Global warming is causing the glacier retreat 

Winter is supposed to be over in April. But not in the high Alps above 3,000 meters: There is often snow as late as May, and the “eternal ice” of the glaciers lasts well into the summer. But the glaciers are not eternal. There’s a steady glacier retreat. This means the ice fields formed by melting are getting smaller and smaller.

Over 8000-year-old larch tree found in glacier forefield

A few years ago (2015), Fabienne Anthamatten from our Green PearlsⓇ partner, the Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt, made an interesting discovery. She found the trunk of a larch tree. As the hotel owner has long been interested in old wood, she immediately realized that this trunk must be very old. What’s more, there are currently no trees anywhere near the site on the Gorner Glacier tongue. So, she contacted ETH Zurich to determine the age of the larch. Lo and behold, the tree grew here about 8,370 years ago!

The fact that it has only been found now is because the wood was preserved in the ice of the Gorner Glacier – until it continued to shrink, revealing things that had been hidden for thousands of years. The Gorner Glacier reached its peak in the 19th century. It has been shrinking ever since.

A brief foray into global warming

Our planet has been in a warm period for about 10,000 years, following an ice age that lasted about 100,000 years. During this time, most of the northern hemisphere was covered by glaciers. Those that you can (still) see today are the last remnants of this ice age.

Scientists are still speculating about what exactly triggered the climate change at that time. According to the German Ministry of Education and Research’s World of Physics, a warming of the water in the southern hemisphere may have been responsible. As it warmed, it released more and more carbon dioxide, which accumulated in the atmosphere and caused further heating, leading to the retreat of the glaciers. So even then, carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, was playing a major role in global warming.

The man-made greenhouse effect

With industrialization, which began around 1800/1850 (imagine that – only about 200 years ago!), greenhouse gas emissions have increased enormously. According to the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, this is mainly due to:

• Deforestation
• Burning coal, gas, and oil to produce energy
• Factory farming of animals

For glaciers, the Paris climate agreement came too late

According to calculations by the German Federal Environment Agency, the Earth’s surface temperature has warmed by 1.3°C between 1880 and 2023 (i.e. from industrialization to the present). In 2015, an agreement was reached at the Paris Climate Conference that requires all countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. The goal is to keep global warming below 2°C and, if possible, to stop it at 1.5°C.

However, this goal already seems unlikely, almost impossible. And even if there is “only” a 1.5°C rise in global temperatures, according to the head of the Swiss Glacier Monitoring Institute, Matthias Huss, this means that by the year 2100 (your children may live to see it) only 200 to 300 glaciers will be left of the current 1400. (In 1973, Switzerland still had 2150 glaciers. More than half of them have disappeared since 1930).

The importance of glacier retreat is demonstrated by the fact that the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climatic Change) has ranked glaciers as the most important climate indicator.

What are the consequences of glacier retreat?

• Water scarcity: Glaciers are the largest freshwater reservoirs on Earth. They currently store about 70% of the world’s freshwater and feed many of the lakes and rivers from which we draw our drinking water.
• Sea level rise: The melted water ends up in the oceans. This not only makes it 1) salty (and therefore unusable as drinking water), but also 2) leads to sea level rise, and therefore 3) the disappearance of islands and coastal areas.

Glacier friendly travel

Now that we’ve brushed up our knowledge, maybe you’ll get the urge to visit these special ice sheets – before they disappear completely… And, of course, in the most climate-friendly way possible (which, as we have learned, means glacier-friendly)

The best way to reduce your carbon footprint is to travel by train or bus. Either way, you can easily reach the car-free village of Zermatt.

An excursion to the Gorner Glacier near Zermatt

The Gorner Glacier is the second largest glacier in the Alps and is (still) 12.9 kilometers long. It is especially interesting because of its location in the middle of the famous four-thousanders of the Monte Rosa massif.

From Zermatt, the Gornergrat Railway takes 35 minutes and offers a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the Matterhorn, Liskamm and Monte Rosa Group. You can even see the Gorner Glacier and the Grenz Glacier merge into a single sheet of ice.

Accompanied by a mountain guide, you can cross the Gorner Glacier on your way to the Monte Rosa Hut. As an alternative, the Gornergrat Railway recommends a hike from the Hohtälli ridge down to the glacier.

Glacier Palace

The Glacier Palace is an experience in itself. Here you descend 15 meters into the glacier and find yourself in the middle of a wondrous ice world with ice banks and ice sculptures regularly created and maintained by ice artists. There is also an ice slide for children.

Sustainable accommodation in Zermatt

We recommend the Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt. Here you can see Fabienne Anthamatten’s 8,000-year-old larch tree on display in the spa area. The family-run hotel has a cozy atmosphere with a fireplace in the lobby, a Swiss stone pine spa and a terrace with views of the Matterhorn. Breakfast, lunch snacks, afternoon cakes and dinner are all organic. Instead of exotic ingredients flown in from overseas, you will find local Swiss produce.

By the way, if you arrive by train, you can look forward to first class seats from Visp to Zermatt 😉 The hotel will upgrade you from second to first class so you can relax on the train!

Another place we recommend is the CERVO Mountain Resort. The resort consists of several wooden buildings, 3 restaurants, a pool, a wellness area, a climbing wall and a gym. Everything has a natural and unique style that has won several design awards. If you wish, you can also book a CO2-compensated stay. The amount you pay to MyClimate will be matched by CERVO.

Glacier adventure tour in summer with crampons and climbing harness

If you want to try a real adventure tour on the ice this summer, there is one on the Swiss Fee Glacier above Saasfee. The glacier adventure tour takes around 3 to 4 hours, and you climb secured to the rope of the mountain guide. In Saas Fee itself, the Waldhotel Fletschhorn awaits you as sustainable accommodation. It is known for its superb cuisine, and its commitment to sustainability.

Researchers expect ice mummies

Ice mummies are even more spectacular than old wood. Discovered in 1991, Ötzi was more than 5,000 years old and reveals a lot about life back then. It was not until 2022 that a new study on Ötzi was published, this time by glaciologists at the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW). “In 1991, the world looked very different from a glaciologist’s point of view. There was only one year with extremely strong melting up to the summit regions. Today, this has become normal,” study author Andrea Fischer was quoted as saying by the Austrian newspaper Kurier. The researcher believes that because of the glacier retreat more ice mummies will be discovered soon. The important thing is to find them in time, which is why potential sites are already being monitored.

