Anne MercadoJust when you thought Europe‘s tourist control measures couldn’t get any more creative (remember those hidden bus routes?), a charming Swiss village is considering a more traditional approach: an entry fee.
Lauterbrunnen, a picture-perfect mountain village in the Bernese Oberland, has seen a dramatic rise in popularity during the summer months. While the influx of visitors brings economic benefits, it’s also led to concerns about overcrowded streets and disorderly behaviour from day-trippers.
Also read: Venice Tourist Tax Is on a Roll! Here’s Everything You Need to Know
What to know about the new Lauterbrunnen entry fee
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Looking for a solution, Lauterbrunnen is taking a page out of Venice‘s recent playbook. The Italian city sparked international debate with its own entry fee aimed at curbing day-trippers. Similar to Venice, Lauterbrunnen’s proposed fee would only apply to tourists visiting for the day.
Here’s the good news for responsible travellers: you might be exempt from the fee! Tourists who are staying overnight at hotels, participating in organised excursions, or arriving by public transport wouldn’t have to pay.
The proposed fee itself is quite modest, ranging from 5 to 10 Swiss francs (roughly S$7.39 or S$14.79). However, even this small price tag has caused controversy in Venice, with some locals protesting the measure.
What does it mean for travellers?
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Whether Lauterbrunnen residents will be more receptive to the idea remains to be seen. The village is still in the proposal stage, and its success could depend heavily on local support.
For now, it’s too early to say for sure if Lauterbrunnen will implement the entry fee. Travellers planning a visit to this charming Swiss village should stay tuned for updates. In the meantime, consider booking your accommodation or excursions in advance, or planning your trip around using public transport, to avoid any potential fees.
Also read: Binibeca Vell to Close Doors Due to Tourist Misbehavior
So, will the Lauterbrunnen entry fee deter the crowds and preserve its tranquillity? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure, the conversation about responsible tourism in Europe continues to evolve.
Featured image credit: 1989_s via Canva Pro
