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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Can Olympic Games ever be sustainable?

It’s difficult for a mega-event like the Olympic Games to be completely sustainable. Too many resources are consumed, too many people are on the move at the same time, and too much infrastructure is required. However, there are examples that demonstrate it is possible to make significant improvements.

Positive examples from Paris (host of the 2024 Summer Olympics):

• According to the official sustainability report, 98.4% of energy needs were met by grid electricity certified as renewable by premium partner EDF.
• The quality of the Seine’s water has improved, and there are now three monitored bathing areas (if that interests you, we recommend the Hotel Le Pavilion, a small, sustainable boutique hotel with an inner courtyard, centrally located and within walking distance of the Seine).
• The temporary venues were dismantled after the Games.

Digression: Fewer spectators, greater sustainability?

It is interesting to note that the Tokyo Games in 2021 were rated as less sustainable than those in Paris, despite the presence of very few spectators due to the pandemic. Therefore, the arrival of fans is not necessarily the biggest problem. Rather, it depends on how the region, the organizers, and you organize your trip.

Temporary venues and the controversy surrounding the bobsleigh track in Cortina

From an ecological point of view, it makes particular sense to use existing and temporary venues. The Turin 2006 Olympics serve as a warning of what can happen otherwise: many of the sports facilities built for the event are now dilapidated ruins that blight the landscape and have not been reused.

Examples include the bobsleigh and luge track in Cesana Torinese and the ski jumps in Pragelato, which have been empty for years. Former German ski racer and 2005 world champion Felix Neureuther took a look at these ‘lost places’ in Turin for the ARD documentary Felix Neureuther – Spiel mit den Alpen (Felix Neureuther – Playing with the Alps) and was shocked by what he saw.

Here is a YouTube video showing a drone flight over the bobsleigh track that has fallen into disrepair and become a “lost place”:

The controversial bobsled track in Cortina for the 2026 Olympics

Against this backdrop, the construction of the new bobsled and luge track in Cortina sparked heated debate. Rather than renovating the historic 1956 track, it was demolished in 2023 and replaced with a new facility featuring 16 curves and advanced icing technology. Despite resistance from the IOC, which favored existing tracks abroad, the organizers proceeded with construction. The costs tripled, valuable mountain forest was cleared, and the track’s long-term use is questionable.

Critical Voices from South Tyrol

At a panel discussion with South Tyrolean universities, climate researcher Georg Kaser warns: “The Games make it more difficult to reduce emissions in time.” Furthermore, he says, the profits would mainly benefit economic lobbies and the ski industry, even though sustainable, high-quality tourism would be a better long-term solution. Elide Mussner, a municipal representative and co-chair of the Green Party, criticized the decision to pour funds into “yesterday’s winter tourism.”

In addition to the discussions surrounding the Olympic Games, this criticism raises a fundamental question: Does climate change mean the Alps no longer have a future as a winter sports region? Read more here: Switzerland in Transition: Best Travel Times and Climate Facts.” We have also addressed the topic of “sustainable winter sports” here.

Sustainability at the 2026 Winter Games

Despite the criticism surrounding the organization of the Games, progress is being made in terms of sustainability. Apart from the two new permanent buildings (the Santa Giulia Stadium in Milan and the bobsleigh and luge track in Cortina), existing sports facilities will be used, and temporary structures will be erected and dismantled after the Games. Additionally, the 2026 Olympics will be powered entirely by renewable energy.

• Another positive aspect: The organizers have already published a comprehensive sustainability report. 

Sustainable Travel to the Olympics: Pros and Cons

Whether or not it makes sense to travel to the games depends largely on how you make decisions. As a general rule, events of this magnitude will never be fully sustainable. However, there are arguments for and against it.

Pro:

When you travel, you can support local businesses and enjoy the improvements initiated in the region, such as those to public transportation and the energy supply. The Games also draw attention to sustainability issues in winter sports and promote a change in mindset.

Contra:

Travel to and from the Games is the biggest factor, especially if you’re flying. Added to this are the high resource consumption and impact of mass tourism on sensitive mountain regions. Critics fear that short-term mass tourism for the Games will cause more harm than good in the long run.

Ultimately, how you plan your Olympic trip matters: your choice of travel, accommodation, and local transportation.

Tip: Travel by train or long-distance bus, choose sustainable accommodations, avoid littering, and stay within designated areas. Consider using our Green Travel Guide to the Dolomites.

Sustainable Accommodation During the Winter Games

If you’re looking to experience the 2026 Winter Olympics in the Dolomites, our Green PearlsⓇ partner hotels are ideal retreats. They have been committed to sustainability for many years.

#1 My arbor near Brixen

Tree hotel, wellness hotel, and adults-only hotel — the perfect place to combine sporting experiences with sustainable luxury and relaxation. Located just 15 minutes from Brixen with a free shuttle, it’s in an ideal location between various venues.

See the distances here:

• You will find the special Olympic offer for guests here.

#2 Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel in Alpe di Siusi

The first 100% vegan hotel in the Dolomites sits directly on the slopes, over 2,000 meters above sea level. With just one ski pass, guests have access to the entire Dolomiti Superski area, the venue for the Winter Olympics. It’s ideal for anyone who wants to experience the Olympics and enjoy their own winter sports adventures.

• For more information, click here.

The 2026 Olympics: How Sustainable Will They Be?

Ultimately, we will only know how sustainable the Games were after they are over. Incidentally, Lorenz Leitgeb, the head of the Antholz Organizing Committee (OK), met with Felix Neureuther in Antholz after his critical documentary. Leitgeb invited Neureuther “to come by after the Olympics to see what has been made of it.”

Of course, we are looking forward to watching the Games and are excited about the sporting achievements that await us.

What is your opinion? Is it sustainable to travel to the Winter Olympics?

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Transformative travel can’t be forced, but it can be planned.

Transformative travel, of course, is another new buzzword. It’s not just about having “travel experiences”, it’s about experiences that go beyond and go deeper. Experiences that change you in your everyday life.

The question is: what kind of change? When you climb the mountain to the top, how will you feel up there? What kind of change will it bring? Of course, you don’t know yet. So Transformative Travel is a little adventure in itself, requiring courage and openness.

After all, “formative experiences” can lurk around every corner – maybe even tonight when you go to the grocery store to pick up a few things. But you are more likely to have a life-changing experience when you leave your daily routine and spend a month traveling in the jungle.

Travel Tip: Rainforest

To experience the rainforest in a sustainable way, we recommend Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica in Peru. Here you can explore the Amazon with experienced guides and learn about the sustainable work of the Amazon Field Station by Inkaterra. Among other things, the station works to protect species and promote the medicinal use of rainforest plants.

How does transformative travel look?

We have already explained that for transformative travel and meaningful travel experiences, you have to or should leave your everyday life and especially your comfort zone. Most special experiences don’t happen when you’re lying on a beach for two weeks, but when you’re out and about getting to know a country and its people. Don’t get us wrong: total relaxation or discovering a secluded beach can be transformative, too. And often it is the many small moments on a journey that ultimately trigger the transformation.

To get you started, and to help you plan your transformative trip (after all, we can’t travel to Asia every three months), we’ve asked around our sustainable hotel network, and here we present a selection of accommodations and experiences. This will give you a starting point for your journey.

#1: Support a social project in Cambodia

The Farmhouse Smiling Gecko in Cambodia is located about 60 kilometers from the capital Phnom Penh and is the centerpiece of the Smiling Gecko Campus. The campus was founded over ten years ago by a Swiss NGO and now covers 150 hectares.

In addition to the resort, the Smiling Gecko Campus includes a school, kindergarten, agriculture, fish farming, and several vocational training centers, such as a carpentry and tailoring workshop. Many of the families employed here come from the slums of Phnom Penh and through Smiling Gecko have found fair work, a healthy environment, and a perspective in their lives.

Travel with a sense of purpose

By staying at the farmhouse with its 34 luxury bungalows and rooms, you will get to know the entire campus on guided tours and may even become a long-term supporter of the project!

Cambodia is a beautiful country with a tropical climate and world famous attractions such as Angkor Wat. As you travel around the country, you will see amazing flora and fauna. But you will also see the poverty that exists in many places. By staying at the Charity Hotel, you are already actively helping the local people. If you want to do more, take your time choosing an organization and avoid projects that offer visits to orphanages, for example. Responsible voluntourism takes effort, but it can be very formative and allow you to experience your destination country intensively.

#2: Experience the climate change in the wild: glaciers in Switzerland and endangered islands in the Maldives

Climate change is a serious threat and many people are actively involved in understanding and taking action, such as Fridays for Future. To see and understand the extent of climate change already taking place, a (sustainable!) trip to the main indicators is a good idea.

1.   Trip to the Gorner Glacier in the Monte Rosa Massif

Glaciers are the most important source of fresh water on the planet. The ongoing shrinking of glaciers caused by global warming is reducing this natural water reservoir and also causing sea levels to rise.

At our Swiss Green PearlsⓇ partner, the Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt, you can experience the effects of glacier shrinkage first hand. From Zermatt, the Gornergrat Railway takes you up to the Gorner Glacier in 35 minutes. Here you can either admire the glacier from the viewing platform or cross it yourself with a mountain guide. After a glacier hike (which is offered in different levels of difficulty) you are sure to take home new insights and an unforgettable experience.

