Overview
- Vlkolínec’s year-round population has dwindled to fewer than 20 people across four families as homes shift to weekend and holiday use.
- Up to 100,000 visitors a year come to see the 45 painted wooden buildings protected under the World Heritage inscription.
- Locals report tourists entering private gardens and photographing through windows, describing life as being treated like a “tourist zoo.”
- Villagers say rules tied to the designation block livestock keeping, crop cultivation and basic home repairs without approvals.
- UNESCO acknowledges the site is vulnerable to tourism and affected by temporary residents, and The Independent has sought comment from a local tourism officer.