More than 25 sustainable ways to enjoy nature and the outdoors while on vacation

Although hiking is one of the healthiest forms of exercise, I understand why some people don’t enjoy it. Not everyone enjoys spending hours walking through the countryside with a heavy backpack. However, we all want to experience nature, and that’s healthy, too! Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to do so without hiking.

A gentle exploration of the Croatian island of Iž

The island of Iž is only 17 square kilometers in size and has a population of just over 500. If you stay here at the Hotel Korinjak, you’ll naturally spend all your time outdoors. Swimming at the wild Adriatic beaches, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and going on a boat trip to watch dolphins are just some of the water activities available there. The holistically oriented hotel also offers guided yoga on the terrace or forest meditation under pine and olive trees.

“The island’s gentle landscape is perfect for a leisurely exploration and sensory experience” – Hotel Korinjak

A sustainable, active vacation by the water

Green Pearls® offers a selection of sustainable hotels with direct access to natural bodies of water. In Germany, for instance, you’ll find the luxurious Hotel Der Birkenhof ***** Spa & Genussresort atop a hill in the heart of the Upper Palatinate Lake District. The region has over 800 hectares of water and is the most water-rich area in eastern Bavaria. Enjoy activities such as boating, wakeboarding, water skiing, sailing, rowing, and swimming — no hiking boots required!

The same is true of Lake Constance, the second largest Alpine lake in Europe spanning over 500 square kilometers. On its German shore, you’ll find the Naturresort Gerbehof , surrounded by apple trees and pastures. If hiking, swimming, or boating aren’t your thing, the Nature SPA and its garden area are ideal places to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

If you would prefer to have your own vacation home, we recommend the Summit Lodges Pfunds. These two Tyrolean log cabins have their own fireplace, sauna, and sleeping accommodations for up to six people. The region’s natural beauty and diverse landscapes make it a perfect destination for hiking enthusiasts, but even those less interested in hiking will find activities to enjoy:

“You can go rafting and canyoning in Pfunds. The company is located directly in the village, and the starting point is nearby, depending on the route.” – Summit Lodges Pfunds

Read our article on sustainable water sports to find out how you can make water sports more sustainable and learn whether activities such as water skiing are really recommended.

Take a vacation at a lake in northern italy

At the South Tyrolean Hotel Weihrerhof, you will find yourself in an idyllic setting, situated on the shore of Lake Wolfsgruben. At an elevation of over 1,200 meters, the lake is one of the cleanest swimming lakes in Italy and offers many activities, including swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, and rowing. You can even enjoy breakfast on the natural “breakfast island” in the middle of the lake. Your children can experience nature here while you relax with a good book on the lawn.

Sports on the Baltic Sea

The Lifestylehotel SAND in Timmendorfer Strand, located on the Baltic Sea, offers more than just a beach vacation. It also supports a wide range of sports on site. Every year, the “Triathlon Heroines” come to the hotel to train for their triathlons with running, swimming, and cycling. Furthermore there ist the German Beach Volleyball Championship and Beach Hockey, as well as the annual Baltic Sea Run, where the winners of the women’s and men’s races receive an overnight stay at the hotel.

A vegan active vacation in South Tyrol

Do you want to be active without hiking or getting wet? And enjoy plant-based cuisine at the same time? Here are some recommendations from our vegan partner hotels in South Tyrol.

“Our hotel is located in the Vinschgau region of South Tyrol. In addition to hiking trails, the surrounding area offers excellent opportunities for running, cycling, climbing, and Nordic walking.” – LA VIMEA Vegan Hotel

By the way, LA VIMEA is not only vegan but also exclusively for adults. For active vacationers, there is a three-day package called the “Active Vegan Getaway,” which includes e-bikes.

The famous Seiser Alm is home to yet another entirely vegan hotel. The Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel reports the following:

“Our home is the Seiser Alm, Europe’s largest high alpine pasture located over 2,000 meters above sea level in a UNESCO-protected area. The Schlern-Rosengarten Nature Park offers great opportunities for summer and winter sports: skiing and snowboarding in the winter and cycling, mountain biking, e-biking, running, climbing, Nordic walking, golfing, paragliding, and horseback riding in the summer. You can also spend quality time with your children at the barefoot park or meditate in front of picturesque panoramic landscapes. The unique charm and beauty of the Dolomites allow you to enjoy extraordinary energy no matter what you do.” – Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel

Enjoy forest bathing and tranquility at My Arbor

Of course, there are quieter ways to enjoy the outdoors. The Hotel My Arbor, located near Brixen in South Tyrol, recommends that those who are not very keen on hiking simply take the gondola up to the Plose. “Once you reach the top, you can enjoy the fantastic view from the mountain station, grab a bite to eat, and sample some local dishes.” Incidentally, “My Arbor” means “my tree,” and the entire hotel is built among the treetops, fostering a special relationship with the forest. You can experience this during guided forest bathing, forest yoga, or outdoor meditation sessions.

• Click here for their weekly program.

Chillin’ in nature

At the Aparthotel OLM Nature Escape in Sand in Taufers, South Tyrol, you can live life at your own pace and enjoy nature, perhaps by sitting on a bench by the Ahr River with a good book. Or, you can visit the horses and cows in the green valley and say hello to the fish in the Thara fishing pond.

The STURM hotel in the Rhön Biosphere Reserve in Germany features a natural swimming pond and a large garden with snacks. Ideal for yoga sessions.

Hotel Das Rübezahl, located in the Allgäu region, has built a yoga platform at its Rohrkopfhütte hut specifically for outdoor yoga. If the climb up there (about an hour) is too strenuous for you (it is more like a hike. . .), the wellness garden with views of the mountains and Neuschwanstein Castle is also a great option.

Scavenger hunts, escape games, and city tours

If you’re interested in exploring the area in a fun way and learning more, you can book a city tour during your vacation. In Freiburg, the “Green City Tour” in the Vauban district will show you what ecologically progressive urban development looks like and demonstrate how nature and the big city can coexist. The Green City Hotel Vauban has been a showcase project for green urban development since its inception, so you can experience this concept firsthand during your stay.

The Hotel Luise in Erlangen offers recommendations for special city tours, such as a night watchman tour or a beer and cellar tour. You can also play the Outdoor Escape Game Erlangen, where you solve a “criminal case” in the city center and discover a treasure.

In Bad Herrenalb in the Black Forest, you can also sign up for an outdoor escape game and start your journey to find a monastery’s hidden secret. During the two-hour tour, you will discover and experience various sights in this historic spa town. Then, you can enjoy a slice of cake from the organic kitchen at the Schwarzwald Panorama or relax in the hotel’s thermal baths and sauna.

