Are night trains sustainable?

Since night trains are seen as an alternative to air travel, they can definitely be considered sustainable. Of course, railways also impact nature, but compared to cars and air travel, trains are the more environmentally friendly solution.

• For instance, according to the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), traveling by train from Zurich to Hamburg saves about 170 kg of CO2 per person compared to flying.
• According to its own figures, the European Sleeper is 12.5 times more climate-friendly than flying and 8 times better than driving on the route from Amsterdam to Berlin.
• Austria’s ÖBB night train (Nightjet) runs on 100 percent green electricity.
• The high comfort of new night trains (such as the new ÖBB Nightjets) with more space (= fewer passengers) and private bathrooms with showers is not necessarily an ecological plus, but it helps to make night trains attractive.
• Unlike cars and buses, trains do not emit microplastics into the air through tire abrasion. (There is not enough research on how harmful microplastics actually are, but it is clear that tire abrasion is the largest source of microplastic emissions).
• Night trains do not play a role in discussions and measures regarding noise pollution and noise emissions, as they are very quiet compared to freight traffic.

Night trains are growing in popularity

According to Tagesschau, in 2020 there were only 90 night train connections in Europe. In 2023, more than 200 connections. ÖBB recently announced that a further 24 Nightjets will be added by mid-2026.

The ÖBB Nightjet’s new night trains

At the end of 2023, the new ÖBB Nightjet trains started operating, offering even more comfort than the old ones and, above all, additional capacity! For us as passengers, this means more routes, more flexibility and more attractiveness. Reason enough for us to take a look at the facts:    

• The passenger cars for the 24 new trains will be developed by Siemens Mobility and delivered by mid-2026. They will be built in Vienna.
• The new trains are not intended to replace old trains, but to complement and expand new routes.
• New standards for smoothness, accessibility and bike transport.
• Another new feature are sleeping pods in the couchette cars, offering more privacy.
• Instead of 6 beds, there are only 4 beds per compartment in the couchette car.
• Each compartment in the sleeping car has its own bathroom with toilet and shower, which reduces the capacity considerably. Only 20 beds fit in a sleeping car.
• The new Nightjet trains are certified for a speed of 230 km/h. (This is slightly less than the speed of ICE high-speed trains, which travel at up to 300 km/h).

Why are night trains rightly becoming popular?

According to a survey conducted in 2024 by the German automobile club ADAC, 42 percent of Germans can imagine starting their vacation on a night train. The main reason: “Travel more relaxed and arrive refreshed.”

I’m a fan of night trains myself, and luckily I can sleep well anywhere. Personally, a night train has a touch of adventure to it and yes, I’m a big fan of “Tintin” (Les aventures de Tintin) where trains are often an important part of the adventure 🙂.

Another reason, of course, is sustainability, currently cited as one of the main reasons for the newfound popularity. This means that many travelers (like you?) prefer an environmentally friendly alternative to air travel. However, it is important to note that this is also supported by politicians. According to the Handelsblatt, ÖBB is profitable in Austria, but this was only made possible by subsidies from the Austrian government. The business is not considered “easy”. Deutsche Bahn, for example, discontinued its sleeping cars in 2016, and the French Thello night train followed suit in 2021. ÖBB is now filling the gap.

On the other hand, subsidies are also a problem when it comes to flying: while domestic and short-haul flights remain dirt cheap (due to factors such as a lack of taxation, etc.), a night train journey for the same route can quickly become very expensive.

New option: European Sleeper

In addition to the Nightjet, there is also the new European Sleeper. The initiative is organized as a cooperative and was launched in 2021 to great acclaim: the initial start-up capital of €500,000 was raised in just 15 minutes. There are now over 4,000 investors who have collectively invested more than €5 million. The European Sleeper already connects cities such as Brussels, Amsterdam, Berlin, and Prague—and more routes are in the pipeline.

In the next section, we take a closer look at what it’s like to travel through Europe in a sleeper car – with exciting night train routes and suitable sustainable accommodation.

“Traveling on our night train not only reduces your carbon footprint, but also gives you the opportunity to travel more slowly, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and connect with other travelers.” – European Sleeper

Across Europe by sleeping car – Four night train journeys + sustainable accommodation.

#1 By night train to Vienna (8 connections)

Vienna, the city of coffeehouses, parks and museums-a wonderful place for culture and surrounded by the most beautiful nature as well. Vienna is doing a lot when it comes to sustainability. The city aims to be carbon neutral by 2040 and is committed to zero waste, green mobility and sustainable construction. Due to its many parks, Vienna is also considered one of the “greenest cities in the world”.

Night train connections to Vienna

… on the Austrian Nightjet:

• Amsterdam – Münster – Nuremberg – Vienna
• Berlin – Dresden – Vienna
• Brussels – Cologne – Passau – Vienna
• Hamburg – Würzburg – Vienna
• Paris – Strasbourg – Passau – Vienna
• La Spezia – Milan – Vienna

… with the Polish PKP:

• Munich – Vienna – Warsaw

… or with Hungarian Railways MAV:

• Stuttgart – Vienna – Budapest

Sustainable accommodation near Vienna: Gut Guntrams 

Gut Guntrams is not in Vienna, but 60 kilometers away on the edge of the Bucklige Welt. However, the unusual floating accommodation is well worth a visit. Gut Guntrams is its own organic retreat with a small nature museum, crystal garden, farm shop and a farm specializing in the preservation of old fruit varieties. If you’re looking to relax in nature after a day of culture in Vienna, this is the place to be

To find out how to reach Gut Guntrams from the Vienna train station (continue to Pitten station), click here.

