Taking sustainable vacations with children sets an example

Parents are often interested in sustainability because they watch their children grow up and want them to experience the beauty of nature, biodiversity, and peace. Furthermore, environmental concerns and animal welfare are matters that even the youngest children place importance on. If you want to explain sustainability to your kids, check out our blog post with ideas here: “Dad, what is sustainable?”

The best fall getaways for families

Instead of booking an all-inclusive vacation package with a buffet (which produces a lot of waste), check out the wonderful, family-friendly accommodations that offer organic products and nature-based activities and can be booked at the last minute for your fall vacation.

A Moselle vacation combined with a history class

The Moselle region is especially beautiful in the fall. The LIFESTYLE Resort Zum Kurfürsten is nestled among colorful vineyards, ancient castle ruins, and a meandering river. The hotel has a 4,000-square-foot spa area with several pools and saunas operated according to a sustainable concept. The outdoor pool, for instance, is a natural swimming pond that uses no chemicals. Children under 14 can swim in the rooftop panoramic pool, while those over 14 can use the spa area. While the LIFESTYLE Resort does not offer a separate children’s program, it caters to younger guests with amenities like extra beds and high chairs.

There are many excursions in the area. If you want to teach your children about roman history, the Porta Nigra in Trier is just a stone’s throw away. Here you can book a guided tour with real actors. For example, a “Roman soldier” will explain what life was like here before 1800 years.

Sustainable vacation in the mountains with a petting zoo

Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld, Tyrol, is another great place for a family vacation during the fall holidays. It is a luxurious wellness hotel that has been created within the more than 500-year-old walls of an old monastery and is now run by the 6th generation of the same family.

The Austrian hotel also includes an organic, vegetarian farm and a small petting zoo. At “Sigis Sauhaufen” children can visit dwarf cows, dwarf goats, dwarf donkeys, a dwarf pony, pot-bellied pigs, rabbits and other animals just a two-minute walk from the hotel. The pony is called Vanilli and can be ridden.

Holidays with children during the apple harvest

Apples are a healthy and delicious snack for all ages — and a highlight of family vacations, especially in the fall. At the Naturresort Gerbehof on the German side of Lake Constance, you can experience apple and pear orchards up close, since the family-run hotel practices organic farming. This means the apple and pear trees your children see on their adventures provide the fruit for the morning apple juice and many other products.

A particular highlight is the horseback riding. While teenagers can take Western riding lessons, there are also pony rides for young children. When riding isn’t on the agenda, the surrounding countryside offers plenty of space to play, run around, and explore.

Good to know: Outside of the holiday season, the Gerbehof is an adults-only hotel – but during the school holidays, it’s all about family time and kid-friendly activities. So it’s okay if things get a little noisy 😉

Autumn vacations with children in the Alps National Park

If you’re looking for a vacation destination with your kids, consider a national park. In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to various national parks and sustainable accommodations.

The Hohe Tauern National Park in Austria is one of the largest national parks. The park’s landmark is the 3,798-meter-high Grossglockner mountain, which is surrounded by other peaks that reach over three thousand meters in height.

Within its borders lies the Naturhotel Outside, which uses natural materials for its furnishings and regional organic products for its cuisine. Children will certainly enjoy the large landscaped garden with a Kneipp path.

Particularly exciting for families: guided ranger tours are offered regularly in the national park, including special programs for children and young people such as the Young Researchers Club and family hikes with playful learning elements.

• You can find the current ranger tour offers here.

Vacation on the Ritten in South Tyrol

The Ritten, a sunny high plateau in the southeastern Italian Alps, celebrates its “fifth season,” the Törggelezeit, in autumn. It begins at the start of October, after the grape harvest and when the chestnuts are ripe. Throughout South Tyrol, small festivals and markets are held at this time where you can sample regional products. Another highlight of the Ritten are the earth pyramids, a bizarre natural wonder. We can recommend two of our Green PearlsⓇ partners as family-friendly hotels in this region.

Bee trail for children

First is the Apipura hotel rinner, an exceptional hotel for bee lovers. Run by the Rinner family, the hotel is designed around the theme of bees and features an organic apiary. In the grove in front of the hotel, there is an educational bee trail where children can learn about Western honey bee colonies.

Hotel with a lake and swimming pool

Another family-friendly option is the Hotel Weihrerhof, located at 1,200 meters above sea level on the shores of Wolfsgrubener See. Its location right on the lake, surrounded by nature, offers ideal conditions for an exciting and sustainable fall vacation with children.

Irish journalist Roberta von Meding, who recently stayed at the Weihrerhof with her teenage daughters, describes her stay in the parenting magazine Moms and Tots as a real break from everyday life:

“Weihrerhof is the kind of place where families reconnect – with each other and with the world around them.” – Roberta von Meding 

She was particularly impressed by the interplay of nature, tranquility, and freedom:

“The combination of safe, accessible outdoor fun and total serenity made it ideal – especially for families with younger children.” – Roberta von Meding

The Weihrerhof also caters to families when it comes to food: the seasonal dinner was a daily highlight for Roberta and her family – even the “picky teen” found something to his liking here.

• You can find more impressions of a family weekend at the Weihrerhof in our article: A sustainable weekend with the family at the Hotel Weihrerhof in South Tyrol.

Flexible vacations in nature: OLM Nature Escape in Sand in Taufers, South Tyrol

If you are looking for freedom and nature with your children during the fall break, you will find the ideal retreat at OLM Nature Escape. The circular eco-aparthotel is surrounded by greenery and is committed to sustainability—for example, through an energy-self-sufficient concept.

Families enjoy maximum flexibility here: those who wish can cook in their own kitchen, while those who prefer to be pampered can visit the in-house restaurant. When it comes to cleaning, anything is possible—from completely self-determined stays to all-inclusive service.

These individual options make the OLM particularly suitable if you want to live at your own pace with your toddlers or teens – without compromising on comfort or environmental awareness.

Tip: Some suites have a separate study, which is ideal for a short workation with the family in the mountains if one of the parents doesn’t have vacation time.

Family workation in Bavaria: vacation at Gut Sonnenhausen

If your children are on vacation but your vacation time is running out at the end of the year, Gut Sonnenhausen offers a solution as well. This fall, the eco-friendly hotel in Glonn, near Munich, is offering a family workation for the first time — a blend of a family vacation and remote work.

While one parent works in the stylish surroundings of the historic estate, the other can spend the day with the children on the large grounds – or you can take turns. Creative activities for children, nature experiences, and organic meals together ensure that no one gets bored.

👉 You can find more information about the family workation here: Family workation at Gut Sonnenhausen

Autumn vacations in the warm – with children on the Canary Islands

If you suffered through bad weather this summer and want warm weather for your autumn vacation, the Canary Islands, located off the west coast of Africa, are an ideal autumn destination! In Tenerife, for instance, the average temperature in October is 79°F, and the water temperature hovers around 73°F.

The OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel is located right on the beach.

