Italian Farmers Push Back Against Social Media Tourists: Turnstiles and Entry Fees Introduced in the Dolomites.
According to a report by “Tehsil365”, citing CNN, in northern Italy’s Dolomite Mountains, some of the country’s most iconic natural landscapes have become not only a destination for nature lovers but also a hotspot for social media tourists. However, the increasing influx of visitors has sparked concern among local farmers. In the Alto Adige region, farmers have begun installing turnstiles and charging visitors €5 (approximately $6) to access popular “Instagram-worthy” spots that pass through private land.
The main targets are well-known locations such as Seceda and the Drei Zinnen (Three Peaks). Footage shared on social media shows long queues of up to 4,000 people per day, waiting for their chance to snap the perfect shot — images that appear to encourage even more visitors instead of deterring them.
Carlo Zanella, head of the Alto Adige Alpine Club, expressed frustration with the situation. He noted that many tourists arrive unprepared, some even wearing flip-flops and carrying umbrellas, putting themselves at risk in the rugged mountain terrain. “In the past, hikers came with maps and proper equipment. Now people don’t even know the cable car schedules and get stranded on the mountain,” Zanella said.
Local farmers have also complained about their land being trashed, their homes disrespected, and a general lack of courtesy from visitors. Georg Rabanser, a former national snowboarder and landowner near Seceda, said: “We just wanted help, but no one listened. So now we’re taking matters into our own hands.”
Although Italian law mandates free access to natural parks, no official action has been taken against the private turnstiles so far, allowing these measures to remain in place for the time being.
Some local tourism authorities believe the situation is being exaggerated. The Santa Cristina Tourism Board claims that conditions are stabilizing, with waste issues improving. They’ve assigned park rangers to guide tourists along designated trails to help manage the flow.
Meanwhile, other parts of Italy are also implementing similar restrictions. At Monte Rosa, parking has been limited, and only 150 vehicles are allowed near the Pian del Re marshes. At Lake Braies, tourists are now required to pay up to €40 for access.
Arno Kompatscher, governor of South Tyrol, has urged the national government to protect these sensitive alpine ecosystems and discourage locals from renting out homes to tourists.