#2 Awake in Munich (10 connections)

The Bavarian capital of Munich offers a combination of big city and nature. The Isar River flows right through the city and there is the famous English Garden. The historic old town, Marienplatz, Frauenkirche and Nymphenburg Palace are all must-sees. Unfortunately, Munich plans to wait until 2050 to become carbon neutral. But at least there are climate-friendly projects underway.

Night train connections to Munich with

… the Austrian Nightjet:

• Amsterdam – Munich – Innsbruck
• Brussels – Aachen – Munich
• Hamburg – Würzburg – Munich
• Milan – Padua – Salzburg – Munich
• Paris – Munich – Salzburg – Vienna
• Rome – Munich 
• Venice – Munich – Stuttgart

… the Hungarian Railway MAV:

• Budapest – Munich – Stuttgart

… the Croatian Railways HZ:

• Zagreb – Ljubljana – Salzburg – Munich – Stuttgart

… or the Polish PKP:

• Warsaw – Krakow – Vienna – Munich

Eco-friendly accommodation near Munich: Gut Sonnenhausen

Munich is home to the Ecological Education Center, but if you want to see the ideas put into practice, head to Gut Sonnenhausen (about 30 kilometers southeast of Munich). Here, eco-pioneer and art collector Georg Schweisfurth has transformed a 120-year-old stud farm into a unique hotel surrounded by nature. Gut Sonnenhausen runs its own organic farm according to permaculture principles and uses only organic produce in the kitchen. However, the estate is difficult to reach by public transportation, so you will probably need to rent a car in Munich. You can choose to drive an electric car, as there are two charging stations on the property’s parking lot.

#3 Sleeping car to Milan (2 connections)

From the two cities mentioned above – Vienna and Munich – you can sleep throught to Milan. Italy’s fashion capital also has many famous addresses for sustainable vintage lovers. There is the Bosco Vertikale (Vertical Forest) – a green skyscraper in the middle of the city that stands for modern urban greening and biodiversity.

Nightjet connections to Milan:

• Munich – Padua – Milan

European Sleeper connection to Milan:

• In planning

Sustainable accommodation in Milan: Hotel Milano Scala

The Hotel Milano Scala is located in the center of Milan (within walking distance of the famous La Scala Opera House and other attractions). It is the first zero-emissions hotel in Milan and powered by green energy from its own geothermal probes. The roof terrace is particularly beautiful, where you can enjoy a wonderful end to an eventful day.

By night train to Paris (2 connections)

The French capital has once again used the 2024 Summer Olympics as an opportunity to showcase its green initiatives – even cleaning up the water in the Seine, with new bathing-corners in 2025. You can now enjoy a relaxed (!) bike ride in Paris, with a 10-kilometer running route along the banks of the Seine. For an alternative Paris, Barbara Tascijevic-Porwoll, owner of Green Spirit Hotels, recommends a visit to the REcyclerie. A café, repair shop, gardening project and cultural center all in one.

The Berlin-Paris route is one of the brand new Nightjet routes launched in December 2023. Since then, you can wake up in France’s capital three times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays). You board the train at 6:55 p.m. at Berlin Ostbahnhof or 7:08 p.m. at Berlin Hauptbahnhof and arrive at Paris Gare de l’Est at 9:38 a.m.

Nightjet connections to Paris:

• Berlin – Frankfurt – Paris
• Vienna – Mannheim – Paris
• Paris – Munich – Salzburg – Vienna
• Paris – Strasbourg – Passau – Vienna

Eco accommodation in Paris: Green Spirit Hotels

There are two Green PearlsⓇ accommodations in the lively 7th arrondissement: Hotel Le Pavillon and Hotel Amélie. These small boutique hotels are not only centrally located (the Seine, Eiffel Tower, etc. are within walking distance), but they are also ecological and individual. You can nevertheless enjoy your breakfast in the quiet inner courtyard.

By the way, Belgian reporter Tintin and his companion Snowy were also in Paris! So you have a good chance of experiencing an adventure…

This is an update from July 26, 2024.

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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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#1 Flying is the greatest climate sin, or: Those who fly cannot be sustainable

Aviation is not the primary source of emissions. According to an IEA 2023 report, the main source of carbon emissions is the energy sector, particularly the burning of coal. The report also shows that the use of renewable energy has already brought measurable improvements.

Even in a global comparison of transportation modes, air travel does not come out on top. As Statista calculated on the basis of the IEA report, air traffic is responsible for just under 3 percent of global CO2 emissions, while road traffic is responsible for around 16 percent. The reason is obvious: few people, about 10 or 11 percent of the world’s population, fly at all. According to one study, just 1 percent of this elite group of frequent flyers is responsible for more than 50 percent of aviation emissions.

But these facts do not change the fact that air travel is by far the most polluting mode of transportation. So flying may not be the biggest, but it is still a climate sin. Especially if you fly a lot or fly short distances.

Consideration of social sustainability

But it is wrong to say that air travel is inherently unsustainable. Imagine if people in the richest countries in the world only vacationed in their own backyards – the money would just stay in those countries. Tourism is a major contributor to the distribution of wealth. (In countries like the Maldives, tourism accounts for a significant portion of gross domestic product, according to GIZ figures).

Sustainability not only includes environmental protection, but also the social sustainability pillar. Of course, it is important to be mindful of where and what we spend money on when we are on vacation. After all, if we eat at international franchise restaurants, we can do the same at home. The effect is the same..

#2 The train is always late and useless as a means of transportation

We’ve all had the experience of the train being late – and because we were so upset, it may have overshadowed the times the train arrived on time.

In fact, in 2023, 64% of long-distance trains in Germany arrived “on time” (i.e. with a maximum delay of 6 minutes). Delays of more than 60 minutes or cancellations occurred in 2.4 percent of cases. Of course, there is room for improvement, but we cannot talk about “always”

Train punctuality in Europe – Germany ranks 12th

According to surveys conducted in 2022, Germany ranks 12th in Europe, while Switzerland is the European leader. 96.3% of its trains are on time. In Denmark the figure is 91 percent and in the Netherlands 90.5 percent.

