In the realm of travel and tourism, the desire to leave a mark or take a memento from a beloved destination is a common impulse. However, this seemingly harmless behavior can have significant and unintended consequences for the very places we cherish. Two recent cases highlight the delicate balance between celebrating our connection to these sites and ensuring their preservation for future generations: the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland and the medieval streets of Bruges, Belgium.

The Giant’s Causeway: A Natural Wonder Under Threat

The Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland, is renowned for its striking basalt rock columns, which have fascinated visitors for centuries. According to legend, these interlocking columns were created by the Irish giant Finn McCool to build a bridge across the Irish Sea to confront his Scottish rival, Benandonner. However, scientists have determined that the columns were actually formed by a volcanic eruption around 50 million years ago.

In 2024, the Giant’s Causeway welcomed over 684,000 visitors, many of whom participated in a popular but damaging ritual: wedging coins into the gaps between the site’s iconic stones. While this act may seem like a harmless way to leave a token of one’s visit, it has severe consequences for the site’s preservation.

The UK heritage body, the National Trust, has launched a campaign to end this practice. According to Cliff Henry, the National Trust’s Nature Engagement Officer at the Giant’s Causeway, "We know that visitors really love and cherish the Giant’s Causeway, and many form deep personal connections to this special landscape. We know some may want to leave a token of their visit, but the coins are causing damage and we are urging people to stop the practice and to leave no trace so this natural wonder remains special for future generations."

A report by the British Geological Survey revealed the extent of the damage caused by the coins. The coins rapidly corrode and expand, leading to the fracturing and disintegration of the basalt rock. Specifically, the report found that the "expansive delamination of the coins upon oxidation" causes the coins to rust and expand to three times their original thickness. This expansion exerts immense pressure on the surrounding rock, causing it to crumble. Additionally, the corrosion of the coins leaves unsightly streaks of copper, nickel, and iron oxides on the stones.

To address this issue, the National Trust employed stone conservation experts to determine if the coins could be removed without causing further damage. The initial tests were successful, but the process of removing all the coins will cost more than £30,000 ($40,500). The National Trust is appealing to visitors to help protect the site by ceasing the practice of inserting coins into the stones.

Bruges: The Vanishing Cobblestones

While the Giant’s Causeway faces damage from objects left behind, the medieval city of Bruges, Belgium, is grappling with the opposite problem: objects being taken away. Bruges, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and charming cobblestone streets, has become a victim of its own popularity. Tourists, drawn by the city’s historic charm, have taken to stealing cobblestones from its UNESCO-recognized streets.

Local politician Franky Demon estimates that 50 to 70 cobblestones disappear every month, with the number increasing during peak tourist season. The cost of replacing the cobblestones and repairing the damage is significant, amounting to 200 euros (about $225) per square meter. The consequences of this seemingly harmless act are far-reaching. "While some may see this as harmless or quirky, the consequences are serious," Demon said. "The removal of cobblestones poses a clear safety risk to both residents and visitors. Missing or loosened stones create tripping hazards, and city workers must frequently be dispatched to carry out repairs."

Earlier in May, officials in Bruges issued a public appeal to tourists to stop stealing cobblestones. The city’s efforts to raise awareness about the issue highlight the broader challenge of balancing tourism with the preservation of cultural heritage sites. The cobblestones, which are an integral part of Bruges’ historic charm, are not just physical elements but also symbols of the city’s rich history and identity.

The Broader Implications for Tourism and Preservation

The cases of the Giant’s Causeway and Bruges underscore a critical issue in modern tourism: the need for visitors to be mindful of the impact their actions have on the places they visit. While the intention behind leaving a coin or taking a cobblestone may be innocent, the cumulative effect of such actions can be devastating.

For heritage sites like the Giant’s Causeway and historic cities like Bruges, the preservation of their unique features is essential not only for their cultural significance but also for their economic value. Tourism is a vital industry for both locations, and the degradation of these sites could have long-term consequences for local economies and communities.

The National Trust’s campaign to remove coins from the Giant’s Causeway and the appeal by Bruges officials to stop cobblestone theft are not just about protecting physical structures; they are about preserving the essence of these places for future generations. These efforts highlight the importance of education and awareness in sustainable tourism. By informing visitors about the impact of their actions, we can foster a culture of responsible travel that respects and protects the very places we love.

A Call to Action

As travelers, we have a responsibility to be stewards of the places we visit. The beauty and significance of sites like the Giant’s Causeway and the medieval streets of Bruges are not just for us to enjoy but for future generations to experience. By leaving no trace and respecting the integrity of these sites, we ensure that they remain special for years to come.

For the National Trust and the city of Bruges, the challenge is to balance the demands of tourism with the need for preservation. This requires not only the enforcement of regulations but also the engagement of visitors in the preservation process. By appealing to the sense of responsibility and respect that visitors have for these sites, we can create a more sustainable and harmonious relationship between tourism and heritage.

In a world where travel is increasingly accessible, the importance of responsible tourism cannot be overstated. Every visitor has the power to make a positive impact by being mindful of their actions and contributing to the preservation of the places they visit. Whether it’s refraining from inserting coins into the Giant’s Causeway or resisting the urge to take a cobblestone from Bruges, our choices matter.

As we navigate the complexities of modern tourism, let us remember that the places we visit are not just backdrops for our adventures but living, breathing entities with their own stories and futures. By respecting and protecting these sites, we honor their history and ensure that they continue to inspire and captivate visitors for generations to come.