Although the arrival of tourists is usually associated with an increase in the wealth of a town, there are also those who do not see it with such good eyes. This is the case of a small village of 17 inhabitants, Vlkolínecwhich, after being named UNESCO World Heritage, began to receive an average of 100,000 visitors annually. A situation that has caused the discomfort of the neighbors, who They request that the title be withdrawn.
This picturesque village is part of the town of Ružomberok, in Slovakia, and was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1993 thanks to the status of exceptional conservation of its houses, in traditional Carpathian style. In total, according to the organization, the town has “45 buildings in an admirable state of conservation”, being the “most complete set of houses of its kind throughout the region.”
For this reason, there are many tourists who decide to include this small town, with only 17 inhabitants, in their tour of the country. In total, according to official figures, they receive around 100,000 tourists each year. A situation that has caused enormous inconvenience to its residentswho claim that since they became a tourist destination, peace and tranquility have disappeared from their streets. An annoyance shared with other countries and that has already caused massive protests, as in the case of Spain in 2025.
Residents of Vlkolínec are requesting removal from the UNESCO World Heritage List
As Anton Sabucha, a 68-year-old resident, explained to the media outlet “Le Figaro,” “We no longer live in a town, but in a tourist attraction“Well, the enormous number of visitors not only ends up directly affecting the daily routine of each of the inhabitants of the town, but it has also ended up transforming little by little to adapt to the tastes of tourists. This is reflected in some of the activities offered in the area, which have ended up completely detach yourself from the traditions of the town.
Likewise, he assured that the situation is also causing the loss of privacy of the place. Many of the visitors end up getting too close to houses in which the residents live. For this reason, many have chosen to place signs that read “No entry”, “Private property” or “Photography is prohibited.” Given the lack of effectiveness of these measures and due to the means of losing the authenticity and traditions of their town, some neighbors, including Sabucha, are requesting removal from the UNESCO list.
Another reason why they request the withdrawal of the World Heritage title is the limited space and the lack of adequate infrastructure to manage the arrival of so many visitors. According to Peter Gries, 63, neither the entrance road nor the spaces designated for parking and public toilets are sufficient to cope with such a large influx of people. Therefore, some They end up using and dirtying a neighbor’s garden.
Residents receive compensation of 400 euros per year for the inconvenience
For its part, from the department of culture and tourism of the city of Ruzomberok they deny the criticism and the administrator of the village is trying to find a solution so as not to give up tourism in Vlkolínec, but to keep its inhabitants happy and satisfied. Among the measures it seeks to implement are the restoration of some of the most important buildings for the population, such as the church or school, and the expansion of services such as public bathrooms or parking areas.
Likewise, in compensation, each of the inhabitants receives 400 euros a year. An amount that many describe as insignificant if one takes into account the inconvenience caused by visitors, especially if one takes into account the wealth generated by the arrival of tourists in the area. However, despite harsh criticism and according to “The European Correspondent”, the Slovak UNESCO commission has no record of complaints of the town’s neighbors.
To formalize their withdrawal, they would need the host country declare to the organization that it no longer meets the requirements. Subsequently, a supervision process would begin in which a report on the state of conservation would be made and this would be presented so that the committee will vote on taking action or, finally, the withdrawal of the listing.