Why are we all so stressed out, anyway?

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that stress is one of the greatest health risks of our century. “Everyone experiences stress sometimes,” they write. However, they also note that “too much stress can lead to physical and mental health problems.”

When I think about my circle of acquaintances, it seems like everyone is “stressed.” The hoteliers in our network are always talking about being stressed or extremely busy. Thomas Steiner from the OLM Nature Escape aparthotel in South Tyrol even wrote me to say that he was “under a lot of pressure” (fortunately, due to positive events only, as he later reassured me).

In fact, for many people, stress has become a permanent state. There’s always a lot to do, the calendar is full of appointments, and the smartwatch diligently beeps, reminding us to get up from our desk for five minutes or take three deep breaths!

The magic word in this rat race could be “calmcation,” an enticing combination of “calm” and “vacation.”

But do I really need to take a vacation to experience a “Calmcation”?

Do I really need to travel and spend money if I’m not going to do anything? Couldn’t I just stay home and do nothing? You could. But then, why don’t you “just” do it every now and then?

How many “buts” popped into your head just now? The laundry, tidying up, that one email, dinner, washing up, the family, your smartphone… Somehow, “just doing” nothing doesn’t work out. And when it does, you quickly start feeling guilty because the laundry and clutter haven’t been taken care of.

In a (sustainable!) hotel, on the other hand, you don’t have to cook, clean, do laundry, or check your emails—you’re on vacation, after all! You can’t quickly stop by the office or take care of one last thing, it’s perfectly acceptable that you’re not there—and not doing anything!

• Incidentally, sleep tourism is another similar trend that we have already reported on in our blog..

Sustainable hotels for your calmcation in Germany

Doing nothing between the fields and forests of Lower Saxony

For a calmcation, it’s best to go somewhere quiet and away from crowds. For example, Warpe in Lower Saxony. Never heard of it? Then it’s time you did! Because that’s where the Eco-Hotel Okelmann’s is located. When it comes to “doing nothing,” hosts Kristin and Maren Okelmann have a clear opinion:

“We are the perfect place to enjoy some leisurely relaxation. Whether you’re enjoying the sauna or hot tub, receiving a massage, or simply relaxing on a daybed in the quiet room. There are also numerous sun loungers in the garden where you can read, daydream, or meditate in peace.” – Kristin Okelmann

Still not convinced that Warpe is the right place for you? You might change your mind after reading our blog post about this charming village and learning why Warpe is worth a visit.

Sustainable Calmcation in the Rhön region

Are you familiar with Mellrichstadt? The town, with a population of around 5,000, is located in the Rhön region of Bavaria. Located there is the STURM, a wonderfully relaxed hotel and one of our long-standing Green PearlsⓇ partners, offering organic cuisine, a natural swimming pond, and large gardens. Julius Schulze Dieckhoff, the son of hosts Christa and Matthias, has been involved in the hotel business for some time as well. I asked him if Mellrichstadt isn’t sometimes boring for people his age. His answer:

“It’s true; the Rhön is not a hotspot for mass tourism. Sometimes I wish there was more going on here, but that’s precisely the advantage if you’re looking for peace and quiet, or a “calmcation.” Although there are no huts to stop at while hiking, that’s precisely why the nature here remains so unspoiled and the silence so unique.” – Julius Schulze Dieckhoff, STURM

We particularly recommend the new, award-winning Garden View Rooms—there isn’t even a TV to distract you from relaxing here—instead, you can enjoy a panoramic view of nature 🙂

Peace and quiet amidst the fresh air of the Black Forest

Bad Herrenalb is much better known, at least in Germany. The climatic health resort with its thermal baths attracts many tourists seeking relaxation. Ideal if you want peace and quiet without being alone (if you know what I mean). One wonderful place to unwind is the sustainable health hotel SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA. The Circular Living rooms have a particularly soothing indoor climate thanks to their natural materials and a design, that grounds you and creates a calm atmosphere. Nathalie Riegsinger from the hotel’s marketing department recommends the following for a “calmcation”:

“The view of the valley, the fresh Black Forest air, and the seclusion of nature beckon you to relax. Well-marked hiking trails through Bad Herrenalb’s healthy climate begin right outside the door.” 

Other Green PearlⓇ partners in Germany for your Calmcation

#1 Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa, Bayerisch Gmain, Berchtesgaden

The sustainable Hotel Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa is nestled in a secluded spot in Bayerisch Gmain, surrounded by the Berchtesgadener Land mountains. Here, you will find places to retreat almost everywhere: in the reading corner with mountain views, in the quiet sauna garden, or in the spacious rooms. A place where silence and nature naturally slow you down.

#2 Naturresort Gerbehof, Lake Constance

“More than wellness — soul wellness” is how Ursula Wagner, the host, describes the concept. The organic hotel on Lake Constance boasts a natural style. Whether you’re sitting in the stone circle in the forest, relaxing in the sauna, or listening to the birds chirp in the garden, you’ll find inner peace at the Naturresort Gerbehof, and the relaxation will last long after your stay. The alternative concept behind “wellness for the soul” is discussed in more detail in “Retreats for the Soul.”

#3 Gut Sonnenhausen, Glonn near Munich

Gut Sonnenhausen is a beautifully restored old manor house surrounded by a permaculture farm and nature reserve. Filled with contemporary art, it is perfect for spontaneous, meditative walks or reading a book in the library. Guests who enjoy company can relax in the courtyard, and those who prefer solitude can find quiet benches along the high trail overlooking the clearing.

#4 Hotel Luise, Erlangen

A calmcation in the middle of the city? It’s possible. On the green roof terrace, by the waterfall in the inner courtyard, or in the private spa at the Hotel Luise in Erlangen—an urban retreat where you can unwind amid the hustle and bustle of the city. Even better? Thanks to the hotel’s many eco-friendly initiatives, you can do good by simply doing nothing. 

#5 Hotel Das Rübezahl, Füssen, Allgäu

With its boutique spa, fireplace lobby, and small themed libraries, Hotel Das Rübezahl invites you to experience the tranquility of a digital detox, while enjoying a magnificent view of Neuschwanstein Castle at the same time. Click here to learn more about the digital detox concept.

Sustainable Calmcation in Austria

Austria has many enchanting places that are perfect for doing nothing. I particularly recommend the Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld. Seefeld is a well-known vacation region in Tyrol, but this traditional monastery hotel has a unique and tranquil charm all its own. Centuries-old walls combine with the comforts of a five-star hotel, making it ideal for truly letting go and feeling completely relaxed.

As host family Seyrling puts it:

 „Doing nothing. No appointments, no plans—just you, a deck chair, and the tranquil beauty of the mountains. This is exactly what you’ll find in the Garden of Eden (the hotel’s lawn and natural grounds). Surrounded by old monastery walls, lush greenery, and the soft rustling of leaves, you’ll find a comfortable deck chair or hammock—perfect for simply switching off.”

In East Tyrol, you will find the Naturhotel Outside, which is located in the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park. Many people come to the hotel to hike, but it’s also a great place to relax. The cozy lobby with a fireplace and the newly designed Nature Spa with healing saltwater baths are perfect for relaxation.

Relax and unwind in South Tyrol

South Tyrol combines impressive Alpine panoramas with an Italian lifestyle — the ideal combination for an escape from everyday life. Two adults-only hotels center their concept around tranquility:

My Arbor, Brixen

 “My Time” is the motto, and it’s evident everywhere. Whether you’re relaxing in the infinity pool with a view of the Dolomites, lounging in a deck chair among the treetops, or enjoying a cup of tea by the fireplace, you’ll discover that doing nothing becomes an art form here. Many guests report that at My Arbor, they can finally breathe deeply again and consciously make time for themselves.

LA VIMEA Vegan Hotel, Naturns

LA VIMEA is a holistic, adults-only vegan retreat and a haven for anyone seeking peace and inner balance. The sunny terrace by the natural pond and the cozy winter garden with its soft armchairs are particularly popular spots for reading, daydreaming, and unwinding. A small library with books on vegan nutrition and healing methods completes the offerings.

OLM Nature Escape, Sand in Taufers

“Here, conscious idleness is not only permitted—it’s celebrated,” say the hosts at OLM Nature Escape. (I quoted Thomas earlier in this article.)

“Our spacious garden offers many secluded spots where you can completely unwind. The deck chairs are spaced far apart and provide ample space for privacy. On sunny autumn days, our garden is an ideal place to recharge in the mild sunshine. In our apartment suites, you can relax on your private terrace or practice yoga in the specially designed niche. Here, everyone can find their personal place of power.” – Astrid Hellweger, OLM Nature Escape

Three places to do nothing in Ritten

Those who prefer a family-friendly and nature-oriented atmosphere will find three wonderful places to stay in Ritten. The APIPURA hotel rinner offers a peaceful and warm atmosphere, as well as proximity to nature, with its own apiary and organic cuisine. The Hotel Weihrerhof’s philosophy is “Just Be There” — no schedules or appointments, just a jetty by the lake, a good book, and mountain views.

The ADLER Lodge RITTEN is a luxurious, couples-only retreat. The relaxation room, located in the middle of the forest, invites you to unwind while your private chalet offers a fireplace and a balcony with an unobstructed view of the Dolomites. The all-inclusive package featuring regional specialties ensures you can relax completely.

Find peace in Switzerland

The small, boutique Bella Vista Zermatt hotel offers several inspiring places for you to relax and unwind. For example, there is a relaxation room with a view of the Matterhorn and an Arvenstube with waterbeds surrounded by soothing Swiss stone pine wood.

“When the weather is nice, we recommend our terrace for a ‘calmcation,’” says hostess Fabienne Anthamatten. The terrace is in a quiet location, and like the relaxation and yoga rooms, it offers a breathtaking view of the Matterhorn. And be sure to enjoy a cup of tea made with herbs from their own garden!

Calmcation as part of a long-distance trip: Croatia, Tenerife, and Peru

Of course, you can also combine your Calmcation with a trip to a farther-away country — ideally as part of a longer stay. After all, when it comes to long-distance travel by plane, short trips are not sustainable. So, its best to plan long-distance trips over longer periods of time and take a break in between to process what you’ve experienced. A calmcation, even if only for a few days, is perfect for this.

Hotel Korinjak, Kroatien – Island Iž

Surrounded by pine forests and the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea, doing nothing becomes the order of the day. Whether you’re relaxing in a hammock, enjoying the view from your terrace, or strolling along hidden paths, the Hotel Korinjak—the only hotel on the island—invites you to simply drift away. The only sounds you’ll hear are the lapping of the waves, the chirping of crickets, and the rustling of olive leaves—the perfect companions for finding your inner peace.

OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel, Tenerife

“At OCÉANO, guests will find many places to retreat to, relax, and unwind,” reports our Green Pearls® partner on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands. They recommend a daybed in the green garden with a book, the rooftop terrace with sweeping sea views, or an early swim in the Piscina Natural, a seawater pool located directly in front of the hotel. The library, which has books in three languages, also invites you to linger. A fitting complement is “Ocean Balancing in the Thalasso Pool” (see picture).

Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, Peru – Sacred Valley of the Incas

Anyone who travels to Peru will be overwhelmed by the countless impressions, which is precisely why it is worth taking a calmcation break every now and then. The Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba in the Sacred Valley is perfect for that. From its spacious terraces and gardens, you can enjoy views of the Andes while listening to birds chirp and the gentle rustling of the mountain winds through the trees. At the Mayu Spa, treatments with traditional Andean ingredients offer deep relaxation, and the small pool reflects the mountain panorama. Here, pausing becomes a philosophy — a soothing reprieve that restores harmony to body and mind and prepares you for your next adventure in Peru.

It’s good for you to do nothing

Inaction can promote creativity. Various studies and experts have pointed this out. However, some participants in these studies had to sit alone in empty, white rooms or copy numbers from a phone book, which is more akin to a self-experiment. But that’s not what a calmcation is about! Calmcation means sitting on a bench and letting your gaze wander over the mountain landscape without any appointments. You decide spontaneously. Should I go out for dinner? Should I relax on the hotel bed? Shall I go for a short walk? All of this takes place in beautiful and inspiring surroundings. It’s just like the partner hotels presented here.

