Hallstatt is once again at the centre of Austria’s overtourism debate - and this time, local leaders are clearly stating what they want: a digital reservation system, similar to an online ticket system, to limit visitor numbers.
The picturesque lakeside village in Upper Austria has become renowned worldwide for its alpine charm and postcard-perfect views.
But for the 750 locals who live there, the price of that fame is steep. On peak days, Hallstatt sees up to 10,000 tourists passing through its streets, according to deputy mayor Alfred Gamsjäger. "We are literally overrun," he said, as quoted by Kurier.
A growing problem across tourist hotspots
Hallstatt is not alone. The issue of overtourism has sparked fierce discussions across Austria and its neighbouring regions.
In South Tyrol, the northern Italian province that was once part of Austria, local leaders are pushing for mandatory digital reservations at overcrowded destinations like lakes, mountain pastures, and popular viewpoints.
Gabriele Morandell of the South Tyrolean People's Party (SVP) has publicly called for tourists to pre-book time slots before visiting hotspots such as the Pragser Wildsee, where access by private car now requires a paid online ticket.
Other places are trying different tactics. In the village of St Magdalena in the Dolomites, residents say they feel "like they are in a zoo" because of the constant flow of visitors stopping by for the perfect photo opportunity.
In Tyrol, Scheffau am Wilden Kaiser banned cars from driving along the shores of the Hintersteiner See this summer to reduce traffic and protect the environment. Free shuttles now bring visitors from park-and-ride facilities to the lake.
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Upper Austria has tried similar strategies.
In Ebensee, for example, a new parking payment system at the Langbathsee and Offensee lakes has helped regulate visitor numbers. Cameras register licence plates on arrival, and payment is made before leaving. According to Peter Wallner, who manages the system for the municipality, it has led to fewer crowds, less litter, and an end to wild camping in the area.
Why Hallstatt can’t simply close the road
In Hallstatt, officials say they would gladly implement similar measures if they could—but it’s complicated. "If we close off and regulate the road in front of Hallstatt, it will also affect the communities behind us. Our hands are tied," deputy mayor Gamsjäger told Kurier.
The town has long called for a daily cap on visitors, proposing a limit of around 5,000 to 5,500 tourists per day. That’s still a lot, but it would cut the current peak-day numbers almost in half. Local officials have made it clear they support a digital slot system—if only it were legally and logistically feasible.
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"For the larger measures we would need the state of Upper Austria," Gamsjäger said. But so far, he added, there’s been little to no response from regional authorities.
A long-standing debate
The new push for online reservations is not a new phenomenon.
In May 2024, The Local Austria reported that Hallstatt’s mayor, Alexander Scheutz, said the village had already introduced time slots for coach buses. "This is already working very well," Scheutz said at the time. Coach visits are now strictly limited and regulated, but the same does not apply to individuals arriving by car or public transport.
Back then, Scheutz rejected the idea of charging an admission fee for Hallstatt itself, saying it would turn the village into more of a museum and create legal problems for enforcement. "The effort would simply be too great," he said, noting that it would be difficult to fine tourists from around the world if they showed up without a ticket.
Still, Hallstatt is not giving up on the idea of better crowd control, though the situation is complicated. As Gamsjäger put it: "If there were a perfect solution, we would have implemented it long ago."
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