Discover Peru’s plantations

Vacations often offer a wonderful opportunity to learn about local plants and products. At Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica in Peru, for example, you can visit several rainforest plantations. For instance, you can take a half-day excursion to a cocoa plantation where you can see cocoa plants and follow the entire process of producing chocolate, from roasting and grinding the cocoa beans to tasting the final product. You can also go with a guide to the Brazil nut trees on the hotel grounds. Here, you can learn more about the nuts and try different traditional methods of cracking their hard shells.

• Both excursions are also suitable for children. Visit the Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción website for more information.

Bees and api wellness in South Tyrol

If you’re interested in bee colonies and honey, no one in our network can give you a better introduction than Paul Rinner from the APIPURA hotel rinner. Paul is a passionate migratory beekeeper who gives lectures, produces organic honey, and has set up a bee trail on the hotel grounds. He also offers his guests the unique Api Wellness experience, where they can breathe in the air of the beehive. The Api Wellness experience takes place in a cozy wooden hut with a view of nature. The boundary between inside and outside is blurred by natural materials, the buzzing of bees, and a large panoramic window.

Suspension bridge and lunch in East Tyrol

Even at the Naturhotel Outside, a designated hiking hotel in East Tyrol, hiking is by no means a must! If you’re looking for a little adventure, you can cross the suspension bridge over the Isel Gorge, or simply stop for a leisurely lunch at the Kräuterhexenkuchl Strumehof.

Barefoot trail at the Adler Lodge Ritten

How about going barefoot instead of wearing hiking boots? The ADLER Lodge RITTEN just built a barefoot trail in the forest this year. It fits perfectly with the resort’s mindful lifestyle, which includes a natural swimming pond, a farm-to-table concept, and sustainable wooden lodges with fireplaces.

Cycling 

Otherwise, exploring the vacation area by bike is always a great option. At the Klosterhof — Alpine Hideaway & Spa in Bayerisch Gmain, you can rent an e-bike right from the hotel and comfortably explore the Berchtesgadener Land with a little extra help. The same is true at the Relais del Maro in Liguria. The Albergo Diffuso is located in the picturesque village of Borgomaro, nestled in the mountains behind the coastal town of Imperia. E-bikes are an ideal, environmentally friendly means of transportation there.

At the Eco-Hotel Okelmann’s in Warpe, Lower Saxony, you can explore the rather flat area on classic bicycles. The Okelmann family’s head is a passionate cyclist himself and is happy to recommend the best cycling routes to his guests — which you can save directly to your phone.

Horseback riding

Recently, the ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA promoted horseback riding as an eco-friendly outdoor activity. Read more about horseback riding in the Valley of the Temples. (Our colleague Mara, an avid horse rider, wrote this lovely article about sustainable horseback riding vacations.)

The ABCs of sustainable outdoor activities

In the end, we compiled a list in alphabetical order of all the suggestions and ideas from our network. Even the ideas that didn’t make it into the article are included here. Now, you can find inspiration no matter where you are.

 

Barefoot trails

Sightseeing

Bird watching

Archery

Bouldering

Camping

Dolphin watching

E-bike tours

Escape games (outdoor)

Golf

Gondola ride to a viewing platform

Suspension bridge

Outdoor journaling

Kayaking

Canoeing

Climbing

Knipping

Herbal workshops

Reading

Meditation

Mini golf

Visiting plantations

Cycling or MTB

Rafting

Horseback riding

Rowing

Scavenger hunt

Swimming

Sailing

City tours

SUP

Forest bathing

Forest meditation

Whitewater rafting

Outdoor yoga

 

 

Did we forget something?

Most likely! So, help us make the list even longer by adding your ideas in the comments!

Der Beitrag Sustainable outdoor activities for those who don’t feel like hiking erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

A village of Nordic freshness

Lower Saxony is the largest state in Germany and is located in the northwest of the country. It stretches from the North Sea coast to the Harz Mountains. Warpe itself is a village in the middle of Lower Saxony with a population of just over 700. Fields, meadows and forests characterize the flat landscape, criss-crossed by small and large rivers.

Distances from Warpe

• You are about an hour’s drive from Bremen
• Two hours from Hamburg
• One hour from Hannover
• The Lüneburg Heath is about an hour and 15 minutes away.
• And the North Sea (the seaside resort of Schillig) is about two hours away by car.

So while it’s not really far from any of the big cities or well-known tourist destinations, it’s far enough to enjoy absolute JOMO (joy of missing out).

Nature and Mindfulness

Warpe is not for everyone. Party animals, museum lovers and action vacationers probably won’t be happy here. But if you are looking for an authentic, quiet and natural vacation, the region in Lower Saxony is perfect for you. And if you are also interested in mindfulness, sustainability and yoga, you will find like-minded people here.

Maren Geisler-Okelmann, one of the two hosts at Eco-Hotel Okelmann’s in Warpe, also offers singing bowl massages by Peter Hess. The town of Bruchhausen-Vilsen is very close to Warpe. Here you will find the Peter Hess Institute, named after the inventor of the sound massage.

Eco-Hotel Okelmann’s in the 4th generation of the family

Okelmann’s Eco-Hotel is located in a building that dates back to 1879. For four generations, the Okelmann family has welcomed guests from near and far.

At the moment the sisters Kristin and Maren are in charge, but their parents Annegret and Helmut and their two dogs will also give you a warm welcome. Nature and a balanced relationship with it are deeply rooted in the Okelmann family. Father Okelmann is an enthusiastic cyclist and will be happy to advise you on bike routes and has created several tours on komoot. Maren is a trained yoga teacher and teaches guests methods to find inner peace.

16 rooms, spa and yoga

With only 16 rooms, the hotel is a true boutique gem with individual charm. The tap water is (revitalized) Grander water. A converted shepherd’s hut serves as a sauna, and there is a wooden hot tub that can be heated with wood from the hotel’s own forest.

Another highlight is the yoga room, where regular classes in yoga, meditation and mindfulness are held, as well as Reiki and the aforementioned sound massage.

• Find the latest yoga and retreat offerings here.
  

Café Heimatliebe

The hotel also includes Café Heimatliebe, where you can enjoy homemade cakes, Nordic classics and vegan coffee specialties. There is also a small concept store with sustainable products. From homemade delicacies to handmade dog accessories, you will find unique and special souvenirs for yourself or your loved ones back home.

But what can you do in Warpe?

In Warpe you can enjoy the great outdoors with

• Bicycle tours (for example along the Weser river)
• Mindfulness walk
• A hike to see the alpacas
• Forest bathing
• Geocaching

The Okelmann sisters recommend the Wolfcenter Dörverden as a special place where you can learn a lot about wolves in Germany, how to live with them and how they behave. An exciting experience for both children and adults.

The sisters also recommend Parkgarten Twietmeyer as an insider tip. This garden is private and can only be used by appointment (e.g. for photo shoots for your social media account) ☺️ Small events such as plant markets are also held here several times a year.