Oh, and by the way: Julius from STURM ended our conversation with the sentence:

“You can even leave out the part about “Sometimes I wish there was more going on here.””

And when it comes to a Calmcation, less is more—literally 🙂

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A little spoiler alert: it depends on the altitude. And your attitude. If you’re trying to escape the heat, you shouldn’t be contributing to climate change at the same time. Extreme weather is a consequence of global warming, so it makes little sense to escape a 40-degree summer by flying to Dubai for the weekend to cool off in air-conditioned shopping malls.

Instead, we recommend travelling consciously to destinations that have long embraced sustainable tourism.

What exactly is a “Coolcation”?

A ‘coolcation’ is a vacation taken in a place with cool temperatures, ideal for escaping the summer heat. Suitable destinations include countries in northern Europe, mountainous regions, and places where it is currently winter.

Why altitudes above 1,000 metres are suitable

The temperature drops by about 6.5 degrees for every 1,000 meters you climb, and that’s a pretty reliable rule of thumb. It’s no wonder, then, that you’ll find snow-covered peaks even in the height of summer—on the north side of the Alps the snow line is at around 2,500 meters.

The physics behind this is air pressure. As you go higher, the air pressure gets lower. This causes the warm air to expand, which results in a loss of heat. However, the more pleasant temperatures are not the only reason the mountains are an ideal summer destination. They also score highly in terms of sustainability in several ways;

• No air conditioning required: This saves energy and prevents the release of greenhouse gases that damage the climate.
• Better air quality: At elevations above 1,000 meters, there are significantly fewer pollutants and allergens in the air. This is also beneficial for people with allergies.
• Travel off-season: Many mountain regions, especially well-known ski resorts, have a low season in the summer — meaning fewer visitors, less strain on the environment and local communities, and more peace and quiet for you.

Six sustainable hotels for your “coolcation.”

Summer on the Seiser Alm: Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel

Nestled in the heart of the Dolomites at an elevation of 2,020 meters is the Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel, a vegan hideaway with a breathtaking view. It boasts a secluded location on Europe’s largest high alpine pasture and offers clear mountain air and a unique hotel concept. Hiking and biking trails start right outside the hotel, and guests can relax in the outdoor whirlpool or take yoga classes.

Paradiso was once the first vegetarian hotel in the Dolomites. It has now fully transitioned to plant-based cuisine, remaining true to its pioneering role. Even the fine dining options here are completely free of animal products — and at the level of a star chef like Aggeliki Charami.

In addition to culinary sustainability, the hotel focuses on cultural inspiration. Contemporary art is an integral part of the hotel’s concept, with rotating exhibitions of works by international artists.

A cool vacation with a view of the Matterhorn: the Hotel Bella Vista in Zermatt

At 1,620 meters above sea level, Zermatt is a popular summer destination. Not only does it stay pleasantly cool, but you are also right in the middle of the spectacular glacier world of the Alps. You can go glacier hiking on the Gorner Glacier, visit the underground ice palace, or simply marvel at the scenery.

After a day of exploring, retreat to the charming Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt. This small boutique hotel has only 21 rooms and is lovingly run by the Anthamatten family. The hotel offers stunning views of the Matterhorn, best enjoyed with a glass of iced tea on the sun terrace.

The Bella Vista prioritizes environmentally friendly management and warm hospitality — even four-legged friends are welcome.

Enjoyable holiday on the Ritten: breathe in the mountain air and experience gentle luxury in South Tyrol

For hundreds of years, the Ritten has been a summer retreat for the people of Bolzano. It’s an ideal destination for those looking to escape the summer heat without a car, opting instead to travel by train and use a guest card. Located at an altitude of around 900 to 1,200 meters, the plateau south of Bolzano offers cool temperatures, fresh air, and easy access to nature.

Cool off at the lake: Family-Friendly Hotel Weihrerhof

The Hotel Weihrerhof (1,200 m) is located directly on Lake Wolfsgrubener See – one of the cleanest swimming lakes in Italy. The crystal-clear water not only provides refreshment but also forms the basis for the hotel’s exclusive “BergSea” natural cosmetics line. Here, guests are pampered with the finest natural products and the warm hospitality of the Pichler family.

Enjoyment and nature: Sustainable, all-inclusive vacations at the ADLER Lodge RITTEN

The ADLER Lodge RITTEN boasts a spacious outdoor pool with stunning views of the Dolomites. As part of an all-inclusive offer, the “farm to table” concept brings fresh produce from its own farm and partner farms in the surrounding area directly to your table. In addition to delicious meals, the offer includes drinks and small delicacies on the terrace.

Additionally, experienced guides will accompany you on hikes and e-bike tours through the mountains.

Eco-Wellness with Bee Air: The Apipura hotel rinner

The Apipura hotel rinner is unique when it comes to wellness: here, you can experience apitherapy with air straight from the beehive. This family-run hotel has its own beekeeping operation and produces its own honey. Organic is the name of the game here.

The hotel is part of “Bio Fair Südtirol,” and the honey is Demeter certified. The meat served here comes exclusively from regional organic farms. Did you know? Bees are little climate regulators — in the summer, they fan their wings or distribute water to cool the hive.

High-altitude air instead of heat waves: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo in the Peruvian Andes

Okay, Peru isn’t the ideal destination for a short trip. However, if you’re planning a longer trip or have been dreaming of a trekking tour in South America, the Peruvian Andes are definitely worth considering. Winter here is from June to September. That means you can expect pleasantly cool temperatures, especially at higher altitudes.

In the Cusco and Machu Picchu regions, expect temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 °C below 1,000 meters and below freezing above 5,000 meters, depending on the altitude. At around 2,500 to 3,500 meters—the typical Andean travel route—it is usually mild, around 12–20 °C.

Please note: The higher you go, the thinner the air, so be sure to allow a few days to acclimate. We have compiled all the information you need to know about traveling to the Andes in a Green Travel Guide.

After a few days at lower altitudes, the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is the perfect first stop. Located at 2,430 meters, it is idyllically situated in the heart of a natural cloud forest. Instead of air conditioning, guests will find fresh mountain air, pure nature, and a genuine commitment to protecting species and the environment. The hotel’s own garden is home to over 370 species of orchids, and guests are very likely to see hummingbirds and butterflies. Guided tours will take you to cultural highlights, such as the Inca city of Machu Picchu, and into the heart of the impressive Andes landscape.

Conclusion: Stay cool and travel consciously.

The climate crisis is making summer vacations in many regions difficult. In times like these, we need new, sustainable ways of traveling instead of heat stress, air conditioning, and emissions. A “coolcation” in the Alps or other high-altitude regions of the world, such as the Andes, can offer relaxation, cooling, and mindfulness. Of course, this requires thoughtful and sustainable practices.

The hotels we feature demonstrate that sustainable comfort does not require compromise; it sets new standards. And all without air conditioning.

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„The greatest sight to see is the world—take a look.“

The words of Kurt Tucholsky inspire us to travel to distant lands. However, we are far from being the first people to set foot in these places. While traveling, we encounter historical treasures—impressive testaments to times gone by—and silent memorials that remind us to minimize our ecological footprint.

In this four-part series, we will introduce you to historical treasures located near Green Pearls(Ⓡ )partner hotels. In part one, we explore the 5,300-year-old glacier mummy Ötzi, the Illyrians, the Neanderthals, and traces of 20,000-year-old cave bears.

What the glacier unveils

Let’s start with the hidden stories beneath the “eternal” ice. As you probably know, glacial melt and the subsequent rise in sea levels are two of the biggest problems of our time. These are direct consequences of human-caused climate change.

Fabienne Anthamatten from the Hotel Bella Vista in Zermatt is the perfect person to talk to about this issue. Every year, the Swiss native climbs the Gorner Glacier on the Matterhorn with her family and witnesses the gradual melting of the ice firsthand. She has even made some special discoveries that she has dated. (Learn more in our article on glacier-friendly travel!)

Meet Ötzi the “Iceman”

No glacier find is as world-famous as Ötzi (also known as the Iceman). I, for one, am captivated by him! Ötzi, you wandered this world before the pyramids were built in Egypt, before Moses received the Ten Commandments, and before Jesus rode through the gates of Jerusalem. You lived around 5,300 years ago, before the Mayans or the Incas existed—a long, long time ago. Yet you are not so different!

This is apparent, for instance, in the hip bag (as we tourists are constantly discussing the practical and symbolic wearability of fanny packs). Ötzi carried important items in his: three flint tools (a cutting tool, a scraper, and a drill), a bone needle, and a lump of fungus, which was commonly used as a fire starter at the time. Sound familiar? I think hikers today could use these same items, only now they would be in the form of a lighter and a Swiss Army knife 😀

Visit the Neolithic man at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology.

Sustainable accommodations in Ötzi’s former home, South Tyrol

LA VIMEA Vegan Hotel: This adults-only hotel in Naturns features a natural swimming pond, a saltwater pool, and daily yoga classes. It was also the first completely vegan hotel in Italy.

Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel: A vegan art hotel located on the famous Seiser Alm in the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you’re traveling in the winter, you can ski right to the hotel and right back out again.

My Arbor: A luxurious wellness hotel near Brixen built high up in the treetops with views of the Plose. (Adults only.)

OLM Nature Escape: A circular aparthotel that is completely self-sufficient in renewable energy. Some apartment suites have a private spa with a sauna.

ADLER Lodge RITTEN: Eco-luxury in Ritten. The main building and several chalets are arranged around a natural swimming pond. Services include all-around support and experienced guide assistance, as well as an all-inclusive farm-to-table concept.

The APIPURA hotel rinner: An extraordinary “bee hotel” on the Ritten plateau. One of the senior managers is a migratory beekeeper, and the other has brought “Fair Bio Südtirol” to the hotel kitchen. Here, organic living is a way of life.

Hotel Weihrerhof: A family-run, family-friendly hotel located directly on the Wolfsgrubener Badesee lake in Ritten. It offers a spa, natural cosmetics, and a close connection to nature.

Bonus tip: Earth Pyramids, a natural monument

Though not created by human hands, the Ritten’s earth pyramids are impressive witnesses of time nonetheless. They are among the most fascinating natural phenomena in South Tyrol. Formed from moraine clay and shaped by erosion, they tell a story that began over 25,000 years ago and continues today as they evolve. They are definitely worth a hike or an e-bike tour!

Secrets from the Depths: Caves, Bones, and Ancient Stories in Liguria

When traveling through Liguria, you may picture fragrant herbs, colorful coastal villages, and the Mediterranean lifestyle. However, deep within the rocks lies evidence of a time when cave bears and the ancestors of modern humans still lived here.

The Toirano and Balzi Rossi regions are home to some of the most spectacular Stone Age sites in Europe. In the Grotte di Toirano, researchers discovered Paleolithic-era footprints, handprints, and knee prints, meaning they are around 12,000 years old. These findings suggest that people moved through the narrow passages by kneeling or sliding, offering a rare glimpse into everyday life in prehistoric times.

In addition to human remains, scientists found bones of cave bears that lived there over 20,000 years ago. Their remains were found deep inside the cave, far from daylight, raising questions that remain unanswered to this day. It is likely that ancient floodwaters carried the bones into the cave, which is an impressive testament to the wild nature of times gone by.

Neanderthals and Neolithic humans inhabited the Grimaldi Caves

Even older are the discoveries in the Balzi Rossi caves on the border with France. Skeletons of Neanderthals, including a 200,000-year-old hip bone, were found in the Grimaldi Caves.

Later burials also offer profound insights into the thoughts and feelings of early humans. One particularly moving example is that several skeletons from the Neolithic period were dusted with red ochre and decorated with shells from sea creatures before being laid to rest. Why? Perhaps it was an early symbol of status, spirituality, or love for the sea—we don’t know for sure. But the gesture remains touching to this day.

By the way, the tip about the caves comes from the Albergo Diffuso Relais del Maro in Borgomaro. At this hotel, you can stay in the heart of this charming village and experience authentic Liguria. The caves and the Museo Preistorico dei Balzi Rossi, where the finds are located, are about an hour’s drive away, making them ideal for an exciting day trip into the depths of history. (For electric car drivers, the sustainable hotel has an extra parking space with a charging station.)