The original Ötzi is kept in the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano. You can also visit the Ötzi site in the Ötztal Valley near Sölden at an altitude of 3,200 meters above sea level. LENI MOUNTAIN Apartments & Chalet is located just above the center of Sölden, where you can relax after your excursions. Also in Sölden, the apartments at The Peak Sölden offer cozy accommodation close to hiking trails, cycling routes, and ski slopes. It’s also not far from the glacier. It’s also not far from here to the glacier. Just follow the Ötztal Glacier Road (there is also a bus service) and drive about 20 minutes to the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach Glaciers. Keep your eyes open – who knows what you’ll find …

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One of the easiest ways to make your life more sustainable often starts in the bathroom. There are now so many great alternatives for shampoo, shower gel, make-up and the like that you’ll hardly notice the change!

The environment, however, does notice – and so does your body! According to statistics, the average person uses 10 different cosmetic products every day. And thus, has the potential to ingest up to 130 toxins! These include silicones, parabens, microplastics and fragrances, to name just a few. None of these substances are acutely life-threatening, but in the long term, both the environment and humans can suffer. Natural cosmetics do not contain any of these problematic ingredients.

Natural cosmetics can help to improve your skin and hair, many people can have reactions or irritations to some of the ingredients in conventional cosmetic products. Fragrances in particular can cause redness, blemishes and swelling. Many of these issues can be solved by switching to natural cosmetics.

How to recognize good natural cosmetics

Although animal testing for cosmetics is banned in the EU, this does not apply to chemical ingredients. These are not only used in cosmetics, but also in other products such as cleaning agents or medicines. With certified natural cosmetics, consumers can usually be sure that no animals had to suffer for the product. The various certifications have cut-off dates for this: for the BDIH seal, for example, no raw materials are allowed that were tested on animals after 1 January 1998. The well-known bunny logo with the protective hand even applies to the period from 1979.

You can also use barcode scanner apps such as Toxfox and Codecheck to find out how much nature is really in your natural cosmetics. Or, you can simply use one the cosmetics lines from one of our Green Pearls® partners.

Natural cosmetics from and in sustainable hotels and where to get them

Traditional natural cosmetics

Bali has its own beauty secrets to share with the world. However, one of the most important pieces of advice from the Indonesian island is: moisture keeps you young! Both internally, by drinking plenty of water, and externally, by making use of nourishing creams. The Puri Dajuma team reveals that in Bali, this includes recipes that have been passed down through generations.

Puri Dajuma’s skincare collection is based on essential oils and 100% natural ingredients such as coconut oil, jungle honey, lemon, cucumber and banana. You can try these out directly at the Dajuma, specifically at the Lola Spa. There you can enjoy head massages, a cream face massage or a hair mask.

Holistic care according to Ayurvedic teachings

In the Mountain Ashram Spa of the CERVO Mountain Resort in Zermatt guests can enjoy a specially developed natural, vegan, animal-free cosmetics line. The products are inspired by Ayurvedic medicine and have a calming, energising or detoxifying effect. The cosmetics and oils are an ideal match for the holistic treatment approach of the Mountain Ashram Spa.

With the ‘Alpine Woman Apricot Sensation’ for women and the ‘Pioneer Man Alpine Herbs’ for men, CERVO has launched its own collection of cosmetic lines. In addition, there are other series such as the moisturizing ‘Aloe Vera ‘, or the ‘Flow and Ayurveda Massage Oils’. Other products are also currently being developed.

One of the new signature products is the “Mountain Ashram Detox Body Scrub“, made with natural ingredients from the Swiss mountains: hazelnut oil, pine needles and sage. Allow 5 minutes for application, massaging the body scrub in circular motions from the feet to the heart. This should not only refine your skin texture, but also promote blood circulation.

Regional ingredients for natural cosmetics in the hotel

In South Tyrol, you can also experience a special natural cosmetics line – that of the ADLER Resorts & Lodges. For the ‘ADLER SPA Aktiv’ line, they use the best ingredients from three different regions of Italy, where the ADLER Resorts & Lodges are located: Plants and flowers from South Tyrol for skin cell protection and regeneration, grapes and thermal water from Tuscany for prevention and nourishing the skin, and algae extracts, citrus fruits and seawater from Sicily for cleansing and detoxification.

Only raw materials from organically controlled cultivation which are free of preservatives and colorants are used for the ADLER cosmetics line. The innovative technology ensures that the raw materials are gently broken down, and the active ingredients can be optimally absorbed into the skin. You can buy the products not only on the spot, but also in the ADLER online store.

South Tyrolean BergSea cosmetic line

In South Tyrol, on the Ritten, the Hotel Weihrerhof has also developed its own cosmetic line using ingredients from the region. The BergSea cosmetics line is certified organic and packaged in recycled PET. The basis of the skin care line is the water of the Wolfsgruben Lake. Located at 1,200 meters above sea level, Lake Wolfsgruben is one of the cleanest bathing lakes in Italy. There are also other ingredients from the Ritten, such as Swiss stone pine and hay. The products can be purchased from the hotel’s online shop for as little as 19 euros.

What natural cosmetics do sustainable hotels use?

Of course, not all of our Green PearlsⓇ partners have developed their own line of cosmetics. That’s why we also asked them what natural cosmetics they use – both for spa treatments and for you as a guest in your hotel room. Here are some of the brands our partners recommend:

TEAM DR. JOSEPH

Several of our partners rely on certified natural cosmetics from Team Dr. Joseph. The brand has been around since 1986 and is produced in Italy (South Tyrol). Team Dr. Joseph is vegan, cruelty-free and produced and packaged climate- and plastic-free. The natural cosmetics are also designed for holistic treatment. In addition to consumer products, the brand also has a partner program for hotels and spas.

Team Dr. Joseph natural cosmetics can be found at the sustainable Hotel My Arbor, also in South Tyrol (on the Plose near Brixen), and in Germany at the romantic Hotel Das Rübezahl in the Allgäu and at STURM in the foothills of the Rhön.

“Team Dr. Joseph is characterized by outstanding quality and delivers excellent results. The active ingredients include local trees, which suits us very well” – My Arbor (The hotel is built on stilts in the middle of the forest).

Phamos Nature

Hotel My Arbor also uses certified natural cosmetics Phamos Natur in the spa. The founder of the German company, Margot Esser, was involved in a car accident in the USA in the 1980s and suffered severe burns to her face and upper body. She was taken to a shamanic natural healing clinic where she was treated with Aloe Vera. The beneficial treatment and convincing effect led her to develop her own Aloe Vera products – and she has been doing so very successfully for over 35 years.

The Aloe Vera plants are grown in a sustainable mixed culture in Ecuador. Following the wisdom of the Mayan farmers, Phamos Natur ensures that “all plants want to grow together in families”.

Walde Organic Soap

At Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld, Austria, you will find Walde’s organic lavender liquid soap in every room. Walde is the oldest soap factory in Austria, with almost 250 years of history. Although the soap is not certified as a natural cosmetic, there is an organic line where all ingredients are organically grown.