Warpe in Lower Saxony: An underrated gem for nature lovers

Where is Warpe, please? Now you know! It’s ideal for nature lovers who don’t need all the tourist attractions but prefer to relax in a familiar environment.

PS: Okelmann’s is also ideal for a vacation with your dog. Read more in our blog article about a short vacation with your dog at Okelmann’s.

Save this destination to Pinterest!

Der Beitrag Secret Gem: Why Warpe in Lower Saxony is worth a visit erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Between simplicity and luxury

According to the Allgäuer Zeitung, citing the Historical Dictionary, chalets used to be very simple mountain huts. However, during the European Enlightenment in the 17th and 18th centuries, they became a “symbol of a society of simplicity, closeness to nature, freedom and democracy”. Later, chalets became popular with Europe’s aristocracy, which led to them being seen as luxurious vacation homes – a reputation they still maintain today.

What makes a chalet sustainable?

Those who choose a chalet vacation want to experience nature. In most cases, this leads to a greater appreciation of nature. In the mountains, for example, you can see the effects of global warming firsthand in the melting glaciers.

Sustainably managed chalets are characterized by the following:

• Use of local wood from sustainably managed forests
• Integration with and respect for nature during construction
• Traditional building methods of the region to preserve the culture
• Modern insulation methods (energy saving)
• Cooperation with local businesses (strengthening the local economy)
• Energy supply with green electricity (self-produced or purchased)
• Waste prevention and recycling
• Water conservation measures
• Modern chimney technology and proper use of open fires
• Natural cosmetics in bathrooms
• Local organic products for breakfast or in the restaurant (if offered)

As you can see, there are a number of criteria that determine whether a chalet can be considered sustainable. In general, alpine tourism is an important economic factor for the region and also contributes to the establishment and maintenance of conservation projects such as national parks. Of course, tourists want to visit beautiful natural places. But as a traveler, you also have a responsibility. (Read more about eco-friendly travel in the Alps here.) In addition to not leaving trash behind, you can minimize your carbon footprint by choosing how you get there and where you stay.

What is the difference between a chalet and a vacation home?

According to the Duden dictionary, the word “chalet” has both French and Romansh roots and refers to a “country house, usually made of wood, especially in the Swiss Alps“.

Interestingly, the synonym for chalet is vacation home, which brings us to the answer to the question 🙂 A chalet is a vacation home. But not every vacation home in the Alps is a chalet, because chalets are characterized by the fact that they are wooden houses in the traditional style. Vacation homes can look different.

Sustainable chalets – Our recommendations

We can recommend 5 sustainable Green PearlsⓇ chalets in the Alpine region of Austria, Germany and Italy.

#1 Hygna Chalets in Alpbachtal, Tyrol – Luxury chalets with jacuzzi

The Hygna Chalets form their own small chalet village with a total of 11 chalets of varying sizes for 2 to 7 people. Built in traditional Tyrolean style, each chalet has a small private spa and some even have their own sauna and jacuzzi. There is also a fireplace with firewood.

A breakfast basket with local (organic) produce (vegan or vegetarian options available upon request) is delivered to your door each morning. The Chalet Village also has a 13-meter infinity pool in the former hay barn, a yoga room (with yoga classes offered), and a gym.

Sustainability: The land on which the Moser family built the chalets was previously occupied by a concrete ruin that had been vacant for 30 years. Electricity is generated by a solar system from spring to fall, and heat is provided by a pellet heating system in the winter. The hot tubs are equipped with a modern, water-saving system that fills the water at the touch of a button and purifies it for reuse. E-bikes and E-Golfs can be rented for local transportation.

• Check rates and availability on the Hgyna Chalets website.

#2 Summit Lodges, Pfunds, Tyrol – Log cabin with private sauna

The Summit Lodges in Pfunds, Tyrol, are a pair of log cabins made of polar spruce and built in the style of an American log cabin. They are more of a vacation home than a chalet, but still worth a recommendation! Each cabin is about 120 square meters and can sleep up to 6 people. There is a private sauna and a cozy fireplace with wood. You can cook in your own kitchen and be completely independent. A ski bus stops only 2 minutes from the front door and in summer there are many hiking trails. The chalets are also very suitable for a vacation with children.

Sustainability: The vacation homes are heated with air-source heat pumps, and the electricity comes from Tyrolean hydropower. The host, Marco Spiess, is very careful about waste separation. Guests are instructed in recycling, and garbage is checked before being taken to the recycling center. There is a compost for organic waste.

• Check the Summit Lodges website for rates and availability.

#3 LENI MOUNTAIN Chalet in the Ötztal, Tyrol – Private luxury hideaway

In the middle of the Ötztal Alps lies a luxurious, private hideaway: the LENI MOUNTAIN Chalet. To get there, you have to hike from the village of Sölden. Upon your arrival, the Arnold family, who own the chalet, will have an SUV ready to transport you and your luggage.

The chalet is approximately 200 square meters and can accommodate up to 8 people in 4 bedrooms. There is a fireplace, a private natural swimming pond, a wine refrigerator and other amenities for a luxurious alpine vacation. You will also have a personal concierge and even a private* chef if you wish. A bike station is available for mountain bikers.

Sustainability: The chalet is built with natural materials from the region and is energy self-sufficient thanks to a photovoltaic system. CO₂ emissions per guest are measured and reduced through various measures. The owners are also partners of “myclimate”.

• Check rates and availability directly with LENI MOUNTAIN.

#4 Edelsberghütte, Allgäu – Mountain hut with modern comforts

Our Green PearlsⓇ partner, Hotel Das Rübezahl in the Allgäu region, acquired the Edelsberghütte in 2024. At an altitude of 1,180 meters above sea level, the hut welcomes hikers who can enjoy the view and good food (depending on the route) after a 40-minute to 1.5-hour hike (starting at the Pfronten hiking parking lot).

The Edelsberghütte has three chalets or apartments. Two are on the first floor and one has a separate entrance but is also part of the cabin. All apartments are comfortably furnished with all modern conveniences.

Sustainability: The Edelsberghütte was purchased as an existing cabin, and the family that owns it (as well as their hotel) is committed to local suppliers, organic food, and conservation.

• Check prices and availability directly on the website.

#5 ADLER Loge RITTEN, South Tyrol – Chalets with all-inclusive service

On the Ritten Plateau in South Tyrol, you can rent one of the luxurious wooden cabins at ADLER Lodge RITTEN*. The chalets are scattered around a natural swimming pond and along the hillside, offering different but equally fantastic views. The resort also includes a main house and spa area with an outdoor pool, forest sauna and spa treatments. The all-inclusive services include breakfast and a multi-course dinner, as well as a lunch menu and all beverages. Guided hiking and biking tours are also available.

There are 55 square meter junior chalets for two people and four 90 square meter family chalets. Each chalet has a wood-burning fireplace, terrace and bio-sauna.

