Hallstatt has often been dubbed Europe’s prettiest village, attracting tourists from around the globe.
However, the very charm that made it a must-visit destination has now led to its downfall.
Overwhelmed by the influx of visitors, the village is taking drastic measures to preserve its serenity by building fences to keep tourists out.
What was once a tranquil village with a population of just over 700 residents now hosts thousands of visitors daily.
The surge has been driven in part by social media and its reputation as a fairy-tale destination.
In response, the village has started to erect fences and barriers to control and limit access to certain areas.
This controversial move aims to reduce the number of tourists and protect the village’s cultural and natural heritage.
Signs have been placed at various entry points, and security personnel have been employed to enforce the new regulations.
Tourists could even be fined as much as 275 euros (£238) if they’re caught ‘lingering’ to take selfies in the popular hotspot.
“The situation had become untenable,” said Hallstatt Mayor Alexander Scheutz.
“We cherish the fact that people love our village, but the sheer volume of visitors was ruining the very essence of Hallstatt. These measures are necessary to protect our home and way of life.”
The impact of this tourism boom has been huge.
Narrow streets originally designed for horses and carts are now clogged with tour buses, and the peaceful ambiance is often shattered by the constant chatter of tourists and the clicking of cameras.
Local infrastructure, not designed to handle such large numbers, has been strained, leading to concerns about sustainability and quality of life for residents.