At over 12 kilometers long, the Gorner Glacier is the second largest glacier in the Alps. But it has been shrinking steadily since the 19th century. That’s how the hostess at the Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt found the trunk of an 8,000-year-old larch tree (read the full story in our Glaciers blog post).

2.   Coral dives in the Maldives

As mentioned above, the melting of glaciers and icebergs is causing a rise in sea level. The ICPP report states that sea levels will rise between 43 and 84 centimeters by 2100 (less than 75 years from now!). However, it also says that a rise of up to 200 centimeters cannot be ruled out. This may not sound like much, but it will affect the entire planet. Countries like the Maldives will be the first to be affected.

The Maldives consists of over 1,000 coral islands and the highest elevation is only 2.40 meters. You can read more about this in our blog post on endangered islands.

At the Gili Lankanfushi Eco-Resort you can have a sustainable vacation in the Maldives. The resort offers diving and is committed to preserving the coral reefs with its Coral Line Project. See for yourself how global warming is affecting coral reefs and how the fascinating underwater world of the Indian Ocean is adapting.

#3 Mountaineering in the Alps

Hiking concierge Karin Steiner of the Naturhotel Outside has set herself the goal of climbing the Großglockner. (She told us about it in this interview.) At 3,798 meters, the Großglockner is the highest mountain in Austria, and the climb to the summit alone takes about seven hours (for experienced mountaineers)! And to answer the question from the beginning: Imagine how you will feel when you are up there!

Bergbaschdi, the hiking concierge at the sustainable hotel Das Rübezahl in Germany’s Allgäu region, also told us about his mountaineering in an interview. He has climbed 54 five-thousanders and traveled to Asia, Africa, and South America.

If you have no mountaineering experience, you must (and should!) start small and not try to climb the really big mountains right away. Sure, it can be impressive, but also very dangerous!

Karin Steiner’s job is to organize the right hike or climb for everyone. The Nature Hotel Outside is located directly in the Hohe Tauern National Park in the middle of the East Tyrolean mountains. Here you can not only face physical and mental challenges, but also have an intense experience of nature.

Tip: To learn more about mountain and hiking guides and their services, check out our article on sustainable hotel guides.

#4 Combine your vacation with a marathon

Have you ever run a marathon? I have run three myself and I can assure you that it is definitely a life changing experience! If you can currently run for 60 minutes at a time, you can do it!

In this article, we present several marathon dates for 2025 that you can combine with a vacation, for example in Italy. The Milan Marathon, for instance, will take place on April 6, 2025, and is one of the most famous marathons in the world.

Imagine training for a marathon for 12 to 16 weeks – and then, after all that training, traveling to Milan (we recommend staying at the zero-emissions Hotel Milano Scala, not far from the race course) and actually running 42.2 kilometers in this special environment! A goal to work towards and achieve – one of the best conditions for a transformative journey.

#5 A yoga retreat for a transformative journey

Sometimes the place you want to visit is just around the corner. What about traveling to yourself? A yoga retreat is another example of transformative travel. The eco-hotel Okelmanns in Warpe, Lower Saxony, Germany, for example, offers yoga retreats throughout the year, some led by Marion from the Okelmanns host family in person and some with external trainers.

Each retreat has a different focus. For example, you may want to learn to “trust the flow of life” or work on stress management techniques.

Yoga in the Himalayas

If you want to combine authentic yoga with breathtaking nature, Pavilions Himalayas – The Farm in Nepal is the place for you. Located on an organic farm, this eco-resort offers yoga retreats from three to nine days. You will be guided by a professional Nepalese yoga guru who will share theoretical knowledge in addition to the exercises.

In addition to the yoga retreats, the resort also offers a “Lifetime Experience” package that allows you to experience Nepal in all its facets. It includes a bird watching tour, a boat tour, a visit to the organic farm and the resort’s school and education project. The goal is to reconnect with nature.

“I’m doing Transformative Travel this year!”

But seriously, transformative travel is not about showing off with the latest buzzword and visiting potentially “transformative” destinations as far away as possible, but about connecting travel with a deeper purpose and being intentional about destinations and experiences. And this fits beautifully with the intention to travel more sustainably.

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This is the fourteenth and final part of our series on “tips for a sustainable weekend getaway.”

Eco-friendly travel to Milan

Milan train station is easy to reach from anywhere in Europe. However, as the journey from the DACH region takes a couple of hours, we recommend taking the night train. There are direct Nightjet connections from Munich and Vienna.

Read more about the sustainability of night trains in our blog post on the best night train routes in Europe.

A cheaper option (sometimes for less than 50 euros) is to take the long-distance coach. Click here for Flixbus connections to Milan.

From the station you can easily get to the Hotel Milano Scala and at weekends you can also get around the city by tram.

“We are located in the heart of Milan. This means that you can connect to all three main light rail lines (red line M1, yellow line M3 and green line M2).” – Hotel Milano Scala

Tip: Get the Milan Pass Light for 24, 48 or 72 hours. This pass gives you free travel on all public transport, an audio guide for your mobile phone and a 10% discount on entry to many attractions.

Sustainable accommodation at Hotel Milano Scala

Centrally located, the Hotel Milano Scala was the first zero-emissions hotel in the city. In fact, it was named one of the “World’s Most Eco-Friendly Hotels” by National Geographic Traveler. The hotel generates its own green electricity using geothermal probes. On the inside, you’ll find a green exterior, eco-chic interiors, classical music at breakfast, and regional cuisine made with organic ingredients. But our highlight is definitely the rooftop terrace with a bar, seating, and a rooftop garden that supplies the restaurant and bar with fresh herbs, vegetables, and berries.

To get a taste of what it’s like, we recommend this short (1.5 minute) promotional video on YouTube.

A sustainable weekend in Milan – here’s what it could look like

Friday is for culture

If you take the night train, you can get to Milan from Vienna and Munich in about 12 hours – it will be around 8 o’clock in the morning.

Even if it is too early to check in (2 p.m.), we recommend that you go straight to the hotel. Here you can store your luggage and have breakfast (until 10:30 a.m.). Afterwards, you will be ready to explore the city.

Historic Brera, Milan Cathedral and Museums

The Hotel Milano Scala is located in the historic Brera district. The main attractions, including the Cathedral, are just a few minutes walk away.

Milan Cathedral is open to visitors on Fridays from 8 am to 7 pm (please note the dress code).

If you are satisfied with a view of the Cathedral from the outside, the Hotel Milano Scala recommends a visit to the Milan Castle as an alternative. The Castello Sforzesco is open on Fridays from 10 am to 5:30 pm (last tour at 4:30 pm) and often hosts exhibitions and events.

Another alternative is the Pinacoteca di Brera. One of the most important art museums in Italy and within walking distance of the hotel. The art on display focuses on Italian Renaissance painting and the Baroque period.

Eco-friendly midday snack at Soulgreen

Soulgreen is the perfect place to take a break and snack after your cultural experience. Here you will find organic food such as bowls and freshly squeezed juices in an appealing environment. In addition, the café supports a project that provides free meals and clean water to children around the world through its “Proud to Give Back” program (Open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.).

After 2 p.m. you can check into your hotel room and relax at the hotel or visit one of the many other museums in the city if you haven’t had enough. In the evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, La Traviata. The restaurant uses regional (organic) ingredients and offers a classic and elegant atmosphere.

Milan’s La Scala

One of the most famous opera houses in Europe, if not the world, is only a five-minute stroll from the hotel. Evening performances usually begin at 8 p.m. Check the Teatro alla Scala schedule here.

Price: The best seats at La Scala will set you back around 500 euros, but cheaper seats can be had for as little as 20 euros.

Eco-Shopping, art and architecture on Saturdays

What is a weekend in Milan without shopping? After all, Milan is considered one of the most famous fashion and design cities in the world. But how do you shop in a sustainable way? For starters, you could do some window shopping – just stroll past Milan’s chic stores and admire the window displays.

Window shopping in Via Montenapolene

“Via Montenapoleone – the heart of the “Quadrilatero della moda” – is within walking distance and our guests like to take a look at the street.” – Hotel Milano Scala

Via Montenapolone is considered the second most expensive street in the world after New York’s Fifth Avenue. You’ll find the biggest names in fashion right here. There are jewelers, famous Italian shoemakers, etc. Of course, in most cases this has nothing to do with sustainability – but a peek never hurt nobody 😀 

Vintage scene in Milan

Milan’s vintage scene is more sustainable. Second-hand clothes make ecological sense. But again, we have to warn you: it’s not cheap! In the Navigli district, along the Navigli canal, there are many vintage shops where you can discover used designer clothes, accessories and more. It’s definitely more expensive than fast fashion, but of higher quality.

In the old town of Milan you will find the vintage fashion store Cavalli e Nastri. It is located (along with other vintage stores) in Via Gian Giacomo Mora.

Eco-fashion in Milan

Milan also has some lovely boutiques specializing in sustainable clothing. Here are a few of our recommendations:

#1 Panpepato: A small, friendly boutique where fashion designers Martina and Eva sell their handmade collections for women and children. You can also find handmade jewelry and accessories.

#2 Progetto Quid: This fashion project sells surplus stock and fabrics donated by Italian fashion brands. They employ women who would otherwise have no chance of finding work.

#3 ASAP LAB: ASAP stands for “As Sustainable As Possible” and here you will find cashmere products made from recycled wool, for example, as well as small accessories such as elegant leather pencil cases. (Please note that the shop has somewhat unusual opening hours, including a lunch break. It’s best to check if the store is open before your visit).