Sustainability: Regional and natural materials were used in the construction. The design of the chalets was the work of a local architect and craftsmen and is inspired by traditional South Tyrolean architecture. In addition, the resort has its own organic farm, which provides the produce used in the kitchens.

• Check prices and availability directly on the website.

We hope we have given you a better understanding of what a chalet vacation is, how chalets are run sustainably, and how you can support them.

*CIN: IT021072A1QCJQTLUQ (ADLER Lodge Ritten)

Der Beitrag Sustainable chalet vacation in the Alps erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

This is the 12th part in our series of ‘Tips for a sustainable weekend getaway’. Every three weeks there will be a new green idea on our blog!

Freiburg im Breisgau – Discover a city with flair

In recent years, the city has invested heavily in public spaces, green areas, and an exemplary network of bicycle paths. Young districts such as Vauban are prime examples of ecological urban development. There is plenty to discover on a weekend – alone, with a partner, with the family, or with your dog.

Your sustainable accommodation: Green City Hotel Vauban

The Green City Hotel Vauban is easily accessible by public transport, and you will receive a free regional ticket from the hotel for the duration of your stay! You can expect modern, bright, and open architecture with lots of greenery. Even the facade is green, which not only looks beautiful but also provides natural cooling and reduces energy consumption in the summer.

The hotel is cosmopolitan and actively promotes integration. 50 percent of its employees are people with disabilities.

👉Dogs are welcome at the hotel for an additional fee of 9 euros per night.

Trip plus complimentary regional ticket

You can get to Freiburg’s main train station from any European city (as a weekend destination, the city is particularly popular with the Swiss and French, as you may notice).

From the main train station, take line 3 to Paula-Modersohn-Platz. You will arrive right in front of the Green City Hotel Vauban. Best of all, the hotel will send you a ticket for public transportation before you arrive, so the last part of your trip is not only environmentally friendly but also free. Since the ticket is valid for the entire duration of your stay, you will always be mobile.

Bicycle rental

If you prefer, you can take your bike with you on the train to Freiburg or rent a “Frelo” on arrival. Frelo is the bike rental system of the Freiburger Verkehrs AG and you can always take one of these bikes (after registering online) and leave it wherever you want.

By the way: Freiburg has more than 400 kilometers of bike paths, and the population covers “more than a third of all trips within the city” by bike.

A sustainable weekend in Freiburg – Insider tips from the Green City Hotel Vauban

Together with the Green City Hotel Vauban, we have put together some tips for a sustainable weekend in Freiburg. There is something for everyone and whatever the weather!

Friday (Old Town and landmarks)

You can check in at the Green City Hotel Vauban from 3 p.m. After settling into your spacious room, you should first visit the historic old town. If you don’t know Freiburg, you should start with the city’s landmark – the Freiburg Minster. If you feel like it, you can climb the 335 steps of the tower and get in the mood for your weekend with the view! The tower is open on Fridays until 5pm!

Afterward, you can stroll through the historic Old Town with its charming alleys and discover small shops and delicatessens. On Convent Street you will find many antique dealers in lovingly restored medieval houses.

Affordable and sustainable food in Freiburg

There are many cafes and restaurants in Freiburg where you can stop for a bite to eat. The organic restaurant ADELHAUS is sustainable and affordable (buffet until 4 pm on Fridays, open until 5 pm). If you prefer to eat later, Cafe RUEF offers regional products, “delicatessen pizza” and many vegan and vegetarian options at a good price-quality ratio and in a relaxed “living room” atmosphere.

Saturday (excursion day)

Start your Saturday morning with an excellent breakfast buffet. The Green City Hotel Vauban sources over 90 percent of its products fresh from the region and supports ecological, sustainable, and inclusive suppliers. The coffee, for example, comes from the Black Forest coffee roaster Zollernalb, which is also an inclusive business.

As a vegan, you will find a wide selection of vegan cold cuts and non-dairy milk and yogurt alternatives for breakfast.

Well-nourished, you are ready for a trip to the Black Forest. If you are here for the first time, we recommend the highlight – the Schauinsland.

Schauinsland – the mountain on Freiburg’s doorstep

The Schauinsland is 1,284 meters high and you can see it from the 3.6 km long (barrier-free) Schauinsland gondola. The ride takes about 20 minutes each way and you can also take a short hike from here.

👉 A return ticket for adults costs 14 euros and for children up to 14 years 9.50 euros. (See the full Schauinsland cable car prices here)

The Mining Museum is also located near the summit. On Saturdays, there are 45-minute tours that give an impressive insight into the history of the former silver mine. Tours are offered at 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, and 3:30 pm.

You can eat at the summit station. This is very touristy, of course, but it also offers a sensational view!

Other excursions in Freiburg

If you already know the Schauinsland, the Green City Hotel Vauban has more tips for you:

• Black Forest Biosphere Reserve (forests, meadows, nature)
• Steinwasen Park (family park with roller coaster and wild animals)
• Kaiserstuhl (vineyards and castle ruins)
• Open-Air Museum Vogtsbauernhof! (reconstructed Black Forest farm as it was 400 years ago)

👉 Advent Tip: If you come to Freiburg during the Advent season, hotel manager Johannes Staub recommends the Freiburg Christmas Market: “It can be reached directly from the hotel by taking the number 3 tram and getting off at the Bertoldsbrunnen stop.

👉 Eco-tip: Check out the Freiburg EcoStation’s calendar of events to see if there is a fun event planned for the weekend you have in mind. The EcoStation is dedicated to environmental education and offers gardening tips, seed swaps, and other sustainable activities.

Sunday (Museums, garden hose and departure)

On Sunday morning you can enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel and then have until noon to check out. In the meantime, you can visit one of the small museums in Freiburg. A special museum is the Zinnfigurenklause, located in the Swabian Gate. You will see the medieval city gate from the inside and more than 10,000 handcrafted pewter figures. It is open on Sundays between 12 and 14 pm and admission is free.

Personally, I also recommend a visit to Eschholz Park, where you can see the large sculpture ” Gartenschlauch mit Wasserhahn ” (Garden hose with spigot). The sculpture was created by Swedish-American artist Claes Oldenburg (who died in 2022) and has been there for over 40 years. Oldenburg’s oversized everyday objects as art objects are funny and original, but they also refer to social issues – for example, the garden hose and Eschholz Park were a gift to the residents of Freiburg’s Stühlinger district, who lost 370 allotments due to urban development measures.

And how about your weekend?

As you can see, there are many interesting things to discover and experience during a weekend in Freiburg im Breisgau. The city in the Black Forest offers a mix of culture, history, modern art, nature, and culinary delights, and combined with sustainable travel and a sustainable hotel, it all comes with a very small carbon footprint.

Der Beitrag Tips for a sustainable and affordable weekend in Freiburg, Germany erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

This is the eighth part of our series “Tips for a sustainable weekend trip.” A new green idea awaits you on our blog every three weeks!