Doctor Eckstein

The Birkenhof ***** Spa & Genussresort in the Upper Palatinate Lake District uses the indie brand Doctor Eckstein. The entire product line is based on nature and is produced in Germany. However, they are not certified natural cosmetics.

Is natural always better?

You may have guessed from our last two examples that we are cautious about this. As with food, it may be that smaller companies or start-ups cannot (yet) afford certification. For us, this simply means: read the ingredients (yes, we know how difficult it is with cosmetics!), look at the company website and if you have any doubts, ask critically. If the company is truly and honestly committed to sustainability, they will be happy to answer your questions!

What do you look for when choosing your cosmetics? And do you have any tips for sustainable beauty lines?

What do you look for in your cosmetics? Would you try a hotel’s collection? Let us know!

Continue Reading: How beauty care and environment are related

Continue Reading: Organic, plastic-free and zero-waste: What makes cosmetics sustainable?

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How do you explain the term “sustainability” to children?

At first glance, the answer to our title question seems complicated. After all, the topic is already difficult for us adults to grasp. Moreover, we confront our children with a world that in reality does not resemble the colorful children’s books and from which we want to protect the little ones as long as possible.

Nonetheless, we think it’s important to explain sustainability and give you a little incentive here. To put it simply, what sustainability means above all is that we should think about the future in everything we do. That was many hundreds of years ago when it was first used to describe not cutting down more trees than were growing back. However, today it also means much more, such as ensuring that our consumption of resources (food, raw materials) happens harmonizing with nature, that people are paid fairly and can work safely, and that we think about all the people, animals, and plants in the world, not just those on our doorstep.

Seven ideas for teaching kids about sustainable practices

Ready to dive into the topic with your kids? Well, we’ve collected five ideas for doing just that. They show that even small changes can have a big impact and raise awareness for looking at the world with open eyes. And best of all, many of them are easy to implement on vacation.

Sustainability at home

Where does your food come from?

When shopping for groceries, you can talk to your kids about where the food comes from. Long transport routes by truck or plane mean higher CO2 pollution, which is not good for the environment. You can also visit a farm together to learn more about how animals are kept, how vegetables are harvested, and so on. During such visits, children get a good sense of the fact that we as humans are dependent on farmers.

Of course, during the visit, you should also not hide the fact that the cute little calves or chicks will probably end up on the plate. Because that is also reality and sustainability. At the same time, it clarifies it that we have to treat the animals well, after all, they contribute to the fact that we have something to eat.

Everything to do with insects and bees is also a great introductory topic. Because without them, nothing or very little would grow in our country.

Second Hand is cool

Many clothing and toy production facilities are located in low-wage countries. That means that the people who make the things earn very little and often have to work under poor conditions.  That’s the only reason we can buy cheap T-shirts here.

If you explain this to your children, then maybe it doesn’t have to be a new shirt after all, if the old ones still fit. And it helps to explain that second-hand (or the older sibling’s old clothes) is actually totally cool.

 The same rule applies to toys.If something is no longer being used, you could give it to a friend or neighbor, or you could sell it at the next neighborhood flea market.

The garbage game

You can take a playful approach to the topic of waste separation. First, you explain which material belongs in which garbage can. In everyday life, you can then make an ongoing puzzle out of it: Whenever something is thrown away, you can ask the children in which bin they would sort the waste. With your kids, you can also consider which items in the home are made of plastic and whether you can replace some with an alternative. Shopping at the unpacking store is also a great way to pick up on the topic of (plastic) waste.

Environmentally friendly to daycare and school

Usually,children know from a very early age that car exhaust pollutes the environment. Including them in your own decisions about why you take the car for some journeys and the bike or public transport for others can raise awareness of the issue even more.

Walking to kindergarten or school, for example, is a great way to start a conversation about this. And by the way, you will perceive your immediate surroundings in an entirely different way.

Sustainability with kids on a family vacation

Nature instead of television, carriage instead of car

Vacation time, when there are no appointments on the calendar, is the perfect time for families to teach their children about sustainability. The Hotel Weihrerhof in South Tyrol is perfect for this. It is located in the middle of the Rittner nature on the shore of the Wolfsgrubner Lake. Here, your kids can immerse themselves fully in the natural kingdom while observing various animals, from frogs to dragonflies, or participate in farm afternoons or treasure hunts in the surrounding area via the local tourism association.

Zermatt’s two hotels, Bella Vista and CERVO Mountain Resort, are also happy to welcome you with your children in the midst of the Alps. The Swiss resort is completely car-free. There are carriages and electric vehicles, but you can also reach the village in 5 minutes on foot. Especially if you and your family live in a big city with a lot of car traffic, such a car-free experience is especially formative for children. And maybe for you, too.

Another car-free experience, but with a sea view instead of a mountain panorama, is the North Sea island of Juist. Every summer, the island hosts a children’s university on the theme of “sustainable living,” where children learn about the climate and climate change. And they do so vividly with experiments.

Get out and experience

The most valuable experiences children have  been when they are out in nature and can feel and touch it. Because then they (and we) become aware of how valuable it is. At The Dreamer’s Club hotel on the Croatian island of Korcula, your kids can freely explore the garden with all its trees, plants, and insects. In addition, a small playground and a trampoline, guests are ready to romp.

For exploring in natural surroundings, Maslina Resort on the Croatian island of Hvar also offers a 7,000 square meter garden. You can also explore together where the food that ends up on your plates in the evening comes from, 😉 The hotel’s Kids Club also regularly offers activities that address the issue of sustainability.

To explore the islands without having to get into the car, you can rent bikes for you and your family in both hotels and make emission-free and sustainable excursions.

Children at the center

Brightly colored rooms and a family atmosphere make Eco Park Hotel Azalea a true sustainable family retreat. Guided children’s hikes in Val di Fiemme, children’s meditations or simply exuberant indoor and outdoor play: your kids are busy, and you can relax. At the end of the day, they will proudly tell you what they have experienced and learned.

By the way, the rooms at Azalea are named after flowers and even color-coordinated with the respective blossom. So, automatically you’ll all learn something new, and maybe you’ll rediscover the blossoms as a delicious detail on your plates at the vegetarian dinner 😉

The Naturhotel Outside is located in the middle of the Hohe Tauern National Park and thus offers an entirely different impression of the spectacular mountain world. Through the cooperation with the National Park Office, you can offer your children a profound insight into the Alps with its exceptional flora and fauna. For example, at the Forest-Wilderness Camp (two days) or with the Junior Rangers, who get to know the work of the National Park Rangers over several days.

