Mapping the Distance: An Analysis of Visitor Travel Distance to German National Parks and Biosphere Reserves

Lisa Majewski; Anna Frieser; Katrin Lang-Novikov; Manuel Woltering

doi:10.14512/rur.2571

Authors

Lisa Majewski Geography and Regional Science, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6360-6345
Anna Frieser Geography and Regional Science, Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg
Katrin Lang-Novikov Geography and Regional Science, Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg
Manuel Woltering Geography and Regional Science, Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9295-9678

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14512/rur.2571

Keywords:

Automated distance analysis, Biosphere reserves, Mode of transport, National parks, Nature tourism, Travel distance

Abstract

The ecologically valuable and unique natural and cultural landscapes of protected areas are popular nature tourism destinations. From a spatial perspective, travellers visit protected areas by moving from their place of origin to the destination for a temporary stay. This paper analyses the travel distances of day visitors and overnight guests to German national parks and biosphere reserves. National parks position themselves as both regional and national destinations. In contrast, biosphere reserve tourism is more regionally concentrated due to the proximity of biosphere reserves to urban centres, which are the primary places of origin for visitors. On average, visitors travel 278.6 km by car to visit a national park, taking 172.1 minutes (02:52 hours). Opting for public transport increases the average travel distance to 312.5 km, with a travel time of 284.5 minutes (04:43 hours). Visitors to German biosphere reserves travel 208.7 km by car, requiring 134.7 minutes (02:15 hours). When using public transport to visit biosphere reserves, the average distance increases to 234.0 km, with a travel time of 239.1 minutes (03:59 hours). The automated, GIS-supported distance analyses offer an innovative approach for assessing nature tourism catchment areas and the accessibility of protected areas, serving as a basis for effective spatial planning, development, and regional marketing.

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Author Biographies

Lisa Majewski, Geography and Regional Science, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg

Dr. Lisa Majewski is a research assistant at the University of Würzburg. Her research focuses on visitation and economic impact analyses of protected areas within national and international contexts.
Anna Frieser, Geography and Regional Science, Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg

Anna Frieser is a research assistant at the University of Würzburg. Her research focuses on the total economic valuation of protected areas within national and international contexts.
Katrin Lang-Novikov, Geography and Regional Science, Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg

Katrin Lang-Novikov is a a cartographer at the University of Würzburg. Her work focuses on GIS, cartography and visualization.
Manuel Woltering, Geography and Regional Science, Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg

Dr. Manuel Woltering is a research assistant at the University of Würzburg. His research focuses on tourism and regional development in protected areas within national and international contexts.

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