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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“Yoga is more than physical exercise”

Originally from Hungary, Istvan completed his yoga training in Bali and has lived in Mexico, Peru, India and Lanzarote. He has walked the Camino de Santiago twice and is an Ayurvedic therapist and teacher of yoga, qigong, meditation and sound journeys. Now settled in Germany, he offers various programs for guests at the Hotel Das Rübezahl in the Allgäu region. He summarizes his attitude for us: “Yoga is so much more than physical exercise; it teaches you to be in the here and now. Don’t be anywhere or nowhere, just enjoy the moment!”

“My intention with yoga is to help people experience themselves as souls and creators. Breathing is important, as is releasing your own blockages as you exhale. Letting yourself go completely. That is healing. When was the last time you let yourself go completely” – Istvan

Combining yoga, sustainability and singing bowls

Yoga Trends for 2025 – Meditative or Athletic?

Whether you’re looking for more energy or more grounding, yoga styles in 2025 will offer the right practice for every focus. We’ll show you what’s in demand right now.

For your information: Some classes have traditional yoga names (such as Ashtanga Yoga), while others have marketing names so to speak, such as “Forest Yoga.” We have used the names as they are listed

Types of Yoga for soul and depth

#1 Gokul Yoga

Gokul Yoga is based on the classical Hatha Yoga tradition and combines precise alignment with spiritual principles from the Bhakti tradition. It is unique in that the teachings have been passed down through an unbroken chain of disciples.

Gokul Yoga is not just about physical exercises, but a holistic practice that harmonizes body, mind and heart. Meditation, breath control (pranayama) and ethical living are central components – always with the goal of coming closer to oneself.

At Hotel Korinjak on the car-free island of Iž in Croatia, you can experience Gokul Yoga right by the sea. The vegetarian-vegan hotel is a retreat for mindful breaks and specializes in yoga, meditation and healing treatments.

• Click here for the Gokul Yoga offers at Hotel Korinjak
  

#2 Sound Yoga

This yoga practice combines gentle, long-held yin yoga poses with the meditative sounds of singing bowls. As the body is held in deep stretches, the vibrations of the bowls help to release blockages, calm the nervous system, and bring you into a state of deep relaxation. The sound and silence work together to create an intense experience on a physical and energetic level.

At STURM in the Rhön, this form of yoga is offered every Wednesday under the title “Yoga with Sound Relaxation”, led by Susann Kind. There are also regular retreats. The hotel itself is synonymous with conscious time-out, offering rooms with garden views and no TV, sustainable architecture, and a natural swimming pond in the middle of the gentle Rhön landscape.

• Retreats at the STURM

You can also experience Yin Yoga with singing bowls at the family-run Eco-Hotel Okelmann’s in Warpe. The owner, Maren Geisler-Okelmann, teaches herself – in groups, private lessons, or even with your four-legged friend. She particularly loves the combination of sound and movement to promote deep relaxation

• Yoga classes and retreats at Okelmann’s

#3 Kundalini Yoga

Kundalini Yoga is also known as the Yoga of Awareness. It combines dynamic physical exercises, breathing techniques, meditation, and mantras to activate the kundalini energy – a dormant force at the base of the spine. The goal is to unlock your potential, gain clarity, and connect with your intuition. The practice can be energizing, challenging, and deeply transformative.

At the Relais del Maro, a charming albergo diffuso in the Ligurian village of Borgomaro, guests can take part in weekly Kundalini Yoga classes led by Aimee Denkmann in the Healing Arts Garden, just a five-minute walk away. In addition to group classes, Aimee also offers private lessons, which can be booked directly through the hotel reception.

#4 Ritual Yoga with Mantra & Cocoa Ceremony

This holistic practice combines physical movement with ritual and sound. Yoga is not practiced alone, but is embedded in ceremonies, such as the chanting of mantras or the conscious consumption of raw cacao in a South American cacao ceremony. The focus is on connection – with oneself, with others, and with the rhythms of nature. Meditation, intuition and opening the heart are central.

Gut Sonnenhausen, near Munich, Germany, offers regular overnight retreats. The retreats are based on the cycle of the seasons. Surrounded by organically farmed nature, you will experience intense days guided by experienced teachers such as Thais de la Paz.

#5 Forest Yoga

Forest Yoga is an invitation to consciously integrate the calming power of the forest into your yoga practice. Among the trees and chirping birds, it is easier to find peace and connect with nature. The fresh forest air is invigorating, while the green canopy creates a meditative atmosphere. Practicing outdoors not only strengthens the body, but also promotes feelings of grounding and mindfulness.

