Abstract
Geotourism has become more popular in recent decades. Volcanism is an essential part of geoheritage and attracts a high number of visitors. In contrast to active volcanism, Tertiary volcanism is often not identified as such by a lay audience and is understandably perceived as less spectacular. The challenge is therefore to protect the volcanic heritage, to communicate its values, and to enhance it with the help of adequate geotourism offers. Germany does not have active volcanism, but a very high quality volcanic geological heritage, especially from the Tertiary period. Fortunately, this heritage is being increasingly valued and presented in an attractive way for a lay audience. The two Geoparks in the Eifel (Rhineland-Palatinate) are pioneers in this field. The UNESCO Global Geopark Swabian Alb actually offers a well camouflaged potential. The Swabian volcano, with an area of 1600 km2, is one of the most important tuff vent areas on earth, but hardly known outside of expert groups. A comprehensive strategy for the geotouristic valorization of the Tertiary volcanic phenomena does not yet exist in the Geopark Swabian Alb.
Highlights
Tourism is rated as the “leading economy of the twentieth century” because of its high rates of growth and regional added value [1]
In regions with active volcanism, the volcanoes are among the “primary drawcards for visitors”, while in regions with dormant or extinct volcanism, they probably only play a secondary role
If it is known that volcanism existed in the area, laypeople often refer to prominent witness mountains such as the “Runde Berg” near Bad Urach or the “Achalm” near Reutlingen as volcanoes, since they have a similar shape to a “classic volcano” (Figure 10)
Summary
Tourism is rated as the “leading economy of the twentieth century” because of its high rates of growth and regional added value [1]. In regions with active volcanism, the volcanoes are among the “primary drawcards for visitors”, while in regions with dormant or extinct volcanism, they probably only play a secondary role. There, they need to be linked with other attractions in order to increase visitor numbers and length of stay [11]. Dormant volcanism and landforms of extinct volcanism are a defining component of the regional geoheritage and as such worthy of protection and important components of geotourism offers [12]. The later integrates with the so-called Swabian volcano (Schwäbischer Vulkan) a geological heritage of great importance These volcanic landforms are difficult for laypeople to identify without further information. The present article is based on a survey of literature as well as the homepages and information material of the integrated geoparks and other geotouristic sites, my own surveys in the area, expert interviews, and many years of experience as a scientist, landscape guide, and deputy chairwoman of the advisory board of the UNESCO Geopark Swabian Alb
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