Vegan Cherry Bomb Burger for Lunch

Have you ever seen Flower Burger on Instagram? Those are the beautiful selfies with colorful vegan burgers. The eye-catching and meat-free burgers were invented by two artists from Milan who opened their first two Flower Burger restaurants there. The concept is now spreading as a franchise. It is open from 12:30.

If you eat here, don’t forget to take a selfie 🙂

Bosco Verticale – Green urban architecture

For a little relaxation in the afternoon, take a trip to the Bosco Verticale – the vertical forest. These are two green skyscrapers that have a positive effect on the city’s microclimate. (Read more in our blog article on green urban development).

The Bosco Verticale is located in the Isola district. Here you will find parks, cafes, bars and lots of young people. This is the place to be if you want to be part of Milan’s young nightlife.

Departure and Sunday highlights

If you decide to take the night train and have to be back at work on Monday, it is advisable to leave on Saturday evening and spend Sunday relaxing at home.

If you are still in Milan on Sunday, here are two highlights for that day.

#1 Antique market in the Navigli district: Every last Sunday of the month there is an antique market in the trendy Navigli district (where the vintage shops are located, along with many cafes and art galleries). You can find the current dates here.

#2 Sunday brunch at Capra e Cavoli: At the hotel you can still enjoy a wonderful breakfast on Sunday morning and check out is at noon. We recommend that you have breakfast a little earlier so that you can attend the Sunday brunch at Capra e Cavoli (between 12 and 15:30). This is an eco-restaurant with a cozy and eclectic interior with many upcycled objects. It has an open kitchen and a garden. It feels just like being at a friend’s house.

And with that pleasant feeling, you’ll be reluctant to leave Milan – but I’m sure it was a great weekend, full of experiences and a small ecological footprint to boot.

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#1 Tourism as an economic factor

The tourism industry is an important economic factor – in some countries it is the most important. Your vacation sets your money in motion, helping to redistribute wealth and pay workers. Hotels are often large businesses with many employees, subcontractors, suppliers, etc. who also benefit from a financially successful hotel.

Unfortunately, not all hotels are sustainable and socially responsible, and often your money does not benefit your vacation destination at all. You may travel to a hotel in Thailand and your money ends up with an investor in the US or Japan. Some hotels employ seasonal workers who live in shabby accommodations (I was told this for a German island, for example).

By consciously choosing a hotel that operates in a sustainable and usually fair manner, you ensure that your money really benefits the region and creates fair jobs.

Support fair labor practices in hotels

One example is the Green City Hotel Vauban in Freiburg, Germany. This sustainable city hotel is an integration project, and half of all employees are people with physical and/or mental disabilities. The hotel has deep roots in Freiburg. Its shareholders are the Vereinigung Freiburger Sozialarbeit e.V. and the Freiburger Stadtbau GmbH.

Even abroad, you have many opportunities to use your purchasing power to help other people (instead of supporting their exploitation). At our Green PearlsⓇ partner Farmhouse Smiling Gecko in Cambodia, the luxury resort ensures the financing of the Smiling Gecko NGO’s training centers, school and organic farm, and also serves as a training center and employer itself.

#2 preserving resources

You probably already know this: Planet B does not exist. The idea that we could someday completely deplete our planet of all its resources, destroy all animal and plant species (and perhaps even entire populations), and live on Mars from then on is NOT realistic!

Fossil resources such as oil, coal and natural gas are finite. This means that they are taken from the Earth and then they are gone. Theoretically, these resources will eventually reform, but in the case of oil, for example, it takes at least 10,000 years for new oil to form from dead plant matter and plankton. We should all be aware that what we consume today will not be available to our children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and future generations.

Renewable energy in the hospitality industry

In our opinion, one of the requirements for a sustainable hotel is to run on renewable energy. The least you can do is get 100% green electricity (something you can easily do at home by simply switching your electricity provider). But many hotels go further.

For example, our partner Hotel Milano Scala was the first Zero Emission Hotel in Italy. It is powered by geothermal energy, a renewable energy source that “significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions,” according to the Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Energy. Other hotels and residences rely on their own combined heat and power plants, heat pump technologies, photovoltaic and solar thermal systems, and heat recovery measures to reduce their own consumption of fossil resources while minimizing CO2 emissions.

Upcycling and organic

Conserving resources is not only about energy, but also about buildings and furnishings. The HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio Allgäu recently renovated its hotel rooms using a sustainable upcycling concept. Instead of buying new furniture, the existing solid wood furniture in the rooms was simply dismantled, the (outdated) decorations removed and the furniture reworked. The new composition created modern furniture without cutting down any trees! (You can learn more about this in this YouTube video by owner Marc Traubel and interior designer Sarah Stapelfeld)

Throughout Biohotel Grafenast you will find sustainable and natural materials such as solid wood and local stone. The eco-friendly hotel is also committed to organic farming and uses only organic food – whenever possible, directly from the region and from the hotel’s own “Sehnsuchtsgarten” (garden of longing). Short delivery distances mean fewer greenhouse gases, and the absence of pesticides helps preserve biodiversity.

#3 Promote nature and species conservation

Which brings us to the next argument: sustainable travel supports conservation. Take, for example, the Casa León Royal Retreat in Gran Canaria. This small boutique hotel in the interior of the island has created a garden of native plants on its 10,000-square-meter property and uses only natural pest control. Here you can see a variety of small animals, such as the Canary Island bullfinch – the original form of the domesticated canary!

The hotel uses a rainwater cistern system for irrigation. In another sustainable initiative, the family that owns Casa León Royal Retreat has leased a 40,000-square-foot piece of forest in the Balkans that is maintained but still largely untouched. This has created another protected area for animals and plants in this world, which also helps the climate.

#4 Experience the country and its people in an authentic way

Sustainable travel means going off the beaten track and visiting places away from the usual mass tourism destinations. This gives you a real opportunity to experience the country you are visiting and get to know the locals.

Albergi Diffusi is saving villages in Italy

In Italy, the Albergo Diffuso movement has helped save Italian villages from decay. An Albergo Diffuso is a hotel spread over several buildings in a village. You live among the locals.

Our Green PearlsⓇ partner Relais del Maro is a prime example. Owner Elena Scalambrin converted several of her family’s commercial and residential buildings into a 4-star hotel. Guests arrive at the main house with a reception for dinner (and the pool), but otherwise stay in lovingly decorated rooms in the middle of the village community. The hotel has helped keep the village bakery and other local businesses alive. Here you will be able to experience the real Liguria and see the positive effects of sustainable tourism at first hand.

#5 Learning to love nature

“In the end, we will conserve only what we love” – Baba Dioum, Senegalese forestry engineer and conservationist

It is easy to understand Baba Dioum’s famous quote, delivered at a biodiversity conference in India in 1968. As we showed in our blog post on insect extinction, many animals and plants simply do not have a strong “lobby”. We think of some bugs and algae as expendable. It is only when we understand the important role they play that we learn to love them and work to conserve them.

Guided hikes in the Allgäu

At Hotel Das Rübezahl in Füssen, you have the opportunity to discover nature with the hotel’s own hiking guide. “Bergbaschdi” will take you into the mountains and show you the flora and fauna. You are sure to discover things you would otherwise have missed. (Read more in our interview with the hiking concierge)

Experience glaciers live in Switzerland

Glaciers are also very interesting. These “eternal” masses of ice are the largest reservoirs of fresh water on our planet, and they are in danger of disappearing! Fabienne Anthamatten of the Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt can tell you all about it. Her hotel has an 8,000-year-old larch tree that she found on a former glacier field. This means that the trunk was preserved in the ice for several thousand years and has now been uncovered.

On a trip to the glaciers, you can admire the fascinating masses of ice (there are still many kilometers left) and better understand the connections to global warming.

#6 Have a vision – and think about the future

Just being in the present moment is a beautiful mindfulness exercise. But you should also have a vision in your life. A vision is a motivating, positive idea about the future. And that’s what sustainable travel is all about.

According to the UN, sustainable tourism is:

“Tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts.”

So it’s thinking about the NOW as well as the FUTURE and taking responsibility for it. If you can do that, you’re doing pretty well. And what better way to learn how to do that and develop your own vision of the future than to travel the world sustainably and be inspired by other visionaries? If that’s not a good argument for sustainable travel, I don’t know what is?

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The urban farming study

The study compared the fruit and vegetable production of 73 urban gardens in the United States, France, Germany, Poland, and the United Kingdom. It involved the Dortmund Institute for Urban and Regional Development Research and the University of Michigan’s School for Environment and Sustainability.

The urban farmers recorded exactly what they bought and how much they harvested. The scientists then compared this to a ” shopping basket” of popular supermarket fruits and vegetables grown conventionally in the region.

Result: Conventional agriculture produces six times less CO2

Well? Are you as surprised as we were? The explanation is actually quite simple: conventional agriculture, with its fields, greenhouses, and truck delivery chains, is more efficient (in the grand scheme of things) and thus produces fewer emissions than urban gardeners who grow a few raised beds in their backyards for personal use.

