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Tre Cime Queues Overrun Dolomites as Controls Struggle to Keep Pace

Local authorities are tightening reservations, imposing vehicle quotas, reinforcing shuttle schedules to protect the UNESCO-listed landscape.

Overview

  • A viral video that circulated July 22 showed single-file lines of visitors stretching through shuttle queues at Tre Cime di Lavaredo, highlighting concentrated crowds at the famous Three Peaks.
  • Local officials say visitor numbers are at record levels and describe the long waits as unacceptable, prompting promises to find ways to reduce crowding.
  • Dolomiti Bus has added extra shuttle capacity and says it is monitoring flows and adapting services, but operators report demand still outstrips supply at peak times.
  • Authorities have introduced paid advance reservations for motorists and tightened vehicle quotas for access to Rifugio Auronzo parking to limit car traffic into the area.
  • The surge has reopened debates over larger fixes such as a ski-lift, while landowners at nearby Seceda have reactivated paid turnstiles and locals warn that influencer-driven selfie tourism threatens biodiversity and the visitor experience.