This Green PearlsⓇ hotel is geared toward health-conscious guests and offers an extensive wellness and sports program, which is ideal if your children are older and not interested in exercise. Parents will also appreciate the seawater pools, which make swimming in the Atlantic much safer than in open water.

Tips for a Sustainable Fall Break with Children: An Environmentally Friendly Trip

Follow these tips to make your vacation with children sustainable, nature-oriented, and eco-conscious.
Choose climate-friendly travel. Take the train or long-distance bus whenever possible to avoid CO₂ emissions.

1. Bring your own food and water bottles.
Avoid unnecessary packaging waste by using your own lunch boxes and refillable bottles.

2. Rent equipment instead of buying it.
Many things can be borrowed locally or from friends, such as children’s suitcases, hiking boots, and baby carriers.

3. Learn about nature!
Find out about the region’s animals and plants together — this will make your vacation a nature adventure.

4. Learn the local language.
As a family, learn a few words in the local language or regional dialect — it’s fun and helps you connect with the locals.

5. Audiobooks can help you prepare.
Die Reisemaus offers child-friendly audio plays about different countries, which are ideal for preparing for your trip.

6. Choose sustainable accommodations.
When booking, look for places that meet ecological standards and serve regional food.

7. Support regional providers.
Avoid international chains when eating, shopping, and buying souvenirs, and choose local products and small shops instead.

8. Instead of consumption, experience nature!
Plan activities in nature, such as hiking, wildlife viewing, walking barefoot, and exploring the forest.

9. Participate in clean-up campaigns.
Many places offer trash collection campaigns, which often include equipment and small rewards for children. It’s worth asking about!

Sustainable fall getaways for families with children – conclusion

As you can see, there are many great options for a sustainable getaway with the family, which keeps everyone entertained. There you also get to know nature and protect the environment.

Do you have any other ideas? Then please share them with us in the comments.

This is an update from September 29, 2023.

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Was everything just gloomy between 500 and 1500?

The Middle Ages (approximately 500–1500) are often associated with dark times, including the plague, the Crusades, and gloomy castles. Indeed, feudalism, the Church, and a hard, deprived daily life marked the European Middle Ages. However, it was also a time of upheaval, new ideas, and fascinating stories, some of which you will learn about in this article.

Exciting relics from this period can be discovered around the Green Pearls® partner hotels: former imperial palaces, churches with centuries-old frescoes, mysterious monastery ruins, and border stations from a time when travel was an adventure.

Meanwhile, impressive, advanced civilizations were flourishing in other parts of the world. The Islamic world was in full bloom, becoming a cradle of science and progress. In Asia and South America, complex societies developed with their own worldviews, buildings, and innovations. The “discovery” of America in 1492 began a new era, and the highly developed Inca Empire in Peru fell victim to colonialism. But before we turn our attention to Peru, let’s return once more to the heart of Europe.

Experience the Middle Ages – from imperial palaces to fortified churches

Charlemagne ushered in a new era in Europe. The Frankish king was crowned emperor of the Romans in 800, laying the foundation for the Holy Roman Empire. (Not to be confused with the ancient Roman Empire discussed in Part 2 of this blog series.)

Many places in Germany commemorate this era. The most famous sights include the Imperial Cathedral in Aachen, the Imperial Palace in Goslar, and Wartburg Castle near Eisenach, where Martin Luther found refuge in the early 16th century and translated the Bible.

In addition to these famous attractions, there are many smaller sites where you can experience history. Sometimes you can even find them right in your vacation spot or near sustainable hotels!

Bernkastel-Kues on the Moselle — where medieval charm meets wellness

Perched high above the Moselle River, Landshut Castle sits on a hill overlooking the picturesque town of Bernkastel-Kues. The half-timbered houses, historic market square, and the Cusanus Foundation’s centuries-old library bring the Middle Ages to life. And during a boat trip on the Moselle, you can see many more castles—it seems like there’s one on every hill! Alternatively, you can explore them by bike. Check out the Komoot tips for 16 castles and palaces around Bernkastel-Kues.

If you’re looking to unwind after exploring the city, the Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten is the perfect place for you. This wellness hotel offers a spacious spa area with several pools, saunas, and treatment rooms, and it places a particular emphasis on sustainability. The hotel recently added air conditioning to its rooms (summer 2025), which is powered by its own photovoltaic systems. (Together with its own BHWs, the hotel is a pioneer in renewable energies.)

The Bad Herrenalb Monastery Ruins: A journey back in time in the Black Forest

The Hotel SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA is located in the heart of the idyllic Black Forest. A sustainable wellness hotel with organic cuisine, a zero-waste policy, and its own thermal baths. Just a few steps away are the impressive ruins of the Bad Herrenalb monastery. Founded in 1149 as a Cistercian monastery, its preserved sandstone walls speak to a place full of spirituality, power, and transformation.

Tip: Experience Bad Herrenalb and its medieval history in the form of a modern scavenger hunt in the outdoor escape game, “Auf den Spuren des Klostergeheimnisses” (On the Trail of the Monastery Secret)!

Ostheim Fortified Church: Fortifications and Place of Refuge

Another insider tip can be found in the Rhön. The fortified church in Ostheim is the largest and best-preserved in Germany. Built in the 15th century, the church served as both a place of worship, protection and refuge for villagers — a common feature of late medieval architecture as those times were characterised by uncertainty and threat.

The sustainable Hotel Sturm in Mellrichstadt is nearby. Situated on the edge of the Rhön Biosphere Reserve, it offers a peaceful retreat with a spa, a natural swimming pond, and regional cuisine. It’s perfect if you want to experience nature, history, and sustainability.

Old Paths Through High Mountains: The Middle Ages in the Alpine Region

Long before ski tourism and wellness hotels existed, the Alps were the setting for medieval pilgrimages, trade routes, and power struggles. Human settlement in the Alps dates back to the Stone Age, as evidenced by Ötzi the Iceman. A Neolithic mummy whom we introduced to you (along with the contents of his belt pouch) in the first part of this series.

During the Middle Ages, the Alps were a geographical, political, and cultural hub of Europe. The border between the Romance-speaking south and the Germanic north ran through this region. Anyone making a pilgrimage to Rome on foot or horseback had to cross it. As did rulers, merchants, and bishops on their journeys to the Eternal City.

Tyrol: Follow old customs trails through the mountains

In western Tyrol, near the Swiss border, lies Alt Finstermünz, a medieval customs station. Located between rock faces and the Inn River, the site once served as a checkpoint for travelers using the mountain pass. Today, Alt Finstermünz is an “adventure castle” and open-air museum with an audio guide, a bridge, and original fortification walls.

Just a few minutes away is sustainable accommodation at its finest: the Summit Lodges Pfunds. These two eco-friendly vacation homes can accommodate up to six people and offer privacy, modern design, and alpine living, all with magnificent views of the Tyrolean mountains.