Nature up close

At Hotel Klosterbräu, your kids can experience nature firsthand. In the daily Kids Club, for example, they make lavender syrup from their own lavender, which they will be proud to present to you in the evening. During the “witch hunt” over the parish hill, the children discover various hiding places and learn in passing what a great playground nature is. Crafting with natural materials also teaches appreciation for our environment. But an absolute highlight for young and old is the visit to Sigi’s pigsty, the farm and vegetarian farm that belong to the hotel. The rabbits, goats, donkeys and ponies make not only children’s hearts beat faster. Promised 😉

Still feel like sustainability is a difficult topic for kids? No? Excellent! Then together, let’s show our kids a sustainable way to interact with our world in a fun, creative way. So, they and their children and grandchildren can live on our beautiful earth for a long time to come!

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1.    To eat together

Many people here in Germany celebrate New Year’s Eve in a get-together with family and friends. You too? Then the classics for the meal are not surprising: finger food, raclette or other ways to sit together at the table and eat without someone having to get up all the time.

Looking to try something a little different this year without sacrificing socializing? If so, these summer rolls from luxury Thai hotel Keemala might be something. Each guest wraps their favorite ingredients inside rice paper and lettuce, and enjoys them with a variety of dips and soy sauce. You only have to prepare the different, mostly raw ingredients, which can easily be put on the table in small bowls. Anything is allowed: vegetables of all kinds, fried tofu, glass noodles, rice, … Get creative!

2.    For dipping

Finger foods and New Year’s Eve simply belong together. However, if you’re looking to add a little variety to the table this year, this Hummus with a Twist might be the one for you. At CERVO Mountain Resort, they’ve added sweet potato to the chickpea purée to create a unique flavor experience. So don’t be surprised if this hummus is the first to run out.

3.    For snacking

Speaking of snacking, anything you can eat in one bite, or two at the most, is perfect for New Year’s Eve. To achieve this, you can simply make everything you would normally prepare in “big” a few sizes smaller. Waffle batter is dropped into the waffle iron as small blobs, so you end up with mini waffles. You can serve risotto in little glasses with pretty decorations, as well as pancakes.  You could also bake mini muffins or cut the zucchini cake into smaller pieces than usual.  Skewers are a great snack. And for achieving creative preparation.

Sustainability tip: Use skewers that can be washed and used again, or ones that easily break down in a compost pile.

4.    For dining

Finger food is not your cup of tea and just eating small bites all evening doesn’t sound so great either? Then how about a fine dining experience? If you need some menu inspiration, take a look at this 8-course garden menu from Maldivian Gili Lankanfushi. If instead you’re just looking for a main course or a nudge in one direction, here we have Thai-interpreted pasta. Definitely something out of the ordinary for the last night of the year.

5.    To toast

The two recipes for a non-alcoholic and an alcoholic San Francesco were created by the SAND hotel.

In this article, you will find several inspirations for unusual cocktails and drinks. Tell us your favorite in the comments. 😉

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Whatever is written on it must also be in it 

Since 1993, the terms “bio” and “öko” are protected by law. If the requirements are met, they can be used for advertising and declaring food products. The regulations are specified in the Basic EC Organic Regulation, so the regulation could also be called the basic law for the organic sector. It was updated only this year in January 2022. Biological products have to and are always allowed to be marked with an organic seal. This helps consumers find more sustainable products. Good to know: Terms like untreated and from controlled cultivation are unprotected, and do not indicate an organic origin of food. When shopping, therefore, look specifically for items marked with certified organic seals for more sustainability in everyday life.

Which seals are there? The top three at a glance!

There are quite a few seals, all based on different criteria and awarded by different companies and organizations. Don’t worry, we’re not going to dive into that jungle. We’ll show you the largest and most respected organic seals that you can rely on with a clear conscience.

EU Organic Seal

EU Organic Seal is awarded by the European Union and is meant to identify organic products produced in the EU in a standardized way. An explicit authorized body checks the products and subsequently issues the seal. EU-Bio certification focuses on the promotion of organic and ecological agriculture.

Selected requirements for the EU-Bio seal

• At least 95% of the product has to be made of organic ingredients. For the remaining 5%, strict requirements apply.
• Renunciation of chemical-synthetic pesticides and fertilizers
• An animal-friendly husbandry with daylight and opportunities for exercise
• A ban on genetic engineering
• A low use of additives

Bioland

Bioland Verband für organisch-biologischen Landbau e. V. is Germany’s leading organic farming association. The association focuses on species-appropriate animal husbandry, regionality, resource efficiency in raw materials and recycling management.

Selected requirements for the Bioland seal:

• 100 percent organic feed for the animals, at least 50 percent of which comes from the company’s own farm or from a regional cooperative.
• Generous specifications for grazing areas
• Entire farm converted to organic (i.e. both animal husbandry and arable farming must meet Bioland standards. One cannot have only one certified).

Demeter

The Demeter e. V. is the oldest (founded in 1924) and most strict organic label and focuses, for instance, already on the highest quality of the animals’ food. This democratically organized association places the focus on consistent circular economy, which goes far beyond the requirements of EU regulations when it comes to animal welfare and food processing.

Selected requirements for the Demeter seal:

• At least 50% of the feed must be organic and at least 2/3 of the feed must be of Demeter quality.
• Antibiotics may only be used in animal husbandry in case of emergency
• No painful dehorning of cows
• No chemical fertilizers and only a few pesticides allowed, fertilizer amounts are limited
• Own varieties (cereals, poultry, vegetables), for cereals only seed-proof varieties and no hybrid seeds or seeds with cell fusion technology may be used
• Only essential additives are allowed in processing, so-called flavor extracts, no natural flavors such as iodization or nitrite curing salt (in the organic EU regulation this is still allowed)

Tips on how to buy organic from the certified Green Pearls® Hotels

The Green Pearls® Partners are ahead of the game when it comes to organic purchasing and certified organic cuisine, and their success proves them right. However, not only do they use their knowledge of organic labels, but the hotels also buy regionally and seasonally to conserve resources. In this way, they contribute to a good and respectful treatment of our earth and perhaps inspire you for your next (certified organic) weekly  shopping experience.

Short distances—regional products

For some purchases, you (and the product) don’t have to travel long distances. Regional is the keyword. Many of our partners use products, but also equipment or services, from a maximum radius of 150 kilometers. Sharing regional specialties with guests and thus strengthening the region is a goal that the CERVO Mountain Resort in Zermatt and also the Bioland-certified Biohotel Sturm in the Rhön Mountains are pursuing. For you, this means an authentic experience and, by the way, you protect the environment and resources. But not only that, with short transport routes, more vitamins and minerals remain in fresh food. At Biohotel Sturm, some products have no transport route. A permanent gardener takes care of seasonal salads, vegetables, herbs and co. in the hotel garden, which go directly from there to the kitchen. This means more nutrients and, of course, more flavor on the guests’ plates.

A tip for private shopping from Biohotel Sturm: If you value high-quality products in their organic form, buy them from the farmer next door or at the weekly market. There are tips on how to prepare and store food.

