Controversy Erupts as Forest Authority Charges Fees for Jogging

In a surprising move, the forestry department in Ober-Olm, Rhineland-Palatinate, has implemented a fee structure for joggers and fitness enthusiasts utilizing forest paths for exercise. This decision has sparked outrage, particularly among local fitness trainers and health advocates.

Carolin Hingst, a former Olympic athlete who competed in pole vaulting, has expressed her discontent regarding this new policy. Hingst, who currently operates fitness courses through the scenic woods of Ober-Olm, has been informed that she will need to pay a fee for her activities in the area.

Previously, Hingst enjoyed unrestricted access to the forest under a long-term agreement. However, this agreement was abruptly terminated in May 2024 by the forestry authorities, citing the necessity of imposing fees due to rising operational costs associated with maintaining pathways, signage, and parking facilities, alongside challenges posed by climate change.

In a shocking development, after several months of communication with the forestry department, Hingst learned that starting in 2025, she would be required to pay ten percent of her gross earnings from her fitness courses. This fee has been deemed exorbitant and potentially detrimental to her business as a self-employed fitness coach.

Hingst emphasized that her fitness groups leave no trace and only use the designated trails, arguing that their activities do not harm the environment. In response to the fee structure, the forestry department has cited Paragraph 22 of the State Forest Law, which allows for such charges to be levied.

The green ministry in Mainz has indicated that the specific amounts charged are determined at the discretion of the local forest authorities, leading to concerns about transparency in the fee-setting process.

Initially demanding a fee based on a percentage of earnings, the forestry department has since revised its position and now requests a flat fee of 500 euros annually. Despite the reduction, Hingst remains resolute in her opposition to the fees, asserting that she is fighting not just for her own business, but for all freelancers who face increasing bureaucratic hurdles and financial burdens.

Adding to the confusion, it appears that other activities, such as esoteric practices like "forest bathing," are not subject to the same fee structure as fitness courses. This inconsistency has led Hingst to label the policy as arbitrary.

The implications of this fee policy may extend beyond individual trainers, potentially impacting community health initiatives and outdoor fitness programs aimed at encouraging residents to engage in physical activity.