Traces of the Illyrians: History on the Mediterranean

Traces of long-lost cultures can be found not only in the mountains and caves but also on Croatia’s sunny islands. The Dalmatian island of Iž, where our partner hotel, Korinjak, now invites guests to enjoy mindfulness, yoga, and plant-based cuisine, was once home to the Illyrians. Archaeological finds in Mali Iž reveal their settlements and fortifications—stone reminders of a time thousands of years in the past (until around 2000 BCE).

The Illyrians inhabited large parts of the western Balkans until the Romans arrived. Roman sources described them as “wild,” “freedom-loving,” and “difficult to subjugate.” They are considered the ancestors of today’s Albanians, though this has not yet been proven scientifically.

Time travel is over — for now

Our little archaeological journey was quite the adventure: from prehistoric caves to the Alps’ glaciers to the Balkan islands. Though they are from different times, places, and people, they all have one thing in common—their traces are still there. Maybe you got a little closer to one or two of these fascinating personalities today. Maybe you’re now inspired to visit them (or their graves and discovery sites) sometime in the future. They may have been dead for a long time, but that doesn’t matter. History lives on through our exploration of it.

P.S. In the next part, we will supposedly find ourselves in more orderly circumstances—we are going to visit the Romans!

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Shifted Seasons: How tourism is responding

The classic four seasons are becoming blurred. This phenomenon has been reported not only by scientists, but also by individuals who work with nature and tourism on a daily basis. Anna Murphy, from the Waldhotel Fletschhorn in Saas-Fee, for example, says that winter and fall have become significantly warmer. Snow arrives later, and some spring hiking trails are accessible earlier than a few years ago. At the same time, wildflowers bloom longer, larch trees remain golden longer, and some late fall hikes are more impressive than ever. For Murphy and her team, these so-called shoulder seasons present a real opportunity: less hustle and bustle, special lighting conditions, and peaceful experiences in nature.

Fabienne Anthamatten of the Hotel Bella Vista in Zermatt has a different perspective. She is keeping a close eye on the changing climate: mild winters (there are no longer “white Christmases”), no extreme sub-zero temperatures on the Matterhorn, and a shift in the main snowfall season to spring. The growing popularity of the off-season is something she is rather critical of, even though June is now much more heavily booked than in the past.

„I strongly oppose 365-day tourism. The area needs breaks. Nature needs time to rest. We need rest.“ – Fabienne Anthamatten

Fabienne advocates a more conscious approach to seasonal planning, with an eye toward more sustainable business practices. “Summer used to be the peak season in Zermatt—or rather, the only season—with winter coming later.” Today, it’s the other way around. Yet, summer has great potential: “There are so many unused chairlifts in the summer. Below them are fantastic trails. I would like to see summer take center stage again.”

The climate crisis up close: What glacier melting means for Switzerland

The Swiss Alps are one of the few places in Europe where the effects of global warming are so visible. Glaciers such as the Fee and Gorner have already visibly receded. In fact, since 1850, Switzerland has lost around half of its glacier area. Matthias Huss, head of the Swiss Glacier Monitoring Program, says that if global warming reaches 1.5°C, only 300 glaciers will remain by 2100, down from 1,400 today.

These dramatic changes to the landscape also have ecological consequences: Glaciers store a large proportion of fresh water, and their retreat contributes to water shortages and rising sea levels.

Conflicts of interest in tourism

As is the case everywhere else, there are conflicting goals in Swiss tourism between visitors, communities, mountain railways, and nature. For example: Zermatt initially announced plans to invest more heavily in bike tourism. Shortly afterwards, however, certain trails were closed to mountain bikers again. Similarly, the increasing number of summer groups pleases the railway company but causes skepticism among the local population as to whether it will lead to “overtourism.”

365-day tourism?

Zermatt Bergbahnen has clearly committed to a year-round strategy. Jenny Imboden writes,

“The Zermatt Bergbahnen pursues a year-round strategy, adapting its services to the conditions at hand.” To counteract the effects of glacier melt, the mountain railways are focusing on snow farming, among other things. This involves building snow walls or using depressions where snow collects from wind drifts. These methods keep the snow in place for longer and prevent it from being blown away. Additionally, glacier protection fleece is used to slow melting.

For her article in the Neue Züricher Zeitung, Alexandra von Ascheraden spoke with Mattia Storni from the Saas-Fee/Saastal marketing department. “Summer skiing will become difficult in five to ten years,” Storni said. There is still enough snow in the wintertime, but the network of snow-making facilities is already expanding. (Incidentally, we examined whether and how sustainable artificial snow is in our article on sustainable ski vacations.) More mountain bike trails and via ferrata routes are being built for the summer.

Skiing in Switzerland

There are 45 ski resorts in Switzerland located at altitudes above 1,500 meters. All of them are considered snow-sure. The Saas-Fee ski resort ranges from 1,800 to 3,600 meters, and the Matterhorn Ski Paradise is located between 1,600 and 3,800 meters. Both resorts have a year-round summer ski area on the glacier.

What is the best time to visit Switzerland?

Switzerland is one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations. “Tourism is growing,” confirms Fabienne from Zermatt. This is true in every season. The question is, when is the best time to visit Switzerland? The answer varies depending on whom you ask: 

• The Waldhotel Fletschhorn in Saas-Fee suggests a more nuanced approach. As usual, the high season is in February for guaranteed snow and in July and August for summer vacations and mountain adventures. However, if you prefer a quieter atmosphere and authentic nature experiences, consider visiting in June or September. The forests are quiet, the temperatures are pleasant, and the mountain views are often particularly clear. These “shoulder months” are ideal for sustainable travel — less hustle and bustle, more mindfulness.
• Fabienne from Zermatt believes that spring is an underrated time of year for snow lovers. “I tell people: Come ski in March or April! You won’t be skiing on artificial snow, and that’s really fun!”
  During these months, the slopes are less crowded, the light in the mountains is particularly intense, and it is often not as icy as in the middle of winter. However, she does not recommend May or November because many places in Zermatt are closed, and trucks are allowed in the car-free village, so everyone is renovating. This is not an ideal setting for a relaxing vacation.
• Zermatt Bergbahnen has a clear year-round strategy. For them, there is no longer a low season. Of course, Switzerland is beautiful in every season.

Vacation in Switzerland: Summer and Winter Experiences in Zermatt and Saas-Fee

Now that we have clarified when a trip to Switzerland is particularly worthwhile, the question arises: What can you experience during the snowy and non-snowy seasons? Our contacts in Zermatt and Saas-Fee have shared their personal highlights with us.

Zermatt in winter: panoramic views, slopes, and powder snow.

For many, winter in Zermatt is inextricably linked to skiing. And with good reason—the high-altitude ski resort boasts over 360 kilometers of slopes, including a direct connection to Cervinia, Italy. Fabienne from the Hotel Bella Vista describes it as follows:

„If you’re an experienced skier, you’ll get your money’s worth here. The views are stunning in every direction.“ – Fabienne Anthamatten

In addition to classic skiing, there are numerous snowshoeing trails, ice skating rinks, and alpine fine dining experiences with a view for those who prefer a more stylish experience. You can also enjoy the magnificent view from the wellness area of the Hotel Bella Vista, including the sauna. There is also a Swiss stone pine relaxation lounge.

Video tip: In a YouTube video, ski and travel vlogger Marius Quast takes an in-depth look at the Zermatt ski resort, including a price-performance review.

Summer in Zermatt: Hiking, trail running, yoga, and enjoying nature without cars

In the summer, many tourists come to Zermatt for a short trip to photograph the Matterhorn, usually by taking the train up to the Gornergrat or the Klein Matterhorn. However, this is not very appealing to Fabienne, who lives a sustainable lifestyle.

„That’s not the kind of tourism I’m looking for. However, for those who stay here and enjoy activities like hiking, running, and biking, this is an incredible area.“

Zermatt is car-free and well-connected by mountain railways, making it an ideal destination for active nature lovers. There are many ways to discover the mountains around Zermatt, whether you enjoy leisurely hiking, trail running, or mountain biking on scenic trails.

Insider tip from Fabienne:„I know exactly where to send someone who says: I want to hike for ten hours and not see another person.”

The Hotel Bella Vista is an ideal location for a yoga retreat. Fabienne’s sister, Stefanie, is a highly qualified yoga teacher who leads these retreats (learn more about the yoga program here). To learn more about Stefanie, read our blog article on yoga for professionals.

Winter in Saas-Fee: Glacier Snow and Pure Enjoyment

Saas-Fee is also a top destination in the winter, thanks to its altitude of up to 3,600 meters and glacier slopes, which guarantee snow. In addition to downhill skiing, this car-free resort offers winter hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and tobogganing.

After an active day, you can relax at the Waldhotel Fletschhorn with a sauna, fine dining, and views of the snow-covered forests. The hotel is renowned for its gourmet cuisine and wine cellar.

Video tip: Marlene from Marlenesleben shows you the ski resort and the winter atmosphere in Saas-Fee.

Summer in Saas-Fee: Wildflowers, wellness, and panoramic views

In the summer, Saas-Fee is a paradise for nature lovers. With over 350 kilometers of hiking trails, you can go on long tours ranging from easy forest walks to high-altitude summit treks. For a more mindful experience, try Shinrin-Yoku, or forest bathing, in the pine forest around the Waldhotel Fletschhorn. Or, gaze at the stars at night in the clear mountain air. Yet another summer highlight is the summer ski area with glacier skiing.

Sustainable travel is important in Switzerland all year round

Switzerland, in particular, demonstrates the importance of sustainable travel and how effectively it can be implemented. Zermatt and Saas-Fee are leading the way as car-free destinations. Visitors arrive by train and take an electric shuttle directly to their accommodations. This is not only convenient but also much better for the climate than traveling by private car.

If you travel by train, then you’ve already taken a big step toward sustainable travel. The next step is choosing your accommodations. The Hotel Bella Vista in Zermatt and the Waldhotel Fletschhorn in Saas-Fee both focus on renewable energies, ecological building materials, and regional cuisine.

Fabienne, for example, is the kind of host who thinks of every detail. Instead of exotic fruits for breakfast, she serves organic coffee with a fair trade seal. Rather than a plastic welcome gift, guests receive homemade cookies and many other lovely, sustainable touches.

So it’s not just about the best time to travel; it’s also about traveling the right way. It’s about doing so in a way that protects nature and benefits the local people. By choosing family-run hotels, enjoying regional products, and behaving respectfully toward the environment and culture, you can do a lot of good. Leaving fewer traces behind and, when unavoidable, leaving them in the right places are also key aspects of sustainable tourism.

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Driven by nostalgia, I inquired among our Green Pearls® partner hotels and found many like-minded individuals passionate about wood and craftsmanship. Some hotels even have their own forests from which they source wood for furniture. Others use traditional materials, such as Swiss pine, applewood, and moon wood. Some hotels furnish their rooms with lovingly restored family heirlooms, while others are rethinking furniture design based on the principle of the circular economy.

A hotel made of applewood: The Klosterhof — Alpine Hideaway & Spa

Dr. Andreas Färber, the owner of the Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa in Bayerisch Gmain, is one of the hoteliers who shares my enthusiasm for solid wood furniture. When he and his wife took over the hotel, they made an unusual decision: the Klosterhof would become one of the world’s few “apple hotels.”.

About 90 percent of the custom-made furniture in the house is made of applewood. However, the wood did not come from various locations; it comes from a single apple orchard. This creates a sense of unity in design and content throughout the entire house, something that can be felt in every room and detail.

The concept was implemented in collaboration with longstanding partners at Philipp Haas + Söhne, a master workshop in nearby Bad Reichenhall. The workshop’s latest project was its involvement in the “Spa Glow-Up” 2025.

Masterful craftsmanship with a regional flair

Like the Klosterhof, many of our Green Pearls® partner hotels use handmade furniture crafted by local carpenters.

At the Naturresort Gerbehof on Lake Constance, all the furniture is made from wood sourced directly from the resort itself. They primarily used spruce, which was processed directly on the farm. The furniture reflects the character of this living material, telling the story of the nature that produced it. The spa area’s whirlpool is unique as well; it was designed with stones from the nearby Rhine estuary.

The Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld, Tyrol, has adopted a similar concept. Almost all of the materials used for the 28 newly built nature rooms came from the region. Ninety-five percent of the materials come from the Alpine region, and the wood comes from the hotel’s own forest. One interesting architectural feature is the bed’s placement under a round arch in the wall. This creates a cozy, almost fairy-tale atmosphere. The bedside lamps with hay-flower lampshades provide the perfect finishing touch.

“”Sometimes, an inner satisfaction makes you want to reach out and touch the piece, to stroke it. God bless the craftsmen who can inspire such feelings in their fellow human beings with just a few pieces of wood!” —From the book So Grün War Mein Tal (My Valley Was So Green) by Richard Llewellyn

At the Naturhotel Outside in East Tyrol, the connection to nature is evident throughout the entire interior design concept: the rooms feature larch wood walls and beds, and the tables are made from regional oak by a Pinzgau carpenter in Salzburg. The newly designed nature spa also incorporates wooden elements from the same workshop.

Wood art in South Tyrol

Individuality and regionality are also emphasized at the Hotel Weihrerhof in Ritten, South Tyrol. For many years, it has worked with the Eisath und Lintner carpentry firm, which manufactures furniture on site from local wood with great attention to detail.

The OLM Nature Escape in the Ahrntal Valley offers a holistic experience. Its ApartSuites are almost entirely clad in larch wood, from floor to ceiling. There are no ornate decorations or Alpine carvings. Instead, the clear, straightforward, modern design creates a natural sense of space, complemented by spruce in the saunas and maple in the restaurant area. The interior design was created by South Tyrolean master craftsmen from Plana Ladina in Val Badia.

Honeycomb design

Lastly, there is the Apipura hotel rinner in South Tyrol. Here, a local carpenter crafted all the furniture in the rooms. The hotel has its own organic beekeeping operation, so the carpenter chose honeycombs as a recurring design element.

Custom work from the Green City: Handcrafted ash furniture at the Hotel Vauban

The Vauban district of Freiburg is known throughout Europe as a model of environmentally friendly urban development. Right in the heart of the district lies the Green City Hotel Vauban, which carries this philosophy through to every detail, including the furniture.

The entire interior was custom-made by Werkhalle 53, a Freiburg-based collective of three master carpenters. They used solid ash wood from nearby Umkirch, a wood that impresses with its fine grain and high durability. The modern, timeless, and clear-designed furniture can be found throughout the hotel, including in the rooms, lobby, and conference rooms.

Another advantage is that the furniture can easily be added to or restored as needed. This approach is sustainable and creates long-term design continuity, which is perfectly in keeping with the neighborhood’s reputation for thoughtful interplay of ecology, architecture, and community.

The power of the moon: Furniture made from moon wood at La Vimea

People deeply involved in traditional craftsmanship and sustainable processing know that not all wood is the same. Moon wood is a prime example: it is wood cut during a waning moon. This ancient practice is based on the knowledge that the moisture content of wood is lower during certain phases of the moon. The result is a highly resistant, durable, and dimensionally stable material — no chemical additives necessary.

At LA VIMEA, a purely vegan hotel in South Tyrol, moon wood plays a central role. Most of the furniture is made from locally sourced wood harvested during the waning moon. The wood is left untreated, making the rooms’ special energy and authenticity palpable.

LA VIMEA uses only natural, cruelty-free materials, such as wood, paper, jute, straw, and cork, for its decorations. Even the candles are made from eco-friendly rapeseed wax.

Furniture in a Cycle: Circular economy meets design

Furnishings don’t have to be new to look modern and high-quality. In a circular economy, everything can be reused. Two of our partner hotels have demonstrated this by incorporating it into their design concept. In addition to wood, other recycled and recyclable materials play a central role as well.

Circular Living at the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA

In cooperation with the impact service providers RITTWEGER + TEAM and Fritz Schlecht GmbH, the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA in the spa town of Bad Herrenalb developed room concepts such as “Freigeist” (free spirit), “Waldklang” (forest sound), and “Falkenstein” (falcon stone)—a stylish combination of nature and contemporary design. Highlights include oak parquet flooring with Cradle-to-Cradle Bronze certification, regional softwood side tables, and pendant lights made from PEFC-certified birch—ecologically sound and aesthetically pleasing.

The circular hotel room at Hotel Luise

The Hotel Luise in Erlangen is a pioneer among sustainable city hotels. Of particular note are the “circular hotel rooms,” which were designed according to the cradle-to-cradle principle. This means that everything in the room, from the floor to the ceiling, is either biodegradable or fully recyclable.

The hotel also features upcycled furniture and restored pieces, including an antique pharmacy cabinet from the Coburg court pharmacy. The cabinet was found by the owners in the local classifieds and was restored. Now, it houses the hotel’s “Tiny Shop.”

Furniture with history: restored, inherited, and preserved

Like the apothecary cabinet, many pieces of furniture carry memories of previous generations and nearly forgotten craft traditions. In some Green Pearls® hotels, this emotional connection is incorporated into the interior design. Rather than using mass-produced items, they focus on restoring unique pieces and preserving family heirlooms, complemented by custom-made furniture from sustainable production.

At the Ligurian Relais del Maro, you will stay in historic houses belonging to the host family — lovingly restored and scattered throughout the village of Borgomaro in the style of an Albergo Diffuso. Some of these houses contain furnishings that still belong to the family, while others were sourced from small antique markets on the nearby Côte d’Azur — with each piece telling its own story.

Old meets new at Hotel Okelmann’s in Lower Saxony, too. For example, the grandmother’s wedding cabinet has found a place of honor in the new Signature Suite. Adjacent to it are handcrafted furnishings from a carpentry workshop in the neighboring village. Other antique pieces have been refurbished and carefully incorporated into the design.

Individuality is a top priority at Gut Sonnenhausen in Bavaria. They have collected original farmhouse cabinets from all over Bavaria and lovingly restored them in the stables of the historic farmhouse. These cabinets form an exciting contrast to the modern art and contemporary design found throughout the hotel. And the beds were designed in-house and crafted by a local carpenter using regional wood. Each room is unique; no two rooms are alike.

“”Wood is proud of its age.” —From the book “So Green Was My Valley” von Richard Llewellyn

Immerse yourself in craftsmanship: Carved rooms that evoke a sense of well-being

In some hotels, you will find not only unique pieces of furniture but also rooms that are completely carved.

At the Hotel Bella Vista in Zermatt, the “Arvenstube” is the perfect place to relax. This entire relaxation room is furnished with fragrant Swiss stone pine wood, which is known for its restorative properties (read this blog article to learn more about the latest studies). Here, you can unwind on waterbeds after an active day exploring the mountains around the Matterhorn. According to Fabienne Anthamatten, the hostess, this is one of the guests’ favorite rooms. 🙂

The Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld showcases master craftsmanship with its unique, hand-carved “Herzerl-Sauna” (heart sauna). You won’t find another one like it anywhere on the planet.

Handcrafted rooms like this one combine craftsmanship, natural materials, and wellness in a special way.

Wood in all its facets: regional materials, sustainable partners, and natural construction methods

In addition to offering handmade furniture, our partner hotels are taking various approaches to providing a sustainable wood and nature experience, such as using regional materials, creating durable products, and employing innovative construction methods.

At My Arbor, for instance, furniture crafted from regional oak and sun-baked larch, both sourced from sustainable forestry, dominates. Entirely built high up in the treetops of the South Tyrolean spruce forest, the hotel offers unique views of the Plose from its rooms.

Sustainability is a recurring theme in the partnerships at the Lifestylehotel SAND (SAND Aspires Natural Design). The beds here are from CocoMat, a company whose mattresses are made exclusively from natural materials, such as coconut fibers. The sturdy, recycled teak bed headboards and matching tables in the breakfast and bar areas highlight the hotel’s commitment to sustainable interior design, focusing on quality and durability.

Vacation in a log cabin

The Summit Lodges in Pfunds are completely different but equally impressive. These vacation homes are traditional log cabins, built entirely from whole logs. This construction method boasts an excellent ecological balance, minimal resource consumption, and a particularly pleasant indoor climate thanks to natural Tyrolean sheep’s wool insulation and large windows that let in plenty of sunlight.

Wooden furniture inspiration for your home

Do you want to bring a piece of craftsmanship into your home? Here are a few ideas for finding furniture with history, character, and sustainability:

• Go treasure hunting: Antique and flea markets, as well as online classified ads, are full of special pieces with patina.
• Discover journeyman pieces: Many cities, including my hometown of Cologne, have chambers of crafts that exhibit journeyman and master pieces every year. You can find inspiration there and connect with young carpenters. Years later, these unique pieces sometimes end up in classified ads.
• Build it yourself using the right wood: Numerous DIY instructions for shelves, tables, and more can be found online. When buying wood, look for regional origin and the FSC seal, which is better than PEFC.
• Choose solid wood over chipboard: Furniture made of solid wood is more durable and better for the indoor climate because it doesn’t contain adhesives or formaldehyde. Veneered panels have their place, but opt for solid wood if possible.
• Consider custom work from a professional: Need a new piece of furniture? Ask your local carpenter. Custom-made pieces are more expensive, but not prohibitively so. They are also unique and high-quality.

This demonstrates the versatility of wood as a raw material used in sustainable hotels and homes. It is used not only for furniture, but also in a variety of other forms, always with the goal of blending nature, design, and responsibility.

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„Our guests often comment on how little details demonstrate our deep commitment to sustainability – this sparks conversation and inspires them to make changes at home, too.“ – Hotel Korinjak, Croatia

1. Energy: Impactful rethinking

Energy is the largest source of CO₂ emissions, and coal-to-electricity conversion is the biggest contributor. Even small changes in our daily lives can have a significant impact here.

• Switch electricity providers: Choose genuine green electricity from 100% renewable sources. Make an informed decision to avoid electricity generated from fossil fuels and nuclear power. Although the latter produces less CO₂, it poses enormous environmental and human risks. (For Germany, Utopia offers a good comparison of green electricity providers.)
• Purchase energy-efficient appliances: Look for the best energy rating when buying anything from toasters to washing machines. As the Hotel Milano Scala explains, this is particularly noticeable in hotel kitchens. The hotel opts for energy-saving models when purchasing new ovens and hobs. The Milan city hotel obtains its electricity from geothermal probes and is known as a “zero-emission hotel”.
• Use a mains isolator : With a so-called bioelectric switch, you can disconnect the power supply to all devices, including Wi-Fi, at the touch of a button in the evening. No standby, no lights. According to guests at the Albergo Diffuso Relais del Maro in Liguria, this has noticeably improved their sleep quality.
• Turn off the lights, turn down the heating, and save water: Simple but effective. At the family-run Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt, with views of the Matterhorn, stylishly designed notices in the rooms remind guests to use energy and resources consciously, even on vacation.

2. Save plastic: Conserve resources and avoid waste

Avoiding single-use plastic is an easy way to start living more consciously. If you would like to learn more, we recommend the article “Goodbye Single-Use Plastic.” In the meantime, here are a few examples to get you started:

• Avoid disposable items, such as straws, cups, and stirrers. The Hotel Korinjak on the island of Iz in Croatia has adopted this policy and has already saved a significant amount of waste.
• Wooden coffee capsules are a sustainable and biodegradable alternative to plastic. The Birkenhof***** Spa & Genussresort in the Upper Palatinate Lake District, for example, uses Rezemo’s wooden coffee capsules. “We focus on sustainable details that make a big difference,” reports the luxury resort in the Upper Palatinate Lake District..
• Reusable instead of Tetra Paks: The Eco-Hotel Okelmann’s in Lower Saxony reports: “We have switched to reusable bottles for our oat milk. It’s incredible how much waste we’ve saved. It’s a small change that makes a big difference.”
• Instead of buying water bottles, refill them. The APIPURA hotel rinner, located in South Tyrol, is a member of Refill and has noticed that significantly fewer water bottles are ending up in the trash. The Refill app makes it easy to find a refill station near you.

3. Rethinking water: conscious enjoyment

While we’re on the subject of water, a precious commodity, be aware that having clean water come straight out of your tap is a great treasure. Using it sensibly is a fair and environmentally friendly practice.