Organic values even in honey

The HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio in the Allgäu, the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA and the APIPURA hotel rinner in South Tyrol are also Bioland certified hotels and share the values of the association. The APIPURA hotel rinner also operates an organic apiary with ecological beekeeping. This is the basis for the golden yellow honey, which is filled into the honey jar without the use of chemical bee medications and residues from pesticides, but with a wide variety of healthy ingredients. Another organic and Demeter-certified green pearl is the Landgut Stober in Havelland near Berlin. The team in the kitchen attaches great importance to regional and market-fresh organic products, which guests can enjoy, for example, at the rich breakfast buffet.

EU-Bio seal criteria in practice

One of the EU-Bio Siegel certified Green Pearls® Hotels, Gut Nisdorf at the Baltic Sea focuses on sustainable and resource-saving cuisine with the highest organic quality: 100% certified organic food and beverages, fish and game from hunters in the region, a veggie day once a week. The Bioseehotel Zeulenroda is also certified organic by the EU, and you will receive daily fresh baked goods from the organic bakery and meat products from the organic butchery.

Slow Food  

CERVO Mountain Resort and the Biohotel Sturm have affiliated with Slow Food Germany. Founded in 1992, the movement’s focus is on designing food in a way that promotes climate and health, takes animal welfare into account, and maintains biodiversity. Slow Food is active at national and European level with campaigns and projects. The movement works with millions of people to promote good, clean, and fair food.

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It seems like organic certifications are confusing and overwhelming. However, it’s mostly common sense that ensures we eat more sustainably. At home and at vacation.

Which aspects of the topic particularly resonated with you? Do you take inspiration for your daily life? Please don’t hesitate to leave us your tips for organic or sustainable shopping in the comments, too!

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Among the most important things include seasonality, regionality, and reducing animal ingredients. Also paying attention to where our food comes from, whether it is organic and what transportation routes it takes is part of it. By the way, reducing animal products doesn’t just mean consuming less meat, but buying less animal foods overall, such as milk, eggs, and cheese. In this way, everyone contributes to more climate protection.

Facts about food waste

Did you also know that Germans produce 82 kg of food waste per year and for each person? In other words, every eighth piece of food ends up in the garbage can. Worldwide, about one-third of all food is thrown away. This is alarming, and especially in the current situation with the global shortage of grain and other foodstuffs due to the war in Ukraine, we are challenged to act differently. This is also an important issue when traveling. We asked our green pearls what is typical of their region, how they buy and cook, and what they don’t want to do without.

Local food with own label “Adler Regional Partner

The hosts at the ADLER Lodge in Ritten are keen to introduce their guests to the uniqueness of South Tyrol, also from a culinary perspective. All the products are solely regional and are manufactured according to ecological principles. The ADLER Lodge labels products from the region with its own “Adler Regional Partner” seal. One such partner is Harald Gasser, who, high above the Eisack Valley, has breathed new life into more than 400 already almost forgotten vegetable varieties. Thus, on the ADLER’s menu you will find, among other things, primeval carrots, radishes as you surely don’t know them or lucky clover.

Together with the kitchen team and the cheese dairy Hof zu Fall (Siusi) the natural and aromatic mountain cheese has been developed. Milk for it is provided by the typical South Tyrolean gray cows, which of course graze on the neighboring lush meadows beneath the Sciliar. The organic wheat and spelled for the homemade bread and delicious croissants grow directly in the Val d’Orcia about five minutes from the ADLER Thermae and are traditionally ground in the artisan stone mill Mulino d’Orcia. Among Tuscan guests, the bread now enjoys a legendary reputation.

The hosts of ADLER Lodge RITTEN are committed to supporting small and medium-sized producers who rely on organic farming. The excellent products that are allowed to bear the quality seal also include different types of fruit as well as crunchy cabbage vegetables from Val Venosta (VI.P Coop), ADLER tea blends from organic herb cultivation (Pflegerhof), but also meat from Wagyu cattle (Oberweidacherhof). There are also 100% products from Tuscany such as organic honey varieties, ancient and revitalized cereals and legumes. Also on the menu are the rare and environmentally friendly planted chickpeas, as well as cheeses and meats. And not to forget: the wines, the extra virgin olive oil and the aromatic Agrodolce vinegar from their own tenuta. The hosts personally know all the producers, and a lively exchange guarantees many thrilling new developments.

Recommendations/recipe tips from chef Hannes Pignater

Hannes has picked out two regional products with suitable recipes for you to try:

Juniper: In my opinion, juniper provides an aroma which best represents the taste of our forests and mountains. It grows wild, the berries are used to flavor broths, sauces and marinades, the branches are used for smoking. The ripening period of the berries is three years.

My recipe for juniper salt:

• 200 g salt
• 2 tablespoons of juniper berries
• Mountain thyme to taste

Heat the thyme of a pan and brown it slightly, then add it to the salt and juniper and puree everything in a blender.

Spread the flavored salt on a baking sheet and let it dry for a day.

The salt can be used to season salads, meat or vegetables.

Wild garlic:Wild garlic grows wild near the ruscielli in the spring. It has a strong flavor of cippollina grass and garlic and is great with asparagus, grilled meats and fish or as a pesto for a pasta dish.

My recipe for wild garlic pesto:

• A bunch of wild garlic
• Parmesan cheese
• salt
• pepper
• roasted sunflower seeds
• sunflower oil

Blend everything to obtain a thick and tasty pesto. The dosage should be adjusted to personal taste. If the taste of the wild garlic is too strong, you can mix it with parsley.

We wish you good luck!

 

All the green pearls are united in their emphasis on climate-friendly culinary arts 

The Hotel Das Rübezahl in Schwangau in the Allgäu Vis-à-Vis of the famous Neuschwanstein Castle focuses with its in-house restaurant Gams & Gloria on unique alpine taste experiences. Let yourself be surprised by a twist of international and local cuisine. Dishes such as “Mountain pine dashi kisses Allgäu chamois ham” or even “Alpine herbs meets whitefish sashimi” represent a new and distinctive Alpine cuisine for the host family Thurm—international, surprising and local. The focus of both in house restaurants is on regionality and seasonality.

The kitchen of the HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio stands for regionality of the Allgäu. In addition to the gourmet menu, the guests can select from a classic menu with specialties from the Allgäu region. It features regional classics such as Kässpätzle, Kraft broth and sous vide cooked steaks exclusively from the Allgäu region with a variety of sauces and side dishes.

The Berghotel Rehlegg in Ramsau also focuses on regional foods directly from the producer.

Which regional ingredients should not be missing in your kitchen? And what do you look for when shopping

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The Swabian interpretation of the Andalusian Gazpacho 

The SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA interprets it like this: 
Gazpacho andaluz for 2 Liters Ingredients:

• 300 g cucumbers,
• 1 kg ripe tomatoes
• 300 g green peppers
• 250 g onion slices
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 grated garlic cloves
• 150 g white bread crumbs
• 2 tbsp vinegar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• salt, pepper, sugar,
• 120 g white bread cubes.