The train is fast and comfortable

Many calculations show that you can travel faster by train than by plane – for example, from downtown Cologne to downtown Paris – the trip to and from the airport, including the entire check-in process, takes significantly more time. In terms of comfort, you can travel more comfortably in a modern train than in a row on an airplane (compare 2nd class and economy tickets).

Tip: Sustainable hotels often assist with train travel and, like the Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt, offer complimentary shuttle service, a first-class upgrade, or other amenities. Learn more in this article. Find the best night train routes here.

#3 Long-distance buses and carpools are only for young people

The Federal Environment Agency’s emissions comparison (2022) shows that long-distance coach travel is at least as environmentally friendly as train travel. As we have shown in our blog article on long-distance coach travel, coach travel is also very affordable and particularly suitable for city trips, such as to the zero-emissions Hotel Milano Scala in Milan (a great hotel with a roof terrace right in the city center) or to the Green Spirit Hotels in Paris (Hotel Malar, Hotel Le Pavillon, Hotel Amelié – all individual, sustainable boutique hotels in the central 7th arrondissement).

Carpooling also makes a significant contribution to reducing per capita emissions. And it is simply not true that if you are over 40, you can no longer travel by bus or carpool. In Germany, Flixbus has made long-distance bus travel attractive to the masses, and in other countries (I know this from Brazil, for example), long-distance bus travel is a perfectly normal way to travel for all age groups.

#4 Sustainable hotels are not stylish

This is not hard to prove. Just look at the Green Pearls® page! Many Green PearlsⓇ accommodations have won design awards. Recent examples include:

• The CERVO Mountain Resort in Zermatt received the German Design Award 2023. The Swiss hotel on the Matterhorn combines a cosmopolitan, natural style with a recurring nomadic element.
• The OLM Nature Escape in Sand in Taufers in South Tyrol is the winner of the IONIC Architecture Award 2024. The circular architecture of the eco-apartment hotel blends perfectly into the landscape and is also completely energy self-sufficient.
• The garden view rooms at STURM in Mellrichstadt have been awarded the Best Architects Award 24. They were designed by German architect Professor Matthias Loebermann, with whom the hotel has already collaborated on the design of the main building façade and some of the interiors. The hotel in Mellrichstadt features a natural swimming pond, a large snack garden, and you can enjoy a vacation close to nature near the Rhön Biosphere Reserve.

#5 Sustainable travel is expensive

Not true. Some aspects may be more expensive – organic meat, for example, costs significantly more than commercially produced meat. But the difference in quality is also clearly noticeable here, reports Manfred Rinner, junior chef and chef de cuisine at the APIPURA hotel rinner.

The APIPIRA hotel rinner on the Ritten is BIO FAIR South Tyrol certified, and although only organic food is used, an overnight stay in this sustainable hotel costs less than 100 Euros! This is made possible by the fact that the hotel works and calculates in a very optimized way and is run by the Rinner family as a personal heart project.

For more tips on how to travel sustainably on a budget, check out this article on low-budget travel.

#6 Sustainable hotels do not offer comfort and luxury

A spa area with a heated outdoor pool and sauna landscape naturally requires a lot of energy. But at a sustainable wellness hotel like Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld, Tyrol, that energy is 100% green electricity and heat.

The family-run wellness hotel uses an ultra-modern wood-chip heating system on the old monastery walls (currently provided by the town of Seefeld, but the hotel is planning its own system using wood from its own forest). In addition, the 5-star hotel receives energy from several photovoltaic systems and from green electricity suppliers that do not use fossil fuels.

At Hotel Klosterbräu, you will find a 3,500-square-foot spa area with a heated outdoor pool, a panoramic rooftop pool, seven saunas, nine dining areas, and all the luxurious bells and whistles, while always ensuring that materials, ingredients, and energy are renewable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly.

And, of course, this is just one of many examples.

#7 Sustainable gastronomy doesn’t use exquisite ingredients

We relegate another such statement to the realm of myth. According to the Oxford Dictionary, “exquisite” comes from Latin and means “selected. When it comes to ingredients and dishes, the word indicates that something is “excellent” and “of exquisite quality. It does not mean that something has been imported from 14,000 kilometers away.

Sebastian Obendorfer of Restaurant Eisvogel at Birkenhof***** Spa & Genussresort has two Michelin stars. Known for his reinterpretation of German cuisine, he and his family run the Bavarian 5-star hotel and 2-star restaurant with a focus on sustainability.

Or how about trying vegan fine dining? The Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel on the Seiser Alm in the Dolomites in South Tyrol recently opened OMNIA, a modern restaurant serving high-quality vegetarian cuisine. It is run by renowned chef Aggeliki Charami.

#8 There is no air conditioning in eco-hotels.

It would be nice. After all, as Our World In Data reports, air conditioning consumes 7 percent of the world’s electricity and causes 2.7 percent of global CO2 emissions. That makes it just as bad as flying!

As we reported in our blog article on hotels that cool without air conditioning, sustainable hotels and resorts such as the ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA primarily use modern construction and insulation techniques to ensure that the rooms have natural heat and cold regulation. Modern does not necessarily mean technical hybrid fibers. The ADLER Spa Resort Sicily, for example, has many rooms with clay walls, using a local building material to regulate temperature and humidity in a natural way. However, all rooms are equipped with air conditioning. The OCEANO Health Spa Hotel in Tenerife, on the other hand, does not use air conditioning at all and “cools” itself with the Atlantic Ocean right outside the door.