• Drink tap water instead of bottled water. This reduces the need for transportation and packaging, thereby conserving resources. According to Klaus Pichler, the host of the Hotel Weihrerhof, guests have positively received this change. The hotel is located at 1,200 meters above sea level on the Ritten plateau in South Tyrol and enjoys excellent water quality.
• Bottle spring water and donate the proceeds. For example, the wellness hotel My Arbor near Brixen does this with pure Plose spring water. “For every bottle sold, we donate one euro to regional organizations such as the White Cross or the volunteer fire department,” the hosts report. Idea for home: Switch from bottled water to tap water and calculate how much money you save. Donate that amount. In my opinion, a suitable organization is “WIR — Water Is Right,” which campaigns for clean drinking water worldwide..

4. Food and Cuisine: Regional, organic, and mindful

Our food choices directly impact the environment. Many hotels are embracing conscious cuisine, and so can you.

• Your own herb garden & homemade herbal tea: Growing your own herbs is possible even if you don’t have much space, and you can use them in the kitchen. The Hotel Korinjak in Croatia also uses its own herbs to make herbal tea blends. Guests can enjoy the tea free of charge throughout the day as a refreshing drink — it’s sustainable, tasty, and personalized! Maybe this is something you could do at home, too?
• Vegan Cuisine: Adopting a vegan lifestyle doesn’t require a total transformation. Try going without animal products for one meal or one day and enjoying plant-based foods instead. Studies and calculations consistently demonstrate that a vegan diet is the most climate-friendly. According to the German Federal Environment Agency and Statista, the average meat eater causes 1,730 kg of CO2 emissions, the average vegetarian causes 1,280 kg, and the average vegan causes 1,040 kg. The Hotel LA VIMEA in Naturns, was the first completely vegan hotel in Italy. This move has been beneficial in terms of saving resources and has led to other hotels and restaurants following suit.
• Use organic products : Organic options are generally more environmentally friendly, particularly since they don’t involve pesticides. This benefits soil health, groundwater protection, and biodiversity. The OLM Nature Escape in South Tyrol reports: “Using so many organic products (wines, beer, tea, bread, dairy products, etc.) was the right decision and fits perfectly with the house’s energy self-sufficiency.” However, make sure the organic products are regional and haven’t been flown in from elsewhere.
• Local produce: Some Green Pearls® accommodations, such as My Arbor in South Tyrol and Gut Sonnenhausen in Bavaria, have their own farms. This means the food is particularly fresh and sustainable, benefiting both the environment and customers. Perhaps you could grow your own vegetables or find a nearby farm stand.
• Enjoy organic, fair-trade coffee: There are products you regularly buy, such as coffee. Take a look at the label to see if the plantation workers are treated fairly and if the plantations are cultivated organically. Since switching brands, the Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt now serves coffee that is more environmentally friendly and fairer. What’s more, host Fabienne Anthamatten enthuses that it “tastes delicious.”

5. Cleaning products: Less chemicals, more nature

Less is more, and this applies to cleaning products as well. Many hotels have long used eco-friendly alternatives that are gentle on the environment and our health. You can pick up a few tips for your home here.

• Switch to eco-friendly cleaning products: These products are not only biodegradable, but also free from harsh ingredients. At the Naturhotel Outside in East Tyrol, a hiking hotel in the heart of Hohe Tauern National Park, these products are used with great success. This results in fewer chemicals in the air and wastewater, which is better for people and nature.
• Reconsider dosage: In most cases, a significantly smaller amount than what we would typically use or what is indicated on the packaging is sufficient. It is also worth taking a closer look at the recommended dosage for laundry detergent and dishwashing liquid, as it depends on the hardness of the water. Using them carefully conserves resources and saves money.
• Make your own alternative cleaning products: Vinegar, baking soda, and citric acid are surprisingly effective and easy to combine. Why not give them a try? (Here, you can find our recipe for an all-purpose DIY cleaner.)

6. Bathrooms: Small adjustments, big impact

You can also make a big difference in your bathroom without sacrificing comfort.

• Natural cosmetics from dispensers: Instead of small, single-use packages, many hotels are choosing refillable dispensers containing certified natural cosmetics. Read this article to find out which brands our partners use. Large and refill packs are also available for your own bathroom.
• Products without packaging waste: Liquid soap, shampoo, and shower gel can be purchased as solid products. There are also reusable cotton pads, wooden miswak toothbrushes, and many other sustainable alternatives.

7. Sustainability in everyday life: consciously choosing and caring for textiles

Textiles, such as bed linens, towels, and clothing, are always with us. Making conscious choices in this area can greatly benefit the environment and climate:

• Reuse towels: This is a classic hotel habit that also works at home—and one that you probably (hopefully!) already practice. You can wash other textiles, such as jeans, much less frequently if you hang them up to air out. This will help your clothes last longer.
• Sustainable Washing: Wash your clothes less often, at lower temperatures, and without fabric softener. This will extend the life of your clothes and protect the environment. This applies to both hotel laundries and home washing machines. Even choosing an eco-friendly detergent is a step in the right direction. Read this article to learn more about eco-friendly detergents and alternatives.

• Organic cotton and fair production: Look for labels such as GOTS or the Fair Wear Foundation when making your next purchase. These labels guarantee environmental standards and fair working conditions.

8. Mobility: Travel more gently

The way we travel has a significant impact on our carbon footprint. However, traveling sustainably can also be inspiring and adventurous.

• Take the train instead of a plane: For travel within Europe, the train is often a comfortable alternative. (See our article on new night train routes here.)
  Some Green Pearls® hotels, such as the Hotel Klosterbräu in South Tyrol, offer pickup services from the train station, allowing you to travel without a car. The Hotel Klosterbräu provides guests traveling by train with free e-bikes and e-scooters for their entire stay.
• Use e-bikes and public transportation: The APIPURA hotel rinner offers its guests a 50% discount on e-bike rentals. There is also the RittenCard, which allows you to use all local transportation, including the cable car, free of charge. This means you can enjoy your vacation without a car. What is your everyday situation? Could you get to work by e-bike? Not only would this be more environmentally friendly, it would also be much healthier!
• Discover nearby vacations: Does it always have to be a long flight? There are often beautiful, sustainable travel destinations right on your doorstep, which means fewer emissions and more time to enjoy yourself. Why don’t you take a look at Green PearlsⓇ to see if there’s a great place to stay in your area. 😉

9. Living and promoting regionality

Regionality, whether in the furnishings or at breakfast, creates a sense of closeness to the surrounding area and strengthens local cycles. For example, the Hotel Das Rübezahl, located near Neuschwanstein Castle in the Allgäu region, exhibits works by local artists that can be purchased on site. The hotel also produces its own honey. While this cannot be replicated exactly at home, you can check if similar products are available locally.

An example? Last week, I ordered a birthday present for my brother. He wanted a so-called “useless box.” Amazon sells these things, which are made in China and packaged in Styrofoam. Although I couldn’t find a truly sustainable producer on Etsy, I discovered a local craftsman with a simple, homemade website. I decided to support him instead. My brother thinks the workmanship is excellent. 🙂

10. Preserving and bringing nature to life

Sustainability doesn’t mean sacrifice; it creates new experiences and connections.

• Flower seed cards as gifts: These are available to guests at the Hotel Klosterbräu and the Schwarzwald Panorama, for example. Guests can plant the seeds at home to promote biodiversity in their gardens.
• A potted Christmas trees – reusable instead of cut down — as practiced by the Hotel Bella Vista in Zermatt and the Hotel Luise in Erlangen, for example. Read more about guilt-free Christmas trees here.
• Composting instead of throwing things away – can also be done in your own garden. At the STURM in Mellrichstadt, organic waste is composted and the resulting soil is used for the hotel’s snack garden. Portions are adapted to individual guests during “live cooking” to avoid food waste.

Conclusion: Even small changes in our daily lives can have a significant impact on sustainability.

Even a thousand-step journey starts with one step. And if each of us takes one step, it all adds up. Each time you make a conscious decision, such as drinking tap water, buying organic coffee, or taking your bike instead of your car, you’re making the world a little more sustainable.

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Is taking a sauna a sin or is it healthy?

A traditional Finnish sauna has a dry heat of about 80 degrees and only 10 percent humidity. As you can imagine, the sauna heater has to provide a considerable amount of heat. According to one energy company, you could work on your laptop for 300 to 400 hours for the electricity used in a single sauna session. (Of course, the more people who use a sauna, the “better” the ecological balance becomes).

In 2022, during the energy crisis, the topic of saunas even made it onto the German political agenda. In an interview with Welt am Sonntag, Schleswig-Holstein’s state premier Daniel Günther (CDU) argued that saunas should be turned off. He said they belonged to a category of luxury that people should “voluntarily do without”. Martin Niederstein, head of the German Sauna Association, countered that saunas are a beneficial way to take care of one’s health.

Taking a sauna for your health

Several studies show the positive effects of sauna on the immune system, skin and cardiovascular system. Sauna master Manuel Greifenberg agrees that “health is the number one priority”. But it can be achieved in a sustainable way. His employer, the Green PearlsⓇ Hotel My Arbor in South Tyrol, is committed to sustainable operations and produces part of its energy needs through a large solar system on the roof.

Zero Energy Sauna

A few years ago, the University of Stuttgart caused a sensation with its “zero-energy sauna”. It is operated without a power connection and runs solely on solar energy (with a thermal energy store).

It shows that energy-hungry luxury is possible without fossil fuels and harmful emissions. Or, let us say: with a lot less.

How to make a sauna sustainable

Renewable Energy

Above all, energy is the key to an environmentally friendly sauna. The “Zero Energy Sauna”, which the University of Stuttgart presented as a world first in 2022, is now a reality. And it can be found, among other places, in the OLM Nature Escape of the Green PearlsⓇ network in South Tyrol.

“Our guests sauna in an energy neutral way, as our saunas are powered by geothermal and photovoltaic energy.” – OLM Nature Escape

The circular aparthotel in Sand in Taufers is the first energy-independent hotel in the Alps and is completely self-sufficient in terms of electricity and heating thanks to geothermal probes and solar panels. What’s more, you can enjoy a sauna in complete privacy, as some of the aparthotel suites have their own private saunas.

Survey: 43% of wellness hotels use natural gas

The situation is different in a large proportion of wellness hotels. According to a survey of wellness hotels, 43% use natural gas to heat their spa areas. This means that if you simply check into a wellness hotel, there is a good chance that a fossil fuel will be burned for your sauna session, which in its entirety has a negative impact on the environment.

Environmentally friendly wood

Another environmental aspect of saunas is the wood. Wood is a natural and biodegradable material. However, anyone who uses wood should take care to preserve the forests. This is why OLM relies on an FSC-certified supplier. The saunas are made of spruce, the apartments of larch.

Excursus: Seal for wood from sustainable forests: When it comes to sustainable certification of wood, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is currently the “only credible seal”. This is the view of Greenpeace and the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU). Even though Greenpeace left the FSC in 2018 and there are also criticisms of the FSC seal, it is still the best functioning seal for forest protection and species conservation worldwide. The main point of criticism is that FSC also certifies tropical timber. Therefore, FSC-certified wood that is NOT tropical wood is the best. The PEFC label is considered less strict and is also criticized for allowing the use of pesticides.

Here you can enjoy an environmentally friendly sauna

The wellness hotels in the Green PearlsⓇ network are characterized by the fact that they all rely on renewable energies (albeit to varying degrees). In addition, you can often experience fantastic views, natural materials and other special features.

Naturresort Gerbehof: Wood from the hotel’s own forest and green electricity

Naturresort Gerbehof is located near Friedrichshafen on Lake Constance, on the edge of its own forest property and surrounded by fruit tree plantations. The wood used for the hand-carved saunas comes directly from the resort’s own forest. Only green electricity is used throughout the resort (including the saunas). To avoid wasting electricity, the saunas are operated by appointment only.

Hotel Das Rübezahl: Event-based energy boost and self-generated electricity

The weekly calendar of the Hotel Das Rübezahl in Füssen in the Allgäu region of Germany lists the dates for “Event Infusions & Meditation.” The infusions by sauna master Istvan (who also teaches yoga and meditation classes at the hotel) depend on the mood.