A simple example: Imagine you want to grow zucchini on your patio. You go to the hardware store and garden center, buy wood, soil, fertilizer, a watering can, zucchini seeds or seedlings, and always irrigate with water from the tap. In the end, you harvest 30 zucchini. If you now calculate the total CO2 emissions caused by a single zucchini, you can easily imagine that professional agriculture, which has already optimized its processes for the highest possible yields, has a smaller footprint. Of course, you’re not building a new raised bed or replacing all the soil every year, but we’ll get back to that!

The good news: Tomatoes from the balcony are better than those from the greenhouse!

Should you throw in the rake now? No. What you can do is plant tomatoes. They are one of the few vegetables that have a lower carbon footprint (compared to greenhouse tomatoes!). And there are other things you can do.

The 3 biggest urban gardening mistakes and how to avoid them

Before we get to the benefits of urban gardening and urban farming for urban development, let’s take a look at what we’re doing wrong and what we could be doing better. After all, 17 of the 73 gardens studied were more climate-friendly than conventional agriculture, so researchers have some clues about what makes ecological sense and what is counterproductive. Here are the most common mistakes and, of course, their solutions:

#1 Too short period of use

The authors of the study saw a problem in the fact that many urban garden projects exist for a short period of time (such as five years). This means that all materials purchased (raised beds, etc.) must be calculated for that time period.
Possible solutions:

1. 1. Use your new raised bed as long as possible, pass it on to the next tenant, or sell it to other urban gardeners when you no longer need it. In this way, you can extend its lifespan.
   2. Build your raised bed from upcycled materials, such as old pallets or scrap lumber, and use topsoil excavated from other construction projects.
   3. Buy second hand. Whether it’s a raised bed, a planter, plants or even soil.

#2 Incorrect composting

Most urban gardeners use compost, which saves them 95 percent of the mineral fertilizer they would otherwise use. This sounds great, but unfortunately the researchers found that about 30 percent of the gardens they studied had improper composting techniques with inadequate air circulation, leading to methane emissions. Methane is a more powerful greenhouse gas than CO2. Learn how to avoid methane in your compost in this article on composting mistakes.
Possible solutions:

1. 1. 1. Make sure your soil is loose, especially during the winter when it can become very compact. Loosen it thoroughly in the spring.
      2. Learn about composting techniques. Perhaps a different technique would be more appropriate for your balcony (e.g. bokashi, worm bin, etc.).

#3 Irrigation with drinking water

About 50 percent of urban gardeners use rainwater occasionally, but only five percent use it exclusively. Instead, 95 percent of watering is done primarily with drinking water from the tap or pumped well water.
Possible solutions:

1. 1. Admittedly, the solutions here are limited. After all, not everyone can put a rain barrel on their balcony. But if you have the option, you should consider it!
   2. Alternatively, if rain is in the forecast, place bowls and buckets on the balcony to collect the water so you can use it to water your plants for at least the next few days.
   3. Another option is to collect gray water in your household. For example, when you rinse vegetables, cooking water from potatoes, eggs, etc., water you leave running in the shower until the hot water comes, etc..

Benefits of urban gardening and urban farming

Agriculture belongs in the countryside. This is how the study could be interpreted. Still, it makes sense to make cities greener – especially in times of global warming and rapid population growth. This is what the study says. Here are the key benefits:

• Trees and other vegetation in the city trap particulate matter and pollutants.
• All plants that use photosynthesis bind CO2. The total amount depends on the mass of the plant, which is why the effect of your tomato plant is much smaller than that of a larch. But in the spirit of “many small things make a big difference”, small gardens also absorb CO2.
• Plants produce oxygen, improving air quality.
• Urban gardens provide shade to cool streets and homes. This in turn reduces the energy consumption of air conditioners.
• Urban gardens encourage biodiversity. They provide food, habitat and shelter for insects, birds, hedgehogs, lizards and other small animals.
• Promote well-being: Many studies have shown that children, teens and adults feel good and happy in nature. Green facades and bright flower beds are pleasing to the eye.
• Mental health for urban gardeners: The carbon footprint study mentioned above found that participants experienced positive effects on their mental well-being. This was revealed in interviews with the managers of the 73 urban gardens and, according to the researchers, is a factor that should not be ignored.
• Freshness of food: For those who grow fruits and vegetables, freshness is often an argument in favor of organic farming – everything is allowed to ripen and be eaten right away.
• Growing your own food promotes education and appreciation. You (and especially children) learn how fruits and vegetables grow, how long it takes, and what it takes to finally harvest something.

Three exemplary urban gardening projects from our Green PearlsⓇ hotel partners

#1 Hotel Milano Scala – Milan’s first zero-emissions hotel

As a major industrial city, Milan is not necessarily “green,” but the city is famous for many innovations – not only in fashion and design, but also in urban development and urban gardening.

The two “Bosco Verticale” (Vertical Forests) skyscrapers built ten years ago by Milanese architect Stefano Boeri are particularly famous in this context. They were his first attempt to bring the forest into the city. Since then, Boeri has built other such buildings (including in Mexico).

“And then if you observe what is urban, cities occupy not more than 3 % of the surface of the major lands of the planet, but this 3 % produces basically 70 % of the CO₂, which is bad for the atmosphere.” – Architect Stefano Boeri interviewed by Forbes

In addition to Bosco Verticale, Hotel Milano Scala deserves your attention. It is the first zero-emissions hotel in Milan and is powered by green energy. The centrally located hotel is also committed to greening the city. Standing in the lobby, you can look through a glass roof onto the green facades of the courtyard and up to the lush roof garden, whose fruits can be enjoyed in cocktails at the rooftop bar and restaurant.

• By the way, Milan has a train station that is well worth a visit and is environmentally friendly to reach by train. Read more about this in our blog: Italy by train.
  

#2 Green City Hotel VAUBAN – an example of green urban development

The German city of Freiburg not only has the most hours of sunshine in Germany, it also has a relaxed, modern and “green” atmosphere. At least in the relatively new Vauban district!

Created in 2006 from a former military area, the district is virtually car-free (except for occasional delivery traffic). Instead, there is an excellent network of cycle paths and direct access to public transport. Vauban is also a real recreational area with green belts, parks and urban gardening.

A highlight of this overall concept is the Green City Hotel VAUBAN. Not only does it have a green façade and green balconies, but the integrative establishment also assumes ecological and social responsibility in all areas of the hotel business.

• Sustainable travel in Freiburg:Sustainable exploration in Freiburg: In our blog post on sustainable city trips, Katharina from the Green City Hotel VAUBAN gives some tips on how to spend your free time (as well as the best cheesecake in town).

#3 Hotel Luise has created a microforest in Erlangen

Hotel Luise, now run by the third generation of eco-pioneer Ben Förtsch, is committed to improving the microclimate of Erlangen on several levels.

A real tree grows at the top of the roof terrace. But Ben’s pet project is his “microforest”. Thanks to precise planning (e.g. root symbiosis with mushrooms), the microforest at the Hotel Luise will have the same characteristics as a 100-year-old forest in just ten years. And this in the middle of the Bavarian city!

In addition to the value to biodiversity, the hotel benefits from the plantings in very practical ways: they provide shade (passive cooling), noise reduction, natural air filtration, and many songbirds.

Conclusion

The value of urban gardening cannot be measured by the carbon footprint of a single zucchini. However, we should not ignore the problems and the resulting suggestions for improvement to make our urban gardens do even more good!

Planning your own urban garden? Then save this article for later!

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How environmentally friendly is a vacation by long-distance coach?

In 2021, the carbon footprint of long-distance bus travel was considered even lower than that of long-distance train travel. According to the Federal Environment Agency, in 2022, both long-distance train and long-distance bus travel produce an avarage of 31 grams of emissions (greenhouse gases, nitrogen oxides, particulates) per passenger kilometer. In contrast, travel by car causes an average of 166 grams of emissions per passenger kilometer.

Occupancy is an important factor

The reason why trains and long-distance coaches were not as far apart as in 2021 (when long-distance coaches were at 27 g/km and long-distance trains at 50 g/km) is probably that the occupancy figures have been adjusted. Previously, it was assumed that long-distance coaches would normally be almost fully occupied. In the more recent calculation, long-distance trains are assumed to be 46 percent full and long-distance buses 52 percent full. This brings the two figures closer together.

One long-distance coach replaces up to 30 cars

Another argument in favor of long-distance buses is that they relieve congestion on the highways. According to the Bavarian Association of Bus Companies, one bus can replace “a good 30 cars” on the road. ( The calculation is probably made on the basis that a bus has about 50 to 80 seats). This helps the environment, reduces wear and tear on the roads, and is good for stress levels 🙂

Long-distance coach travel is inexpensive.

According to the newspaper Der Standard, the most important argument for traveling by bus is the low price. A quick comparison for a one-way trip today shows me:

• The route Cologne – Paris (direct) costs 85.98 euros (as an overnight trip) and takes 6 hours with Flixbus.
• Cologne – Paris (direct) by Eurostar train costs 135 euros and takes 3:22 hours

It pays to compare

Of course, this is just an example, but I personally compared the prices of trains and long-distance buses for various European routes many times, and as a rule, the bus is always the cheapest. The first thing you can do is to include the bus in your next travel research and compare the prices.

Is Flixbus a sustainable company?

Flixbus is one of the largest long-distance bus operators in Europe and has a sustainability policy. Some of the goals include switching to alternative fuels and e-buses. (FYI: Flixbus did not start with a new bus fleet, but rather bought up existing bus companies). Flixbus aims to be carbon neutral by 2030. As a customer, you already have the opportunity to offset your CO2 emissions through our climate partner atmosfair.