If you’re interested in visiting an old pilgrimage site, we recommend Seefeld in Tyrol, where the “Host Miracle” supposedly took place in the 14th century. Today, the traditional Hotel Klosterbräu stands at this site. It was originally built as an Augustinian monastery and still retains its monastic history. Read the article “Monastery Hotels: Preserving Heritage or pure business?” to learn more about hotels in former monasteries and the transition from the Christian Middle Ages to vacant church properties.

South Tyrol: Between centers of power and mystical frescoes

Castel Tirolo, the ancestral home of the Counts of Tyrol, is arguably the most significant medieval structure in South Tyrol. Perched on a rock above Merano, the castle offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s political, religious, and cultural center during the Middle Ages. Today, the castle houses a museum that vividly recounts the region’s eventful history.

Two nearby Green Pearls® partners invite guests to enjoy sustainable stays: the Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel on the Seiser Alm, Europe’s largest high alpine pasture, and the adults-only Hotel LA VIMEA in Naturns. Both hotels focus on plant-based cuisine, minimalist design, and mindfulness in a natural setting.

Incidentally, a real gem from the early Middle Ages awaits you in Naturns. The St. Proculus Church, which boasts unique frescoes. Dating back to the 8th century, they are among the oldest wall paintings in the German-speaking world. A quiet, spiritual place marking the beginning of a new era.

The Kommende Lengmoos: Resting Place for Emperors

The Kommende Lengmoos, located on the Ritten, a high plateau above Bolzano, recalls the medieval travel habits of powerful men. It once served as a resting place for German emperors en route to their coronations in Rome. Today, it is a peaceful retreat where you can relax at the eco-friendly Hotel Weihrerhof, surrounded by forests, lakes, and South Tyrolean hospitality.

Another highlight of the region is the imposing Castel Taufers in Sand in Taufers, which features towers, battlements, and an impressive collection of medieval rooms. From here, you can explore a region full of castles. The ideal starting point for such a trip is the stylish, nature-loving OLM Nature Escape, which combines alpine architecture and circular design.

Looking beyond the horizon: The world between 500 and 1500

As previously mentioned, while Europe in the Middle Ages was marked by plague, crusades, and feudal rule, impressive, advanced civilizations flourished elsewhere. On our journey through time, we will therefore take a look beyond our own horizons, just as we do on “normal” sustainable trips.

• The Roman Empire had not yet completely fallen. While the Western Roman Empire ended after more than a thousand years, the Eastern Roman Empire continued to exist with Constantinople (now Istanbul) as its capital until 1453. (Following this, it became part of the Islamic world under the Ottomans.)

• The Islamic world experienced a golden age during which medicine, mathematics, and philosophy were practiced at the highest levels in cities such as Baghdad and Córdoba. The region was a hub for science, art, and intercultural exchange.

• The Mongol Empire, the largest contiguous empire in history, stretched across much of Eurasia. It was brutal yet unifying. Initially the greatest enemy of the Islamic Empire, the Mongols destroyed Baghdad in 1258 before being incorporated into its fold.

Africa, China, and South America

• Powerful empires such as Mali and Great Zimbabwe also developed in medieval Africa. These empires based their prosperity on trade, culture, and religious exchange. In Zimbabwe, the ruins of the former royal palace still stand today. They impress visitors with their walls and towers, some of which are up to 10 meters high. After the pyramids, they are the second largest monument on the continent.

• In China, the Tang and Song dynasties ushered in a period of significant innovation. Paper money, printing, and porcelain shaped not only the country but also the course of world trade.

• So, what about South America? It was here that the mighty Inca Empire flourished, building cities high in the mountains, sophisticated road systems, and a kind of sewer system that still amazes us today. First and foremost: Machu Picchu — mysteriously located in the middle of dense cloud forests.

This is where our partner, Inkaterra, is committed to preserving nature and culture. The Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel has participated in cloud forest reforestation and is dedicated to protecting endangered species, achieving climate neutrality, and promoting sustainable tourism.

Peru: The “discovery of America” led to the downfall of the Incas.

While knights fought for honor in Europe and pilgrims crossed Alpine passes, a sophisticated civilization was flourishing on the other side of the Atlantic: the Inca Empire. In the 15th century, they established one of the largest pre-Columbian empires, boasting advanced agriculture, an extensive road network, and cities like Machu Picchu, which remains shrouded in mystery to this day.

What do we really know about the Incas?

• They did not have a traditional writing system, but they used quipus, which are knots in strings, to store information. This has been scientifically proven, though the exact meaning of the quipus has yet to be fully deciphered.
• Despite lacking wheels and draft animals, the Incas built a road network spanning over 40,000 kilometers.
• The Incas practiced terrace farming and used complex irrigation systems.
• And yes, Inca king Atahualpa, who was dressed in gold, really did exist. The Spanish conquerors executed him in 1533, even though they received a ransom in gold. With his death, the entire Inca Empire collapsed, and the country became a Spanish colony.

Stay, experience, and learn with Inkaterra Hotels

Nestled in the cloud forest and close to the world-famous ruins, the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is a pioneer in sustainable tourism. Committed to reforesting the original cloud forest and preserving the Inca site, the hotel offers guests an unforgettable experience. The complex is an eco-retreat, a scientific research center, and a place of inspiration, all rolled into one.

To experience the history of the Incas up close: visit the Sacred Valley near Urubamba and Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. There, Inkaterra operates two hotels that combine sustainable practices with cultural heritage: Inkaterra La Casona and Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba.

Conclusion: The Middle Ages were about more than just knights and castles

The Middle Ages were a time of change, contrast, and cultural diversity. Castles, monasteries, and cities have been preserved in Europe and can be rediscovered today on a sustainable trip. Elsewhere, the Incas and other empires left behind monumental evidence of their advanced civilizations that will amaze you and shake your worldview. At least, that’s what they did for us!

In part four of our journey through time, you can look forward to a special feature on recent German history, from nuclear bunkers to zeppelins. You can experience these sites firsthand with our sustainable Green PearlsⓇ partners.

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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.

Looking for sustainable hotels with childcare? Or do you need fresh ideas for a family vacation full of adventure and nature? Then check out these two articles:
👉 Sustainable hotels with childcare and babysitting services
👉12 sustainable ideas for your family summer vacation

La dolce vita with kids – sustainable enjoyment between mountains, lakes and the sea

Green hotels in Italy offer a variety of experiences – perfect for a conscious family vacation with plenty of heart and freedom. In addition to the classics like pizza, pasta and swimming, you can learn a lot about conservation and biodiversity in Italy.

Hotel Weihrerhof, Ritten – Nature holidays at the lake for young and old

Situated directly on the Wolfsgruben Lake on the Ritten Plateau, the Hotel Weihrerhof is a retreat for families who are looking for peace and quiet, but still want to experience a lot. Whether paddling, rowing or simply jumping in, the lake is a real highlight in summer. The surrounding nature will delight the children and help the parents to slow down. Host Klaus Pichler and his team create an atmosphere where all generations feel at home: “Many families spend their vacations with us. Our nature experiences are especially popular,” he says.