Sometimes he comes in a Rastafarian cap as Bob Marley, sometimes in a Scottish skirt and bagpipes. “Sauna should be fun,” says Istvan.

In addition to the saunas in the spa area, the hotel has rooms with private infrared saunas. According to the hotel, the saunas are heated “primarily with self-generated electricity”. If the electricity from the solar panels is not enough, the romantic wellness hotel also purchases green electricity from hydropower. Automated sauna technology also ensures that the sauna is only heated when necessary.

Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt: New sauna saves water

The family-run Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt in Switzerland built a new panoramic sauna in its spa area in 2024 – for sustainable reasons. Where there is now a sauna with a spectacular view of the Matterhorn, there used to be a hot tub that each guest could fill with 280 liters of fresh water at the touch of a button. “The water consumption was immense,” says host Fabienne Anthamatten. Zermatt is located right next to the Gorner Glacier, so you can see for yourself how the planet’s largest freshwater reserves are disappearing due to climate change. The sauna (powered by 100% green hydropower) is therefore more sustainable than the hot tub. It is only used on request during the summer.

Naturhotel Outside: Electricity from renewable sources

For a true nature vacation, the Naturhotel Outside in East Tyrol is the place to be. The hiking hotel is located in the middle of the Hohe Tauern National Park. The spa area was built with regional materials and only expanded in 2024. Now, in the summer of 2025, an extended outdoor area at the natural swimming pond awaits you. The sauna is powered exclusively by green electricity. There is an in-house photovoltaic system as well as external green electricity from hydropower.

Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel: rooms with private sauna

The Hotel Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel on the Seiser Alm, 2,000 meters above sea level, works with a green energy provider. 90% of the electricity comes from hydropower. In addition to the various saunas in the spa area (steam sauna, Finnish sauna, straw sauna and infrared sauna), there are also “JS Wellness” rooms with their own infrared sauna right next to the bed. According to the hotel, these rooms are especially popular during the ski season. The ski slope ends right in front of the hotel – so after a sauna (and shower) you can fall right into bed 🙂

Birkenhof***** Spa & Genussresort: Technology for luxury and sustainability

As a 5-star hotel and operator of a 2-star restaurant, the Hotel Der Birkenhof***** Spa & Genussresort surprises with its commitment to sustainability. The resort operates three photovoltaic systems and two combined heat and power plants to generate electricity and heat. The electricity for the various saunas (including a tower sauna, a panorama sauna and an ice lounge) is generated as far as possible by the resort’s own solar panels. In addition, an advanced sauna control system heats the saunas sequentially, ensuring that there are no power peaks.

Hotel Weihrerhof: Green electricity sauna with lake view

The Hotel Weihrerhof is located directly on the shore of Lake Costalovara on the Ritten in South Tyrol. From the “Bootshaus Sauna” you have a wonderful view of the lake. In summer, young and old swim in it, and in winter it is a huge ice rink where you can watch ice skaters while sitting comfortably and warmly in the sauna. “Our saunas are energy-efficient, run on green electricity and are turned down during off-peak hours,” says host Klaus Pichler, summarizing the sustainability aspects.

APIPURA hotel rinner: A round barrel sauna saves energy

The APIPURA hotel rinner is also located on the Ritten. The hotel is committed to certified organic agriculture and the “Bio Fair Südtirol” seal. The senior owner is a beekeeper and so you will find (besides the wide range of organic honey) Apiwellness in the hotel, where you can breathe the air of the beehive. For the sauna, the Rinner family deliberately chose a barrel sauna because it is very energy efficient. The energy itself comes from a district heating plant. This plant converts waste from local wood production into energy.

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel: Traditional Andean Sauna in Peru

In the Peruvian Andes, the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel offers the “Andean Sauna”, which combines wellness with local traditions. The sauna is made of granite stones and is heated by heated stones. Fresh eucalyptus leaves provide a pleasant steam. Eucalyptus is widely used in Peru. The Inkaterra Hotel Group is a pioneer in sustainable tourism in Peru. The hotel is particularly committed to biodiversity and species protection, but also relies on renewable energy sources from hydropower.

Lifestylehotel SAND: Roof top sauna

At the adults-only Lifestylehotel SAND, the sauna is a real highlight. The hotel is located in the popular Baltic Sea resort of Timmendorfer Strand, right on the beach. The hotel’s roof terrace is a wonderful place to end the day. And that’s also where you’ll find the sauna. Essential oils such as lavender, lemon and alpine herbs create a relaxing or refreshing atmosphere, and the hotel also provides sauna-goers with shower bombs, loofah sponges and fresh, homemade iced tea. Book your sauna visit in advance as a private spa. Not only will you have the sauna to yourself (and your companion), but it will only be heated when you need it.

Gut Sonnenhausen: Enjoy a sauna with a view of the paddock

Gut Sonnenhausen, south of Munich, is a converted stud farm in the midst of nature. Here, environmental pioneer Georg Schweisfurth has realized his dream of building a hotel in a listed building, surrounded by organic farming and gardens. The sauna is located outside and, like the entire complex, is powered by green energy from Green Planet Energy.

Eco-Hotel Okelmanns: Sauna by appointment in a converted shepherd’s hut

In the small town of Warpe in Lower Saxony, Germany, Okelmanns Eco-Hotel is a place of peace and relaxation. People come here for yoga retreats, mindfulness exercises, or gentle nature experiences with biking and easy hiking. The hotel has a combined heat and power plant and a photovoltaic system. An old shepherd’s hut has been converted into a sauna by the Okelmann family. A special feature is that you always have the sauna to yourself. The hosts rent the sauna exclusively per room and it is only heated for the time booked. In addition to the sauna, there is also an outdoor whirlpool to complete the wellness experience.

Hotel Klosterbräu: Seven themed saunas

Seven themed saunas await you at the Green PearlsⓇ Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld, Tyrol. The highlight is the completely hand-carved “Heart Sauna,” but the “Bread Sauna” with the scent of freshly baked bread is something you won’t find anywhere else. The hotel, built on the site of an old monastery, has many other fairytale features. For example, there is a “beer fountain” in the wellness area. For families, there is a non-nude sauna where children feel comfortable both in terms of temperature and dress code. The hotel heats with wood chips and optimizes its energy consumption with a digital solution in cooperation with Siemens.

Show Infusion: A crazy wellness trend takes over Europe

If you are among those who find the silence of a sauna uncomfortable, there are now hotels that have turned the infusion into a real theatrical production. Damien Gabet, an Englishman, visited several saunas in South Tyrol this year for Conde Nast Traveller. The so-called show infusion is said to have been invented there.

For example, Damien has seen performances by reigning sauna world champion Michael Niedermair and his partner Kasia Klajn. The performances are tailored to a 20-minute sauna session. In one sauna scene, for example, a red devil climbs out of a chest; there are costumes, wigs, and lots of silliness with waving towels.

“There’s something a little Eurovision about it all: embracing the art and aphorisms certainly requires you to park your Britishness (read: sarcastic, snooty) at the door – next to your pants. But it’s an impressive show and I’ve (sadly, perhaps) never had more fun in a sauna.” – Travel Journalist Damien Gabet

Show infusions in My Arbor

Sauna master Manuel Greifenberg of My Arbor also plans to compete in the sauna championships (he already has a world bodybuilding title). However, he plans to compete in the “classic waving” category at the sauna championships. “I prefer the classic version, where the infusion is an infusion and not a performance,” he explains.

 “Our infusions are a place of tranquility and reflection. My show infusions are a blend of music, scent and body graphics. The guest is always the focus.” – Saunameister Manuel Greifenberg

Our opinion: We like shows and health – but only with green electricity!

So, have you changed your mind about taking a sauna? As you can see, not only is it good for your health, but there is also a lot to see and experience. However, the question of how the sauna is powered is not insignificant. “Burning fossil fuels for energy is the main cause of climate change,” says the German Ministry of Economic Development.

That’s why we say: your health is important, and if you want, you can enjoy a show sauna. But going to the sauna doesn’t have to be at the expense of the planet! If you power it with (self produced) renewable energy sources, you can have the same fun in a green way!

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Sustainable microcations – what to look for

A microcation (a portmanteau of “micro” and “vacation”) is one to four nights.

1.   How long is the travel time for a microcation?

A good rule of thumb is to allow 2 hours travel time. This distance will allow you to make a stress-free trip after work or early in the morning without much planning. 4 hours is acceptable if it is a comfortable train ride or an extremely worthwhile destination 🙂 Anything longer than 4 hours should only be done by night train or planned as a bike trip (keyword: the journey is the reward).

The ideas in this article are meant to inspire your next microcation. You can and should customize these ideas based on where you are and what transportation is available!

2. Choosing the right accommodation is essential – regardless of whether you are staying for a short or long period of time

A short trip (without a plane) is not the only thing that makes a microcation sustainable. As with longer vacations, your choice of accommodation also plays an important role. Sustainable Green PearlsⓇ hotels and vacation rentals rely on renewable energy, local organic food, and eco-friendly concepts such as zero waste or circular design.

3. Traveling sustainable means living sustainable

It also means making sure you use resources consciously:

• Less luggage means less emissions
• Visit local restaurants and shops instead of international chains and support the local community.
• Activities can also be sustainable – from nature experiences to eco-friendly city tours to sustainable spa options.
• For more tips on sustainable travel, check out this overview.

Microcation ideas for every taste

Whether you are looking for relaxation, new adventures, or a digital break – Here are sustainable inspirations for your next microcation:

#1 Wellness & Relaxation

Perfect for giving your body and mind a break. Sustainable wellness hotels rely on natural skin care products, environmentally friendly wellness areas (e.g. natural swimming ponds), green energy from renewable sources and advanced technology (e.g. use of waste heat). Complemented by healthy and regional (organic) cuisine.

Sustainable hotel tips:

• Birkenhof**** Spa & Genussresort (Upper Palatinate, Germany): Just want to relax and enjoy? The Birkenhof is a 5-star wellness hotel with a large natural swimming pond, several pools (indoor and outdoor) and a large sauna area. It also has a 2-star restaurant. Despite all this luxury, the hotel is fully committed to sustainability and operates its own combined heat and power plant, which significantly reduces CO2 emissions for electricity and heating.
• Hotel Klosterbräu (Seefeld, Tyrol, Austria): The Hotel Klosterbräu is also a 5-star hotel with pools and saunas, surrounded by the beautiful mountain panorama of the Alps. Built on the site of an old monastery, the hotel has a special charm with its vaulted cellars and candlelight. You will have a particularly sustainable vacation in the hotel’s nature rooms. These rooms were built with almost 95% local materials (e.g. clay plastered walls and wooden floors from the hotel’s own forest).
• SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA (Bad Herrenalb, Black Forest, Germany): Located in the climatic health resort of Bad Herrenalb, this hotel not only offers breathtaking views of the Black Forest, but also has its own mineral thermal swimming pool. It is known for its sustainable initiatives, such as hotel rooms made entirely of recyclable materials.

#2 Inner peace and strength

If swimming, sauna and relaxation are not enough for you and you are looking for something more spiritual, you can combine your microcation with guided yoga and meditation classes, forest bathing or TCM treatments.

Suitable sustainable hotels:

• LA VIMEA (Naturno, South Tyrol, Italy): Daily morning and evening yoga on the sun deck, a natural swimming pond, a saltwater pool, and 100% vegan cuisine -that’s what adults-only hotel LA VIMEA has to offer. The hotel also appeals to younger guests with its vegan focus and a special offer for Gen Z.
• Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten (Bernkastel-Kues, Mosel, Germany): Located in the Moselle region, the Lifestyle Resort is completely designed according to Feng Shui and includes a TCM center for Far Eastern treatments. You can also incorporate these into your microcation, for example with a nutritional consultation and diet based on the 5 elements.
• Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa (Bayerisch Gmain, Berchtesgaden, Germany): Forest bathing (shinrin yoku) from Japan is said to be extremely healthy and healing. You can try it under professional guidance at Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa. (Read more about forest bathing in our blog article). The hotel also offers singing bowl massages.
• Naturresort Gerbehof (Friedrichshafen, Lake Constance, Germany): If you are open to alternative healing methods such as biomotivation according to Viktor Philippi, you will find it at the Naturresort Gerbehof on Lake Constance.

