Europe's 'prettiest village' so beautiful locals don't want any tourists

Europe is full of absolute gems that draw people from across the world, but this incredible unspoilt village might just top the list. According to a travel blogger named , this Austrian destination is Europe's most beautiful village. In a YouTube video, Ben describes how as soon as he stepped foot onto the land of the lakeside village, he could sense the tranquillity, feeling as if he was the only one there.

"The stillness almost felt sacred. As though time has slowed down just for me in this very moment," he says. The streets are lined with enchanting coloured buildings, whilst the outskirts of the village hang gracefully on the hills. This dreamy place in question is Hallstatt, located in the mountainous region of Salzkammergut, Austria.

Hallstatt was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, thanks to its rich history, which dates back even further than the Iron Age.

Its beauty and fascinating heritage have drawn the attention of travellers worldwide, but not everyone is happy about it. The village is home to around 800 residents, and some have called for tourism controls to protect their cherished village.

During peak seasons, Hallstatt can see up to 10,000 visitors touring around the village daily. The concerns from locals led to them calling for limits on visitor numbers, and a ban on tour buses after 5pm.

In 2023, around 100 residents blocked the village's main tunnel for 15 minutes, protesting with signs that featured messages such as "Emergency brake now!" and "Think of our children."

The same year saw an "anti-selfie fence" put up to block a popular mountain view in an attempt to tackle noise pollution from eager tourists. However, it was removed.

While the village does easily get swarmed with tourists, visitors can still discover the fairytale-like village during quieter seasons. The hilly region is an absolute haven for nature lovers and those who love exploring on foot.

One of Hallstatt's many highlights is its salt mine, the oldest operating one in the world. One visitor who claimed "February is the perfect time to visit" wrote on TripAdvisor: "We were concerned about the crowds that we heard about, but it was magical!

The weather was great, not too cold so we enjoyed to the max. When I asked my 8 year's old kid what is better the chocolate factory or the salt mines - she yelled happily: The salt mines! Said enough."

Another wrote: "Our second visit although 20 years apart. Be prepared for a good uphill walk and then plenty of walking around inside the mines. Getting dressed in the miners uniform gets you really involved. This is a must visit if you are in the area. So much fun."