#9 Truly sustainable accommodations are hard to find

Well, we are happy to refer you once again to the Green PearlsⓇ website. Here you will find only sustainable accommodations and each hotel, cottage, chalet or aparthotel has a transparent list of green initiatives. Why not take a look? Transparent certifications are also very helpful.

#10 Sustainability is just a fad

The world’s population is exploding, global warming is scientifically proven, habitats are disappearing and animals and plants are dying out. Mountains of garbage are growing, resources are scarce… These are just some of the current problems facing our planet. The prognosis: the problems are increasing, not decreasing.

Therefore, it is impossible to stop thinking about our future and the future of our planet. We must take this into account in all areas of our lives, including travel.

The word “sustainability” may go out of fashion and be replaced by something else. But the issue will remain and become even more important.

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The problem with disposables in hotels

When you stay at a hotel, you get everything you need: your luggage is taken care of, a refreshing drink is waiting for you in your room, a variety of toiletries are available in the bathroom, towels and slippers are provided… and while you are lying by the pool or sitting in the restaurant, your room is cleaned, the bed is made and all opened tubes and packages are replaced with new ones. Sound great? For sustainability-minded travelers like you, probably not. Because: All of this (among other things) creates a lot of waste. Hotels and vacation rentals definitely have a single-use problem, and it has to do with the following::

• Service standards and expectations (Many things “just have to be there”)
• Star qualification (in this article on the new 2025-2030 hotel star catalog, Green PearlsⓇ discusses whether certain star specifications undermine the efforts of sustainable hotels)
• Hygiene regulations
• Legal requirements

Expensive hotels produce less waste than cheap ones

According to the DEHOGA environmental brochure, 0 to 2-star hotels produce 9.1 liters of waste per guest per day, 4-star hotels 3.4 liters (5-star hotels produce slightly more at 3.7 liters). According to the German Hotel and Restaurant Association (DEHOGA), this is mainly due to disposable packaging in the lower star categories.

In the upscale hotel industry, less disposable packaging is used simply for style’s sake – e.g. cloth napkins instead of paper napkins, ceramic or stainless steel milk jugs instead of plastic condensed milk containers, etc.

But simply choosing a higher star rating is not enough to eliminate waste and single-use packaging. Especially since not everyone can or wants to. Above all, it takes hoteliers who really care and are committed to reducing waste in their properties. Zero waste or at least “less waste” is a central concern for Green Pearls® accommodations. Each accommodation has its own approach to waste reduction, which you can read about on the Green Pearls® pages and on their individual websites. As mentioned above, many of them are Zero Waste representatives, striving for a low environmental footprint and a circular economy in all areas. We believe that Green PearlsⓇ hotels are among the lowest waste producers in the industry.

“In terms of waste and plastic reduction, sustainably certified hotels are generally more advanced than non-certified hotels.” – WWF

WWF study on single-use and reusable products in the hospitality industry

In 2019 and 2024, WWF Germany investigated the issue of single-use plastics in the hotel industry.

For the 2019 study, WWF surveyed hotels and hotel guests in Italy, France, Greece and Spain. In 2024, the data was supplemented by expert interviews and a literature review.

It found that the majority of guests use significantly more reusable packaging at home than on vacation. Hoteliers are determined to act, but face many obstacles:

• High cost
• Insufficient supply
• Lack of suppliers
• Lack of knowledge about green alternatives
• Waste management in the resort area

For every 50 million disposables, only half a million reusables are sold

“In 2022, the share of reusable packaging (by number of items) in the hotel industry was only 1.2 percent. (600,000 items compared to 50.6 million disposable items) and consisted almost entirely of beverage containers.” – Untersuchung der Gesellschaft für Verpackungsmarktforschung mbH (GVM) für den WWF

All too often, “habit” is to blame for not using reusable products. By the way, the WWF believes that reusable products make much more sense than disposable products made from “eco-materials”. In other words, a refillable plastic bottle is better than a disposable bamboo cup. Washable cloth napkins are better than disposable napkins made from recycled cellulose.

This is how sustainable hotels avoid disposable packaging

Amenities upon request

Many sustainable hotels and resorts have started to remove amenities such as toothbrushes, razors, sewing kits, etc. from the rooms and store them at the front desk. That way, you still get them, but only if you really need and ask for them.

“By providing standard amenities only upon request, we avoid unnecessary use,” says Farmhouse Smiling Gecko in Cambodia. The resort also offers many homemade products from the resort’s own workshops, which Smiling Gecko uses to support the local community.

When it comes to the amenities that are still offered on request, sustainable accommodation also ensures that they are produced sustainably and fairly. This is what the Naturresort Gerbehof in Friedrichshafen on Lake Constance reports.

Honesty bar with reusable glasses instead of a minibar

The minibar is another element that must be provided to meet hotel standards. In addition to energy consumption, drinks and snacks in disposable packaging also have a negative impact on the environment. Gut Guntrams near Vienna therefore installed a “central minibar” in the form of a Honesty Bar and left the individual minibars in the rooms empty. The Honesty Bar offers homemade sweet and savory treats in reusable glass jars.

Homemade welcome cookies

A small welcome gift for guests is a nice touch. But as Zero Waste advocate Béá Johnson says, promotional gifts and giveaways are often a source of waste. Not so at the Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt in Switzerland. There, homemade cookies on a plate greet guests in the mountains near the Matterhorn.

A water bottle for the duration of your stay

Many hotels provide their guests with a refillable water bottle. At the OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel on Tenerife, the “OCÉANO Glass Bottle” is available and there are water dispensers throughout the hotel where you can refill the bottle with fresh, filtered water. This fits in with the wide range of sports and wellness activities on offer and also saves a lot of bottles and miles of transportation 🙂

Source of waste: breakfast buffet? Zero waste is also an option!