Wellness Vacation for your Dog?

Tip 1 for your Weekend Getaway with Dog: Choice of Hotel

Welcome to the dog-friendly Okelmann‘s

Weekend Getaway with Dog: Our Suggestion for a Relaxing Stay

Day 1: Arrive and Feel right at Home

Tip 2 for your Weekend Getaway with Dog: Walking the Dog

Day 2: Exploration Tours and Wellness

Tip 3 for your Weekend Getaway with Dog: Visiting the Restaurant

Sightseeing: Sculpture Trail in Warpe

 Day 3: Yoga and Wellness with your Dog

Weekend Getaway with Dog: Why you should do it!

It doesn’t always have to be a full week. A weekend can recharge your batteries and maybe even give you a new perspective. Plus, a short trip like this is a great opportunity to practice traveling with a dog – for both you and your four-legged friend.

Save this post as inspiration for your next weekend trip!

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Handwritten welcome

In these days of push-up alerts and animated image greetings, you really have to take a second look when someone hands you a handwritten note. At the Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt, they take the trouble to write a welcome card for each guest. It comes with homemade cookies. You can’t get a more personal welcome than that!

Sleeping beach chair 

At Lifestylehotel SAND on the Baltic Sea, you’ll sleep in naturally furnished hotel rooms on natural coconut mattresses. But you can also rent the SAND sleeping basket on the rooftop platform for a true outdoor experience and sleep under the stars. Another surprise: there’s a late riser breakfast until 1 pm!

Welcome kit for pets

Restored farmhouse cupboards

A cupboard is one of the simplest 2-star hotel categories. But most of them are not special… That’s not the case at Gut Sonnenhausen, south of Munich. Here, in the rooms of the restored farmhouse, you’ll find antique farmhouse cupboards that have been restored by hand. Landlord Georg Schweisfurth is an eco-pioneer, master butcher, author, entrepreneur, hotelier, art collector and aesthete. Important here: “Nothing should be off-the-shelf, but everything should be the result of a conscious decision, coupled with the courage to skillfully break with style.”

Kaiserschmarrn for breakfast every day

The Naturresort Gerbehof is located on the German side of Lake Constance, close to Austria and Switzerland. As a result, the cuisine is closely related, and you’ll get a sweet Kaiserschmarrn breakfast with homemade applesauce every morning. The difference between Kaiserschmarrn and pancakes is that Kaiserschmarrn is made with whipped egg whites.

Contemporary Art Exhibitions

Paradiso Pure.Living has a contemporary art gallery called Pure.Art Circle. The hotel on the Alpe di Siusi offers ongoing meetings with artists, art performances and even an art shop.

Vegan picnic lunch box

At the South Tyrolean hotel LA VIMEA, the first vegan hotel in Italy, they’re big on healthy eating. One of the hotel’s extras is a sustainable and creative lunch box for excursions. Always with a handwritten message.

Yoga mat in the room

At the HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio Allgäu, guests have a yoga mat in their room. A yoga room, an outdoor yoga platform, and regular yoga retreats are among the other features of this sustainable hotel. Other hotel amenities you won’t find often include earplugs to block out the cowbells coming from the alpine pasture, and in-room teas that are always seasonal.

Thank-You-Cards made from Flower Seed Paper

Not only a farewell gift for guests, but also for the bees at home: At the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA in Bad Herrenalb, travelers receive a thank-you card made of flower seed paper. The card can either be written during the vacation and sent to loved ones at home, or one can write one’s own wishes on the card and give it to the earth. After some time and a little care, you will be able to enjoy colorful wildflowers.

Signature Massages

Both the ADLER Lodge RITTEN in South Tyrol and the ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA in Sicily have developed special massages. A Signature Treatment Massage lasts 105 minutes and stimulates all five senses. Combined with the unique scenery of each location, this promises pure relaxation.

Beer in the spa

“Only at Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld, Tyrol, can you find the beer miracle in the wellness area’s sin cellar,” says the hotel. Klosterbräu beer is brewed in-house and bubbles from a beer fountain in the spa area. There are also “apple stations” throughout the hotel, a guglhupf awaits you upon arrival, and the elevator “hides a delicious surprise”.

Chefs to ask

At STURM in Mellrichstadt in the Rhön region of Germany, the kitchen concept has been changed to an open kitchen. The chefs are trained to “configure” the food to your exact liking while cooking, and are also available to answer questions. Ingredients include fruits, herbs and vegetables from the hotel’s own garden.

Local Gifts

At Inkaterra Hotels in Peru, guests receive gifts that are typical of the country. These can be cosmetics, jewelry or little “toritos”. You will find the hotel extras in your room as a surprise on your bed.

Herbal cosmetics

The Summit Lodges Pfunds in Tyrol are two exceptional log cabin-style vacation homes. “Especially for our guests, we have created a raised bed with various herbs,” they say. Here you can help yourself. You can also purchase sustainable skin care products from the “Tiroler Kräuterhof”.

Homemade lavender bags

At Gut Guntrams near Vienna, you’ll sleep in unusual, floating accommodations above fruit trees and surrounded by lavender fields. The lavender is harvested twice a year, dried and filled into lavender bags for guests. You can take them home with you.

Menu according to your mood

Since July, the daily evening menu at Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa has been based on the motto “Your mood defines your food”. The question is: “What kind of gourmet are you today? Extravagant, down to earth or curious?”

Honey from the meadows

At the Naturresort Schindelbruch in the southern Harz region, you can buy honey from the Kolbe migratory apiary in the hotel shop. The beehives are located in the meadows surrounding the hotel.

Hotel amenities: Surprises on the bed

At Keemala, on the island of Phuket in Thailand, you’ll be pampered from top to bottom. For special occasions, the team will decorate your room with nicely folded towels and decorations from natural materials such as wood and flowers.

Daily sustainable beverage with fresh ingredients as a hotel amenity

At the romantic Allgäu hotel Das Rübezahl, personal service is a top priority. For example, if you want to send a special love message, the professionals will be happy to help you organize love locks, a vintage car, a carriage, a flower heart in the hotel room, or other things. In addition, you will find many homemade products, such as a daily changing aperitif with ripe fruits/seasonal ingredients.

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From the mountains to the plains, dog walking is possible everywhere. These are our favourite walks in southern Germany, Austria and Switzerland. So it’ll be mountainous 😉 But don’t worry – you don’t need any special equipment or the stamina of a marathon runner for most of the routes. However, both you and your dog should be sure-footed and fit.

Mountain Hiking with your Dog: What to consider beforehand

Many nature reserves and national parks are in or near popular holiday destinations. It’s a good idea to find out in advance what rules you will need to comply with. In general, you can assume that you will need to keep your dog leashed. This is to prevent your dog from frightening the wildlife and to prevent it from frightening other walkers (who may be afraid of dogs).

