Residents of the picturesque Slovakian village of Vlkolínec are calling for the removal of its UNESCO World Heritage status, arguing that the influx of tourists has transformed their community into what they describe as a “dead museum.” The situation highlights a growing tension between the benefits of international recognition and the preservation of local life and culture.
Vlkolínec, a mountain village known for its well-preserved traditional wooden houses, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993. Since then, the number of visitors has surged, reaching up to 100,000 annually. Locals say the sheer volume of tourists is disruptive and prevents normal daily life, with reports of visitors causing chaos and disregarding local customs.
What do you think when a UNESCO title makes life in a village a “nightmare”?
UNESCO Status Brings Strict Regulations
The regulations intended to protect the village’s 43 vibrantly painted wooden houses, some dating back to the Middle Ages, are now seen by residents as counterproductive. “This supposed honor has not only become a burden – but a living nightmare,” one resident told the Mirror. The designation, meant to save the village, is now, according to residents, driving it towards extinction.
The UNESCO status comes with stringent restrictions, preventing residents from keeping livestock, cultivating crops, or making even minor repairs to their homes without official permission. “It’s unbelievable that every nail, every plank and every tile now needs to be approved,” a local resident explained.
A “Tourist Zoo”
Compounding the issue is the overwhelming number of tourists. Residents say the few families remaining in Vlkolínec feel as though they are living in a “tourist zoo,” with visitors trespassing on private property, trampling through gardens, and peering into windows. The daily lives of those who remain have been fundamentally altered.
Once home to 27 people from seven families, Vlkolínec now has only 14 residents representing four families. Many of the historic wooden houses stand empty or are used as vacation rentals.
Plans to Limit Daily Visitors
The concerns of residents have reportedly not yet reached the city administration of Ružomberok, the municipality to which Vlkolínec belongs, according to SP 21 Žilina. The city states that it has not yet received any official requests to revoke the UNESCO designation.
The city says it is attempting to alleviate the burden on residents, with plans for annual contributions towards renovations and “animation subsidies” to compensate for the inconveniences caused by tourism. Authorities also intend to implement a daily limit on the number of visitors.
Have you ever heard of Vlkolínec or even visited the village?
Vanessa Büchel (vab) has been working for 20 Minuten since 2025. She is a Fashion Editor in the Lifestyle department and writes about trends and styling tips.
