Holiday on the Baltic is an perfect form of summertime vacation for many Europeans, including Poles. However, not everywhere by the sea can feel completely free. W Eckernförde, 1 of the popular German resorts in the landa Schleswig-Holstein, from June 11, 2025 is new, strict ban on feeding gulls. Infringement can cost even 1000 eurowhich means that careless tourists can pay dearly for the seemingly innocent act.
Where's the ban?
The prohibition was introduced in clearly defined locations:
- City Centre
- Port Eckernförde
- Main beach
- Southern beach
In these areas, feeding seagulls – even by accidentally throwing food residues – can be considered a violation and end with a mandate.
Why was specified a drastic step decided?
She explained Mayor of Eckernförde, Iris Ploog from the Green Party, the decision was made in consequence to increasing number of complaints either from residentsand tourists. The problem is getting more and more aggressive behaviour of gullswhich, accustomed to easy access to food, They attack people., pulling food out of your hands or even your mouth.
‘It can be truly painful erstwhile a seagull pulls a fish out of your sandwich right before the first bite." – commented Mayor Ploog in a conversation with SAT.1 Regional.
The authorities besides noted that feeding causes disorders of the natural eating habits of birds, which negatively affects the local ecosystem.
Raw enforcement of the ban
This is not a regulation that will stay a dead letter of the law. Local cleaning services have been obliged to monitoring of prohibition zones and respond to any violation of it. Although no precise statistic have been provided, local media study that controls are already underway, and the first punished tourists received administrative fines.
Authorities met with support for part of the population, who have had adequate of seagulls attacking children, stealing food from open packaging or spreading trash in search of remains.
Holiday with climate, but besides with rules
Eckernförde is simply a super-Baltic town that has attracted tourists with an almost Caribbean climate for years: clean water, wide beaches and developed tourist infrastructure. During the summertime season, the hotel visits respective tens of thousands of visitors. For many of them, the view of gulls was part of the natural scenery – but it is now recommended to keep the distance.
Some travel agencies and tourist information points have already started information campaigns in abroad languages to inform guests about applicable regulations. Food ban information besides appears on information boards at delicate points of the city and beaches.
Not just Germans. The problem of gulls is increasing in Europe
Although the case of Eckernförde is now the most media-oriented, akin problems happen in another coastal regions of Europe – both above Balticas well as over North Sea is Mediterranean. Many resorts are observed The increasing brazenness of the gullswho are not afraid of people and are increasingly entering direct conflict with them.
Local authorities take various actions, including limiting access to open waste bins, conducting educational campaigns and, as in the case of Eckernförde, introducing criminal sanctions For feeding them.
What are the dangers of tourists?
Any individual caught feeding gulls in a prohibited region may be punished by an administrative mandate to 1000 euro. In practice, this means that even unconsciously sharing food with a bird – if documented – may end in a painful memory for the wallet.
The authorities stress that will not apply a simplification tariff for abroad tourists. The rules apply to all without exception, and lack of cognition of local law does not defend against a mandate.
What is worth knowing before you go to the sea?
For all going to German resorts on the Baltic Sea during the summertime season, it is worth remembering a fewer rules:
- Do not feed birds Even if it seems innocent.
- Pay attention to local information boards – frequently placed in respective languages.
- Be careful erstwhile eating in the open air – seagulls can be very fast and bold.
- Secure garbage and food left behind – not to attract birds to public places.
Future prospect: Will the ban last?
The city authorities do not indicate how long the fresh ban will apply, but stress that this is simply a reaction to a real and increasing threat. If the situation improves – it is possible that regulations will be relaxed. However, with current levels of complaints and incidents, Maintaining the ban seems inevitable at least until the end of the vacation season.
For tourists, this means 1 thing: better get acquainted with local rules before starting leaveto avoid unnecessary problems and costs.
Continued here:
There was a ban on feeding seagulls on the Baltic. punishment up to PLN 4000 for tourists