Preparation:
Wash and clean the vegetables. Reserve the amount of a heaping tablespoon of each vegetable prepared, diced into the smallest cubes, to use as a garnish. Soak white bread in water. Coarsely chop remaining vegetables. Gently squeeze out soaked bread. Put bread and veggies in a bowl. Include onion slices, garlic and tomato paste. Add vinegar and oil and mix everything. Purée the mixture quite smoothly in a blender. Mix reserved chowder into soup and add salt, pepper and sugar to taste. Cool the gazpacho well. If the soup is too thick after this, you can thin it with cold broth or tomato juice.
To serve, sprinkle small cubes of white bread on top of the soup.
We wish you good luck and bon appétit.

From Bad Herrenalb we travel virtually to Korcula in Croatia to the Eco Aparthotel The Dreamers Club

 

Eco Aparthotel The Dreamers Club – Delicious water with own ingredients

For guests who like flavored water, refreshing filtered water with homemade herbs such as meta and lemon balm and a slice of lemon is provided by the hotel throughout the day. And, for those who love lemonade, there is soda made from freshly squeezed lemons from the hotel’s own garden. 
For breakfast, the hotel serves up a refreshing and super healthy Buddha Bowl which consists of a variety of vegetables such as sweet potatoes, grilled zucchini, fresh spinach, sweet tomatoes, sliced cucumbers as well as local cheeses and much more. There are no limits to your creativity. Maybe you feel like it and write us the best Buddha Bowl recipe. 

Zermatt CERVO Sprizz – Switzerland meets Italy 

CERVO, our green pearl in the heart of Zermatt revealed to us their version of the famous Aperol Spritz. 

Print

CERVO Sprizz (with Bay Leaf & Grapefruit Syrup)

The perfect drink for mild summer evenings with your loved ones. The fruity grapefruit and the tart bay leaf make the CERVO Spritz a very special summer treat.

Course Drinks

Cuisine European

Keyword Drink, regional specialties, Summer

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Steep Time (Syrup) 2 hours hours

Total Time 2 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

Ingredients

For the Grapefruit - Bay Leave - Syrup

• 100 ml water
• 100 g sugar
• 100 ml grapefruit juice
• 2 bay leaves fresh or dried
• 2 cl Angostura bitter

For the CERVO Sprizz

• 4 cl grapefruit - bay leave - syrup
• 2 cl mineral water sparkling
• 10 cl prosecco
• ice cubes
• rosemary sprig and grapefruit slices for decoration

Instructions

Grapefruit - Bay Leave - Syrup

• Boil the water together with the grapefruit juice and sugar.
• Add the bay leaves and Angostura bitter and let it steep for two hours.
• Strain the mixture and let it cool.
• You can keep the syrup up to four weeks in the fridge.

CERVO Sprizz

• Put ice cubes in a wine glass and pour the syrup on top.
• Add mineral water and prosecco.
• Decorate with the rosemary and grapefruit slices.

Another bowl from the Keemala on Phuket Bowl: CHAO NA BOWL

The sustainable resort has its own large garden, from which the kitchen sources the ingredients for the healthy menus. Thai herbs such as basil, chili, galangal, lemongrass and kaffir lime, form the basis of Thai cuisine. Fruits such as mango, rambutan, starfruit, mangosteen, and jackfruit grow in abundance on the grounds, and banana trees bear fruit year-round. Mushrooms are grown in a nondescript straw hut at the entrance to the hydroponic farm. Everything the green heart desires grows in the hotel itself.

CHAO NA Bowl
(Chao Na is a Thai word meaning rice farmers).
Rice with vegetables, crispy anchovies and oyster sauce dressing

Ingredients:

• Rice berry
• Cucumber
• Long beans
• Bell peppers (red, yellow, and green)
• Kidney beans
• Oyster mushroom
• Salted crispy anchovies
• Torch ginger flowers (or other edible flowers)
• White sesame seeds
• Young pepper
• Garlic
• Coconut milk
• Sesame oil
• Fish sauce

Instructions:

• Heat vegetable oil in a wok, sauté garlic and add rice, fish sauce and coconut milk. Transfer to a serving bowl.
• Sauté garlic and add oyster mushrooms, oyster sauce and sesame oil. In a wok Pour the mushrooms over the rice and use the sauce as a dressing
• Dice the bell pepper, cucumber and long beans.Serve the fried rice with diced vegetables, kidney beans, crispy anchovies, roasted ginger flowers, young pepper and fried mushrooms.
• Add mushroom oyster sauce dressing and sprinkle with white sesame seeds and serve.
  

Do you have any more inspiration for us? You are most welcome to write us!

 

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Well, in this blog article, we’d like to take you on a foray through a few of the Green Pearls. Discover together the artists behind the artworks and find out what all this has to do with sustainability.

Artists and Artworks from the region

Rather than display impersonal prints many Green Pearls® partners opt to support the regional art scene which has several positive effects. On one hand, artists have income and exhibition space where people from all over the world can view their work and maybe even take one home. On the other hand, the hotel is decorated with unique works of art that often blend seamlessly into the interior design and architecture. Simultaneously, art brings guests closer to the region, whether it’s paintings, sculptures, or photographs. The Green Pearls® hotels demonstrate what this can look like.

Regional art at the Biohotel Sturm

The Biohotel Sturm features beautiful sculptures by the sculptor Klaus Metz. Simple and elegant, they fit naturally into the overall concept of the hotel and will invariably turn your walk into a discovery tour. Retired artist Klaus Metz and his wife Heike live in the Franconian Rhön region. His studio is less than 50 kilometers away from the hotel and can be visited spontaneously. Perhaps one or the other work of art will even move into your home? The artist regularly participates in various exhibitions. It is well worth visiting them. More information can be found on his website, or you can ask him during your stay at the Biohotel Sturm.

A symbiosis of hotel and artist in the Naturhotel Outside

The paintings on the walls of the Tyrolean Naturhotel Outside catch the “soul” of the region. Hikers on rocky cliffs, mountaineers on crevasses and ski tourers on their way to the summit—the artist Othmar Trost succeeds in stirring up the wanderlust of guests with his paintings. When visiting one of his exhibitions, you will be amazed to discover that he not only knows how to paint almost photorealistic landscapes, but also enjoys occasional excursions into pop art. So, if you have had enough of the Tyrolean mountains for half a day (it is said to happen), you should see if Othmar Trost is currently exhibiting somewhere.

