Pastry quest overruns Alpine refuge, reigniting tourism debate

Hundreds of people overwhelmed a mountain hut in the Italian Dolomites this week, drawn not by the panoramic views but by a quest for a creamy pastry, The Guardian reported. The Friedrich August refuge, a historic alpine hut, was swamped by visitors after influencer videos on social media highlighted its signature krapfen, a filled doughnut.

The influx has prompted complaints from Alpine communities, who say the sudden popularity of the pastry has turned a once-quiet mountain destination into a chaotic scene. Long queues formed on the trails leading to the refuge, and local authorities have expressed concern about the strain on the fragile mountain environment.

The episode is the latest example of how social media is reshaping tourism in Italy, directing large crowds to previously lesser-known spots and creating new pressures on local infrastructure.