#3 Adventure & Outdoors

A weekend in the mountains or on the coast – microadventures are a great way to combine sustainable travel with nature experiences. Whether hiking, biking or wildlife watching, the focus is on conscious experiences.

Recommended accommodation:

• Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt (Switzerland): A family-run boutique hotel with just 21 rooms and direct views of the Matterhorn. Located in the car-free mountain village of Zermatt, it is the perfect starting point for a short nature vacation including hiking.
• Summit Lodges Pfunds (Tyrol, Austria): If you are not traveling alone on your microcation, but rather with friends or family, the Summit Lodges are two first-class vacation homes that can accommodate up to 6 people. The log cabins have their own wood-burning fireplaces, saunas, and are surrounded by Tyrolean nature. In addition to hiking, you can go windsurfing on Lake Reschen in the summer.
• Naturhotel Outside (East Tyrol, Austria): Naturhotel Outside is located in the middle of the Hohe Tauern National Park – Austria’s largest alpine national park – around the Grossglockner and other 3,000-meter peaks. The eco-friendly hotel has a top-notch restaurant (3 Falstaff Forks) and in-house hiking guides. Microcation Tip: Look for the “Big Five” of the Alps (ibex, golden eagle, bearded vulture, chamois and marmot).

#4 Detox & Digital Detox

New content on your Instagram and TikTok accounts is the LAST thing you want on your mini-break? Then you might prefer the opposite: a digital detox. A few days without constant connectivity can work wonders. Conscious relaxation and offline activities will help you clear your head.

Tips for sustainable hotels:

• STURM (Mellrichstadt, Rhön, Germany): The redesigned (and award-winning) garden-view rooms deliberately forgo televisions. Instead, they overlook a large natural swimming pond. The Rhön Biosphere Reserve, with its rolling hills and exciting moors, is perfect for a relaxing vacation.
• Hotel Okelmann’s: (Warpe, Lower Saxony, Germany): We recently featured Warpe as a “hidden gem” on this blog. Here you can experience pure nature in a traditional family hotel with a barrel sauna and yoga classes. It’s the perfect place to unwind for a few days.
• Gut Sonnenhausen (Glonn, Bavaria, Germany): About an hour’s drive south of Munich, you’ll find Gut Sonnenhausen, surrounded by forest and farmland (managed according to the principles of permaculture). The renovated and restored former stud farm offers a relaxed atmosphere of eco-consciousness, tranquility and inspiring art.

#5 Romance & Togetherness

Rekindeling the spark in your relationship with a vacation is very popular. A microcation, where you spend some quality time together, is often all that is needed. With the right setting and accommodation, the rest will take care of itself.

Our hotel recommendations for a romantic getaway:

• Hotel Das Rübezahl (Füssen, Allgäu, Germany): Nestled among Germany’s royal castles, a forest, and a view of Neuschwanstein Castle, the setting is nothing short of magical. Hotel Das Rübezahl features a beautiful natural spa in front of the hotel, many romantic nooks and crannies, and top-notch cuisine by Erik Wendt.
• Lifestylehotel SAND (Timmendorfer Strand, Baltic Sea, Germany): The Lifestylehotel SAND, located directly on the Baltic Sea, offers romantic extras like the possibility to spend the night in a wicker beach chair on the roof of the hotel. You can read more about this in our blog post about a romantic weekend by the Baltic Sea.

#6 Cities & Culture

Are you drawn to the city? The hustle and bustle, the crowds, the museums, the cafes, the shops… The advantage of a city break is that you can usually get to your destination by train, bus or carpool in an environmentally friendly and affordable way. In the cities themselves, there is public transportation – or you can take your bike. Did you know that Paris, for example, has expanded its network of bike paths and is now a great place to explore by bike?

Hotel tips for a city trip:

• Green Spirit Hotels (Paris, France): In the heart of the centrally located 7th arrondissement, you will find three green pearls: Hotel Le Pavillon, Hotel Malar & Hotel Amelie. Hidden oases with green courtyards and organic food within walking distance of the Seine, the Eiffel Tower, the Invalides and other highlights. Read more about a stay at Hotel Le Pavillon and a guide to eco-dining in Paris here.
• Hotel Milano Scala (Milan, Italy): Milan is not only the city of the Last Supper and Milan Fashion Week. It is also home to progressive contributions to sustainable urban development, a vegan scene, and the zero-emissions Hotel Milano Scala in the city center. In this article, we have compiled tips for a sustainable weekend in Milan.
  
• Green City Hotel Vauban (Freiburg, Germany): The university city of Freiburg, near the French border, has a great atmosphere. Located in the modern Vauban district, the sustainably-run Green City Hotel Vauban offers direct access to the tram and a free ticket for public transportation. Our tip: Ideas for a sustainable and affordable weekend in Freiburg.
• Hotel Luise (Erlangen, Germany): The Franconian university town of Erlangen, with its baroque cityscape, is an ideal destination for a “second city” visit (instead of Munich or Nuremberg). In this blog post, Laura Heufelder from Hotel Luise shares some insider tips for Erlangen.
  

Getting away from it all without having to fly halfway around the world is what makes Microcations so popular. We hope that we have given you some inspiring ideas. At the moment, the hotels mentioned are mainly from Germany. If you are looking for another region, check out the Green Pearls website.

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Regions close to borders often have strong cultural and economic ties that allow you to enjoy a special vacation flair. In this blog, we will introduce you to sustainable accommodations where you can do both country hopping and slow travel.

From Zermatt, Switzerland to Italy for lunch

Fabienne Anthamatten, the hostess at the Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt, likes to take advantage of the proximity of her mountain village to the border herself. Zermatt is close to the Italian border (the distance as the crow flies to the Italian town of Breuil-Cervinia is about 15 kilometers). The Matterhorn Ski Paradise ski area straddles Switzerland and Italy, and you can ski right out of the hotel and into Italy for lunch (or coffee).

Spectacular excursion on the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing cable car

The Matterhorn Glacier Ride II has been connecting Zermatt with Testa Grigia in Italy since July 2023. In just a few minutes, you float 3,458 meters above the “eternal ice” with an incomparable view of the Matterhorn. In summer, there is even a “rooftop ride” in a structure on the cable car, where you can ride on the roof of the cabin and enjoy the wind in your face.

TIME magazine has named the Matterhorn Pass one of the “World’s Greatest Places.”

But alpine glaciers are much more than a tourist attraction! They are an important indicator of climate change and could be nearly gone by the end of the century! In this article, we tell you more about glacier-friendly travel. We also hear from Fabienne Anthamatten, who is committed to protecting the climate and glaciers with her family-run boutique hotel, Bella Vista Zermatt.

Berchtesgaden and Salzburg – Combine a vacation in nature with culture

The Green PearlsⓇ Hotel Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway and Spa is located in Bayrisch Gmain, Germany, 10 km from Salzburg, Austria. The sustainably managed wellness hotel is located almost alone in a hiking paradise in the midst of nature, but due to its proximity to the cultural city, you can have nature recreation, wellness, city and culture all in one!

Salzburg Festival 2025

The renowned Salzburg Whitsun Festival takes place from July 18 to August 31, 2025 and offers a diverse program of opera, theater and concerts. The hotel hosts (Henrike and Dr. Andreas Färber) are avid culture lovers themselves and organize a special event each year during the festival, including a cross-border shuttle service, professional gala make-up and a 5-course gourmet dinner.

• Learn more about Klosterhof’s Salzburg Festival Special

Perhaps this would be the perfect plan for your next summer holiday?

Combine a vacation in the Black Forest with French savoir-vivre and a trip to Basel

A vacation in Freiburg im Breisgau allows you to travel not two but three countries at once. We recommend the Green City Hotel Vauban as an environmentally friendly “base station”. In addition to its ecological and integrative concept, it also offers you, as a guest, a free ticket for regional transportation – so you can explore the German Black Forest.

The Alsace region is just a few miles away – perfect for a day trip to Colmar or Strasbourg. Here you can stroll through charming old towns, enjoy French savoir-vivre, and sample regional specialties such as tarte flambée.

Switzerland is also not far away: In less than an hour, you can reach Basel, a city known for its modern architecture, world-class museums, and beautiful Old Town. Whether it’s a visit to the renowned art museum, a stroll along the Rhine, or a trip to the market hall for international delicacies, Basel has a lot to offer.

With Freiburg as your base, you can easily explore three countries without repacking each time – a sustainable travel experience with maximum variety.!

One vacation, two countries: Italy and France

The Relais del Maro in charming Borgomaro is the perfect place to experience authentic Liguria. Nestled in the idyllic hinterland of Imperia, host Elena Scalambrin has created a beautiful Albergo Diffuso, spread over several of her family’s former commercial and residential buildings. Here you can live among the locals, relax and unwind, and explore the area’s nature on the hotel’s e-bikes or hiking trails.

The glamour of the French Riviera is not far away either: the famous Côte d’Azur in France is only about 90 kilometers away – a pleasant drive of about 1.5 hours.

Along the coastal road, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Mediterranean as you drive toward the French border. Once there, you can stroll the elegant streets of Nice, visit picturesque Eze, or explore glamorous Monaco. Back at the Relais del Maro, you will find a charging station for your electric car.

Holidays at Lake Constance – Germany, Austria and Switzerland

Of course, our concept of a vacation in two countries would not be complete without Lake Constance. It covers 536 square kilometers and is located between Germany, Austria and Switzerland (the Principality of Liechtenstein is also only a half hour drive from Lake Constance). The beautiful blue lake in the middle of the mountain panorama attracts many visitors mainly because of its mild climate. The area is famous for its fruits and flowers. Every spring, about a million tulip heads open on the flower island of Mainau.

Naturresort Gerbehof is located near the island of Mainau and the shores of Lake Constance. The resort is built of local wood and stone and is nestled among forests and apple trees. The resort also has horses and a children’s vacation program. However, outside of vacation periods, the resort is “adults only”.

It is only 15 kilometers from Friedrichshafen to the Austrian border, which means you can be in Bregenz or the beautiful Bregenzerwald in just 20 minutes, where you will be rewarded with impressive alpine panoramas and a unique natural setting. The Swiss border is also only about 30 kilometers away, making a trip to Romanshorn or St. Gallen possible.

From Germany to Austria by rowing boat

Rowing is a sustainable and challenging way to cross borders. However, you should have some experience! The distance from Friedrichshafen to Bregenz is 31 kilometers on the lake – depending on your ability, such a trip takes between three and five hours.

Alternatively, you can take the ferry, which runs four times a day between Friedrichshafen and Bregenz (a ticket costs around 15 euros). This is a little less environmentally friendly because of the engine, but of course much faster (just over an hour) and easier🙂

One vacation, two countries: From Peru to Brazil through the Amazon

Not adventurous enough yet? If you have enough time and courage, you could take a trip down the Amazon River! That’s what travel blogger Joe HaTTab did. (He doesn’t specifically focus on sustainability when he travels, but he does support human rights.)

Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica is located in the Amazon rainforest of Peru. With this hotel, eco-pioneer José Koechlin von Stein began to realize his vision of sustainable tourism in Peru 50 years ago. Today, Inkaterra hotels are a model of sustainable tourism in the country.

At Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica you will have the best opportunity to acclimate to the jungle. You will be accompanied by experienced jungle guides who will lead you through high ropes courses and show you the biodiversity.

River trip through the Amazon

The lodge is located on the banks of the Madre de Dios River, a tributary of the Amazon, near Puerto Maldonado. From here, there are several options for exploring the Amazon and traveling all the way to Brazil. (A common route is from Iquitos in northern Peru downstream to Manaus in Brazil, and is the starting point for many Amazon river trips). However, the route from Puerto Maldonado to Iquitos is an adventure in itself due to the geographical conditions!

In general, such a trip requires careful planning (including consideration of visa requirements, health precautions, and choosing a trustworthy operator for the river trip to Brazil)

But you don’t have to cross the border to experience diversity and sustainable adventure. The Peruvian rainforest has more than enough to offer.