One of the biggest contributors to packaging and food waste in the hotel industry is the breakfast buffet. All Green Pearls® hotels have optimized this aspect. “There are no packaged products at our breakfast buffet,” reports the APIPURA hotel rinner on the ritten in South Tyrol. Instead, the child-friendly hotel offers organic products in small jars – one of the highlights are the various types of organic honey from the hotel’s own beekeeping.

Zero waste measures at the breakfast buffet:

1. Butter machine: This “spits out” small portions of butter and replaces the small, pre-packaged pieces of butter
2. Small mason jars for jams and spreads
3. Loose tea that can be poured into a pot instead of individually packaged tea bags
4. Milk and plant-based drinks in jugs, or cappuccino directly into the porcelain cup
5. Cloth napkins at the tables
6. Egg dishes made fresh to order
7. Smaller platters that are continuously replenished
8. At the end of the buffet, guests are actively asked what else they want, and only those items are replenished.

Elimination of disposable hygiene products

Disposable bathroom hygiene products are the second major area where mountains of plastic waste accumulate in conventional hotels. This refers to the small packages of shampoo, shower gel, soap, body lotion, shower cap, toothbrush, razor and so on. Sustainable hotels show that these products can be provided to guests in a stylish and hygienic way and do not have to be the norm.

Solid Soap and Shampoo

At the Klosterhof Alpine Hideaway & Spa in Berchtesgadener Land, Bavaria, the bathroom features soap and shampoo bars, as well as refillable shower gel dispensers as an alternative to traditional bottles. You can do the same at home, by the way!

Dispenser

Speaking of dispensers: Another option you might want to consider for the home are refillable, larger, and often more attractive dispensers for soap, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, and the like. According to soap manufacturer MarcelsGreenSoap, a refill bag saves 85% of plastic packaging!

Almost all Green Pearls® accommodations now use dispensers – with natural ingredients. “Our shampoos and shower gels (in the dispensers) are from Tiroler Kräuterhof, so they are 100% natural and regional,” reports Summit Lodges Pfunds.

Biohotel Grafenast in Tyrol even offers dispensers with arnica muscle gel for relaxation after long hikes around the Pillberg 😉

Natural cosmetics free of chemicals and microplastics

For our Green PearlsⓇ partners, the use of environmentally friendly cosmetic products is very important.

At Pavilions Himalayas – The Farm in Nepal, you can buy bamboo toothbrushes with hemp bristles and plastic-free toothpaste tabs made according to Ayurvedic principles, as are the other personal care products. Avoiding chemicals and microplastics is particularly important to them to protect the water quality of their organic farm..

The Green Spirit hotels in Paris (Hotel Malar, Hotel Amelie and Hotel Le Pavillon, all in the central 7th arrondissement within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower) use soaps, shampoos and shower gels from Austrian natural cosmetics company Pure Green. The luxurious Klosterbräu wellness hotel in Seefeld, Tyrol, spoils its guests with premium products from Augustinus Bader – some of which have been developed exclusively for the hotel. The Lifestylehotel SAND in Timmendorfer Strand on the Baltic Sea has embraced ‘Björk&Berries‘. Nordic, sustainable, refillable and stylish,” they say.

Food from their own harvest

In the hotel industry, buying food in bulk is one way to reduce unnecessary packaging. Where possible, regionally. “We work almost exclusively with local suppliers to avoid long transport routes and support the regional economy,” says My Arbor near Brixen in South Tyrol.

However, food packaging is avoided in particular through direct in-house production. “From cakes to chocolates to syrups, we make everything ourselves,” explains the adults-only wellness hotel.

“All our fresh fruit and vegetables come from our own farm in Albisano on Lake Garda. The owner, Mr Huber, personally takes care of the harvest and brings the produce directly to the hotel (without packaging waste) so that our guests can enjoy the freshest ingredients.” – My Arbor

Dishes and glasses

Disposable plastic cups at hotels? They do exist! Some hoteliers find them more convenient and less risky than glass or porcelain, especially for the lawn or pool. Unfortunately, they create a huge amount of waste. Sustainable hotels are careful to use only high-quality, plastic-free materials. The energy-independent aparthotel OLM Nature Escape in Sand in Taufers, South Tyrol, uses only glass, porcelain, ceramic, clay and enamel for food and drink.

Tablecloths and napkins

Just as glass and porcelain are more stylish than plastic tableware, cloth napkins are more sophisticated than paper napkins. You can find them, for example, at the Relais del Maro in Liguria. The Albergo Diffuso in the picturesque village of Borgomaro takes care to avoid waste in all areas. Consequently, linen tablecloths are washed rather than thrown away.

Towel change upon request only

Since laundry does not produce waste, but does use detergent, water and energy, daily hotel laundry is another factor that you, as a guest, can help with. Many guests notice that even towels that have been hung up are all replaced the next day. This calls for well-trained staff who, like at the Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten on the Mosel, change towels only when requested. Even in the large wellness area with sauna and several pools, guests are asked to use sauna towels sparingly and sometimes several times.

Forgoing daily room cleaning and turn-down service

Similarly, as a guest, you can support a hotel’s sustainability efforts by choosing not to have your room cleaned daily. In most cases, you have to explicitly decline. For example, the sustainable Hotel Luise in Erlangen, Germany, tried to switch to opt-in (i.e., you get daily room cleaning only if you want it), but that would have meant being stripped of all their hotel stars by the Hotel Stars Union!

However, at the ADLER Lodge RITTEN in South Tyrol (a luxurious all-inclusive resort close to nature), the turndown service has become an opt-in offer. This means that rooms are only prepared in the evening if you, the guest, specifically request it.

