The inhabitants of the Dolomites are not lacking in imagination to stem the constant flow of tourists! Exhausted from seeing thousands of hikers each summer, some landowners have decided to charge for access to a highly sought-after trail leading to the summit of mount Seceda. Their solution? A paid passage for €5 to climb the last few meters, a bold way to remind that overtourism is not without consequences.
In the face of the massive influx of tourists in the Dolomites, an original initiative has emerged: some residents tired of the invasion and nuisances of mass tourism have decided to implement an access fee on a highly coveted trail leading to the summit of Mont Seceda. The entry fee—modest but symbolic—has caused quite a stir in the alpine region and has sparked a passionate debate between the defense of local heritage and the right to nature.
To combat overtourism, residents of the Dolomites are introducing an access fee for a popular trail
An unexpected turnstile in the heart of the Alps
Imagine this: you are climbing in the majestic Dolomites, approaching the summit of Mont Seceda, and there, not a bouquet of edelweiss, but… a metallic turnstile, like in a subway, blocks your way! Since the end of July, a group of landowners has decided to charge five euros to anyone wishing to take the last 300 meters of a famous trail. Card or cash, everyone has their method to access the panoramic selfies flooding social media.
A symbol against “tourist terrorism” or an infringement on freedom?
This unusual measure is seen by its instigators as a cry for help. The goal? To make visitors aware of the concrete impact of their presence: trampled pastures, litter left behind, and unprecedented disturbance to the mountainous charm. “Tourist terrorism,” they say, weary of seeing thousands of people pass through every summer. While some are outraged, others see this toll as a courageous action, akin to efforts taken elsewhere against overtourism.
The flip side: an illegal initiative
Despite the good intentions displayed, this private initiative is formally illegal. No green light has been given by local authorities, and in Italy, free access to natural parks is a fundamental right. The tourism office quickly raised the alarm and demanded the deactivation of the turnstile. Worse, forest rangers are now ensuring that tourists and hikers stay on designated paths and do not invade private lands.
A heated debate: how far should one pay for the mountain?
In this tense atmosphere, Carlo Alberto Zanella, president of the South Tyrol Alpine Club, fully embraces this “shock” action. According to him, the problem has roots in the growing popularity of ski lifts connecting the town of Ortisei to Seceda. The unbearable influx of visitors, especially since influencers have touted the beauty of the site, only exacerbates the situation. Zanella even humorously suggests—though with a hint of annoyance—to raise the toll to 100 euros and ban overly zealous influencers. A real showdown is underway between residents, defenders of free access, and tourism stakeholders. The planned modernization of the infrastructure, set to triple the current lift capacity, further fuels tensions, similar to what is happening in other places affected by overtourism.
Alternatives, tricks, and resistance
Nevertheless, the most motivated hikers can still bypass the measure by opting for slightly longer routes that do not cross the affected private lands. This trick does not stop mass tourism but provides an escape for those who do not wish to pay the fee. The story echoes other experiences conducted in Europe and around the world, where various ways of containing—or directing—this collective appetite for “Instagram-friendly” landscapes are being explored (some Spanish villages, like those covered in lavender, are undertaking similar actions, to be discovered here).
The future in question: tourism or preservation?
Ultimately, the episode of the turnstile at Seceda raises a universal question: how far should we go to protect natural treasures from the crowd and the excesses of tourism? Should we charge for access to the wonders of nature? Privatize certain trails? Educate visitors or strengthen regulations? Cases like Cape Girardeau, or numerous other destinations, testify to various and inspiring initiatives (see here), while other regions are experimenting with concrete and innovative solutions to address the challenges of overtourism.