Conclusion

Cross-border travel can be sustainable when combined with thoughtful planning and eco-friendly accommodations. You benefit from short distances, unique natural and cultural experiences, and often a special blend of traditions. So why not explore two countries in one vacation?

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1.5 degree climate goal – what was that again?

The 1.5-degree goal stems from the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris. Where nearly all of the world’s nations signed an agreement to limit man-made climate change to an average global warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius.

The rapid rise in temperature since industrialization, along with scientific recognition that greenhouse gases like CO₂ from burning coal trap heat in the atmosphere, provides evidence that human activity drives the greenhouse effect. These gases accumulate because natural storage systems, such as swamps and forests, cannot absorb them fast enough.

Ten years ago (in 2015), this goal was considered achievable. The rough roadmap was this. Humanity as a whole must significantly reduce its CO2 emissions by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2050. This would allow humanity to live relatively safely on planet Earth as we know it until 2100. Now we are still at the (relative) beginning of the century – and global warming has NOT been stopped.

Has the climate goal been abandoned? And what does that mean?

The 1.5-degree Celsius goal is not out of the question. Even if 2024 is the hottest year in human history, there is still a chance that the temperature will drop again. That’s what Copernicus director Carlo Buontempo told Reuters. For that to happen, countries would have to cut their emissions quickly and drastically to prevent them from rising to catastrophic levels.

“The matter is not yet settled. It is in our hands to change the course of events from now on.” – Copernicus-Direktor Carlo Buontempo

1.5 degrees vs. 2 degrees

However, some are saying that the 1.5-degree goal has been abandoned and a 2-degree goal is more realistic. According to an IPCC special report cited by WWF, half a degree will have far more serious consequences for the planet, people, and living things. For example, at 1.5 degrees, 6 percent of insects are expected to become extinct – at 2 degrees, the figure is 18 percent!

At 1.5 degrees, the probability of flooding increases by 100 percent (doubling); at 2 degrees, it increases by 170 percent. The reason for this calculation: warmer air can absorb more water vapor, which is why there is more heavy rain.

If the average temperature on our planet rises by more than 2 degrees, it is quite possible that the consequences will be uncontrollable and impossible to manage.

How do you notice the effects of global warming when you travel?

As travelers, we care about the weather not just at home but also in other countries. A single extreme weather event. Say a flood, a drought, a forest fire… these things have always happened (by the way, this is one of the main arguments of climate change deniers). But new records for extreme weather (do the math to see how many hundred-year floods we’ve already had) in so many places around the world? From a scientific point of view, this has never happened before.

Climate indicators while traveling

As you travel, you can see climate change firsthand in some places. One important climate indicator is glaciers, such as those found in the European Alps.

#1 Glaciers

In our blog article on glaciers, we report on the extent of glacier melt using three examples in Switzerland and Austria. Here, for example, we introduce Fabienne Anthamatten from the Green PearlsⓇ Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt, who found an 8,000-year-old larch tree on a (now exposed) glacier field. In Zermatt, you have the Gorner Glacier right on your doorstep. So, you can see this important climate indicator with your own eyes.

According to Matthias Huss, head of the Swiss Glacier Measuring Service, if global warming stops at 1.5°C, only 300 of the current 1,400 glacier fields will remain by the end of the century. If we reach 3.2°C of global warming in the next 70 years (which is what the German Federal Environmental Agency says will happen if we continue at the current rate), there will be no glaciers left in the future.

And if you know people who shrug when you bring this up. Remind them that warmer winters (and disappearing glaciers!) have a direct impact on winter sports. Check out the Sustainable Skiing article to learn how resorts are already using artificial snow on a massive scale and what that means for the environment.

#2 Sea Level

A direct consequence of melting glaciers and melting icebergs at both poles is sea level rise.

Depending on the degree of global warming, sea levels will rise. According to an ICPP report, the sea level will rise by 29 cm to 84 cm by 2100, but could reach as high as 200 cm (i.e. 2 meters)!

Rising sea levels pose a direct threat to many island nations, such as the Maldives. They are the lowest lying country in the world and consist of over 1,000 coral islands. Its highest elevation (on the main island of Male) is only 2.4 meters.

Read more in our article on threatened islands. At the same time, you will learn about tourism projects such as the Green PearlsⓇ partner resort Gili Lankanfushi. Here, you can enjoy a vacation on stunning beaches while also participating in the resort’s marine biology center. Opportunities for involvement include seagrass planting, coral restoration, and reef cleaning.

#3 Biodiversity

A 2023 study reveals a major threat to biodiversity on our planet. Worldwide, approximately 2 million species of animals and plants face the threat of extinction, with invertebrates being particularly affected. These include small animals such as insects. In our article on the decline of insects, entomologist Dietmar Borbe warns of dire consequences:

“Insects are at the top of the food chain. If we destroy everything at the bottom of a food pyramid, everything will eventually collapse.” – Biologe Dietmar Borbe

Hotels are often accused of destroying and spoiling nature (think of the ugly hotel blocks that line the beach). But there are hotels that are doing a lot to protect species. The STURM in Mellrichstadt, Germany, for example, has created a 3,500-square-meter natural “nosh garden” with numerous fruit trees, berry bushes, herbs and flowering plants, as well as a natural swimming pond that serves as a wetland biotope. Care was also taken to avoid sealing the soil unnecessarily and to allow guests to consciously enjoy nature.

#4 Justice

While poor people in the Sahel region of central Africa or southern India are already suffering from global warming, the effects of climate change in the Western industrialized countries are still far away. The rich have many more options to avoid a catastrophe, to protect themselves or to make their lives more comfortable with various extras (e.g. air conditioning).

Climate change is driving people into poverty

A World Bank background report on the link between climate change and poverty to 2030 predicts that between 32 and 132 million people will fall into extreme poverty by 2030 as a result of climate change. According to the report, those who spend a large proportion of their income on food will be particularly hard hit.

At the same time, a summary of an IPCC report by the German Federal Environment Agency states that “people with high socioeconomic status contribute disproportionately to climate change.

To put it bluntly: The rich produce more emissions than the poor, while the poor suffer far more from the effects of climate change. This is a double injustice – and the gap is widening.

When it comes to climate change, this fact should not be ignored. The crux of the matter is that tourism is an important economic sector for many poor countries. Sometimes it is the only one. So if those who can afford to travel (i.e. the rich) stop traveling to the Global South in order to reduce emissions, this is ecologically understandable and correct, but it is not necessarily a socially sustainable solution. This topic is very complex and complicated, which is why we have dedicated a separate blog article to it, where you can learn more about the social dimension of travel sustainability and get to know projects that support it.

How does my travel affect climate change?

According to UNWTO, tourism is a fast-growing sector that accounts for a significant share of global emissions. Travel to and from the destination accounts for the largest share, followed by accommodation.

“The share of greenhouse gas emissions caused by global tourism is currently estimated at 8%, with three-quarters of these emissions caused by the use of transport” (WWF, citing UNWTO).

When it comes to the accomondation itself, there are several factors to consider. It starts with the construction, the choice and use of materials and furnishings, and it doesn’t end with the energy consumption during operation. The latter, however, takes up the most space when it comes to calculating environmental impact.

Other important sustainability factors include food sourcing (local organic vs. imported), waste management, fair treatment of employees, and ensuring that the accommodation contributes to the well-being of the local community.

Sustainable accommodation are committed to fighting global warming

If you want to travel in an era of global warming, you should consider the emissions that come with it. This includes: 

• Arrival and Departure
• Local transportation
• Accommodation

At Green PearlsⓇ, we introduce you to sustainable hotels and vacation rentals that are committed to reducing emissions from tourism. A good example is the Hotel Milano Scala in Milan. This city hotel in the Italian metropolis is accessible by train from all European cities and by direct flight from many international airports.

Zero Emissions Hotel

Hotel Milano Scala was the first zero-emissions hotel in the city. Opened in 2010 in the Brera art district (near La Scala), it was created by renovating an existing building. The hotel was also designed to be powered entirely by renewable energy (geothermal probes).

“We are committed to using only renewable energy, promoting sustainable transportation, and reducing waste in all areas of our operations.” – Elisa Trinchi vom Hotel Milano Scala

This modern city hotel, with its green facades and inviting roof terrace, has also invested in innovative solutions. A heat recovery air conditioning system has reduced energy consumption by 35-45% compared to conventional systems.

In South Tyrol, the energy-independent OLM Nature Escape Aparthotel opened at the end of 2023. Here, too, geothermal probes are used for sustainable energy generation. In addition, there are photovoltaic systems and a sophisticated water recycling system.

The round building of the OLM Nature Escape blends harmoniously into the alpine landscape of Sand in Taufers. You will stay in suites made of local larch wood, each with its own kitchen and some even with its own mini spa and sauna. It’s a great example of how, even in these times of global warming, you don’t have to sacrifice luxury for a sustainable vacation 🙂

Climate friendly hotels in Germany

In Germany, too, there are examples of green hotels that are leading the way in the age of climate change. The Hotel Luise in Erlangen is run by the third generation with a clear focus on the environment and climate protection. “Renewable hotel rooms, astronaut showers with minimal water consumption, and a microforest to improve the climate are just a few examples of how the hotel and its current manager, Ben Förtsch, are leading by example.

Not only is the hotel taking steps to offset the emissions it produces, but it is also taking steps that do more to help the climate than harm it. (We will discuss offsetting in more detail in the next section.)

In Freiburg im Breisgau, the Green City Hotel Vauban is an excellent starting point for a combined city and nature vacation. You have the Black Forest on your doorstep and are close to Strasbourg and Basel. Also, you can easily reach the hotel by train and tram. You will also receive a free ticket for local transportation.

According to the hotel, the energy consumption of the Green City Hotel Vauban is at least 60% below the permissible primary energy requirement of the German Energy Saving Ordinance. There is a photovoltaic system on the roof and electricity is supplied by a local woodchip heating plant.

“Climate Neutral” – A Greenwashed PR Lie?

Carbon neutral flying, carbon neutral accommodation, carbon neutral skin cream – you’ve probably heard it all before. The climate goals of the UN Climate Change Conference mentioned at the beginning of this article also call for individual countries to become carbon neutral by 2050.

The reason the terms “climate-neutral” or “climate-positive” have come under fire is that many people have taken the easy way out. In other words, company XY continues business as usual while leasing a piece of rainforest to offset its activities and emissions on paper. This oversimplifies a complex problem, as anyone can see..

Planting trees is not enough!

Forests and trees are very important for our climate, as trees store CO2 and also provide important habitat. However, climate protection cannot only be achieved through forest protection and reforestation. The offsetting company Atmosfair has therefore decided against forest projects.

“Even if you planted all the empty spaces on our planet with trees today, it would solve maybe 20% of the climate problem. But for that to happen, the trees would have to be there by the end of the century. And that’s the problem. – Dietrich Brockhagen, CEO of Atmosfair, told NDR

Forest fires and pest infestations can prevent trees from surviving their planned 50 to 100 years. When trees burn, they release the emissions they had stored back into the atmosphere.

Atmosfair therefore focuses on projects such as switching to modern cooking solutions for population groups that previously cooked with firewood. This reduces the need for wood (more trees remain standing) and improves the air quality in their homes.

However, avoiding emissions is more important than offsetting them. That means avoiding emissions in the first place. For example, by using renewable energy instead of fossil fuels. Or by buying energy-efficient appliances, buying local food, or eating legumes instead of meat. Unavoidable emissions can only be offset through meaningful climate projects in the second step.

Conclusion – Traveling in times of climate change

“We are all called upon to contribute to climate protection and should take responsibility for our own ecological footprint and thus for our CO₂ emissions. This also includes rethinking our own travel and consumer behavior according to the motto ‘avoid emissions if possible, but at least minimize them'” – Stefany Seipp, founder of Green PearlsⓇ

We travel because we love this world, we find it beautiful, and we want to see more of it. Traveling helps us discover other cultures, reconnect with nature, get out of our daily routines, and get to know ourselves better. Traveling has many positive effects. However, we should not forget that global tourism contributes to global warming. This makes it all the more important that we act consciously. If we do not, we could endanger the places we travel to.

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Der Beitrag Travel in times of climate change: What’s at stake now erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.