• In this blog post you will find insights into what a sustainable family weekend at Hotel Weihrerhof might look like.

Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel, South Tyrol – Family vacation with a vegan twist

Hiking in the Dolomites, skiing in winter right in front of the hotel, and all 100% vegan? At the Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel on the Seiser Alm, families can not only experience nature intensively, but also consciously enjoy a purely plant-based diet. If you think that vegan means complicated and not suitable for children, the Paradiso team will prove you wrong in a charming way – it is child-friendly and uncomplicated.

As a family, you can take advantage of age-based discounts for children. Babies under one year travel free, toddlers get a 75% discount, and 18-year-olds get a 20% discount. This makes your vacation fun for young and old alike, without compromises.

APIPURA hotel rinner, Ritten – Family hotel with a special touch

Here (almost) everything revolves around bees – which makes this an especially exciting vacation for children. The Rinner family runs its own organic apiary and invites families to discover the fascinating world of bees with its own bee trail, guided tours of the hives and exciting insights into beekeeping. The APIPURA hotel rinner is one of the family-friendly host on the Ritten and combines nature, relaxation and knowledge in a pleasant way. It offers family rooms, a playroom for rainy days and a large garden with a playground that can be seen from the terrace.

OLM Nature Escape, South Tyrol – Freedom for families

Cook today, have it delivered tomorrow and eat the day after in the restaurant PRENN°? At OLM Nature Escape in Sand in Taufers, you decide how much service you want. This sustainable aparthotel is ideal for families who love flexibility: with a fully equipped kitchen, plenty of space to play, but also to retreat. Surrounded by mountains and nature, you can relax together, explore, and just be yourselves. As the first energy self-sufficient aparthotel in the Alps, it is also a true green energy pioneer.

Relais del Maro, Liguria – A different kind of family hotel in a small village

A vacation like staying with friends, but with a pool and Italian breakfast. At Relais del Maro, you won’t be staying in a traditional hotel, but in an “albergo diffuso”. The charming rooms are spread over several historic houses owned by the host family in the Ligurian village of Borgomaro.

The garden is well maintained and the pool is not too deep – just right for families who want to enjoy a slower pace of life in the country. Just a stone’s throw away are the coast and many of the region’s highlights for joint excursions.

ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA – Sun, wellness and family time in Sicily

Are you dreaming of a family vacation in Italy by the sea, with plenty of nature, relaxation and variety for young and old? Then ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA is the perfect place for you. Located directly on the southern coast of Sicily and on the edge of the Torre Salsa nature reserve, you can relax and unwind together. While your children over the age of 4 are well taken care of at the AKI Kids Club, you can enjoy relaxing spa moments or explore the surrounding area. ADLER regularly offers attractive family specials for the Sicilian spa – sun and beach included.

Are you already packing, or do you need some more motivation?

Here are a few good reasons why a shared, sustainable family vacation is good for everyone:

• More closeness, less routine: A (nonrepresentative) study shows that vacations with children can be stressful, but they also have many positive effects: Study participants exercised more, engaged in more social activities, worried less, and slept better.

• Get away from it all: Vacations not only help adults reduce stress-children benefit from time away from their familiar surroundings, too.

• Foster development: New impressions, outdoor experiences, and shared adventures support children’s emotional development and build resilience.

So get your bags out and let’s go – for intentional family moments that will last.

Save these sustainable family hotels for your next vacation in Italy on Pinterest!

Der Beitrag Off to Italy! Sustainable family hotels for your next vacation erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Are you specifically looking for sustainable hotels with childcare? Or are you looking for inspiration for your next adventure-filled family vacation? Then take a look at these two articles:
 👉Sustainable hotels with childcare and babysitting services
 👉 Family summer vacation – 12 sustainable ideas

 

12 sustainable family hotels in Germany and Austria (and a bonus tip from Peru)

A sustainable family hotel should offer spacious family rooms, preferably in a manageable, safe environment with plenty of nature to play and explore. Other important factors include child-friendly amenities such as a playground, opportunities to meet other children, and a mindful use of resources.

Green family vacation in Germany: sustainable hotels between the coast and Alps

Whether it’s a farm, a lifestyle hotel, or a green spot in the city, sustainable accommodations in Germany show how family time and environmental awareness can go hand in hand. Here are our recommendations:

Naturresort Gerbehof, Lake Constance – Family time with the scent of wood and the atmosphere of a pony farm

During the holidays, the idyllically situated Naturresort Gerbehof near Friedrichshafen turns into a small paradise for families. While the resort is for adults only outside of vacation periods, families with children are especially welcome during Easter, Whitsun, and summer vacation (Baden-Württemberg/Bavaria). Younger guests can enjoy a lovingly designed forest playground with a tree house, swing, trampoline and carousel – naturally all made of wood. Because just like the furniture in the hotel, everything was handcrafted locally from wood from the resort’s own forest.

Highlights include pony rides and horseback riding lessons for children. In addition, many vehicles, such as toy tractors and bobby cars, provide exercise and adventure. Parents can relax in the sauna cabins or on the Kneipp trail while the kids play.

Gut Sonnenhausen, Upper Bavaria – Family Workation

The kids are on vacation, but mom and/or dad are not, or at least not completely? This year, Gut Sonnenhausen has found a solution: “Family Workation”. A combined offer for everyone who wants to combine family time and flexible work.

The sustainable Green PearlsⓇ accommodation is nestled among permaculture gardens, organic farms and ancient fruit trees – a place full of history, creativity and tranquility. The vacation program is not just for kids, but for the whole family. Whether baking pizza together, shaping bread rolls, or taking guided garden tours with blind tastings, parents and children can enjoy small adventures together. Handicrafts with natural materials, animal encounters and night walks with flashlights provide plenty of variety.

For those who need to work on the go, a separate room offers not only stable Wi-Fi, but also peace and quiet to help you focus.

• For more information, visit the website.

Green City Hotel Vauban, Freiburg – Family-friendly rooms with a roof terrace

Are you planning a city break, heading south or just want to spend a few days exploring Freiburg? Then the Green City Hotel Vauban is the perfect place for you. It is located on the edge of the car-free Vauban district, right next to the tram stop. Thanks to the free regional ticket, you can travel around Freiburg and the surrounding area by bus and train for free – a relaxed and sustainable way to get around.

The hotel is especially popular with families on vacation. The spacious suite with two bedrooms, a sofa bed in the living room and a private roof terrace is ideal for families. There is also a maisonette-style family room.

• For ideas and tips on excursions, check out our article on a sustainable weekend in Freiburg.
• And if you plan to travel on to Italy, check out our blog and website for information on new Italian train connections for a relaxing onward journey by rail.

Lifestylehotel SAND, Timmendorfer Strand – Family time with grown-up children

Who says that family always means parents and children? At Lifestylehotel SAND, family is redefined. Siblings, cousins, grown-up children with their parents… Hostess Marion Muller sums it up: “An adults-only hotel does not exclude family friendliness.” Spend the day together, bike along the coast, share your experiences by the fire in the evening – yet everyone has their own space and can live at their own pace. Thanks in part to a late breakfast served until 1 p.m.