No slippers

The slippers provided in a hotel’s spa area are disposable products that generate huge amounts of waste. According to the German magazine Focus, the Steigenberger Hotels alone (a total of 60 hotels and resorts) would order 180,000 pairs of slippers for their guests each year. One can only imagine the mountain of slipper waste in the entire industry!

The HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio Allgäu has therefore removed the slippers from the rooms and will only provide them upon request. Instead, guests are asked to bring their own.

The romantic Hotel Das Rübezahl in Füssen, Germany, takes a similar approach to the slipper issue: guests are only provided with hotel slippers for the spa upon request, and the slippers are made of linen and cork, making them compostable.

Backpack and shopping bag provided

In many vacation destinations, plastic bags are still the norm. Even though a lot of plastic waste could be avoided! That is why CERVO Mountain Resort Zermatt in Switzerland provides guests with both a backpack for hiking and reusable bags for shopping.

Digital Guest Magazine

Digitization also reduces waste. Guests receive a digital reservation confirmation, there is a digital guest magazine and digital services. At the Eco-Hotel Okelmann’s, for example, you can download Komoot maps created by Senior Okelmann to your phone so you can start cycling right away. The Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld, Tyrol, has a guest channel on the hotel TV where you can find out about all the events and offers at the hotel.

Offering waste separation for guests

As mentioned at the beginning, many people use more disposable items on vacation than at home. Recycling is also often not as successful on vacation. However, this is not always the guests’ fault… You may have experienced the situation where there is only one disposable waste bin in the hotel room and you don’t even have the opportunity to separate your own waste. Some hotels may also think that their international guests don’t know how to it.

Not so at Keemala on the island of Phuket in Thailand. “We have clearly marked recycling and waste stations throughout the resort, making it easy for guests to dispose of their waste properly,” they wrote to us. Unlike many internationally managed hotels on the island of Phuket, Keemala is owned by a local family who are very conscious of their impact on the environment. The 5-star ADLER Lodge RITTEN is another example of how in-room waste separation can be done in style.

Toilet paper made out of Tetra Pak

According to Statista, global per capita consumption of toilet paper reach almost 14 kilograms per person in 2023. However, in Germany, the figure is much higher, at 30.6 kilograms per person. A lot of trees have to be cut down to produce all this fresh fiber. The SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA in Bad Herrenalb has switched to toilet paper made from recycled beverage cartons. This reflects the concept of recycling that the wellness and selfness hotel also applies to its room furnishings.

Wooden coffee pods eliminate single-use plastics

Coffee capsule machines are definitely not the most sustainable way to make coffee. However, they are a great solution for allowing guests in a hotel suite to make their own coffee.

The Birkenhof***** Spa and Genuss Resort uses Rezemo wooden coffee capsules. They contain coffee from sustainable sources. The other amenities of the 5-star wellness hotel are packaged in plastic-free cardboard as well.

Zero-Waste Goodbye Gift

When you leave, hotels often give you a small parting gift – and that too is a source of packaging waste. Of course, sustainable hotels have also thought about how to give you, the guest, a gift that is both beautiful and environmentally friendly. At the Naturhotel Outside in the Hohe Tauern National Park in East Tyrol, Austria, guests receive a jar of homemade jam in a reusable glass jar.

The Hotel Weihrerhof in South Tyrol, on the Italian side of the Alps, offers soaps from its own organic cosmetics line, BergSea, which uses water from the Wolfsgruben Lake, located directly in front of the hotel. “We want our guests to take the soaps home with them and continue to dream of the Weihrerhof,” says the host family.

As you can see, Green PearlsⓇ hotels have put a lot of thought into how they can eliminate single-use items, waste and plastic, which means you may use no more single-use items on your vacation than you would at home – in fact, you may use fewer items than at home!

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The most important rule for sustainable travel: Planning

Yes, you read that right. If you’re traveling on a budget, or can’t or won’t go overspend, you need to plan and book a lot of things in advance. First and foremost, your transportation and accommodations. Sure, you can get lucky with last-minute bargains, but in most cases you will end up paying more elsewhere. For example: You book a dirt-cheap last-minute flight (never mind that flying is unsustainable!), but you have to pay a lot for your last-minute accommodations because there are hardly any options left, all the low-budget options are fully booked, or only the terrible accommodations are available.

So remember: If you want to travel on a budget, book early! Spontaneous bookings are expensive!

However, that doesn’t mean you have to plan your entire vacation in advance. It’s great to just go with the flow when you get there, talk to the locals, and then decide what you want to do!

Tips for your budget

When planning your low-budget trip, the first step is to determine your budget. How much can you spend? And how much do you want to spend? You should also be clear about what is important to you. For example, if a decent hotel is important to you, plan to spend a little more on that and a little less on activities that cost money. If certain (and expensive) experiences are more important to you, you may want to cut back on your accommodations.

Either way, write your thoughts down! Believe us, it makes a difference to have your budget in black and white next to you as you plan, not just in your head!

Low Budget and sustainable travel: Planning questions

How would you like to travel?

Planning a city trip? Want to enjoy a beach vacation? Go hiking? Experience nature? Think about what is important to you.

Sustainable because: You think about your trip in advance and can make sustainable decisions from the start. For example, you don’t fly to Bali for a beach vacation because that’s what everyone else is doing, but you choose a vacation in Italy or Croatia.

Where do I get what I want?

Some destinations are cheaper than others because, for example, they are not yet overrun with tourists. Or because costs are generally lower than in your home country. Examples of such destinations are Albania, Croatia, or, if you want to go further afield, Vietnam

Sustainable because: By traveling to less touristy areas instead of the popular hotspots, you help spread out the flow of people and counteract mass tourism. You also support the economy of a destination that would otherwise not benefit as much from travelers.

When do I want to travel? Or even: Does it really have to be high season?