In addition, you should be on the lookout for dog foul. Dog excrement, especially in large quantities, can have a harmful effect on the environment, particularly on groundwater quality. On mountain pastures, dog excrement can also contaminate the hay. This can make the animals sick. Pregnant cows are particularly at risk. Dogs carry a pathogen that can cause miscarriages.

In the Alps, too, it is possible for hiking trails to take you right through the middle of herds of cows. There are certain rules of behaviour to follow to avoid injury to you and your dog. Cows, in particular, can become very aggressive if they feel their calves are threatened.

A good summary of how you and your dog should move around cows is here.

Now, before we take you on some of our favourite walks, here’s a summary of what you should take with you on a trip. In the summer and in the winter. The Alps are a great place for winter walks too. However, it is important to check which paths are passable beforehand. If you don’t have any (alpine) experience, choose easier and shorter routes.

Summer Hiking in the Mountains with your Dog: This is what you need

• Bring enough water for you and him (check where you plan to go first. There may be water sources. But don’t rely on them, especially in summer). A collapsible water bowl for your dog, which can easily be attached to the outside of your rucksack.
• Snacks for you and your dog, depending on how far you’re going, to keep you going 😉
• A bag for dog waste and a bag for rubbish
• A small towel to dry your feet and possibly your dog if you have cooled off in a mountain stream. Also handy if you’ve been in a downpour and your dog gets cold quickly.
• A good dog harness to help your dog through difficult passages, possibly with a handle. And, of course, a lead and collar if necessary.
• A muzzle, if you are planning to take the cable car or use public transport.
• Blanket or cushion to rest on
• First aid kit, tick tweezers, disinfectant spray

A Winter Hike with your Dog in the Mountains: What you will need as well

• Insulated bottle so the water doesn’t get cold or freeze.
• Insulation mat for you and your dog during breaks.
• Paw pads to protect your dog from salt and grit in towns and on busy paths.
• Vaseline or similar to prevent snow from sticking to the pads of long-haired dogs.

Our favourite Hikes for Holidays with Dogs in Germany

The Wilderness of Rathsberg and Tenneloher Forst – Hiking with dogs in Franconia

Tour 1 – Wilderness on the Rathsberg

North of Erlangen is the primeval forest around Rathsberg. The gorge forest consists of ancient maple and ash trees, steep slopes and many springs and streams. It is a paradise for small animals of all kinds! Time and time again, you will see sandstone rocks jutting out next to the paths.

In general, the paths are natural and can really be described as forest paths. So it can get muddy after rain. But there are lots of forest smells that your dog will love. That’s a promise!

Tour 2 – Tenneloher Forest

On a former military site, the Tenneloher Forst nature reserve covers 936 hectares. It is one of the last large sand ecosystems in southern Germany. It has a steppe-like appearance. To preserve this, wild horses and peacock goats graze the areas to prevent them from becoming overgrown. It is safe to have a walk around the horse and goat enclosures. Due to the danger of ammunition in the rest of Tenneloher Forest, it is best to stay on the gravel paths.

By the way: The Tennenlohe Forest Adventure Centre offers special events and guided tours for children and adults throughout the year. There is also a nature trail.

Hiking with a Dog in Berchtesgaden National Park – The Aschau Gorge

Hike through the Aschau Gorge

The famous gorges in the Berchtesgaden National Park, such as the Almbach Gorge or the Wimbach Gorge, can get pretty crowded in the summer. Although we highly recommend the walks there, you and your dog may be more attracted to less crowded areas in the summer. If so, the Aschauer Klamm is for you.

The nine-kilometer walk gives you and your dog plenty of opportunities to cool off, and it’s generally not as oppressively hot inside the gorge as it is outside. Bear in mind, however, that there are some tricky passages where you may need to support your dog, especially if he tends to be clumsy. Wooden bridges and grating bridges without railings can be challenging. Gratings are particularly uncomfortable for dogs’ paws. Some dogs don’t mind at all, but there are more sensitive candidates.

If you want to see how they cope with tight corners and uneven surfaces, the Aschauer Klamm is a great training route. A perfect preparation for longer trips 😉

Hiking with your dog in the Allgäu – Up the Riedberger Horn

With your Dog on the Riedberger Horn

We recommend this tour, especially at sunrise or sunset. Why? For one thing, there is the fantastic view of the so-called Hörnergruppe. If that’s not enough for you, there’s less activity in the morning and evening hours, it’s less hot and it’s a bit of an adventure to walk the trail at dusk with a headlamp or torch. The tour is just under five kilometers long and is easily manageable for almost any human-dog combination, as long as you both have a normal level of fitness. 

Our favourite Hikes for a Vacation with your Dog in Austria

Hiking with your Dog in the Seefeld Region – High Alpine Hike

High Alpine Hike above the Gaistal Valley with your Dog

If you’re looking for a longer hike that will take you all day, Seefeld is the place to be. Of course, there are plenty of hiking trails for all levels of fitness all around the famous resort. But the one we would like to introduce you to is the 24km high alpine trail above the Gaistal valley. There are refreshment points along the way and the panoramic views will never cease to amaze you.

The route also takes you through wildlife areas. If you are lucky, you may see marmots and chamois. In addition, you can always choose between a more difficult and steeper path or a moderate ascent. The loop is not suitable for completely inexperienced human-dog teams. This is partly because of its length, but also because it requires a certain amount of sure-footedness on the part of both the dog and the human. It is best to practise this on a shorter route before attempting this one.

Hiking with your Dog in the Hohe Tauern National Park – Glacier Trail Innergschlöss

Hike on the Glacier Trail Innergschlöss

The most beautiful valley castle in the Eastern Alps – that’s the name of the region we’re taking you to. From Matrei in East Tyrol you can either walk or take a taxi (please ask about the dog!) to the Gschlösstal valley. At the end of the valley begins the climb into the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park. Passing by the Salzbodensee and the “Eye of God”, you will experience the rugged nature at close quarters. The highlight, of course, is the view of the glacier at the foot of the Grossvenediger.

The trail is challenging, so be sure to download the route guide onto your phone in advance. A guidebook is also useful, as you can always look it up for interesting facts about the glaciated landscape.

Hiking with a Dog in Switzerland

Hiking with a dog in and around Zermatt – Five Lakes Tour

Five Lakes Tour in Zermatt

Perfect for a morning or evening walk in summer. The seven and a half kilometres are easy to walk, even though the path leads over meadows, sticks and stones.

Important to know: The tour starts at the Blauherd top station of the Sunnega cable car. Dogs are allowed free of charge on the funicular and gondola.

