The popular Italian Dolomites mountain range is experiencing unprecedented tourist crowds, leading to issues such as "crazy" queues for local food, traffic gridlock, and frustration among residents. The Alpine region, known for its scenic beauty, cable cars, and hiking trails, typically draws millions of visitors annually, but this summer has seen an extreme surge in numbers.
At the Rifugio Friedrich August hut on the Langkofel mountain, at an altitude of 2,300 meters (7,546 feet), tourists are reportedly waking up in the early hours and waiting for hours in winding queues for the hut's famed cream-filled doughnuts. Some visitors have even resorted to camping out to ensure they can purchase the treat before it sells out.
This influx of visitors has drawn criticism from locals and some social media users who feel that many tourists are more interested in social media photos than in appreciating the natural environment. Some have described the situation as a "tourist trap" and "madness."
"I've been coming to the mountains for years and I've truly never seen such chaos; there are queues everywhere," one hiker commented. Another observed, "They're not interested in the Dolomites. They come in flip-flops just to take pictures."
Traffic and Access Restrictions
The overcrowding extends beyond popular food spots. Last week, on the day of the solar eclipse, severe traffic gridlocked roads on the Passo di Giau mountain pass, with hundreds of cars brought to a standstill. In response to the overwhelming numbers, barriers have been installed near the Santa Maddalena church to prevent unauthorized vehicle access. This picturesque spot has been overrun, prompting the region to implement new restrictions, limiting car access to just 150 per day in some areas.
Long lines have also been reported at shuttle bus stops for popular attractions like the Three Peaks, one of the most visited sites in the Alps, which can see up to 14,000 visitors per day during peak season.
Local officials acknowledge the severity of the situation. Nicola Bombassei, the councilor overseeing environment and land use planning for the area, called the queues "unacceptable" last month, noting the record number of visitors. Efforts are underway to find solutions to reduce crowds. Suggestions such as installing a ski-lift have been debated as a means to better manage overcrowding, though some argue this could conflict with existing quotas on vehicle access.
Dolomiti Bus, the local transport service, has reportedly reinforced its shuttle services to cope with the masses. A spokesperson for the company stated, "We are constantly monitoring visitor flow and adapting our service according to needs."