Saxon Switzerland National Park faces rising vandalism costs

Vandalism in the Saxon Switzerland National Park is costing authorities up to 25,000 euros annually in cleanup and restoration efforts. The damage includes graffiti, stickers, and carvings on sandstone rocks and trees, as well as the defacement of trail signs.

Officials from the National Park and Forest Administration have described recent incidents as “unprecedented.” Specific locations affected include Cottaer Spitzberg, the Obelisk on Lilienstein, Großer Zschirnstein, and Schrammtor. In some instances, vandals have used power tools to carve initials and symbols into the characteristic rock formations.

Beyond the direct cost of removing paint and stickers, the administration noted that repeated cleaning of trail signs with solvents often necessitates complete replacements. The funds required for these repairs are drawn from tax revenue, which officials say diverts money away from essential maintenance of hiking trails and stairs. Police are currently conducting cross-state investigations into the damage, which is being treated as common property damage punishable by fines or imprisonment.