The Pearl of Europe: Residents of a “fairytale” village fight off the daily flow of tourists

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The village, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, enchants tourists, but faces problems of oversaturation.

Located in the picturesque Salzkammergut region, the village of Hallstatt (Austria) has long won the hearts of tourists with its fairy-tale appearance, rich history and stunning landscapes. The amazing place that inspired the creators of the kingdom of Arendelle from the Disney cartoon “Frozen” is becoming a favorite destination for thousands of travelers every year. This is reported by The Mirror.

Hallstatt is a combination of cozy colorful houses, a historic market square, majestic mountains and a peaceful lake. However, behind the external fairy-tale nature, there are difficult challenges. The daily flow of up to 10,000 visitors creates a significant burden on the infrastructure and the peaceful life of local residents.

Villagers have repeatedly protested, demanding to limit the number of tourists. For example, last summer, about 100 people blocked the main tunnel with posters saying “Emergency braking!” and “Think about our children.” There have also been attempts to limit tourist activity, including the installation of an “anti-selfie fence” that blocked a popular view of the mountains, but it was dismantled due to public pressure.

However, Hallstatt continues to enchant with its unique atmosphere and rich cultural heritage. One of the most unusual attractions is the ossuary, which houses over 1,200 human skulls, many of which are hand-decorated in accordance with ancient Alpine tradition. For history and adventure lovers, the world's oldest salt mine, Salzwelten, and the breathtaking Dachstein caves with their ice formations are also available.

In winter, travelers can enjoy the Skywalk Hallstatt, a panoramic platform overlooking the snow-covered village, complemented by the cozy atmosphere of the Rudolfsturm restaurant.

For those planning to stay in the village, the Seehotel Gruener Baum offers comfort and style. Visitors say the hotel is famous for its beautiful lake views and friendly staff.

To enjoy Hallstatt without the hustle and bustle, experts recommend planning a trip in the off-season. The Hallstatt-Dachstein-Salzkammergut region remains a paradise for nature, history, and adventure lovers at any time of year.