Wallis: 13 Campingplätze wegen Naturgefahren geschlossen – Existenz bedroht

Thirteen campgrounds in the Swiss Canton of Valais are being shuttered immediately due to concerns over natural disasters, a move that threatens the livelihoods of campground owners and is sparking debate among local officials. The closures underscore the increasing challenges of balancing tourism with safety in regions prone to natural hazards.

Pim Beijen, owner of the Camping Riverside in Goms VS, said the decision came as a shock. “The decision came out of the blue, our existence is threatened by this,” Beijen told 20 Minuten. The campground has operated for approximately 68 years. Beijen purchased the campground, along with a restaurant, two years ago and has invested around three million Swiss francs into the property. He already has 40 reservations for the summer season, and anticipates substantial financial losses.

Beijen expressed confusion over the decision, stating that potential flood risks had already been addressed. “The possible danger from flooding has already been remedied. They renovated the adjacent stream last year,” he said. Though, official approval for the project is still pending, and would be granted by the same cantonal building commission that ordered the closure.

“Flood Protection is a Bureaucratic Jungle”

Gerhard Kiechler, the president of the Goms VS municipality, also criticized the decision. “The campgrounds are very important for the valley, many businesses depend on them. We can’t just move the campgrounds into the desert; they are more attractive by the water,” he said. The closures will likely have a significant economic impact on the region.

Kiechler described the closure as hasty, noting that several protective measures had already been implemented, including widening parts of the adjacent stream and constructing a protective dam. He also criticized the lengthy permitting processes, adding, “Flood protection is a bureaucratic jungle. If we had the permit, we would have completed all the necessary protective measures in a week.”

Avalanches and Flooding Pose a Threat

The Canton cited potential risks to campers as the reason for the closures, stating that avalanches or flooding could pose an immediate danger. Campground operators can appeal the decision, but the closures remain in effect until any appeal is resolved. Operating despite the order could result in a fine of 10,000 Swiss francs or more.

The development isn’t entirely unexpected. According to a report from the Walliser Bote, municipalities and operators were notified as early as December 2025 that several campgrounds were exposed to “extremely worrying” natural hazards. The letter emphasized the need for swift action, as lives could be at risk in an emergency.

“There is Always Some Residual Risk”

Municipal President Kiechler acknowledged the Canton’s point that natural hazards must be taken seriously. “There is always some residual risk, but it can be reduced with targeted measures,” he said. The region already has existing safety structures in place. “We have a regional security service that continuously analyzes the weather situation. In the event of heavy rainfall, the hazard map is updated and, if necessary, parts of the area are closed.”

A regional command staff can also be deployed in acute emergency situations to coordinate the necessary interventions.

Flurin Pestalozzi (flu) has been working at 20 minutes since 2025 and is a correspondent in Bern.