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The village of Vlkolincu, nestled in central Slovakia, has become a focal point of controversy as its residents have pleaded with UNESCO to remove the settlement from its World Heritage List. The village, home to just 17 permanent residents, attracts over 100,000 tourists annually, many of whom visit to experience traditional wooden architecture and cultural performances. However, this influx of visitors has turned daily life into a challenge for the villagers, who feel increasingly intruded upon and disrespected.

Residents describe their lives as being transformed into something akin to a zoo or film set, where they are constantly observed and photographed by tourists. Signs reading “Private Property. Entry Prohibited” and “Photography Forbidden” adorn the doors of traditional wooden houses, yet these warnings seem largely ignored by the steady stream of visitors. According to 68-year-old retiree Anton Sabucha, one of the oldest residents, the village feels more like a stage than a home, with locals often treated as mere props in a tourist spectacle.

Sabucha, along with other villagers, argues that the authenticity of Vlkolincu’s traditions has been compromised by the tourism industry. He claims that some of the customs showcased to visitors were never part of the village's actual history, while others have long since faded away. Despite his concerns, he remains hopeful that UNESCO will reconsider the village’s inclusion on its World Heritage List, believing that the current situation is unsustainable for the local community.

The village was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1993 due to its unique collection of around 45 wooden houses and its preservation of traditional crafts such as weaving folk costumes, decorating honey jars, and reenacting historical weddings. These activities attract large numbers of tourists eager to witness and participate in what they perceive as authentic rural life. However, the growing number of visitors has led to significant challenges for the villagers, including inadequate infrastructure and a lack of public facilities.

Jan Ondrika, president of the civic association Vlkolinec, expressed frustration with the imbalance between the needs of tourists and the well-being of the residents. He noted that the village lacks proper roads, parking areas, and public restrooms to accommodate the sheer volume of visitors. Some tourists, he said, even relieve themselves in private gardens, causing further distress among the locals. While most residents do not support removing the UNESCO designation, they hope that their grievances can be addressed without compromising the village’s heritage status.

Miroslav Parobek, head of the culture and tourism department in the city of Ružomberok, which manages the site, denied allegations that the village has lost its original character. He emphasized that Vlkolincu remains a living village rather than an open-air museum. To address resident concerns, the city provides annual subsidies of €400 per household to help offset the disruptions caused by tourism. Despite these efforts, the population of Vlkolincu has declined significantly over the past 150 years, though two families have recently moved back in despite the challenges posed by heavy visitor traffic.

Lucia Hudecova, a 42-year-old woman who returned to the village, spoke about the allure of the landscape, tranquility, and mountains, stating that these factors outweighed the difficulties brought on by tourism. Meanwhile, other residents, like 63-year-old retiree Peter Gries, argue that life in the village has deteriorated to the point of resembling a sewer system, highlighting the urgent need for better management of the area.

As the debate continues, the town of Ružomberok seeks international funding to restore the church and other buildings within the village, as well as to improve public amenities such as additional parking spaces outside the village. In the meantime, the influx of tourists shows no signs of abating, with groups arriving regularly, adding to the strain on the already fragile balance between preserving cultural heritage and maintaining the quality of life for the village’s few remaining inhabitants.