are still welcome, they are now directed along designated paths leading to the lake, with pastures enclosed by fences. The goal is not to discourage tourism—Zermatt’s tourist office still promotes Riffelsee as a prime photo destination—but to raise awareness about the alpine ecosystem.

Inside the fenced areas, an alpine garden—Europe’s highest—has been established. Narrow walkways allow visitors to observe the flowers up close, and QR codes provide information about the various species, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of the fragile environment.

The alpine garden at Riffelsee offers a captivating look at the high Alps' biodiversity, with botanists identifying 148 different plant species during its planning. Many tourists appreciate the garden, taking the time to explore its beauty. However, some continue to rush past, selfie sticks in hand, heading straight for the lake.

Zermatt’s challenges are not unique; other iconic or stunning locales across Europe face similar issues. In Florence, there was outrage after a tourist posed provocatively with the Roman statue of Bacchus. The picturesque Swiss village of Lavertezzo, known for the emerald waters of the Verzasca River, was inundated with cars, visitors, and litter following a Facebook video likening it to the Maldives. In eastern Switzerland, Canton Glarus has experienced a surge in wild camping, driven by Instagram users seeking the perfect high-mountain photo.

The influx of wild campers poses significant risks. Many are inexperienced hikers or climbers, which jeopardizes their safety and causes greater harm to the alpine flora and fauna. Tents crush the pastures, and the campers leave behind litter and human waste, further damaging the delicate environment.

Switzerland benefits economically from tourism, but a growing number of Swiss are questioning whether there can be too much of it. Tourist offices report that the primary inquiry from visitors is often, "Where is the best photo opportunity?" This focus on social media validation can be disheartening for locals who hope tourists come to genuinely experience the region’s beauty and culture.

Zermatt's approach with the alpine garden may offer a solution. With the edelweiss replanted, there is hope that, come spring, its delicate white flowers will again greet visitors with a touch of natural splendor, blending tourism with environmental stewardship.