News

Dozens Of Selfie Lovers Defy Ban To Take Pictures In Natural Rock Infinity Pool Overlooking German Lake

German officials are battling a plague of selfie loving social media users who are defying a ban on visiting a natural infinity pool introduced to help local wildlife and plants recover after dozens were caught sneaking to the area to take pictures.

Officials say at least 69 people have defied nature police and face potential fines ranging from several hundred euros up to EUR 25,000 for those who are regarded as particularly damaging as they clambered into the rock pool to take selfies against the backdrop of a spectacular lake and mountain range.

The popular Infinity pool, located at the Konigsbach waterfall over the Konigsee Lake in the Berchtesgaden National Park in Germany was officially closed for at least five years in June, after authorities decided to give it a chance to recover from the damage done by visitors including vast piles of garbage left daily, as well as the trampled flora and scared away wildlife.

The Konigsbach waterfall located in the Berchtesgaden National Park in Germany, which was a popular selfie spot among influencers and tourists is located. (Newsflash)

However, despite the significant decrease in visitors two months after the ban, rangers have filed 69 reports to national park guests who trespassed, some of which now face fines up to EUR 25,000 (GBP 21,400).

The Infinity pool had become an attraction for tourists from all over the world, looking to take a dip in the cool water at the same time as getting spectacular selfies against the backdrop of the beautiful blue Konigsee Lake.

The amazing pool at the Konigsbach waterfall was visited by an average of around 15-350 people on a daily basis, while peak days drew in over 400 visitors.

A photo taken by influencer Pavel Herceg at the Konigsbach waterfall in the Berchtesgaden National Park in Germany. (Pavel Herceg/Newsflash)

However, Berchtesgaden National Park authorities detected illegal fires and extensive evidence of rubbish dumped around the natural Alpine beauty spot, in addition to dozens of well-trodden paths stretching to the pool that negatively affected the flora and fauna biodiversity in the area.

Officials then decided to close the several kilometre-long footpaths leading to the natural Infinity pool, not just for five years but with the possibility to extend the ban after that as well, which created outrage among influencers.

Pavel Herceg, who was one of those that managed to visit before the ban was introduced, told Newsflash: “Tourists will be very disappointed. It is such a famous and nice place.”

The Konigsbach waterfall in the Berchtesgaden National Park in Germany which was a popular selfie spot among influencers and tourists. (Newsflash)

However, head of the National Park rangers Ole Behling responded to the criticism by saying: “National Park visitors are basically themselves to blame.”

Behling also reported that rangers in yellow vests were assigned to carry out regular checks, while 12 signs saying “Vegetation reserve – entry prohibited” were installed at different locations around the closed 10-hectare area.

According to local media, a total of 69 intruders were caught entering without permission and reportedly fined with amounts starting at several hundreds euros.

The Konigsbach waterfall in the Berchtesgaden National Park in Germany which was a popular selfie spot among influencers and tourists. (Newsflash)

Some of them, which were regarded to have behaved in a particularly damaging way, are facing fines of up to EUR 25,000 (GBP 21,400).

Head of the communications department at the Berchtesgaden National Park, Carolin Scheiter said: “Most of them are understandable, there is no discussion. Some hope that they can get away with an apology or creative excuses, but they are mistaken.”

Behling, who stated it might take some time for nature to recover added: “Blocking is always the last step.”

Don’t miss Our New Story!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.