Of course, if you are tied to vacation times or the like, you have little choice. But if you have a choice, it’s better to travel off-season. Accommodations and activities are often less expensive and it’s less crowded. In the low season, which follows the high season, almost everything is still open (restaurants, activities, etc.). The further away from the high season you travel, the cheaper the prices will be, but the more restaurants and other places may be closed.

Sustainable because: Similar to choosing a destination, by traveling off-season, you not only help your wallet, but also spread out the tourist traffic over a longer period of time. In addition, you support the usually highly seasonal income of the owners and provide them with a more reliable income.

Travel: Affordable and sustainable options

How do I get to my destination?

The journey is the reward” applies not only to slow travel, but also to planning a sustainable budget trip. Having this mindset is literally worth its weight in gold. If you treat your trip as part of your vacation, you will be more relaxed about the whole thing. Trust us 😉 So plan your trip, check out the trains (if you book early, they are usually not that expensive), or if you drive an (e-)car, plan to drive a little slower (saves fuel and CO2) and make a stopover for long trips. The cheapest option is often the long-distance bus. And since the network is constantly expanding, it has become a real alternative in recent years! According to recent surveys, it is also as environmentally friendly as the train. You can read more about this in our blog article about long-distance bus destinations in Europe.

Sustainable because: Traveling by train and bus is the most environmentally friendly choice. Buses are usually the cheapest, but trains can also be quite inexpensive (if you book well in advance). However, we understand if you don’t want to (or can’t) rely on trains and prefer to travel by car. However, you can still apply the slow travel principle 😉

 
Where and how do I want to stay?

We know where we want to go, when we want to travel, and how we want to get there. The only thing we don’t have is a place to stay. For travelers on a budget, there are many options, from couchsurfing, housesitting and wwoofing to hostels or hotels. It all depends on your personal preferences, expectations and time constraints. Since we know hotels best, we’ll focus on that.

As always, the best time to book is early! Some hotels even offer discounts if you book early! Check out the deals and packages the hotels have available and ideally choose a room with a small kitchenette or opt for an apartment or house with a kitchen so you can cook for yourself. You can often get special rates for longer stays. When in doubt, it is always worth asking the hotel directly (and booking anyway).

Sustainable accommodation for less than 100 euros

Sustainable accommodations are available for almost every budget. Even in the heart of Paris, Green Spirit Hotels offer private rooms and organic breakfasts without breaking the bank. You can also find cozy, family-friendly accommodations at the APIPURA hotel rinner on the Ritten in South Tyrol, where rooms start at €89.00 (including half-board).

Sustainable because: You know us: we firmly believe that choosing sustainable accommodations (along with how you get there) is at the heart of sustainable travel. Whether it’s budget, luxury or anything in between.

What do I really want to experience?

To avoid tourist traps, long lines, or worse, missing out on your personal must-do or must-see, we recommend thinking about it in advance and building it into your budget planning. You can often book time slots for attractions or museums in advance and even get online discounts! (Some museums and similar places now even require you to do this!) You can also check out tourist passes from home and see if they are worthwhile for you, and you can compare tour providers if you want to take a particular tour. Of course, this does not apply to everything, as there are bound to be a number of (local) operators who are not represented on the Internet. Keep this in mind and find a good balance between planning and booking in advance and being spontaneous when you get there.

Sustainable because: Research the area around your destination in advance. This will help you learn when certain attractions are packed so you can avoid those times. You may also find an insider tip or two for local restaurants or tour operators that you would not have found otherwise, and you will generally get a feel for your destination. You’ll also be less likely to be tempted into unsustainable activities once you get there. After all, you have a plan – one that you can and should be flexible with 🙂

Sustainable travel “on a budget” is not complicated

Budget travel in general, and sustainable budget travel in particular, requires a higher level of planning than if you were going on a spur-of-the-moment adventure. In most cases – don’t get us wrong!

With all the planning, there is only one thing to remember: Have fun! Don’t just look at your budget once you get there; stay spontaneous and open to opportunities to experience your vacation spot or destination authentically. You can lay the groundwork for this with sustainable budget travel planning.

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Awareness of sustainable living continues to grow. And that has implications for weddings, honeymoons and honey getaways. Here are practical tips on how to minimize your carbon footprint on your romantic getaway. You will also learn about romantic and sustainable accommodations that will make your honeymoon unforgettable.

Fun fact: While people have been getting married for centuries and you can find different wedding traditions and customs around the world, the honeymoon is not so old. The post-wedding trip originated in England in the 19th century. Wealthy middle-class couples traveled after their wedding to visit various relatives. This is no longer the case. On the contrary, most newlyweds want to spend some time alone (away from their relatives) after the hustle and bustle of the wedding. How you do this is entirely up to you – there are no dos and don’ts! 🙂 .

How to plan a sustainable honeymoon

Depending on how you travel and how far you go, getting to your honeymoon can consume your entire annual carbon budget.

According to Atmosfair, everyone has a personal “climate budget” of 1,500 kilograms of CO2 per year – if the Paris climate goal of 1.5 degrees of global warming is to be achieved. A long-haul flight is already passing the budget.

However, some destinations are so far away that we can’t get there by train, and vacation time is limited. But there are still a few ways to make sure you travel sustainably on your honeymoon.

• Select more sustainable means of travel: Be intentional about choosing your mode of transportation, take your time and make the journey to your destination. Maybe you can even make a few stops along the way and experience more. 
• If air travel is the only option, you can offset the CO2 emissions either directly with the airline or a provider like Atmosfair.
• Support local businesses: sustainability is not only aimed at the environment, but also social togetherness. To avoid services in vacation regions from being taken over by corporate and external chains, you should ensure that you buy and consume from local businesses. By supporting the locals, you keep the money in the region and the culture alive.
• Respect for each other: even if your vacation is all about enjoying and relaxing, always be aware of your environment. For example, in some areas’ water is very scarce, which affects the local population. Therefore, be careful with the resources.
• Book sustainable accommodations: Pick accommodations that are sustainably oriented. For example, they use sustainable products, conserve resources and create fair working conditions. Below you will find some recommendations. 