Vegetarian art at the Naturhotel Aufatmen

The Naturhotel Aufatmen in the Leutasch Valley specifically set out to find an artist who can capture their philosophy in pictures. The Hamburg-based artist and blogger Mr. Grün, alias Manfred Zimmer, proved to be the right choice. Using pen and vegetables, Zimmer creates small works of art that regularly delight the guests of the Naturhotel. The sketch-like drawings transform the vegetables into a part of a picture that invites you to look at it for a longer time and smile. A guarantee of good mood in the hallway of the Hotel Aufatmen, and hopefully for you as well when reading this blog. 

Wood and sand in the Bio-Seehotel Zeulenroda

You may have already visited Bio Seehotel Zeulenroda. If you have, you will have noticed the unique Zodiac Path, adorned by twelve wooden sculptures. They were created by different artists during a wood symposium a few years ago. You will surely discover the handwriting of each of them if you take a closer look at the individual works. Again and again there are such artist meetings in the Bio-Seehotel, where they carve, shape, design or, as last time, work with sand together. By the way: Sand was used for the sand sculptures, in which grains interlock through pressure and moisture. If at some point the portrait falls apart, it can be easily reused for the next work.

Flipflop art at the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA

At SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA, the restaurant, and lobby walls are decorated with changing paintings by artist Birgit Eberhardt. Your favorite paintings can even be purchased directly. The hotel’s own shop offers other works by regional and international artists and initiatives. You will find, for example, the hand-painted soul stones by Anke Sandra Kessinger, which are meant to convey harmony of soul to those who look at them. As you browse, you’re sure to notice the accessories and sculptures by the Kenyan artist group Ocean Sole. Using flip-flops collected on beaches, they design sculptures, bracelets, shoes, and yoga blocks while creating jobs for the people of Nairobi, Kenya’s capital.

Art steles as eye-catchers in the room

 Connecting and central elements are the works of art in the Klosterhof in Bayerisch Gmain. Contemporary steles in many rooms catch the eye of those entering the room immediately and act as the center of the room. The bar, restaurant, and lobby are all part of a changing, lively gallery by artist Wolfgang Gerner. Together with the historic walls of the former monastery farmhouse, these modern works create an inspiring atmosphere that is hard to resist.

Other Green Pearls® partners with artist collaborations:

Italy’s Relais del Maro has handmade textiles by Elisabetta Barba from a neighboring town. For several years, the hotel, and the artist have been working together, offering you the opportunity to take home a unique souvenir.

The CERVO Mountain Resort cooperates with women’s cooperatives from Marrakech and offers their works for sale at the “Bazaar”. The special: Like in a real bazaar, you can bargain for the price of the artworks.

Have you ever paid attention to the pictures hanging on the walls or the sculptures lining the lobby of a hotel? If not, you should start now. Maybe your next trip will take you to the artist’s studio.

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The ocean is always a great attraction to people. In our blog post “Why diving can be good for nature”, we already took a closer look at this. But there are also some reasons against an ocean vacation: too far away, too expensive, afraid of marine life, or too crowded.

By traveling off-season, you may save money and prevent crowds, yet the other two points still play a role for one or the other.

Closer destinations are more eco-friendly

In addition, many people have rediscovered their home country after the pandemic and have decided more often to vacation in their country—and there is not always direct access to the sea. Good thing that Europe also has beautiful destinations along lakes and rivers. You definitely do not have to do without a vacation by the water!

An additional advantage: a nearby lake or river in a destination closer to your home allows you to travel by bus or train! That way, you reduce the CO2 footprint further. On a distance of 100 kilometers, an airplane emits about 30 percent more CO2 than a passenger car and over five times as much as a train.

You would rather not commit to just one lake? Then have a look at the Franconian Lake District! There are a total of seven lakes of different dimensions and offerings. A special area for nudists, dog beaches, and the possibility of fishing at some lakes are available. The Seenländer hiking trail leads you around all seven lakes and is 146 kilometers long—which means that an active vacation is guaranteed.

In the middle of the lake country or in the mountains

The Creativhotel Luise is a fantastic starting point for your lake adventure. Near the hotel, for example, is the Dechsendorfer Weiher. Not only are there very nice hiking and biking trails around the lake, you can also rent boats, do stand-up paddling and much more.

Right in the middle of mountains and yet so close to the beach! Just a few minutes away from Zermatt is the village of Täsch with its small Schalisee. An exceptional atmosphere is waiting for you at the shore! The Schali Lago has a summer atmosphere featuring trendy drinks, Mediterranean food and beach feeling.

From popular classics like CERVO Fries with Truffle Oil and Grana Parmesan to the vegetarian Pita Bread and Gelato, everything is available for a pleasant summer afternoon—including the unique alpine panorama in front of the picturesque turquoise shimmering lake water. There is a wake board lift at the lake, where you can of course also water ski or do stand-up paddling. Beach fun guaranteed!

Water sports on lakes

The name already implies the lake: Bio-Seehotel Zeulenroda is located directly at the reservoir, which the locals also like to call the Zeulenroda Sea. A wonderful lido and water sports school are waiting for you.

When you prefer to be more independent in the water: You can rent 2-person and 3-person kayaks, rowing boats, pedal boats and sailboats, or surf and stand-up paddle equipment here.

What would you say about a trip to Lithuania? Waterspouts are also available. For instance, in Kupiskis Lagoon. This is the fourth-largest man-made reservoir in Lithuania. The artificial pond was created in 1984 on an area of 828 ha and 25 km in length through damming the Levuo River. The lagoon with its swimming and recreation areas is a popular resort.

Every year the “Lagoon Regatta”, the national triathlon championships and various festivals are held here. Close by you will find the ROMANTIC Boutique Hotel. A special bonus for history lovers: here you stay in a historic building: the first mechanical mill in the country was put into operation in 1841. Nowadays, it is included in the list of historical and cultural monuments of the Republic of Lithuania.

Hidden natural lakes in Italy

A sheltered and hidden natural lake where you can enjoy shady places, peace, and clear water in the middle of nature: Sounds like something you’d rather enjoy? Then head to Relais del Maro in Italy! Near the Albergo Diffuso are several lakes: the Borgomaro lakes are easily reached by walking five minutes from the Relais towards Maro Castello on the main road.

The first one, Lake Madonna, is just below the road at the pharmacy. The Mill Lake, on the other hand, is at the end of the village, just under the sign “Laghetti”: from here you just have to walk towards the river.

A huge advantage especially for families with young children: In these two lakes natural slides have been built, allowing even the bravest among you to have unique fun! The lake of Lecchiore is also a must.

One warning beforehand: you cannot access this lake by car. Leave your car in the churchyard of Lecchiore or at the intersection with the Sanctuary of the Madonna dell’Acqua Santa. Continue along the paved road into the woods. Once you reach the end of your path, a small paradise with some waterfalls and fresh, clear water can be found.

