Huh? The most beautiful country — this Swiss town bans photography

Taking photos is a must when traveling abroad, but a picturesque Alpine town in Switzerland has recently introduced a new rule banning visitors from taking pictures, aiming to help tourists truly enjoy the scenery and stay away from social media. Those who break the rule and take photos will be fined 5 Swiss francs (approximately NT$156).

According to the UK’s Daily Mail, the Alpine town of Bergün passed this new regulation on the 29th of last month. In an official Facebook post, the town announced that the ban on photography is primarily intended to provide visitors with a more enjoyable holiday experience. It is reported that Bergün is a popular destination for hiking in the summer and a great spot for skiing in the winter.

A no-photography sign stands at the entrance of Bergün. (Photo via Daily Mail)

However, the ban has sparked backlash, with many calling the move both silly and strange. Some travelers say they plan to cancel their trips to the area, while others strongly support the new rule.

The report points out that the regulation actually stems from recent research findings. A survey conducted by U.S.-based Wyndham Vacation Rentals showed that nearly half (49%) of 1,037 American adult respondents said social media had a negative impact on their travels, mainly due to the pressure to constantly post photos during their trips.

However, authorities stated that the new rule is merely a marketing strategy, hoping to spark conversations about Bergün. They also clarified that, in reality, no one will actually be fined for taking photos.