For comparison, trains already run on green electricity on many routes. Another advantage of trains is that they have no tires. Tire abrasion is a major source of microplastics. However, as the effects of microplastics have not yet been fully researched, this factor is not included in current comparative calculations by the Federal Environment Agency, etc.

Are long-distance coach trips pleasant?

Most long-distance coaches in Europe have seats with adjustable backrests, a toilet, air conditioning/heating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, and luggage racks. Sounds comfortable, doesn’t it? Yet Flixbus, the largest company on Trustpilot with over 10,000 German-language reviews, has a lot of 1-star ratings (about 49%; 28% award 5 stars). There are many reasons for this:

• Delays
• Unfriendly bus driver
• No toilet paper
• Seat reservation problems

However, you should take the disproportionate amount of criticism with a grain of salt (as is often the case on the Internet). As you can imagine, people who are upset about something (like a lack of toilet paper) are more likely to write a comment. And while 10,000 reviews may sound like a lot, the Trustpilot writers only represent a fraction of that number.

“My own experience with Flixbus: I’ve always had a faultless experience. Punctual, clean and if there were delays, you were informed.” – Mara Biebow from Green Pearls

Long distance coach travel is no limousine service

You should be prepared: Long-distance coach travel is an inexpensive way to get from A to B in an eco-friendly way, but you have to make some compromises. You can’t get up, stretch your legs, and go to the on-board restaurant like you can on a train; the road can be stressful (traffic jams, heavy traffic); and you have to adjust to the breaks.

A vacation by long-distance coach in Germany – popular destinations and suitable eco-lodgings

#1 Freiburg – Green City Hotel Vauban

Freiburg im Breisgau is known as the “capital of the Black Forest” and has the most sunny hours in Germany.  Close to France and Switzerland, the university city has a charming flair and is well worth a visit. Flixbus offers several direct routes to Freiburg. An alternative is BlaBlaCar, which offers both bus routes and carpooling opportunities.

The Long-distance buses stop at Freiburg’s main train station. From here you can take bus number 11 or tram number 3 in about 15 minutes to the modern Vauban district, where the Green City Hotel Vauban is located right next to the tram stop. The Green Hotel is an inclusive establishment with a simple and bright design and an ecological commitment.

#2 Füssen – Romantic Boutique Hotel Das Rübezahl

You can reach Füssen by bus from Amsterdam, Budapest, Madrid, Copenhagen, Vienna and many other cities. The Bavarian town in the Allgäu is so popular because of its location in the green foothills of the Alps between the royal castles of Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein. The latter can be admired directly from Hotel Das Rübezahl. A small, romantic, family-run boutique hotel in Füssen with a wellness garden and natural swimming pond.

#3 Erlangen – Hotel Luise

Erlangen is the “smallest big city” in Bavaria and offers an ideal mix of urban amenities and relaxation. Here you can enjoy a coffee on the beautiful market square or go hiking in the surrounding area..

Long-distance buses stop at Erlangen train station, which is only 2 kilometers from the ecologically run Hotel Luise. A public bus will take you to Mozartstraße, right next to the hotel. As of 2024, you will be able to take the bus in Erlangen’s city center for free.

A sustainable vacation by long-distance coach in Italy 

#1 Milan – Zero Emission Hotel Milano Scala

Have you ever been to Milan? The northern Italian fashion capital is definitely worth a visit! Especially if you are interested in culture, art and museums. Long-distance buses to Milan are available from all European cities, and a trip can sometimes be purchased for less than 50 euros!

The zero-emissions Hotel Milano Scala is located in the center of Milan at the famous La Scala opera house. The sustainable hotel produces its own geothermal energy and has a beautiful green roof terrace where you can enjoy a wonderful evening after an eventful day in the city.

#2 Brixen

Brixen is the oldest town in Tyrol and is one of the Flixbus destinations for South Tyrol. A shuttle will pick you up at the bus station and take you to My Arbor, a 15-minute drive away. Situated on 34 meters of stilts in the middle of the forest, the hotel offers a breathtaking view over the treetops. It is the perfect place for a vacation with nature experiences, wellness and relaxation.

#3 Bozen

From the bus station in Bolzano you can take the cable car to Soprabolzano in about 10 minutes, from where you can reach the special APIPURA Hotel Ritten by the historic Renon cable car. The use of the cable car and the Rittenbahn (as well as all other public transport on the Ritten) is free of charge, as the hotel will provide you with the Ritten Card and send it to your home on request. The Hotel APIPURA of the Rinner family has its own beehive, from which you can breathe the air in the Apipura Wellness. There is also a large selection of homemade organic honey at the breakfast buffet. The rest of the hotel’s food is also organic.

#4 Imperia

Imperia is a coastal town in Liguria from where you can reach our Green Pearls® partner Relais del Maro. Situated inland in the small village of Borgomaro, it is an Albergo Diffuso, which means that the hotel is spread around the village. You stay among the locals, in former residential and commercial buildings owned by the owner’s family. This concept has successfully helped to combat the rural exodus and preserve villages in Italy.

Take the long-distance coach to Paris and spend the night there in a sustainable way

Paris is one of the major cities to which many (long-distance) bus companies travel regularly. The Gare Routière Porte Maillot bus station is about 4 kilometers from the city center, where our three Green PearlsⓇ partners, the Green Spirit Hotels, are located. The small city hotels Hotel Le Pavilon, Hotel Marlar and Hotel Amélie are located in the 7th arrondissement, within walking distance of the Seine and the Eiffel Tower.

Is it worth traveling by coach?

The simple answer from an environmental and budget perspective is yes, long-distance buses are a good way to travel. They are

• cheap
• environmentally friendly
• and have a fairly well-developed route network

But they also have disadvantages. Of course, you have more privacy in a train compartment or in your own car, and you are much more flexible when traveling by car. But perhaps the sustainable aspect is an additional motivation for you to vacation by long-distance coach – for the sake of the environment. And if you decide to travel by train, take a look at this article on the most beautiful train destinations in Europe.

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Miniclubs and sustainability

First of all, there is no environmental or educational reason why your children should not attend a supervised children’s program or spend a few hours with a babysitter while you are on vacation. Yes, sometimes one needs a break from even the most adorable kids! Unfortunately, when there are no activities for kids on vacation, it’s often a case of “use your cell phone”. And that’s really not very educational!

Kids’ clubs can be more or less sustainable. In other words, do they use natural materials or sparkly foam rubber? But the real problem lies with the hotels themselves. Huge water parks in countries with little water, fully air-conditioned hotel complexes, and all-inclusive meals with disposable packaging. A friend of mine just returned from such a family vacation in Turkey. Her conclusion: even she doesn’t consider herself as an Eco-traveler, the excessive waste mentality of the hotel made her feel sick.

ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA sustainable vacation with Kids Club

At Green PearlsⓇ hotels and vacation rentals, you will find accommodations designed with sustainability in mind. Not only will they help you reduce your carbon footprint while traveling, but they will also teach your children about sustainability. 

The ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA is located directly on a WWF protected beach and was built using environmentally friendly solutions such as regional building materials and natural room cooling. All food is locally sourced and plastic is avoided wherever possible. In fact, the resort itself regularly cleans the beach of washed up marine plastic and ensures that it is properly disposed of.

Experience Sicily’s nature at the AKI Kids Club

The AKI Kids Club at ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. for children ages 4 and up (Sundays from 2 p.m.). Children can even have lunch and dinner here.

The activities they offer are all about “getting out into nature,” according to the operators. “We build sandcastles and make things with materials we collect on the beach.” There are also excursions. For example, a trip to a local farm to see how Italian cheese is made, or a beekeeper’s honey feast.

“Parents, on the other hand, can participate in our daily outdoor or indoor program, enjoy the spa, or go to the beach,” the resort says.

Sustainable hotels with childcare in Austria

Childcare until 10 p.m. at the Hotel Klosterbräu

At the sustainable Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld, Austria, family comes first. Built on the site of an old monastery, the sixth-generation Seyrling family runs the hotel and welcomes young guests. A highlight for children is the hotel’s petting zoo with dwarf ponies, rabbits and other animals (you can often meet the 7th generation of Seyrlings here).

Childcare is available until 10 p.m. on six or seven days a week, depending on the season. When the weather is nice, the children are outdoors in the Tyrolean countryside, and when it is bad, they can take part in supervised indoor programs such as children’s swimming or pizza baking. If that’s not enough, you can also take advantage of a professional 24-hour babysitting service for a fee, which the hotel will be happy to arrange for you.

Childcare at Biohotel Grafenast for 15 hours per week

At 1,330 meters above sea level, the family-friendly Biohotel Grafenast overlooks the Tyrolean Inn Valley. The hotel has only 23 rooms and is located in the heart of nature. The “Studio zur Wiese” room is ideal for a family vacation as it offers two separate living areas for children and parents.

In the summer months, there are around 15 hours of childcare per week. Once a week there is a supervised climbing lesson for children on the hotel’s own climbing wall. During these times, parents can spend time in the meditation room or Panorama Spa, for example, or go on a more challenging hike with the host or a hiking guide.

Tip: There are many things you can do with your children in the summer. For example, the Biohotel organizes a night at the campfire. In the winter, children’s ski lessons are held right next to the hotel’s own sledding hut.