From Blauherd it is only a short walk to the first lake. From there it is one highlight after another. The stars of the tour are, of course, the stunningly beautiful lakes. They couldn’t be more different. But the Matterhorn is always in sight. The lakes are Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee (the name says it all), the large reservoir Moosjisee and Leisee, which invites you for a final swim. Perfect for a morning hike, where you can get off the mountain before it gets too hot and crowded 😉 The first train leaves Sunnega for Blauherd at 8.10am from July.

Hiking with your Dog – Adventures on Holiday or at your Doorstep

Finally, we would like to invite you to use your holiday not only for walking with your dog but also to extend your everyday walk. Or spend a weekend exploring your local area on foot. You’ll be amazed at the places you’ll discover on a day trip!

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All regulated with the train

Admittedly, rail travel is not dog-friendly. In this blog article, we’re taking a closer look at Deutsche Bahn in particular. Other countries have some different rules, or don’t even allow you to take any animals at all. For example, in Italy, larger dogs are not allowed on public transport.

But let’s go back to Germany. The German railroads have fairly clear ideas about how they can make sustainable travel more difficult for us dog people. For those of us, anyway, who have a dog larger than a house cat, train travel becomes an ordeal of nerves.

Because while small dogs* are allowed to travel for free, the stress for dog owners* with larger dogs starts with the ticket purchase.

*Small dogs in the train

• • have to be secured in a transport box or bag
  • box/bag has to fit under the seat or in the luggage rack
  • about the size of a domestic cat
  • by the way, this also applies to all other animals (rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, …)

So, for large dogs, you will have to pay a ticket, which depending on the booked connection can be costly (except service dogs of course.) With economy or flex fares, half the ticket price or a child ticket must be paid for the dog. For special tickets such as international tickets, the dog counts as an adult. Therefore, if you don’t book months in advance, you can expect quite high prices for you and your dog.

Online ticket via mail

You can theoretically buy the ticket for your dog online (child traveling alone). You must have it sent to you by postal service, which may take up to five working days. Spontaneously, you can buy it at the ticket machine or at the counter or service center. However, depending on how much experience you have with traveling by train with a dog, a visit to the service center is a good idea anyway, especially if you plan to travel abroad. Because, as I said, different rules apply there.

Other things you have to pay attention to:

• Muzzling obligation for the entire journey
• Leash requirement
• No reservation of seats for the dog possible

Preparation for traveling by train with a dog

After the first shock, we will assume that you have not given up yet and are determined to travel by train and dog. Or perhaps you have a small dog, with which you have significantly less stress.

But no matter whether big or small: you should prepare your partner on four paws in any case. It will be exciting for him in any case: strange people, small children, thousands of different smells and strange noises. Before you start the adventure of traveling by train with your dog, you need to train.

Training and practicing

If you are from the countryside, you can simply move the first training sessions to the city. There, your dog will be exposed to more impressions than at home in the village.

Once he is used to it, drive short distances and see how the dog behaves during this time. As he becomes more relaxed, you can increase the length of the route. The benefit of this is also that you will automatically experience many different situations over this longer training time, which will harden you and your dog.

Reservation and the right place

On a longer route, the choice of the right seat is of course much more important than on short routes. Of course, a compartment is the first choice. Other than that, you can still make sure to sit as centered as possible in the wagon. There’s less through traffic, and you don’t have doors opening and closing next to you all the time.

When booking, you should also consider transfer times. These can be used for walking rounds so that your dog can relieve itself between the legs of the journey. Also, your own stress is transferred to the dog when times are too tight. Relaxed train travel is then no longer.

Tips for traveling by train with a dog

Before starting out, take your dog for a long ride and give him a good workout. You should also have eaten your last meal a little while ago. That way, you can prevent a disaster from happening. But if it does happen: Stay calm. The dog didn’t do it on purpose. Simply clean it up, apologize to fellow travelers if necessary, and that’s it.

A favorite blanket, stuffed animal and chewy item will keep your dog occupied and give him something familiar on the trip. That way, he’s more likely to calm down than if he’s surrounded exclusively by unfamiliar smells.

Furthermore, depending on your dog’s character, you can clarify it for the passengers that they should not talk to your dog. Even strange, stroking hands can mean additional stress. Watch out for the signs here and stop it in case of doubt so that your dog also has a stress-free train journey.

Packing list for your train journey

• Favorite blanket
• Chew toy, soft toy, …
• Chew stick and treat
• Muzzle
• Leash
• Water and drinking bowl
• Wet wipes, kitchen roll, dog bag
• maybe room spray

Recommended hotels for a train trip with a dog

Finally, the most important thing

Staying calm and relaxed is the most important thing when traveling with a dog. Your excitement and stress are transferred to your dog. The more relaxed you are, the more your companion is. And then there will be nothing to stop you from having a stress-free journey to your dog’s vacation.

Would you travel by train with your dog? Have you ever done it before? Then tell us about your experiences!

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With this wisdom in mind, we kick off today’s blog post. On Tuesday, we already presented you some hiking trails around South Tyrol, in the Allgäu and on Tenerife. As hiking is a fantastic activity, today we are going to take a look at a few recommended hiking routes in the DACH region around our Green Pearls® partners.

We start with an Austrian high valley called Pfunds. This mountain destination is located in the top section of the Tyrolean Inn Valley, at the border triangle where Switzerland and Italy meet—a perfect starting point for hikes of all degrees of difficulty. The Summit Lodges are also situated there. The two vacation homes in Canadian-inspired log cabin style are perfect for you if you want a little more privacy or feel like a vacation with the whole family.

Picturesque round trails through the Upper Inn Valley

If you spend your vacation here, you have to plan for a hike through the Pfundser Tschey. The scenic loop trail leads first over the Pfundser Frudiger – a gorgeous lookout high above the Pfundser Tschey and the Upper Inn Valley.

Views into the Ötztal Alps, to the Samnaun Group and north to the Lechtal Alps area are impressive and definitely worth the climb! Then the highlight is the hike back through the natural jewel Pfundser Tschey, with its wooden chalets and the beautiful little church “Maria Schnee”.

Alpine landscapes can also be enjoyed in Sölden. The famous vacation destination in Austria offers you numerous opportunities. However, an insider tip of LENI MOUNTAIN is the trail to Peerler Lake. The trail can start directly from the chalet. From there, the high-altitude hike leads you across alpine mountain meadows and rocky gorges to the lake, which is located at 2,467 meters.

Views of the Wildspitze, the Brunnenkogelhaus, the Hochstubai Hütte are special moments, making this hike a panoramic tour of a special kind.

Lake tour near Kitzbühl

Similar to the intensively researched Schwarzsee near Kitzbühl in Austria, sediments at the bottom of the lake allow conclusions to be drawn about the climate of the past 10,000 years. A high-alpine, colorful landscape with a magnificent mountain lake—what are you waiting for?

After your tour you can either relax in the wellness area of the LENI MOUNTAIN apartments or enjoy the private spa of the LENI MOUNTAIN Chalet outside Sölden. Also located in Sölden are the apartments and chalets of The Peak.