Just a short walk from the sea, the hotel is quietly located in the second row, yet right in the heart of the action. Relax on the roof terrace, recharge your batteries and enjoy mindful moments together – with sea breeze and sand beneath your feet.

• Here are some tips for sustainable activities in Timmendorfer Strand.

Holidays with children in Austria: Sustainable accommodations in Tyrol

Whether you’re alone in a cozy vacation home or together with grandma and grandpa in a traditional hotel, Tyrol offers families the ideal mix of nature, relaxation and shared experiences.

Summit Lodges Pfunds, Tyrol – Family vacation in your own log cabin

Two log cabin-style vacation homes surrounded by mountains and nature – Summit Lodges Pfunds is a retreat for those who appreciate authenticity and tranquility. Families who enjoy hiking or want to take advantage of the proximity to the family region of Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis (only 20 minutes away) will find a cozy home away from home here. Even without a playground or entertainment program, you will feel right at home here thanks to the clean air, nature right outside your door, and the relaxed atmosphere.

Hotel Klosterbräu, Seefeld: Grandparents stay for free

At the traditional Hotel Klosterbräu in Tyrol, Austria, family time is taken very seriously – with an offer for multi-generational travel: when parents, children and grandparents travel together, grandma or grandpa stays free. The Seyrling family has run the hotel for six generations, and the seventh generation can already be found in the hotel’s kids’ club or, their favorite spot, the petting zoo.

• During the holiday season, special rates are available and childcare is provided.

Family Trip to Peru – Sustainable adventures in the rainforest and the Andes

Inkaterra Hotels, Peru – Family experiences between jungle and ruins.

Have you ever wanted to explore the jungle with your kids or experience the magic of Machu Picchu? Inkaterra’s three sustainable hotels in Peru – Reserva Amazónica, Hacienda Urubamba, and Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel – make it possible.

Each hotel offers special family programs (3 days/2 nights each) that have something for everyone, young and old. Whether it’s jungle trekking, wildlife watching or cultural experiences, discovery becomes a shared adventure. The packages are perfectly tailored for families and include additional services for both adults and children.

• Very practical: At the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, the Family Package is designed specifically for two adults and two children under the age of 12.

Share the journey – and the responsibility

When multiple generations travel together, you truly realize the importance of treating the world with care and respect-for ourselves and for those who come after us. Sustainability is not just a trend; it is a responsibility we all share.

A family vacation at one of these hotels will not only give you new impressions but also create special memories that will last a lifetime.

Tip: Get inspiration and ideas for capturing your travel memories.

Save this article for your next green family vacation on Pinterest. 

Der Beitrag Holidays are family time – sustainable holidays in special family hotels erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

When fate strikes

A stroke of fate can happen to anyone. Like Karl Polaska-Auer, whose fourth child became seriously ill. That’s when the head of a successful PR agency for luxury hotels realized that “there is more to life than material success.” Together with his wife Krystyna, he founded the Global Family Charity Resort 17 years ago, which offers free vacations to families in difficult personal or financial situations. Since then, 300 hoteliers have hosted some 1,200 families. Three of these hotels are Green PearlsⓇ partners.

Global Family Partner Hotels of Green PearlsⓇ in Austria and Germany

The Biohotel Grafenast in Tyrol has been a partner for five years. Every year we receive three or four requests and then invite one or two families to stay with us for a week,” says owner Peter Unterlechner. The guests include single mothers in difficult situations or families with children who need a lot of care.

The family-run Biohotel Grafenast is located 1,330 meters above the Inn Valley. In summer, the Tyrolean mountains open up for hiking and nature experiences. In winter, the hotel is in the heart of the ski area, with a tobogganing hill and children’s ski school right outside the door.

“We provide the families with free room and board, as well as support with activities and services,” says host Peter Unterlechner. It is nice to see the families enjoying a carefree time and a break from their difficult everyday lives.

„Especially the children can hardly believe it and are overjoyed.“ – Biohotel Grafenast

Treat children to a luxury vacation

The luxurious yet sustainable 5-star Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld, Austria, is also a member of the Global Family. Family is very important to the hosts. The Seyrling family is now the sixth generation to run the wellness hotel within the 500-year-old monastery walls, and a total of nine family members actively look after guests in the popular Tyrolean vacation region.

For example, while parents relax in the pool or saunas, kids can hang out in the billiards room or visit the animals in the hotel’s petting zoo (read more about the hotel’s Kids Club in this blog post).

Relaxation in the Black Forest

Global Family’s partner in Germany is the Green PearlsⓇ Hotel SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA. The ecologically oriented hotel is located in the spa town of Bad Herrenalb, known for its fresh air, healing springs and thermal baths. There is also a thermal swimming pool directly in the wellness hotel. Furthermore, the beautiful Black Forest is the perfect setting for active nature experiences.

„We invite families to join us for a free vacation, thus enabling victims of violence, poverty, disasters, wars, persecution and terminal illnesses to have a vacation.” – SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA

Community engagement is sustainability

As we described in our blog post on social sustainability, the “three pillars of sustainability” model places social on an equal footing with ecology (environment) and economics (business).

“We see Global Family as an organization that is committed to human rights and aid projects in the tourism sector and that promotes sustainability,” says Karl Polaska-Auer in an interview with Green PearlsⓇ.

“Holidays for underprivileged families can have a lasting positive impact. For many of these families, it has been a stepping stone out of hardship, especially for victims of violence who were able to experience that humanity still exists.” – Karl Polaska-Auer

Instead of donating money, hotels can help directly by offering a free vacation. Global Family raises the money to cover the additional costs – especially travel – through fundraising events where celebrities rally support.

Each year, the Weihrerhof Hotel invites five families from the Peter Pan Children’s Cancer Fund

In South Tyrol, the Peter Pan Association supports children with cancer and their families. The Hotel Weihrerhof on Lake Costalovara in Renon is one of its partners. Lake Costalovara is one of the cleanest bathing lakes in Italy and is transformed into a giant ice rink in winter.

Every year, five families with children suffering from cancer receive a free vacation at the Hotel Weihrerhof. The Ritten Card also includes free use of all local transportation on the Ritten Plateau, including the cable car, and free admission to numerous museums.

Support the local parent-child center

The APIPURA hotel rinner is also committed to families and, as a partner of the Elki Ritten, provides free accommodation for the teachers of the parent-child center.

Become a holiday sponsor

As a traveler, you can also share your privilege with other families. Global Family has developed a vacation sponsorship concept where one family (who can afford it) invites another family (who normally cannot afford it) on a vacation. You then book the exact same thing for a second family, in addition to your own train tickets and accommodations. The organization will help you find out who might be a good match for you (and if you could get a grant for your project).

👉Learn more about holiday sponsorships here.