Eco Hotels with babysitting service

Many of our Green PearlsⓇ work with an external babysitting service. For example, CERVO Mountain Resort in Zermatt at the Matterhorn, Switzerland. They recommend the “Normad L” rooms for families. “This is suitable for up to four active explorers,” they tell us. The resort works closely with an outside company to provide child care. Couples often request ist when they want to book a spa treatment, such as the two-hour “Couples Escape” in the Mongolian yurt.

At the carbon-neutral Hotel Milano Scala in downtown Milan, several qualified babysitters are available. “We focus primarily on which language the child speaks,” says the team.

In cooperation with the Tourist Office of Ailingen, Naturresort Gerbehof organizes a childcare or babysitting service. The farm is certified organic and climate-friendly and offers you and your children many opportunities for relaxation and activities in nature. For children 8 years and older, there are lunge lessons and individual riding lessons on the farm’s ponies. While the children have their lessons, you can take a walk in the woods and enjoy the peace and quiet. 🙂

Save these sustainable hotels with childcare for your next trip!

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Walking as a trend

You may have noticed that walking has been all the rage in recent years. Instead of focusing on new means of transportation (you may remember the predictions that we will all be using hoverboards in “the future”), health-conscious people are now wearing a step counter on their wrist.

The beginning of the 10,000 steps challenge

Walk 10,000 steps a day to stay healthy, slim and live longer. That’s roughly the message of the famous 10,000 Step Challenge. It’s not really new, but it’s been reinvigorated by the sales of smartwatches and fitness trackers, and the popularity of social media “challenges” in general.

This “challenge” began in Japan in the 1960s. At the time, the country was preparing for the 1964 Olympic Games and the population was becoming more conscious of health and fitness.

Manpo-Kai was a Japanese advertising campaign

At that time, a modern pedometer worn on the waist was introduced in Japan. It was popularized by the slogan “Manpo-Kai,” which means 10,000 steps in Japanese. Manpo-Kei was the minimum number of steps that the many walking clubs of the time promoted as a daily quota. The health trend spread around the world at that time – only to be forgotten and revived in the smart age.

It doesn’t have to be 10,000 steps

Manpo-Kei has motivated a large number of studies, and the opinions of doctors and fitness coaches can be heard around the world.

The most recent study was published in December 2023. The University of Lodz in Poland analyzed data from 227,000 people. It showed:

• 2,337 steps per day reduces the risk of death from cardiovascular disease
• From 4,000 steps per day, the overall risk of death decreases
• Taking 7,000 to 13,000 steps a day reduces the risk of death (for people under 60) by 49 percent.

In this case, a lot really does help a lot.

Walking as a Slow Travel method

Bertram Weisshaar, author of “Einfach losgehen” (Just start walking), considers walking as a Slow Travel method.

“ When we walk, we move at our natural speed, and our brain keeps up with our feet. As soon as we use a vehicle – a bicycle, a car, a cable car, a bus – we are immediately much faster. Too many sensory impressions rapidly reach the brain. Our perception often becomes much more superficial. – Bertram Weisshaar to dpa

According to the author, if you take a hop-on, hop-off bus tour, getting off at the sights and skipping the “unspectacular” stuff in between, you lose “something essential” about the destination compared to exploring it on foot.

CO2 emissions from walking are limited to exhalation

Another thing we want to mention is that walking is the most sustainable mode of transportation. Apart from exhaling, you don’t produce any CO2! It’s even better than biking, because bikes still have to be produced.

Our tips for destinations that offer a good walk

To use Manpo-Kai on vacation, you should choose a vacation destination that is attractive to pedestrians. A huge city full of traffic chaos like Cairo, for example, would be less suitable. It is an adventure, of course, but the distances between the sights are sometimes enormous, and some streets are difficult to cross safely as a pedestrian.

Explore Paris on foot

In Paris, on the other hand, you can easily get around on foot. Our Green PearlsⓇ partner, the Hôtel Le Pavillon, for example, is centrally located in the 7th arrondissement. From here its

• 1.5 km to the Eiffel Tower
• 2.5 km to the Champs-Élysées
• 1.8 km to the Invalides Cathedral
• 2.3 km to the Orsay Museum

Discover Milan on foot

Milan is considered the fashion capital of Italy and is also rich in culture. Located in the city center is our Green PearlsⓇ partner, Hotel Milano Scala. As a zero-emissions hotel, it is completely self-sufficient with sustainable geothermal energy. The highlight – the green roof terrace – offers views of some of the sights within walking distance:

• 400 meters (3 minutes) La Scala Opera House
• 400 meters (3 minutes) from the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele shopping center
• 4 km to Castello Sforzesco (home of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “The Last Supper”)
• 1 km from Milan Cathedral
• 1,4 km to the luxury shopping district, Montenapoleone and Della Spiga

The most beautiful walks in Erlangen

In the Franconian university town of Erlangen, Germany, the Hotel Luise also offers a fantastic roof terrace.

            “There is a lot to discover within walking distance, as we are a city hotel with a central location” – Hotel Luise

The Erlangen Eco-Hotel owners recommend the following “destinations” for walkers:

• 5 km Erlangen Castle Garden
• 4 km Erlangen Botanical Garden
• 9 km to the old town (small shops, restaurants and cafés await you)

Tip: If you are in Erlangen around Whitsun, you can walk to the Erlanger Bergkirchweih, the most popular folk festival in the region.

6 walks in Bad Herrenalb in the Black Forest

You may know the Black Forest town of Bad Herrenalb as a health resort. Here you will find excellent air (climatic health resort) as well as healing and thermal water. One of these thermal baths is located in the Hotel SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA. Many guests combine a stay with fasting and light physical activities such as yoga, forest bathing or walking.

The hotel has given us six sites within walking distance of the hotel in Bad Herrenalb:

• 1 km to the Kurpark
• 1 km to the Schweizerwiese
• 1,1 km to the Ziegelmuseum
• 1,3 km to the monastery (monastery with garden and Kneipp basin)
• 2 km to the Dobeltal Game Reserve (You can walk the enclosure with roe deer, deer, and red deer within an hour)
• 1 km to the Falkenstein Rock

A walk in nature

If cobblestones and city air are not your favorite walking environment and you prefer to enjoy the great outdoors, here are some recommendations from our partners

Located on the German side of Lake Constance, Naturresort Gerbehof is surrounded by forest and organic orchards. Many people visit during the apple blossom season (April, May) to hike and be enchanted by the sea of blossoms.

“About 20 minutes walk from us is the small chapel “Stella Maries” on the Haldenberg. From here you have a beautiful panoramic view of the lake and the Swiss mountains. – Gerbehof Nature Resort

At the Eco-Hotel Okelmann’s in the small village of Warpe there is also a wooded area where you can walk through nature. If you want to go for a long walk, there is the 16 km Warpe Sculpture Trail.

The Gut Guntrams near Vienna, Austria recommends the following destinations for walks:

• Seebenstein Castle (6.9 kilometers)
• Pitten Castle (3.9 kilometers)

A rose garden and the Schwarz River floodplain are also within walking distance.

Good to know: How long does it take you to tackle 1 km on foot?

If you’re wondering how long it takes to walk each of these distances:

The average pedestrian walks at about 4 to 5 kilometers per hour. So, you can walk one kilometer in about 12 to 15 minutes and 4 to 5 kilometers in an hour.

How long does it take to walk 1000 or 10,000 steps?

It takes about 10 minutes for 1,000 steps.

For 10,000 steps (Manpo-Kai), you are on your feet for about 1.5 to 2 hours and can cover up to 10 kilometers.

What is the difference between walking and hiking?

The German Hiking Association (an umbrella organization of about 70 hiking clubs) agreed on a definition of hiking in 2010. According to this definition, a hike lasts at least one hour. The Encyclopaedia Britannica also defines hiking as an activity in nature.

So if you walk in the city, it is not hiking, it is walking. And if you walk a short and easy distance in nature (<1h), that is walking, too. From the 18th century, walking for “recreation and edification” became fashionable among the European bourgeoisie, as evidenced by the literature of the time.

I walked in the forest

 So for myself,

And nothing to seek

That was my purpose.

(From “Gefunden” by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, 1813)

Romantic walks along the Moselle

Incidentally, the travel-loving Goethe had also been to the Moselle. In November 1792, he took a boat trip through the river valley – as did the famous English painter William Turner later on. With its river, vineyards and palaces, villas, and castles, the Moselle region is one of the most romantic regions in Germany. A special hotel here is the sustainably managed Lifestyle Resort zum Kurfürsten with a large wellness area. A trip to Bernkastel-Kues is an ideal first walk. Here you will find a medieval market square and cute stores and cafés.

The town recommends several walking tours:

• Family circuit (4.2 km)
• Doctor circular trail (4.1 km through the Bernkasteler Doctor vineyard)
• Burgberg circular trail (2 km)
• Cusanus circular trail (4.1 km)

On foot in the mountains

If you are already one of the “pros” of the walking scene – now we come to the terrain of hiking – our Green PearlsⓇ partners offer wonderful accommodations in the middle of the mountains.

“ You can walk practically anywhere because we are in a mountain village,” says CERVO Mountain Resort in Zermatt. The sustainable resort sits at the foot of the famous Matterhorn and is surrounded by 38 four-thousanders. The fact that Zermatt is car-free is, of course, ideal for hikers. But you really need good hiking boots and physical fitness.