For all Game of Thrones fans among you: Emilia Clarke, the actress who plays Daenerys, loves to spend her summer vacation nearby! Namely, at the Rio Carne in Pigna, in the Nervia Valley.

One of the cleanest lakes in Germany

GoT fans should also be enthusiastic about the legend that surrounds our next lake: the Königssee in Bavaria. However, the lake by itself doesn’t give any hint of this bloody legend, instead, it is the epitome of a beautiful and idyllic mountain lake.

It is among the cleanest and loveliest lakes in Germany. Embedded between steep rock faces of the Watzmann, among them the notorious Watzmann East Face, the lake stretches over a length of eight kilometers. Due to its special location between the impressive cliffs and a difference in altitude of 2100 meters from the emerald green surface of the water to the southern and central peaks of the Watzmann, the mountain lake is described as fjord-like.

Close by you will find the Berghotel Rehlegg, right in the middle of the Berchtesgaden National Park. The fairy-tale magic forest at Hintersee is also close to the hotel and lives up to its name. You can best get there by walking up the Ramsauer Ache. The magic forest is located directly at Hintersee and this view is worth every hike, no matter how strenuous—don’t you think?

Clear water and perfect fishing conditions

It, too, is ravishingly beautiful, crystal clear and emerald green: Lake Weissensee. It lies in such tranquility in the midst of the Gailtal Alps that you can’t help but enjoy its serenity. Directly on the shore of the Austrian lake, you will find the gourmet hotel Die Forelle. Lake Weissensee is the highest of the large Carinthian bathing lakes – and famous for its lake trout.

These and other regional delicacies are served in the hotel’s restaurant. There you will gain enough energy to explore the Carinthian mountains the next day again. And at lunchtime, you can relax on the lake shore or do a round on the stand-up paddle. Sounds like a pretty perfect vacation, doesn’t it?

Whether Italy, Austria, Germany, or Lithuania: Wonderful and worth seeing lakes can be found near your home and are great for a sustainable swimming vacation! Where is your favorite lake?

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1. Spending time in the open air relieves stress.
   There is a simple fact, everyone is smiling after returning home from an active adventure—because they are happy! Research indicates that nature walks can reduce stress and increase awareness.
   So, when you are feeling stress from your city life and everyday routine, dive into nature. 

2. Nature lightens the workout load
   If you find it hard to motivate yourself to exercise, go out into the fresh air.
   Furthermore, University of Essex research has shown that exercising is made easier by seeing the color green, such as trees, grass, and other plants in nature.

3. Adventure vacations give you self-confidence.
   Adventurous travel puts you closer to your “inner self.” You will have the opportunity of challenging yourself.
   By the end of the day, you will be able to reflect on your achievements and feel proud of what you have accomplished. Plus, it will challenge your attention and is a great mindfulness exercise.

4. Learn new things.
   Freshen up your communication skills—be it through languages or your non-verbal communication.
   Those will be skills you also take home with you, and will stay all with you long after you return.

5. Seeing inaccessible landscapes.
   Many of the remarkable sceneries on earth do not have a road, so it is on you to get there. This also helps another aspect of sustainable tourism: Avoid mass tourism.

Hiking and biking in the mountains

Our green pearls offer you great opportunities to get active. Especially well suited for such activities are the mountains. The Ötztal valley around Leni Mountain and The Peak, both located in Sölden, is home to one of the best climbing regions in Tyrol. No other valley offers climbing areas and climbing routes as closely together as in the Ötztal. You can live out your urge for the vertical on around 750 routes in 19 climbing gardens. Eight climbing routes and a wealth of multi-pitch routes complement this range of activities in the rocks.

Do you prefer biking? Then you’ll get your money’s worth here, too! In 2015, one of the most challenging bike projects in the Alps launched in the form of the Bikerepublik Sölden. Annually, new routes and trails are added. There are currently around 28 km of nature and single trails and 32 km of trails in Sölden.

If you prefer a more leisurely way to enjoy the beautiful nature of the mountains, then try hiking. Around 250 three-thousand-meter peaks can be found in the Ötztal. But it is not the summit hikes that are interesting! You can also enjoy hut and alpine tours, theme trails, lake hikes, high-altitude trails and alpine tours. All in all, there are around 1,600 kilometers of hiking and mountain trails, routes, paths, and treks which you can explore around the accommodations.

Do you prefer to go higher up? Then why not try Switzerland! Zermatt is located beneath the Matterhorn home to the CERVO Mountain Resort and the Hotel Bella Vista. A lot of the surrounding mountains are more than 4000 meters high. Sport climbing, mountaineering or other adventures: you’ll definitely find what you’re looking for here!

To ensure that you don’t have to worry about your safety, CERVO even provides you with local mountain guides to accompany you on your tours. 

Tours in the Harz Mountains

That’s too high for you? Perhaps you’d prefer to try the beginners’ routes in the Harz mountains first. This German Mountain range with its various routes offers you different degrees of difficulty: the ideal opportunity for climbing for beginners! But professionals won’t get bored here either.

The Steinbachtal climbing area at the Hexentanzplatz provides you with fantastic sights and courses with abseiling and belaying techniques are also available. If you are already experienced, you can visit the more challenging Okertal climbing area in the Upper Harz. You will find many high granite rocks here. You can also climb on parts of the Teufelsmauer (Devil’s Wall), a steeply standing rock stratum made of Heidelberg sandstone near Blankenburg.

A good starting point for adventures in the Harz mountains? Schlosshotel Blankenburg or the Schindelbruch Nature Resort. 

Enough of the mountains? You are more into water sports? The river Inn runs through Pfunds, the home of Summit Lodges. This river is not only known for its special turquoise color, it is also renowned for the rafting tours you can participate in there. The start for various rafting tours is Pfunds, then the end point can be chosen variable depending on experience.

Wassersport und Canyoning

Naturally, you will find special tours for families, beginners or experts, so that none of you will miss out on the fun!

A special experience and the perfect combination of climbing and water is canyoning. You rope yourself on vertical rock faces and dive into crystal-clear pools in the middle of untouched landscape. This combination of various sports, personal challenging and intensive nature experiences is very attractive.

If you are now thinking, sounds excellent, but do you not have something in warmer areas, our next hotel is perfect for you: The Croatian Island of Korčula is home to The Dreamers Club Hotel. The hotel is the best starting point for hiking tours across the island or fun on the water, for example, with a catamaran crossing to Dubrobvnik. 

The hotel is located only 50 meters from the beach. Plus, the Adriatic has some exciting highlights to offer on the water. Go scuba diving, try your hand at stand-up paddling, or surf in Viganj. 

Do you feel like some action now? Hopefully, we were able to provide you with ideas regarding your next exceptional vacation.

You also want to get to know the local fauna during your vacation? Check here to learn what you should look out for: Ethical animal encounters during your vacation

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