In the end, all participants report that they get “an incredible amount back” from giving. Tourism is particularly suited to such activities because it involves sharing and getting to know one another.

You know how important and beneficial a vacation can be – imagine if you never had one. Wouldn’t you wish for a door to open and make it possible?

Der Beitrag Hotels with a heart: Free nights for families in need 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.

Tipp #1: Vacation without your phone

The OLM Nature Escape in South Tyrol recommends: “Try to spend time together without cell phones!” This applies to children and parents alike! The eco-aparthotel offers the “ApartSuite XL” with a kitchenette, two bedrooms, and a children’s bunk bed, where you can spend a great family vacation in nature with up to six people.

Fritz Karl, an Austrian theater actor and father of seven, tested a three-week cell phone-free vacation with his children this year. In the TV show Riverboat (see ARD-Mediathek from minute 00:02:00) he says: “At the beginning, it was very exhausting for everyone. But it was worth it! “Yes, but what did you do then?” he is asked incredulously. “Board games!” is his answer.

Tipp #2: Board and card games

This brings us to the next tip from Elena Scalambrin at the Relais del Maro in Liguria: board games. You don’t even have to bring them on vacation at the Relais del Maro because Elena will be happy to provide you and your children with a variety of games. Of course, you should still bring your family’s favorite game. There are also smaller travel or pocket versions of many classic and popular games!

Elena and her family have built an Albergo Diffuso in the picturesque village of Borgomaro. This means that the 4-star hotel is spread over several buildings in the village and you will be staying right next to the villagers. You are sure to see some Italian kids playing soccer in the street, and maybe your kids can join in 🙂

Great board games with kids (5 to 13 years old)

I also enjoy playing games with my kids. For newer games that you can easily take on vacation, I recommend these:

• Qwirkle (Preferably the travel version in the cloth bag)
• Mogel Motte
• Memoarrr!

And for classic games, of course, we love UNO, Chess, Mau-Mau, and Yatzy. If you have room for a whole box of games, Crazy Labyrinth and Labyrinth of the Masters are also great, as well as Nobody’s Perfect (you have to be able to write here).

Tipp #3: Introduce children to nature

A family vacation is a wonderful opportunity to get close to nature. For example, a vacation in Tirol, Austria. In Pfunds, you will find an “untouched” mountain world with meadows, wild water, and a traditional village. For a family vacation, we recommend the Summit Lodges. These are two log cabins, each about 120 square meters, for up to 6 people, with their own sauna and fireplace. Children can play safely in the surrounding garden and explore nature while parents relax on the terrace.

Peter Unterlechner of Biohotel Grafenast in Tyrol, Austria, has also set up family rooms and even offers a special children’s program during the holiday season. He has a few suggestions on how to introduce your children to nature:

• Playing in the garden
• Go hiking
• Crafting with natural materials
• Forest walks
• Mushroom picking
• Eating blueberries (in summer)
• Tobogganing in winter
• Snowball fights
• Learning to ski (a children’s ski school is within walking distance of the hotel)
• Snowshoeing (There is a family snowshoeing tour from the Biohotel Grafenast)

Tipp #4: Rent an e-bike with a child trailer

Hotel Bella Vista is located in car-free Zermatt, so the best way to explore the area around the Matterhorn is on foot or by bike. Fabienne Anthamatten, a member of the host family, recommends that families with children rent a Chariot e-bike in the village.

„That way, the family can get to great picnic spots and everyone is happy.” – Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt

Tipp #5: Adventure travel by train

As you probably know, getting to and from your vacation destination is often your biggest environmental impact. The next biggest impact is where you stay. At Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld, Tyrol, you can do both (as long as you live in Europe) and combine a sustainable hotel with a climate-friendly trip.

“Since Seefeld has a train station right in the center of town, it makes sense to travel by train. Children see it as an adventure and the trip is fun. Sustainable travel with children is an opportunity to teach them values at an early age and to raise their awareness of environmental protection.” – Hotel Klosterbräu

The hotel is family-run (the seventh generation is currently growing up) and there are great activities for all ages, including a small petting zoo! While the kids take a guided tour, make pizza, or play pool during the holiday program, parents can relax by the pool or take an extended hike.

Tipp #6: Learn interesting things

Learning is not boring (just don’t say “We are learning now”). At APIPURA hotel rinner, for example, you can learn a lot about bees and organic farming. The father/grandfather of the host family Rinner is a passionate beekeeper and likes to take his guests to the beehives. There is also a bee nature trail on the property. Of course, the hotel’s own organic honey is available at the breakfast buffet, and as a special feature, you can enjoy api-welness and inhale the air from the beehive.

A highlight for a vacation with children at the APIPURA hotel rinner is certainly the Ritten-Card, which you can get for free here. With this card, you can use all public transportation (including the cable car and the Ritten train, which stops right next to the hotel) for free. It also gives you free entry to many museums.

Tipp #7: Introduce children to the culture of the destination

The luxury eco-resort Keemala in Phuket, Thailand, sent us a number of suggestions on how to make a vacation with children more sustainable. They feel it is very important to always involve the children and give them lots of explanations – for example, separating waste together and explaining the problem of plastic pollution to children.

A vacation in a foreign country (such as Thailand) can be used to discover the flora, fauna, and culture of the country together with the children.

• Learn a few words of the local language
• Visit local markets
• Bring cotton bags instead of accepting plastic bags
• Bring water in a refillable bottle
• Pack a zero-waste lunch or avoid take-out packaging waste in other ways
• Book eco-tours with local guides and make sure they consider things like animal welfare, ethics, and conservation
• Visit cultural or religious sites (for example, from Keemala you can visit Buddhist temples in Phuket). Find out in advance what the appropriate behavior is and discuss it with your children.

Conclusion

Sustainability is a lifestyle that can be practiced in all areas of life, including on vacation. The best way to reach your children is to set an example by implementing sustainable practices with them. This can be done easily and authentically at sustainable hotels and vacation rentals. And who knows – maybe they’ll be even more “strict” than you are – it’s been known to happen 🙂

Der Beitrag Sustainable travel with kids – Tips from our Green PearlsⓇ partners erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Are you the type of person who likes to enjoy as much privacy as possible on vacation, wandering through food markets and preferring to cook your own meals? The sustainable vacation rentals and apartments of our Green Pearls® partners are ideal for an independent and individual vacation with lots of privacy and your own kitchen.

Many of our partners also offer a combination of apartment and hotel. In a so-called Aparthotel you have a fully equipped apartment at your disposal. At the same time, you can take advantage of the services and comforts of a hotel, such as breakfast, dinner and cleaning.

What makes a sustainable vacation home?

Although we often write about hotels here on the Green Travel Blog, there are of course vacation homes that have a sustainable overall concept. The features of sustainable vacation homes are very similar to those of sustainable hotels:

• Sustainable construction (e.g. conversion of old existing buildings, use of regional and environmentally friendly building materials).
• Use of renewable energy (at least through green electricity, even better through own solar systems, etc.)
• Avoiding plastic and disposable products (zero waste)
• Equipment and furnishings with environmentally friendly products (e.g. environmentally friendly wall paint, sustainable furniture and organic textiles)
• Supporting car-free mobility (shuttle service to the train station, e-bike rental, etc.)