More than 1000 meters of altitude gain in 5 kilometers

One of the most popular destinations around Zermatt is the Gornergrat, which we also covered in this blog article about glaciers. The distance is only 4.9 kilometers – but it is an altitude gain from 1,620 meters (Zermatt) to 3,135 meters (Gornergrat)!

A walk to the castle of Neuschwanstein

From Hotel Das Rübezahl you have several options for excursions on foot. The hotel is located in Schwangau in the Allgäu and you can go for walks and mountain hikes from here.

The famous fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein is within sight of the hotel and only 3.5 kilometers away. The walk takes about 45 minutes. Other walks that don’t require hiking boots include the town of Füssen (2.5 kilometers) and its festival hall. If you are looking for more challenging hikes, there are hiking trails to numerous huts in the mountains.

Balderschwang on foot

Also in the Allgäu region is the beautiful village of Balderschwang, which you can learn more about in our blog article about villages. The HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio is located here in the middle of the German mountains at an altitude of 1,044 meters. Just a few minutes walk from the hotel is a 2,000 year old yew tree that is well worth a visit. The Balderschwang Kneipp Pool is about a 15 minute walk away, where you can revitalize your arms, legs and circulation.

Further walks or shorter hikes will take you to some huts and alpine pastures (pastures where cows are kept). Some of these pastures also supply the hotel with cheese and meat.

Chalet vacation with village tours in Alpbachtal

In Austria’s Alpachtal, you can enjoy both nature and privacy in the luxurious Hygna chalets. There are various village walks in the Alpachtal:

• Alpbach walk (3 km)
• Rossmoos loop (1.5 km)
• Mühlbachweg/ themed trail “Path of Reflection” (2.1 km)
• Way of the Cross Basilica Mariathal (1.4 km)

Tip: Every first Saturday of the month from 08:30 – 12:00 there is the Brixlegg farmers’ market. Bixlegg is approx. 2.5 kilometers from the Hygna Chalets and you can find regional products from the surrounding farms for your self-catering in the chalets.

New valley trail around Matrei in East Tyrol

The Naturhotel Outside in the Hohe Tauern National Park has informed us that there is a new valley trail around Matrei. The 15-kilometer trail features many stories about the village and takes about 4.5 hours to complete (that’s more than 20,000 steps!)

A good reason to relax in the hotel’s sauna world afterwards 🙂

In the footsteps of Sigmund Freud

In South Tyrol, on the Italian side of the Alps, our Green PearlsⓇ partner ADLER Lodge RITTEN recommended the Freud Promenade as a hiking trail. It leads from Oberbozen to Klobenstein and at every resting place you will find aphorisms by Sigmund Freud. The trail is “very easy”, i.e. without any major inclines or other difficulties, and takes about 1.5 hours.

Bee trail on the Ritten

Also located on the Ritten is the APIPURA hotel rinner run by beekeeper Paul Rinner and his family. They have created a small educational bee trail in the woods in front of the hotel, where you can learn a lot about the western honey bee (Apis mellifera). There are also many walking trails around the hotel, leading you through flowering meadows and picturesque villages. As a highlight, the hotel recommends an easy hike of approx. 5 kilometers from Oberbozen to the earth pyramids.

Experience nature in the new OLM Nature Escape

Our new partner, the OLM Nature Escape, opened at the beginning of this year in South Tyrol and is completely geared towards sustainability. The most important point here is energy self-sufficiency. Thanks to geothermal probes and solar panels, the circular facility is completely powered by its own green electricity. As the name suggests, the focus of this hideaway is on experiencing nature. For a walk, the aparthotel recommends going to Sand in Taufers. Sand in Taufers is 4.5 kilometers away and here you can visit Taufers Castle. You can also discover all kinds of chapels, churches, and bodies of water in the surrounding area. The Ahrauen nature reserve is also particularly beautiful. However, these are around 17 kilometers away.

“On my way to the beach”

Don’t you wish you could say that more often? The ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA is located on one of the most beautiful beaches in Sicily! Located in the WWF “Riserva Naturale Torre Salsa”, this beach is unique in that it can only be reached on foot from the resort and is otherwise very difficult to access. The 6 km long sandy beach is therefore still natural and unspoiled and a wonderful place for barefoot walks.

“Only where you have walked, have you really been.” – Goethe

Even the poet Johann Wolfgang Goethe knew the benefits of walking-even though he had neither a smartwatch nor a pedometer. Now we’d like to hear your thoughts. Would you choose a vacation destination based on whether it’s a good place to walk?

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What are UNESCO World Heritage Sites?

UNESCO, or the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, is a sub-organization of the United Nations (UN) and, since 1978, has maintained a list of World Heritage Sites of special universal value to humanity as a whole, to be preserved for and by humanity. This includes tangible heritage such as natural landscapes, works of art and monuments, as well as intangible heritage such as crafts and customs. Over 1154 cultural and natural heritage sites from 167 countries are currently listed, and new sites are being added all the time. But some are disappearing as well…

How to get certified as a World Heritage Site?

To be included, a site must meet certain criteria. (For example, it must be a “masterpiece of human creativity,” a “natural phenomenon of superlatives,” or an area “of outstanding natural beauty and aesthetic significance”.

Once a site has been designated as a World Heritage Site, UNESCO promotes protection measures (although the responsibility lies within the state) and monitors the condition of the World Heritage Sites.

Loss of World Heritage status

Some World Heritage Sites also lose their status. This happened in Oman in 2007 when the Arabian Oryx Wildlife Sanctuary was reduced in size.

Experience a UNESCO World Heritage Site up close – our tips for you

Of the more than 1000 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, here are 10 that are definitely worth a visit. And we wouldn’t be us if we hadn’t deliberately chosen the sites with sustainable Green PearlsⓇ accommodations nearby. After all, UNESCO is all about preservation for future generations – and we, and probably you too, don’t want to undermine that by traveling in a way that’s harmful to the environment.

Things to keep in mind when you are visiting a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

As you will learn from reading the list of individual sites, many of them are in danger of falling into disrepair, and some can only be visited under strict conditions. For example, Leonardo da Vinci’s painting “The Last Supper” can only be viewed by a maximum of 25 people in a guided group, and Machu Picchu has even been closed to visitors at times. So wherever you go, follow the rules, be respectful of the site, the environment and the people, and don’t leave any litter. Your footprint should be as small as possible.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy

Let’s start with Italy, one of the most culturally rich countries in Europe. After all, it was the center of the Roman Empire, and all the great painters and sculptors of the Renaissance made pilgrimages here. There are currently 59 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy (as of 2023), of which 53 are World Heritage Sites and 6 are World Natural Heritage Sites.

For culture lovers: Milan

If you are in the mood for culture, Lombardy is the region with the most UNESCO sites – there are no less than 10 World Heritage Sites to visit!

The most famous of these is located in the heart of Milan, the capital of Lombardy. The painting “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci. It is located in the Renaissance church of Santa Maria delle Grazie.

Info: If you want to see the world-famous painting, you should book tickets in advance. A guided tour (about 45 minutes) costs about 45 euros and is only available on certain days of the week and for a maximum of 25 people. The goal is to preserve the 500-year-old masterpiece. Since dust stirred up by visitors accelerates the deterioration of the artwork, elaborate ventilation systems have also been installed to further protect the painting.

Brief facts about the UNESCO World Heritage Site The Last Supper

• Country: Italy
• UNESCO World Heritage since: 1980
• Area: Museo del Cenacolo Vinciano
• Special feature: Painting is considered “one of the highest forms of expression in art”.

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Lombardy that we can recommend is the Rhaetian Railway. This environmentally friendly transportation connects Italy with Switzerland. The small station of Tirano is located in Lombardy, from where you can travel to Switzerland. A highlight of the train is its panoramic roof.

Brief facts about the UNESCO World Heritage Rhaetian Railway

• Country: Italy
• UNESCO World Heritage Site since: 2008
• Area: 122 kilometers of railway network with a red train
• Special feature: Winding its way up the mountains, the train is considered a rare example of a man-made structure that blends perfectly with the environment.

A carbon-neutral stay at the Hotel Milano Scala in Milan

Hotel Milano Scala is an eco-friendly option for your overnight stay in Lombardy. It is the first zero-emissions hotel in Milan and is self-sufficient thanks to geothermal energy. It’s also centrally located, right next to La Scala, one of the most famous opera houses in the world (even if opera isn’t your thing, be sure to plan a tour of the building). In addition, there is a great roof terrace with an herb garden.

For nature lovers: The Dolomites of South Tyrol

If you are looking for nature and relaxation during your vacation, we have another recommendation for you: in 2009, nine mountain groups in the Dolomites were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List for their beauty and for their geological and geomorphological importance (study of landforms 🙂 ), as anyone who has ever seen the Dolomites can vouch for.

Brief facts about the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Country: Italy
• UNESCO World Heritage Site since: 2009
• Area: 142,000 hectares (spread over several areas)
• Special features: The mountain range is made up of dolomite (hence the name) and the rocks form special rock formations.

Vacation in the Dolomites

The Dolomites are a snow-sure area for winter sports as well as a wonderful place for hiking and mountain biking. In addition to active vacationers, the region also attracts people in search of (inner) peace and tranquility.

