Europeans have found a new tourist paradise: at 8,000 feet [2,300 m], they queue for hours, the sights unreal

Tourists flocking to high-altitude destinations in the Dolomites have created unprecedented congestion, with long lines forming even above 2,300 meters, according to local reports. At one of the mountain huts, visitors wait hours just to obtain a slice of bread, while social media has amplified the issue by drawing crowds to areas that were once quiet and serene. Locals are increasingly frustrated by the influx, which they say has turned parts of the Dolomites into more of a tourist attraction than a natural landscape. The Dolomites have long been among the most renowned tourist destinations in the Alps, but recent months have brought new challenges. The sheer volume of visitors has led to overcrowding on some of the most popular trails. In certain areas, tourists can spend hours waiting in line for basic provisions such as bread at mountain huts. Local residents warn that many day-trippers arrive unprepared, lacking proper gear, with some even showing up in traditional Japanese attire. In the area around Langkofel, near the border of South Tyrol, tourists begin queuing outside mountain huts early in the morning. The reason? Bread supplies have become so sought after that they have gone viral on social media platforms. Alberto Gris, from the Italian Alpine Club CAI in Belluno, previously warned of changing visitor behavior. He noted that some people are visiting the mountains less for the scenery and more for the photos they can take and share online. The issues extend beyond crowding, mountain huts are overflowing, and some shelters located off the main tourist routes are being used more frequently for leisure activities rather than their intended purpose. The extent of the congestion is evident in Misurina, where queues at the bus stop stretched hundreds of meters. Tourists waited hours for transport to Tre Cime di Lavaredo, one of the most famous natural attractions in the Alps. Traffic problems were also reported during a solar eclipse last week, when movement along the Passo di Giau route came to a standstill. Videos shared on social media showed a traffic jam stretching all the way down to the valley below Monte Gusel, a peak standing at 2,595 meters. Witnesses described the queue extending deep into the valley. Cortina d'Ampezzo, known as the "pearl of the Dolomites," has also faced similar issues. The town has been overwhelmed by visitors in recent weeks, leading to increasing complaints about their behavior. Mayor Gianluca Lorenzi has proposed new rules that still need approval from the city council. These measures aim to limit spontaneous camping in the town center. According to the proposed regulations, sleeping in tents or sleeping bags on public spaces will be prohibited, as well as picnicking on historical buildings. The rules also target campervans, allowing them to park only at designated spots but aiming to prevent parking lots from turning into informal campsites. Issues cited by the municipal administration include tables, chairs, cooking equipment, and other camping-related items scattered around vehicles. Fines ranging from €25 to €500 are planned for violations. Officials emphasize that the goal is not to restrict tourism but to regulate visitor conduct and better protect public space. Local authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, seeking ways to balance the growing demand for access to these iconic landscapes with the need to preserve the environment and ensure safety for both residents and visitors.