The host family Kneisl are passionate mountaineers and particularly appreciate the trails of the Ötztaler Wasserläufer. The six circular trails lead you from gentle streams and calm lakes to thunderous cascades and the perpetual ice of the glaciers. This way, you will discover the element water in all its richness.

The highest waterfall in Tyrol

For many, the Stuibenfall—the highest waterfall in Tyrol—is of particular interest. This round trip to the waterfall is short and crisp. On nine kilometers you cover 607 meters of altitude and need good surefootedness.

In the center of the trail is an exposed 80-meter long suspension bridge. About 700 steps will lead you up to the highest observation platform. Cross the fixed suspension bridge at the top of the waterfall and enjoy the natural spectacle it offers. You will be able to catch a fantastic view of the depths as you continue to approach the highest platform. This dizzying height experience completes the experience of Stuibenfall in all its uniqueness.

Take advantage of the bread service of The Peak, then you don’t have to leave the house even before breakfast, and you start the hiking day well strengthened. What could be better than lunch at the top of the waterfall, when you can enjoy the magnificent view and the roar of the water?

Hiking in the German Harz Mountains

Many hiking tours in the Harz Mountains are steeped in legend. Like the trail that takes you from Blankenburg along the Teufelsmauer (Devil’s Wall) to the spectacular natural monument Hamburger Wappen. Three steeply towering rock needles of the sandstone formation remind of the coat of arms of the Hanseatic city of Hamburg, with its three towers. You should also take a look at the Kuhstall Cave—this mysterious sandstone cave is located in the immediate vicinity of the Hamburg Coat of Arms.

You can relax at the historic Schlosshotel Blankenburg. The present Schlosshotel is located in barracks formerly belonging to the “Herzoglich Braunschweigische Leibbataillon “of Duke Wilhelm. Between 1857 and 1860 the barracks were built. At Easter 1860 the Leibbataillon was accommodated here. Until the First World War, the Schlosskaserne was used as an educational facility for recruits of various military units.

Nowadays, the historical ambience is combined with modern luxury. The wellness area in the castle’s vaults is particularly worth a visit after a strenuous hike in the Harz Mountains.

On castle tour in the southern Harz

If you prefer the Southern Harz, you should pay a visit to the Naturresort Schindelbruch. There are several routes in the middle of the nature park Südharz that will make your hiker’s heart beat faster.

Some even pass through the forest behind the nature resort, so the hotel couldn’t be more suitably located. One nice loop that you can do from here is the route from Schlossblick on the lower Bandweg up to Josephshöhe. On your way back, cross the Obere Zechental and catch a great view of Stolberg and its castle before heading back to the hotel.

Moreover, our newest green pearl in Switzerland has some hiking trails ready for you. The region around Saas Fee with 18 four-thousand-meter peaks is a very popular outdoor sports and hiking paradise. The network of trails extends to over 350 kilometers. The Waldhotel Fletschhorn, is located in the middle of this spectacular scenery.

Traveling in the Swiss Alps

A recommended route begins at the Felskinn mountain terminal and leads you over the Fee and Chessjen glaciers to the Egginerjoch. At Egginerjoch, the path turns right and takes you along the rock face to the end of the plateau. But beware: the path leads across many screes and stone slabs! And is ending on Plattjen just below the Mittaghorn.

From Plattjen, the trail “On the tracks of the Saas-Fee Ski World Cup” zigzags down to Saas-Fee. A secret tip along the tour is the Swiss cairn at the Brandgrabe below the Mittaghorn. From this vantage point, you have a unique view of the entire Saas Valley, including Lake Mattmark and the Bietschhorn.

Then you can enjoy a meal and relax in the restaurant of the Waldhotel Fletschhorn. The Restaurant Fletschhorn is famous far beyond the borders of Saas Fee for its delicious creations. The cuisine is seasonal and regional (including an impressive selection of Swiss cheeses). In the wine cellar with 13,000 bottles you are sure to find the right drop for you. 

Where do you want to go hiking, do you have a dream route?

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But what makes an animal encounter ethical or unethical? As a general rule: if the animal is forced to do it, it’s probably not ethical. If the animal is injured or drugged in the process, then it is definitely not ethical. Fortunately, in Germany, there are animal protection laws that prevent the exploitation of animals. But in some other countries, you should be careful that you don’t unknowingly support an institution that doesn’t treat its charges so lovingly. Because: there are great ways you can observe animals on vacation without harming them.

Meet the groundhogs in Zermatt

Despite the lack of guided tours around the Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt and the CERVO you can still have encounters with wildlife.

On the ski lifts between Gant-Blauherd or Furi-Schwarzsee you can spot chamois in winter as well as in summer. In spring and summer, you can even meet marmots here. In winter, however, the rodents are sleeping. 

Fun Fact: The Swiss also call them “Munggen”, and in Upper Bavaria and neighboring Salzburg they are known as “Mankei”. But all these names refer to the same animal, that has become well known through the movie “Groundhog Day”.

Deer in Warper forest

Do you only know Bambi from movies and television? Then it’s time for a visit to Okelmann’s in Warpe! In the vast forests and the Warper heath land, you have the best chance to meet any kind of deer.
 
If you have your own four-legged friend, he is also welcome at Okelmann’s. Whether you are hiking or biking, you will have a lot of fun exploring the northern German flora and fauna alone or with your (four-legged) partner.

Experiencing elephants up close

You can also marvel at more exotic animals in some places with a clear conscience. At Keemala, for example. The Thai resort is home to many rescued and adopted animals, including water buffalos, goats, ducks, and fish. In October 2021, the resort welcomed a new resident! The water buffalo gave birth to the newest member of the Keemala animal family.
 
The boutique resort is not only home to a variety of animals, but also supports an ethical treatment. For example, guests can meet the Asian elephants in the local “sanctuaries.” Here, horseback riding and shows are not allowed. Instead, guests can feed the animals and watch them forage for food.

Animals as landscape keepers

However, wild animals are not only beautiful to look at. Near the Creativhotel Luise is the Tennenloher Forst nature reserve. Sandy grasslands, heaths and sparse pine forests alternate here with bog areas and small bodies of water. To preserve the landscape as it is, the Tennenloher Forst has had four-legged landscape keepers since 2003: wild horses and peacock goats.

They are located in a 100-hectare enclosure and therefore not always easy to see directly. If you feel like watching the animals, it is best to plan a nice hike around the enclosure. In the beautiful nature of the Tennenloher Forest, you can find more than 1,800 different species of animals and plants. 

Do you like to watch them closer? Then we propose a hike around the Tennenloher Forest, where you can find more than 1,800 different species of animals and plants.

Aren’t such casual encounters much nicer – for you and the animals you want to observe?

Read more: SUSTAINABLE VACATION RENTALS

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