Paradiso Pure.Living is located on the famous Alpe di Siusi (in winter directly on the slopes) and the first purely vegetarian-vegan hotel in the Dolomites. Here you will find regular yoga offers and changing art exhibitions.

 “Words can’t describe the beauty and the splendor of the Dolomites. You can only feel its majesty at the first sight being there.” – Paradiso Pure.Living

Active and enjoyable in the Cilento National Park

There is another unique natural landscape in the south of Italy. The Cliento National Park is a mountainous area that stretches from the Mediterranean coast (Tyrrhenian Sea) through the Vallo di Diano to the Apennines.

Brief facts about the UNESCO World Heritage Site Cliento National Park

• Country: Italy
• UNESCO World Heritage Site since: 1998
• Area: 181 hectares
• Special features: In addition to the natural beauty of the National Park, there are charming mountain and fishing villages with colorful house facades perched on the sea cliffs.

A vacation in Cilento is suitable for all types of travelers: Whether you prefer beach vacations or active ones, cultural or hiking excursions. Even lovers of Italian cuisine will feel like they’re in heaven in this corner of southern Italy! Keyword: Neapolitan Pizza!

Brief facts about the UNESCO Intangible World Heritage of the art of the pizza maker

• Country: Italy
• UNESCO World Heritage Site since: 2017
• Location: Naples
• Special feature: Neapolitan pizza isn’t fast food, it’s a cultural treasure! It’s not just about craftsmanship and dough twirling, but also about the songs, stories and lifestyles that have developed around Neapolitan pizza.

Sustainable vacation rentals in the Cliento region

The A’ Crápa Mangia apartments are located directly on the coast in a renovated old country house in the heart of Cliento. Each apartment has a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the German-speaking owners take great care of their guests. For example, you can help prepare pasta in a mini cooking course (LINK) and get lots of valuable ideas for excursions. There is a lot to see in the area: There’s Pompei and Herculaneum, Paestum, the Amalfi Coast and Naples. The old town of Naples is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Brief facts about the UNESCO World Heritage Site historic center of Naples.

• Country: Italy
• UNESCO World Heritage Site since: 1995
• Area: 1700 hectares.
• Special features: A wide variety of cultures and civilizations have left their mark here. From the ancient Greeks to the Romans, the Byzantines, the Normans, the Spanish and the French. Naples was even once a kingdom in its own right. As a visitor, you will wander through the narrow streets, marvel at the various squares, palaces and monuments.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in France

France has a total of 52 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 44 of them are World Heritage Sites, 7 are World Natural Heritage Sites and 1 is a mixture of culture and nature.

There are several World Heritage sites in and around the capital city of Paris. These include Notre Dame Cathedral (not only for its architecture, but also for its European historical significance in terms of the relationship between state and church), the Palace of Versailles, the former abbey church and current diocesan cathedral of Saint-Denis, and Hangar Y, the oldest airship hangar in the world. But did you know that the banks of the Seine are also a World Heritage Site?

Brief facts about the UNESCO World Heritage Site Seine Riverbank

• Country: France
• U UNESCO World Heritage Site since: 1991
• Area: 365 hectares
• Special features: The historic section between the Pont de Sully and the Pont d’léna (including the Seine islands of Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis) was important in Celtic times. The city center of Paris, built around the river, influenced urban planning worldwide and is considered a symbol of the relationship between the people and the river. There are magnificent views and many Gothic buildings to admire.

Vacation in the heart of Paris’ World Heritage Sites

There are three Green PearlsⓇ partner hotels in Paris, which together form the Green Spirit Hotels group. They are the small 2- to 3-star hotels Hotel Le Pavillon, Hotel Marlar and Hotel Amélie in the 7th arrondissement, all artistically and individually decorated. This sets the mood for exploring the art-loving French metropolis. You can also enjoy a delicious breakfast on the terrace or in the courtyard. And with local (and sometimes organic) produce. The banks of the Seine and the Eiffel Tower are within walking distance.

Vacation in a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Germany

There are 49 World Heritage Sites and 3 World Natural Heritage Sites in Germany, making a total of 52 sites protected by UNESCO. We would like to introduce two of them here

Hansestadt Lübeck

The North German city of Lübeck was one of the most important Hanseatic cities between 1230 and 1535. If the term Hanseatic League doesn’t ring a bell, the Hanseatic League was a powerful association of merchants and held a monopoly on trade on the Baltic and North Seas and along some inland rivers during this period. Lübeck itself is well preserved to this day and a visit (preferably with a guided tour) will show you where the wealthy merchants lived and where the artisans had their huts.

Short facts about the UNESCO World Heritage Site Lübeck Old Town

• Country: Germany
• UNESCO World Heritage Site since: 1987
• Area: 115 hectares
• Special feature: The outstanding monument to the heritage of the Hanseatic seafaring merchants Lübeck’s Old Town has an unmistakable silhouette with its 7 towers and typical brick architecture).

Sustainable vacation at the Baltic Sea

Just a 25 minute drive from Lübeck lies the Timmendorfer Strand. Here you can relax on a beach by the Baltic Sea at any time of the year. An excellent choice for sustainable accommodation is the Lifestyle Hotel SAND. It emphasizes naturalness, which means eco-friendly materials, local organic products, and relaxation near the beach and on the hotel’s roof terrace – complete with a rooftop sauna and a wicker beach chair for sleeping under the stars.

Völklingen Ironworks Industrial Monument and Bliegau Biosphere Reserve

Saarland is Germany’s smallest state and shaped by three major rivers: the Saar, the Moselle and the Blies. The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Bliesgau is located in the southeast of Saarland. A biosphere reserve, as opposed to a cultural heritage site, is a model region for sustainable development with the aim of enabling people and nature to live in harmony.

The region is characterized by a hilly landscape with beech forests, meadow orchards and floodplains. The state itself has been recognized as a ” sustainable travel destination in Germany” by TourCert and is a partner of Green PearlsⓇ.

In addition to its natural beauty, Saarland is also known for its mining past and has preserved several industrial monuments. The most famous of these is the Völklingen Ironworks. It is one of the most important international monuments of the heyday of industrialization and is the only completely preserved ironworks from this period.

Brief facts about the Völklinger Hütte UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Country: Germany
• UNESCO World Heritage Site since: 1994
• Area: 7.46 hectares (the total area of the Völklingen-Saarstahl site is approximately 260 hectares)
• Special feature: Important monument of European industrial history. The Völklingen Ironworks was founded in 1873 and reached its production peak in the post-war period (1950s). The plant was shut down in 1986 and is now open to visitors daily as an industrial monument.

Vacation in Saarland

Saarland offers several sustainable accommodations and camping sites. For tips and addresses, visit the official website.

+ VERLINKUNG zum NL sobald er draußen ist

UNESCO World Heritage Site in Peru

Outside of Europe, we would like to introduce you to two World Heritage Sites from Peru. Peru has 13 World Heritage Sites, of which 9 are Cultural Heritage Sites and 2 are Natural Heritage Sites. 2 sites are mixed. Especially the remains of the Inca culture are world famous.

The Inca Empire

The Inca Empire was the largest empire in the early American continent and rose to power in the 13th century. They considered their capital, Cusco, the “center of the world” and built a civilization with remarkable stone buildings, bridges and roads, the ruins of which are still preserved today. The downfall of the Incas was brought about by the Spanish conquest in the 16th century.

Brief facts about the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cusco

• Country: Peru
• UNESCO World Heritage since: 1983
• Area: 284 hectares
• Special features: The city of Cusco represents some 3,000 years of indigenous and autonomous Andean culture. The influences of Spanish colonial rule are also clearly visible.

Sustainable accommodation in Cusco

Our Green PearlsⓇ partner, Inkaterra, is committed to preserving the cultural heritage and protecting the environment in Peru. An exclusive 5-star boutique hotel in Cusco. The Inkaterra La Casona has only 11 rooms and feels more like a luxurious private villa. The history here has been specially restored and you can even admire frescoes that are over 500 years old!

Cusco is also known as the “gateway to Machu Picchu”.

Brief facts about the UNESCO World Heritage Site Machu Picchu

• Country: Peru
• UNESCO World Heritage since: 1983
• Area: 32,500 hectares
• Special features: The well-preserved Inca city of Machu Picchu is both a cultural and natural heritage site. Located high in the clouds, the mountain city is still a source of scientific interest today.

Beware of mass tourism: Machu Picchu is so impressive and famous that many tourists want to visit it. Too many. The ruins had to be closed in September 2023 due to erosion. The site will be fully reopened in January 2024. However, you can only visit the legendary site with a guided tour, and should follow the guide’s instructions to the letter.

You can read more about this in our article on overtourism, where Machu Picchu and the challenges of its fame are explained in more detail.

Vacation at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

If you want to spend your vacation in the vicinity of this extraordinary World Heritage Site – considered by some to be one of the wonders of the modern world – we recommend another Inkaterra hotel. The Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel accompanies you with trained guides and is committed to clean water and waste prevention in the region. In addition, you will enjoy an authentic and luxurious 81-room hotel complex.

Vacation in a UNESCO World Heritage Site – Conclusion

Thanks to the efforts of UNESCO, many places, buildings and customs have been given more “value”. In the sense of appreciation and preservation. And – let’s face it – tourism is part of the equation! You are supposed to visit these places and increase their value with your purchasing power as a tourist. However, this should not be at the expense of nature or culture and be done in the best possible way.

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