Insults & garbage

“Dolce Vita nightmare” in East Tyrolean children’s park

Numerous Italian guests cycle to the Sillian "Wichtelpark".

(Bild: Martin Oberbichler, Krone KREATIV)

A mother described her experiences at the "Wichtelpark" in Sillian in East Tyrol - a leisure facility for children - with Italian guests to the "Krone" newspaper. However, the operator has vowed to do better next year and is aware of the problem.

Numerous Italian guests are currently romping around the "Wichtelpark" in Sillian, a great children's leisure attraction. So far, so unspectacular. "There were so many of them that they blocked everything and didn't even make room for my baby carriage," says a local (name known to the editor).

That would have been bearable for the mother of three. However, the insults and garbage left by the Italians on the paths and near the play stations were not.

There are such and such Italians. They used to be able to use the facilities for free. Many see it as their infrastructure. But the problem is the mass of people, I'm aware of that.

Tourismusverband-Obmann Franz Theurl

A local inspection by the "Krone" confirmed some of the descriptions. Numerous Italian guests cycle comfortably to the park, sometimes three abreast. Oncoming cars and other road users have to be patient.

The bike parking spaces are full, as are the parking lots. There are mainly cars with the big white "I".

Improvements in sight since reopening Admission
The "Wichtelpark" is operated by the East Tyrol Tourist Board. Chairman Franz Theurl is aware of the challenges facing the attraction: "There are such and such Italians. They used to be able to use the attraction for free. Many see it as their infrastructure. But the problem is the mass of people, I'm aware of that."

We will push ahead with further expansion to create even more space and offerings.

Franz Theurl

Nevertheless, waiting times at the individual play areas are a side effect, despite the five euro entrance fee. "After all, we have two million overnight stays across the border in South Tyrol," explains Chairman Theurl.

Modernization completed, further plans in the pipeline
The "Wichtelpark" was expanded and modernized this summer. The tourism association spent more than 300,000 euros on this and also charges admission. After all, according to Theurl, seven employees are employed here and a lot of money has been invested. The chairman cannot promise a solution to the "problem", but: "We will push ahead with the further expansion to create even more space and offers."