The best places for an unforgettable (and eco-friendly) honeymoon

Our Green Pearls® partners have great offers for your honeymoon: For example, you can enjoy a romantic break in one of the chalets at ADLER Lodge RITTEN in South Tyrol. In the evening you can sit by the fireplace or use the private sauna. The chalets are located around a natural swimming lake on the edge of the forest and are built of local wood. The special service includes all-inclusive catering with ingredients grown directly on the lodge’s property according to the farm-to-table principle.

Honeymoon offers at ADLER Lodge RITTEN

The sustainable hotel has created two special honeymoon packages for honeymooners staying in a Chalet or Junior Suite:

Honeymoon Deluxe

• 1 bottle of AETOS Brut Rosé (from the Sanoner family winery) and fresh fruit in your room upon arrival
• Romantically decorated room
• 1 “Almglück for two” treatment for couples (90 minutes)
• 2 x 50-minute ADLER Harmony Spa treatments
• Lodge All-Inclusive Package: includes meals (breakfast, lunch and gourmet dinner) and exquisite beverages (juices, aperitifs, wines and cocktails)

per room € 355.00 (offer valid in 2024 in addition to the room rate)

Honeymoon

• 1 bottle of AETOS Brut Rosé – Sanoner Winery and fresh fruit in your room upon arrival
• Romantic bedroom decoration
• 1 “Feel Good Massage for Couples” (50 minutes)
• Lodge all-inclusive arrangement: all drinks and meals included during your stay

260.00 per room (offer valid for 2024 in addition to the accommodation rate)

Wedding Holidays in the Tyrolean Mountains

Another hideaway with a private sauna and fireplace can be found in Tyrol at Summit Lodges Pfunds. The lodges are built in the American log cabin style and are luxuriously furnished. There is a private kitchen and a large balcony with views of the mountains. The area is ideal for hiking and exploring nature. If you are looking for undisturbed togetherness (perhaps with your dog), you are in good hands in the Tyrolean mountains around Pfunds.

Honeymoon in the ‘Love’-Apartment on the croatian island

The Aparthotel The Dreamers Club is located on the island of Korçula in Lumbarda, Croatia. On the second floor you will find the apartment “Love”. From there, you have a fantastic view of the sea. This accommodation is often chosen by wedding couples.

The team creates a particularly evocative atmosphere. “ We serve breakfast in their room or on their private terrace and make sure that everything is very romantic. They almost leave our eco-apartment hotel more in love than when they arrived.” You will definitely have fond memories of your honeymoon here.

Romantic Honeymoon in Italy

For a particularly romantic and intimate honeymoon in Liguria, visit the picturesque village of Borgomaro. The Relais del Maro is an Albergo Diffuso and is spread over several former residential and commercial buildings in the village. This type of hotel has helped save small villages in Italy from decay, and the initiative has paid off in Borgomaro. You can experience authentic Italian village life surrounded by olive groves, lemon trees and waterfalls. The Mediterranean coast is also not far away.

If you let the hotel know in advance, the team will prepare a cinematic love nest for you. Candles, bouquets, a romantic dinner, flower petals – the works. The team will even give you a bottle of wine for the special occasion – and at the Relais del Maro they are always carefully selected.

Honeymoon in the royal Allgäu panorama

A real honeymoon pro is the Hotel Das Rübezahl with the nickname “Romantic Hideaway & Spa”. Located in Füssen, the hotel overlooks the fairytale castles of Neu Schwanstein and Hohenschwangau. The sustainable hotel has many surprises in store for your honeymoon – for example, you can have your room romantically decorated with a heart of rose petals on the bed while you dine in the restaurant. Make love locks with your names on them, take a carriage ride, or hike through the Allgäu mountains while the hotel’s good fairies prepare a private picnic for you. Or pamper yourselves at the spa and simply enjoy your time together.

Sustainable Honeymoon in Paris

What would a honeymoon guide be without the city of love? Walks along the Seine, selfies in front of the Eiffel Tower, and a portrait of you painted by the street artists on the Place du Tertre as a souvenir. If this is your idea of a honeymoon, there are many ways to make your trip eco-friendly. For starters, you can get to Paris by train from almost anywhere, and it’s also the best and easiest way to get around the city without a car. In addition, the Green Spirit Hotels offer eco-friendly accommodations. The three hotels are located in the 7th arrondissement, within walking distance of all the sights, and are individually decorated. And they are affordable for honeymooners on a budget!

Honeymoon in Thailand

If Thailand is a long distance trip for you, it is obviously less sustainable than a vacation in the region. However, we still believe in traveling to distant destinations for international exchange and to spread the wealth. (Read more about this in our article: Are we still allowed to fly?)

Keemala in Phuket, Thailand is not only a wonderful place for your honeymoon, you can even get married or celebrate your anniversary here. The various cottages and villas of this green wonderland in the middle of the tropical jungle offer you plenty of privacy and the perfect opportunity to enjoy your togetherness in a special ambience.

Make yourself comfortable or explore the surroundings

With a sumptuous menu in the villas, a private pool and spa facilities, there’s really no reason to leave the house. And if you like, you can take a walk in the enchanting forest or visit one of the nearby beaches. Keemala’s honeymoon package includes romantic nightly room service, as well as a bottle of sparkling wine and a couple’s spa treatment.

So many great options! We’re curious: what are you planning? Or, where did you spend your honeymoon and what tips do you have?

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