You can learn more in our 7-Point Check for Sustainable Accommodation.

Vacation rentals in Austria

For a true nature vacation, the Austrian mountains are a wonderful destination. In the alpine region you will find meadows, forests, mountain rivers and a unique flora and fauna (e.g. the famous golden eagle).

In a self-catering holiday home you can enjoy your vacation at your own pace and explore the mountains by hiking, biking or winter sports.

LENI MOUNTAIN – Apartments & Chalet in Sölden

Sölden in the Ötztal Alps is very popular with MTB athletes. There are many well marked mountain bike trails for every level of difficulty. The LENI MOUNTAIN apartments are located just above Sölden, some with a view of the 3,500-meter high Zuckerhütl. The apartments (2 to 12 people) are built in the Tyrolean architectural style with local materials such as stone and local wood (spruce, larch, stone pine) and all have a balcony or terrace.

Special features:

• Wellness area with sauna and steam bath
• Breakfast service

A highlight is the LENI MOUNTAIN Chalet. The 200-square-meter hideaway stands alone on the mountain and features a private natural swimming pond, four bedrooms, an open fireplace and a private sauna.

The Peak Sölden – Vacation Homes

Also in Sölden are the seven apartments and two chalets of the Kneisl family. The Kneisls are passionate mountaineers and they will be happy to recommend you the right hiking routes for your desired level of difficulty.

Special Features:

• Amenities include a morning bread service.
• Only 1.5 kilometers from the center of Sölden

Summit Lodges in the Tyrolean Overland

Do you prefer it a bit more secluded? The Summit Lodges Pfunds in the Tyrolean Overland consist of log cabins and are a mixture of alpine hut feeling and modern luxury. Architecturally, the two vacation homes are inspired by the traditional log cabin construction of the Northwest of the USA and Canada and therefore bear the names “Yellowstone” and “Yosemite”.

Special Features:

• A big plus of the cottages: each cottage has its own Finnish sauna! Have fun sweating 🙂.

Vacation rentals in Italy

If you’d rather spend this winter in the warmth, southern Italy might be of interest to you. Stephanie Seipp, the founder of Green PearlsⓇ, was there herself this year and reports on the vacation apartments on the historic estate A’ Cràpa Mangia in this blog post:

Sustainable Travel in Italy – Winter in Campania

The Campania estate has been converted by the owners into nine vacation apartments. Each apartment has a terrace and direct sea view.

Aparthotels – the mix between apartment & hotel

At the beginning of the blog, we already mentioned that in addition to vacation apartments or houses, there is also a hybrid of vacation apartment and hotel: Aparthotels are becoming increasingly popular, they combine the best of both worlds, so to speak: Privacy and service, individuality and all-round carefree package.

OLM Nature Escape – Energy Self-Sufficient Eco-Aparthotel in South Tyrol

In December 2023, a new eco-apartment hotel will open in South Tyrol: the OLM Nature Escape in Sand in Taufers. The main construction material for the round building with 33 separate suites is regional larch wood. Another sustainable feature is that the entire facility produces its own electricity.

Each apartment has a kitchen and a spacious refrigerator. Breakfast is available, however, as are various other catering options and optional cleaning services.

Special Features:

• Some of the apartment suites have a private sauna.
• The complex has an indoor pool, an outdoor pool and a natural swimming pond.

ECO-APARTHOTEL THE DREAMERS’ CLUB in Croatia

The ECO-APARTHOTEL THE DREAMER’S CLUB is an aparthotel that has belonged to Green PearlsⓇ for a long time. It is located directly on the Adriatic Sea on the island of Korčula and was created from the reconstruction of a 100-year-old stone ruin. There are six apartments for 2 to 5 people, and in the morning breakfast (with mostly local organic ingredients) is served right on the terrace.

Hygna Chalets: A Tyrolean Chalet Village in the Kitzbühel Alps

Hygna Chalets does not call itself an aparthotel, but the concept is an interesting hybrid between a vacation home and a hotel. There are eleven luxurious wooden chalets, some with private jacuzzi, all with private sauna and open fireplace. Each chalet has its own kitchen for self-catering. Breakfast is included, however, and is delivered to your door each morning in the form of a lovingly filled breakfast basket. Other amenities include an infinity pool for all guests.

Sustainable vacation homes with hotel connections

Now that we’ve introduced you to some sustainable vacation homes and aparthotels, there’s another special form of “vacation home plus”. Some hotels also offer a vacation home or tiny house on their property. In this case, you enjoy all the freedom of your own vacation home and can also use the hotel’s spa or restaurant.

Tiny House in Tyrol

The Biohotel Grafenast, for example, has a tiny house. The wooden house stands at 1,330 meters above sea level in the middle of the Eastern Alps and is self-sufficient with water, wood stove and organic toilet. For extra luxury, you can use the hotel’s forest sauna and spa, or dine in the organic restaurant.

Apartments in the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA

Hotel SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA also has apartments (two-room and three-room) with their own kitchen. In addition to the possibility of self-catering here, you can use the organic breakfast buffet and receive a cooking set with spices on request. The large spa area with thermal pool and sauna is available to you free of charge.

Küchenhaus Holiday Home in Mellrichstadt

Finally, there is the Küchenhaus on the grounds of the Hotel STURM. Here you live with up to six people in a fully equipped vacation home with open fireplace and terrace. In addition, you can use the hotel’s wellness area (saunas and natural swimming pond) and, if you wish, have breakfast or dinner in the bio-certified hotel.

Vacation homes and the mixed forms presented by us are the perfect retreat if you want to enjoy a lot of privacy and an individual time-out in a unique ambience. We hope we could give you some ideas how and where you can organize your vacation not only independently but also environmentally friendly.

The family vacation needs to be planned, but you don’t know where to go yet? Take a look at this: SUSTAINABLE FAMILY VACATION – BUT WHERE?

Save this article for your next vacation!

Der Beitrag Sustainable Vacation Rentals and Eco Aparthotels erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Is there any point in having a TV in the hotel room?

This is a question that more and more hoteliers are asking themselves. “The Swiss hotel Bella Vista in Zermatt reports: “We still have TVs in the rooms. But it is “difficult to say how often guests are still in use of them. In the next few years, the goal is to remove all TVs. But they want to conduct a guest survey before such a radical decision is made.

CERVO Mountain Resort, also in Zermatt, has already gone one step further (in the same direction): “We have removed the TV from all double rooms – only the suites have one in each room. We are of the opinion that it is possible to do without the daily digital bombardment on vacation and to devote oneself more and more to the analog things,” they tell us.

