eak takes stock: Treetop Night Lights delight visitors and attract record numbers in the off-season

Night Lights at the Treetop Walks of Erlebnis Akademie AG exceeded all expectations. The success of this winter highlight has also had a positive impact on the regions. A comeback next winter is already planned.

Bad Kötzting, 30th of April 2025 – Enjoy the Treetop Walk at night, enveloped by the glow of hundreds of thousands of tiny lights and accompanied by numerous magical encounters with glowing forest animals: that was the promise of the winter 2024/25 Night Lights on the treetop paths of Erlebnis Akademie AG (eak). A glance at the visitor numbers confirms that this is a very special experience. The success of the illumination event also had positive effects beyond the Treetop Walk, extending into the surrounding regions.

Visitor numbers doubled in the off-season

From November 2024 to March 2025, the Night Lights took place at nine eak sites with different running times: four times in Germany with the Treetop Walks Usedom, Black Forest, Saarschleife and at the Naturerbe Zentrum Rügen. In addition, five further paths in other European countries have been illuminated: The Treetop Walks Salzkammergut, Bachledka, Pohorje, Krkonoše and Ireland.

A glance at the visitor numbers paints a thoroughly positive picture, says Christian Kremer, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Erlebnis Akademie AG: ‘The number of visitors almost doubled on the days when the Night Lights were running. We are very pleased with the increase in visitor numbers,’ he says, summarising the positive effects on what is actually the off-season for the Treetop Walks.

A project with appeal for the entire region

However, the winter highlight did not only draw visitors to the Treetop Walks. Positive effects can also be seen in the regions: Grünberg in Gmunden, for example, entered its first winter season with the illumination on the Treetop Walk Salzkammergut.

For Rupert Schiefer, Managing Director of OÖ Seilbahn Holding, this was a success that also benefited the Bergbahn Grünberg: ‘We are very satisfied. The Night Lights have demonstrated that the Grünberg is also a popular destination in winter – especially thanks to harmonious offerings such as those on the Treetop Walk. Around 17,000 guests visited the Grünberg – a very good result for the first winter season.’ The illumination had a real impact: ‘It appealed to new target groups. Many came specifically for the special atmosphere in the evening.’

Christian Kremer from eak adds: ‘Without the excellent cooperation with our partners at the destinations, such as the Bergbahn Grünberg, this success would not have been possible. We would like to express our sincere thanks to all regional stakeholders who supported us with the event.’

Night Lights 2025/26 are ready to go

Due to the overwhelmingly positive results, it has been decided that the illumination will return to the treetops as a winter highlight in 2025/26. The attraction will start at the end of November. More detailed information will be available in autumn at www.treetop-walks.com. 

This press release is available for download:

eak takes stock: Treetop Night Lights delight visitors and attract record numbers in the off-season