The idyllic village of Hallstatt in Austria has become swamped with tourists, prompting local residents to take action.
Famed for its resemblance to the kingdom of Arendelle from Disney’s “Frozen,” the village’s popularity has led to traffic chaos and frustration among its 700 inhabitants.
In a bid to address the issue, a group called Bürgerliste Hallstatt organised a road blockade, with around one-sixth of the village’s residents participating.
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They claim that the huge number of tourists, which outnumbers the locals by 1,800 to one, has brought insults, illegal parking, and disruption to their quiet community.
Mayor Alexander Scheutz acknowledged the problem, stating: “Nobody can handle the masses. Hallstatt is too small for the many people who come.”
Possible solutions like limiting tour buses and enforcing a 5 pm curfew for visitors have been suggested.
Nestled along the shores of Lake Hallstatt, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed village showcases 16th-century architecture, cozy lodges, and charming local establishments.
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Earlier this year, the mayor placed temporary fences to control viewpoints. Now, he’s considering a more permanent barrier to balance tourism with residents’ needs.
He said: “The only thing that would help is if the photo point is no longer a photo point.”
In the past, Hallstatt had implemented restrictions on incoming vehicles; however, officials have reported that the daily limit of 450 cars and 54 buses is consistently exceeded.
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