No TVs in sustainable hotels and holiday homes

Lifestyles change with the times, and with them the way we live and travel. Once upon a time, every hotel room had an ashtray for smokers and lavish all-you-can-eat buffets. Today, many travelers – especially on vacation – want to be healthier, more conscious and more sustainable. Wellness, fitness and nature are part of the current zeitgeist.

“Biohotel Grafenast explains: “We do not have any televisions anywhere in the house. Fasting cures, yoga retreats and nature experiences make the Tyrolean hotel a popular destination. A TV seems counterproductive there anyway. And the view out the window of the picturesque Inntal valley is much more beautiful than any broadcast.

There are also no TVs at Gut Sonnenhausen, south of Munich: “This is not an oversight, but a conscious decision! Everyday life is simply to be left behind under the motto “Come to yourself! Instead, there’s plenty of art to be found in the converted stud farm.

“The quest for peace and solitude has become increasingly valuable in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven society. The decision not to have televisions in all of our cottages is a conscious one. It has been our experience that this encourages meaningful hours and conversations within the family and that our guests leave with wonderful memories”. – ÖKO-APARTHOTEL THE DREAMERS’ CLUB, Croatia

An LCD TV (with satellite connection) is available to guests at the ÖKO-APARTHOTEL THE DREAMERS’ CLUB. The vacation apartments A’ Cràpa Mangia in southern Italy also dispensed with TVs in the rooms from the beginning. If there is interest, guests can watch football matches or other highlights on a projector in the hall.

A step-by-step transition to less TV

All 33 rooms in the main building of STURM in Mellrichstadt in the Rhön have a flat-screen TV. In the newly built rooms with garden view, however, do not have a TV. “The owners say: “The focus here is on slowing down and being close to nature. The view of the park is the best program.”

“When there is no TV, the guests confirm an additional deceleration.” – STURM

At the Berghotel Rehlegg, there is a category of rooms called “Lichtnelke”. These rooms are deliberately “furnished without disturbing elements such as TV and minibar,” because the focus here is on a good night’s sleep. In addition to the fresh Bavarian alpine air, the Lichtnelke rooms feature homemade rocking beds and a fixture in the bathroom that allows guests to perform their own Kneipp water jets.

Hidden televisions

Another consideration is to place the televisions in the hotel less prominently or to hide them behind screens, etc.

“Hotel Das Rübezahl in Schwangau, Germany, says, “In future rooms, the TVs should be less visible. However, they do not want to do away with them completely, as they feel that guests still expect a TV in the room.

The TVs at the LIFESTYLE SAND at the Baltic Sea are “partly small and not so available”. In any case, they are usually only in use by guests on rainy days. Instead, they have invested in Wi-Fi enhancements so guests can have faster streaming and surfing on their personal devices in their rooms.

The TV hangs discreetly on the side of the wall. It is no longer the center of attention. ©Oliver Frank for the lifestyle hotel SAND

Power-hungry TVs

New televisions are getting bigger. And they have energy-intensive features like HDR. The EU has tightened energy efficiency classes for televisions in 2021. The consumer magazine Utopia reports: “Normally, the industry responds with more energy-efficient solutions – but not when it comes to TVs. On the contrary, the “most energy-efficient” smart TV in the latest Stiftung Warentest test (2023) ended up in the second-worst category, F.

As of March 2023, the EU has now set a maximum limit for the power consumption of TV sets. TVs that exceed these limits will no longer be allowed to be sold in Europe. The “end of 8k” is already feared by technology fans. But this is just an attempt by politicians to curb the enormous energy consumption and the resulting greenhouse effect. According to the German Association of Energy and Water Industries, in a four-person household, more electricity is used for “information technology, TV and audio” (28%) than for refrigerators and freezers (11%) and washing and drying machines (14%). Going without a TV is therefore not only interesting from a lifestyle point of view, but also from a sustainability point of view.

When the hotel TV disappears, what does it mean for interior design?

A classic hotel room usually has a large (box spring) bed as the central piece of furniture. The TV screen hung directly in front of the bed. In suites and vacation homes, the couch and armchairs face the TV. Getting rid of that can really change how a room feels.

New York-based interior designer Artem Kropovinsky, founder of Arsight, told Euronews: “For decades, the layout of a hotel room was determined by the placement of the TV.

“Now, a lot of people are on the lookout for alternative, central elements. This can be a beautiful fireplace, a work of art or a stunning window view.” – Artem Kropovinsky

The other option: Bringing the hotel TV to a new level of sophistication

Of course, it depends on the clientele whether guests will accept a room WITHOUT a TV. The Keemala, on the island of Phuket in Thailand, is located in the middle of a tropical forest – but a TV is still a must. All rooms and villas are equipped with the latest smart TVs.

The Hotel Klosterbräu in Tyrol, Austria, actively uses the TV to keep guests informed. “We mainly show our hotel channel, where guests can access all our videos. The current hit is our employee interviews. We made them in the summer of 2022,” they report. “But guests can also find information about our own recreation area – the Pfarrhügel (summer and winter), about our vegetarian farming or about recent renovations,” they add. Hotel Klosterbräu is also very active on social media and has its own YouTube channel.

The HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio Allgäu is also planning to switch to modern Smart TVs. But only when the old TVs “give up the ghost”.

“We will keep the classic hotel TV and the usual programming.

 

From an ecological point of view, it makes no sense to always offer the latest technology. Especially when it comes to televisions. Every year at CES in Las Vegas, you can see what’s new on the market. (If you thought you were up to date with your OLED 4k TV, you will find out that this is no longer the case!) As with the HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio Allgäu, many of the sustainably minded Green PearlsⓇ partners believe in keeping the old TVs running for as long as they still work.

“For example, Gut Guntrams in Austria reports: “Every room has a classic hotel TV with the usual channels. Guests also take advantage of this offer, according to owner Stefan Gergely.

“We offer a TV in every room because many families like it when the kids can watch their shows in the room. This gives the parents some time to themselves. – Summit Lodges Pfunds (sustainable vacation homes in Austria).

Televisions Needed to Get star- rated 

Star-rated hotels have no choice but to put a TV in every room. In Egypt, according to Euronews, negotiations are underway with the ministry to remove the TV from the list of criteria, but so far it has not come to that.

At the international level, there are still a number of partners that are sticking with the standard TV – without the smart features and streaming options. These include the boutique hotel Casa León Royal Retreat in Gran Canaria, the Relais del Maro in Italy and the Naturresort Schindelbruch in Germany.

At the Naturresort Gerbehof in Friedrichshafen, Germany, however, they are not so sure about the use of the TVs with the usual programs.

“The vegan hotel LA VIMEA in South Tyrol says: “Most of our guests do not use the TV. They have set all the televisions to “automatic low volume” to preserve the quiet atmosphere of the house. But to remove the TVs completely? that is the question!

What’s your opinion? Does a hotel room or vacation home need a TV? Or is WLAN enough for you? We are looking forward to your comments.

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Der Beitrag Sustainable hotels and vacation rentals consciously avoid televisions erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.