One of Switzerland’s most stunning spots has become the latest to try to limit tourist access, in a bid to protect the environment from becoming overrun by Instagrammers. Above the famous resort of Zermatt, the Riffelsee lake is more than picture perfect. Not only can you see the iconic Matterhorn in all its glory, you can capture its reflection in the glacial waters of the lake.
In high season, the rack railway takes thousands of tourists up there every single day, all of them intent on the ultimate shot. And in June and July, when spring finally arrives in the high Alps, tourists can also see the alpine flowers that thrive up there at 2,800m (9,200ft): edelweiss, gentian, and alpine golden primrose. At least they could.
But now the hordes of tourists disgorged by the railway every few minutes are taking their toll, tramping across the pastures towards the lake and crushing the flowers. Edelweiss has not been seen around the Riffelsee for some years. The Zermatt authorities have decided enough is enough.
Tourists can still come, but now they are shepherded towards the lake on marked paths, with the pastures fenced off. The aim is not to deter visitors – after all Zermatt’s tourist office advertises the Riffelsee as a photo opportunity on its website – but to educate them about the alpine environment. Inside the fences an alpine garden – Europe’s highest - has been created; narrow walkways allow visitors to take a closer look at the flowers, with QR codes explaini.