# Overtourism in the Dolomites > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/overtourism-in-the-dolomites > Updated: 2026-08-17T13:37:21.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2. The Dolomites in Italy are experiencing significant overtourism, largely driven by social media trends. A viral sensation involving cream-filled pastries, such as krapfen at Rifugio Friedrich August, has resulted in hundreds of visitors forming long queues at high altitudes. This influx has led to broader logistical and environmental concerns. Reports indicate heavy traffic congestion at mountain passes like Passo di Giau and long transport queues near Misurina. Local experts, including representatives from the Club Alpino Italiano, have noted a shift in visitor behavior, observing that many individuals prioritize capturing social media content over nature engagement. Safety and environmental impacts are also rising; critics highlight increased litter, misuse of mountain shelters, and hikers arriving with inadequate equipment. In response, tourism boards in Val di Fassa have reportedly ceased collaborations with food bloggers to mitigate the arrival of visitors who may lack familiarity with mountain safety and environmental preservation. Recent reports emphasize the intensity of the pastry-driven crowds at the Friedrich August refuge, located at 2,300 metres. Visitors have been known to camp overnight or wake at dawn to secure treats, with queues sometimes exceeding one hour. Marco Bussone, president of the national union of mountain communities (Uncem), has expressed frustration with the phenomenon, stating that ‘the mountains are not a playground.’ Local workers and community representatives continue to warn that influencers are funneling crowds toward specific locations, creating chaotic conditions and threatening the environmental integrity of the region. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-17: Dolomites experience overtourism surge driven by social media trends Social media trends have caused massive crowds in the Italian Dolomites, with tourists queuing for hours at high-altitude refuges for traditional pastries, sparking debates over overtourism. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dolomites-face-overtourism-surge-driven-by-social-media-trends ### 2026-08-15: Dolomites face overtourism as viral pastry creates massive crowds Viral social media trends have caused massive crowds and long queues in the Italian Dolomites as tourists flock to Rifugio Friedrich August to buy famous cream-filled krapfen. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dolomites-experience-massive-crowds-over-viral-pastry-trend --- Cite as: Overtourism in the Dolomites. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/overtourism-in-the-dolomites