Val di Funes
The inhabitants of Val di Funes are fed up with tourists who just take photographs and clog traffic without contributing to the local economy.
Authorities in Val di Funes, a picturesque alpine valley in the province of South Tyrol in northern Italy, announced new restrictions on tourist access to one of the region’s most photographed tourist spots, in response to locals’ growing frustration with congestion, parking chaos and trespassing on private property.
Nestled beneath the jagged peaks of Odle, Val di Funes is famous for its perfect landscape for postcardswith lush green meadows, traditional alpine houses and dramatic mountain backdrops that glow at sunset. In recent years, however, the valley’s tranquil charm has been disturbed by an influx of day trip tourists, drawn by images on social media, particularly of the churches of Santa Maddalena and San Giovanni di Ranui.
What was once primarily a hiking destination has increasingly become a stop for short visits with the aim of capturing the “perfect” photo. Local authorities say this change has brought limited economic benefits while putting severe pressure on infrastructure.
Mayor Peter Pernthaler said tourist groups often arrive, park indiscriminately and leave quickly after taking photographs. “They contribute nothing but trash that they leave behind. The locals have reached the end of their patience, so we decided to take action. We are prepared to do more: this year, we will not allow any invasion.”, he told the local press.
From May to November, access to the narrow road leading to Santa Maddalena church will be restricted to residents and hotel guests. Tourists should park in designated areas and when these spaces are occupied, vehicles will be diverted to parking lots further down the valley. Parking fees are also expected to increase, as the current daily fee of 4 euros is considered too low to discourage brief photo stops.
There will be no parking reservation system, but the city council is in negotiations with the neighboring city of Chiusa to implement a circular bus service, aiming to reduce car traffic in the most congested areas.
Pernthaler emphasized that the measures are not anti-tourism, but rather an attempt to restore order and balance. “The road in Santa Maddalena it is very narrow“, he said, highlighting the city council’s responsibility to ensure that residents and visitors can move freely, without constant congestion. Tourists, he added, will still be able to reach the church on foot.
The church can attract up to 600 visitors in a single day. Although residents are accustomed to tourism, authorities say the current scale is unsustainable. The valley’s popularity is believed to have increased internationally after images of Saint Maddalena appeared on Chinese mobile phone SIM cards in 2005.
Val di Funes is not the only one facing these challenges. Throughout the Dolomites region, communities fight against overtourismconcerns that are likely to intensify as the Winter Olympic Games approach.
