Italian Alpine Village Takes Drastic Measures Against Overtourism
The idyllic Alpine village of Funes in Italy's South Tyrol region is implementing new restrictive measures to control the overwhelming influx of tourists drawn by its viral social media fame. Local authorities have announced the installation of barriers that will enforce residents-only access to key areas during the busy summer months, marking a significant escalation in the community's efforts to reclaim their peaceful mountain lifestyle.
From Hiking Haven to Instagram Hotspot
Funes, nestled near the Austrian border with a modest population of just 2,500 residents, has experienced a dramatic transformation in recent years. Once primarily known as a destination for dedicated hikers and nature enthusiasts, the village has become an international sensation thanks to social media platforms showcasing its breathtaking landscapes. The picturesque Santa Maddalena church, dating back to the 15th century and set against the dramatic backdrop of the Odles mountain range, has become particularly iconic.
The village's stunning scenery first gained significant attention in China when a telecommunications company printed an image of the church on sim cards back in 2005. This early exposure laid the groundwork for the area's current popularity, with many social media influencers now claiming the landscape inspired the mountain emoji used on mobile devices worldwide.
Residents' Lives Disrupted by Tourist Influx
Local residents have reported numerous problems stemming from the tourist surge, including severe traffic congestion, persistent trespassing on private property, and increased littering throughout the village. The narrow road leading to the Santa Maddalena church viewpoint has become particularly problematic, with visitors often parking indiscriminately and disrupting daily life.
Roswitha Moret Niederwolfsgruber, the council chief for social welfare, expressed the community's frustration to The Times, stating: "They want that photo at all costs. They have no respect, walking into people's gardens and leaving their cars where they want ... we are not living anymore." This sentiment reflects growing concerns among residents about maintaining their quality of life amid constant tourist presence.
New Barrier System and Visitor Management
Beginning in May and continuing through November during the peak tourist season, new barriers will restrict vehicle access to residents only on the road leading to the popular Santa Maddalena viewpoint. These barriers will be positioned further along the road than during a previous trial three years ago, designed to more effectively control visitor flow to this sensitive area.
Daytrippers will now need to park in designated areas elsewhere and undertake a 15-minute walk along a footpath to reach the famous mountain views. Additionally, the local council will increase parking fees from the current €4 (£3.50) to an as-yet-undisclosed higher amount, providing further disincentive for casual visitors while generating revenue for local infrastructure.
Broader Alpine Trend Against Overtourism
Funes joins a growing list of Alpine communities taking action against the negative impacts of overtourism following viral social media exposure. In 2023, the Austrian town of Hallstatt, a protected UNESCO World Heritage site, erected wooden fences that partially obstructed lakeside views popular with photographers. Hallstatt has attracted over a million visitors annually since rumors spread that its striking landscape inspired the fictional kingdom of Arendelle in Disney's Frozen film franchise.
These measures represent a significant shift in how picturesque mountain communities balance tourism revenue with resident wellbeing, creating new models for sustainable visitor management in the digital age where social media can transform remote locations into global destinations almost overnight.
