Hallstatt, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, maintains a population of slightly over 700 residents. However, during peak seasons, the town experiences a staggering influx of up to 10,000 visitors daily.

Local inhabitants are now advocating for constraints on the daily tourist count and a prohibition on tour buses after 5:00 PM local time. Despite tourism contributing positively to Hallstatt's economy, a portion of the local populace asserts that the sheer volume of visitors has reached an overwhelming point.

Hallstatt, characterized by its charming historic dwellings nestled along the pristine shores of an Alpine lake, encircled by rugged mountains, has progressively transformed into a focal point for tourism in recent times.

In 2006, the town gained widespread recognition through a South Korean romantic drama, consequently heightening its popularity across Asia. Subsequently, a replication of the town was constructed in China six years later.

Numerous tourists arrive with the intention of capturing the ideal selfie, utilizing the lake, the elegantly slender pale grey church tower, and the breathtaking mountain panorama as their picturesque setting.

As a prominent example of over-tourism within Europe, a section of the local populace contends that the sheer volume of visitors, particularly day-trippers transported by sizeable coaches, has become excessive.

Presently, much like Venice and various other destinations grappling with the phenomenon of over-tourism, Hallstatt appears destined to navigate the complex advantages and disadvantages stemming from its widespread acclaim.

In May of this current year, local inhabitants momentarily constructed a wooden barrier at the prime location for taking selfies, obstructing the view of the Alps. This action served as a demonstration against the disturbances caused by noise pollution and vehicular congestion. Following a wave of negative reactions on social media, the barricade was subsequently dismantled.

During that period, the town's mayor expressed the desire to curtail the volume of buses traversing through Hallstatt by approximately one-third.

Prior to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, Hallstatt typically welcomed around a million visitors annually.