It is not possible to put doors in the field or limit access to thousands of square kilometers like the 20 national parks included in the specialized travel portal Lonely Planet’s recent list of the most beautiful ones in Europe. Teide’s Cañadas ranks tenth, right in the middle of the table. In no case can their access be completely closed, even less so on this island, as it is crossed by a dorsal road that connects the North and the South. But it is possible to charge for the services provided, those that are established and regulated, the purpose of the Cabildo starting from January 1, 2025.
A numerus clausus can also be established; that is, restrict the capacity if the carrying capacity of a fragile territory such as the main protected natural space in the archipelago is exceeded, which is visited by 4.5 million tourists per year. This is a fact that sets it apart from its European counterparts, as many areas are reserved for specific activities, therefore, without the massive presence of humans.
On the ecotax debate yes or no, EL DIA provides as a comparative basis the reality of these natural spaces in the old continent. The list presents a compendium of stunning natural landscapes, extraordinary biodiversity, outdoor activities, religious heritage, and incredible stories. All of this world can be explored, as long as payment is made for it, and enjoyed.
Hohe Tauern. Hohe Tauern, in Austria, tops Lonely Planet’s ranking. Its 1,836 square kilometers include a winding alpine road that costs €35 per vehicle to enter. It can only be driven on from May to October. The rest of the year, the park is isolated by snow and there is only the possibility of participating in some winter sports. A lodging tax is paid, which varies depending on the areas. In Vienna or Salzburg, an additional 3.02% is added to the hotel bill per person.
Jotunheimen. Jotunheimen covers 3,500 square kilometers and services must be paid for in the local currency, NOK (€0.86). Whether for parking (a car, 80 NOK) or camping (160 NOK for a tent for two adults, 80 for each). A sticker must be placed on the tent canvas and a ticket in the car. Home to the giants, according to local mythology, it is Norway’s top mountain region.
Schweizenscher. It is Switzerland’s only national park and covers 174.2 square kilometers as the country’s largest protected area. It is not allowed to leave the road, make fires, or sleep outside the mountain refuge located in the park. The tourist tax in Switzerland varies, but is around €2.20 per night per person. Accommodation budgets usually do not include it; it is specified as a separate amount and applies to stays of less than 40 days.
Oulanka. It spans 270 kilometers and is the most visited national park in Finland. Entry to the 40 in the country is free and the typical cabins can be used by any hiker at no cost. There are other paid accommodations if camping is not preferred.
Selva Negra. The vast Black Forest covers 11,000 square kilometers in the southwest of the country. It is a mountain range with a high forest density. Germany has what they call a cultural tax, a kulturförderabgabe, and a bed tax, the bettensteuer. The tax is around 5% of the hotel bill.
Écrins. The French Écrins National Park covers 91,800 hectares. In France, a city tax is paid in addition to the hotel bill and varies by city. Rates range from €0.20 to €4 per person per night. The most touristy cities, like Paris and Lyon, use this money to maintain sector infrastructure.
Peneda-Gerez. It is Portugal’s only national park. It covers 702.9 square kilometers, with 52.75 being publicly owned, 194.38 private, and the remaining 455.77 communal. The tourist tax is paid per night per person and applies to guests over 13 years old. It costs around two euros and only needs to be paid for the first seven days of stay.
Jostedalsbrem. Norway’s second one among the top ten for the portal. The Jostedal Glacier covers 487 kilometers and is part of the Jostedalsbreen National Park, the fourth largest in the country, which is three times the size of the glacier itself, at around 1,310 kilometers. Mountaineering in an area with few tourists is prohibited.
Dolomitas. The immense Dolomites (Italy), with 15,942 square kilometers, form one of the most renowned natural and tourist areas in the Alps. While the tourist tax in Rome ranges from 3 to 7 euros per night, in the Dolomites, it is only one.
Behind Tenerife’s natural gem
Ten other national parks appear just behind the Tenerife and Canary Islands’ natural gem. Their characteristics are similar. Vast expanse and charging for services rendered. Such is the case of Hortobágy (11), in Hungary, a mosaic of grasslands, steppes, meadows, and marshes with an area of 810 square kilometers. Vatnajökull (12), in Iceland, is Europe’s largest national park, covering almost 14% of the country’s territory, with 14,100 square kilometers. Vikos-Aoös, in Greece (13), covers 12 kilometers. Completing the list are Durmitor, in Montenegro (14); La Maddalena, in Sardinia (15); Sarek, in Sweden (16); Plitvice Lakes, in Croatia (17); Picos de Europa, also in Spain (18); Triglav, in Slovenia (19), and Cairngorms, in Scotland (20). | J. D. M.
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Spain. Paying to visit natural spaces is becoming increasingly common in Spain. Many places are joining this initiative to ensure their conservation and sustainability. For example, iconic spots like the Doñana National Park in Andalucía (organized tours from €33) or the Laguna Negra in Castilla and León (restriction on private vehicles and round-trip service for €1.20 per traveler). The most well-known and developed case is that of the Picos de Europa, a massif located between Asturias, León, and Cantabria, where access requires renting a vehicle, car, or bus for amounts ranging from €50 to €200. An additional fee is required for mountain activities such as hiking, climbing, or cycling.
Behind Tenerife’s natural gem
Ten other national parks appear just behind the Tenerife and Canary Islands’ natural gem. Their characteristics are similar. Vast expanse and charging for services rendered. Such is the case of Hortobágy (11), in Hungary, a mosaic of grasslands, steppes, meadows, and marshes with an area of 810 square kilometers. Vatnajökull (12), in Iceland, is Europe’s largest national park, covering almost 14% of the country’s territory, with 14,100 square kilometers. Vikos-Aoös, in Greece (13), covers 12 kilometers. Completing the list are Durmitor, in Montenegro (14); La Maddalena, in Sardinia (15); Sarek, in Sweden (16); Plitvice Lakes, in Croatia (17); Picos de Europa, also in Spain (18); Triglav, in Slovenia (19), and Cairngorms, in Scotland (20). | J. D. M.
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