At My Arbor, an adults-only hotel in South Tyrol, forest yoga takes place in the middle of the forest during the summer months, complemented by classes and other offerings in the stylish yoga room. Experienced instructors tailor each session to the individual’s needs, whether beginner or advanced. The hotel is located above Brixen and focuses on relaxation, retreat and sustainable well-being.

• Yoga at the My Arbor Hotel
  

#7 Breathwork / Quantum Light Breath (QLB)

Conscious breathing is much more than just a side aspect of yoga practice – in 2025, breathwork will be the focus of many retreats. In particular, Quantum Light Breathing (QLB) is becoming increasingly popular: a powerful, meditative breathing technique accompanied by emotional music that can trigger profound inner processes. It aims to release old patterns and blockages through breathing, to find inner peace and to gain new clarity.

At the Hotel Das Rübezahl in the Allgäu region of Germany, QLB is offered by Istvan, the yoga teacher we introduced at the beginning of this article. The combination of breathing exercises, meditation, and experiencing nature helps you find your inner self – in line with a mindful and healing lifestyle.

• Yoga and retreats with Istvan at Hotel Das Rübezahl
  

Sporty Yoga Variations

Looking for movement, dynamism and energy in your yoga practice? Then these athletic yoga trends may be right up your alley. In 2025, many styles will combine physical challenge with mindfulness – ideal for anyone looking to push themselves while still finding their center.

#1 Yogilates

Yogilates combines the flowing movements and stretching exercises of yoga with the muscle-strengthening training of Pilates. This allows you to strengthen your core, improve your posture, and train your balance – the perfect combination of strength, flexibility, and mindfulness.

At ADLER Lodge RITTEN you can experience Yogilates as part of a retreat – with views of the Dolomites and surrounded by the tranquility of South Tyrol. The sustainable hotel consists of a main building and an annex, as well as several private chalets grouped around a natural swimming pond and along the ridge line. On the culinary side, you can look forward to an all-inclusive farm-to-table concept with products from the region.

• Yogilates at the ADLER Lodge RITTEN

Yogilates is also offered at Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa in the Bavarian Alps. Surrounded by unspoiled nature and breathtaking mountain views, you can intensify your yoga practice and relax at the same time. Known for its holistic wellness and yoga offerings, this health hotel provides the perfect balance of physical exercise and inner peace.

• Tip: For expectant mothers, the hotel also offers prenatal yoga and a babymoon package.
• Yoga-offers at Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa

#2 Back Yoga

As sitting has become the “new smoking” in our society, back problems have become widespread. So it’s no wonder that back yoga is becoming increasingly popular. This type of yoga uses various forms and postures. It focuses on stretching the back muscles and releasing tension, which reduces pain and increases mobility in the spine. In addition, back yoga strengthens your abdominal muscles, which improves posture and provides long-term pain relief.

LA VIMEA, Italy’s first vegan hotel, offers back yoga on a regular basis. At this adults-only retreat, daily yoga classes are included in the half-board rate and are led by certified yoga instructors. You also have the opportunity to participate in yoga retreats. The hotel has two well-equipped yoga rooms and a sunny terrace for outdoor yoga.

• Yoga at LA VIMEA Vegan Hotel

#3 Fascia Yoga

Fascia Yoga focuses on gentle flexibility exercises and deep stretches to release tension and revitalize the fascia, or connective tissue. Conscious breathing techniques provide optimal support for the body, resulting in improved flexibility and ease of movement. This form of yoga is particularly effective for mobilizing the back and relaxing the entire body.

The Birkenhof***** Spa & Genussresort offers Fascia Yoga in collaboration with experienced instructor Viktoria Koller (Viki Sports). Enjoy yoga classes in luxurious surroundings, including a large spa area with several pools and saunas, and excellent food. The hotel has its own 2-star restaurant, Eisvogel, where hotel guests get priority seating. For all its luxury, the resort takes its responsibilities seriously, including a commitment to renewable energy.

• Fitness, Spa & Yoga at Birkenhof

#4 Vinyasa Yoga

Vinyasa Yoga is a dynamic yoga practice that harmonizes movement and breathing. The asanas (postures) are linked together in a flowing sequence that not only improves flexibility and endurance, but also calms the mind. This type of yoga strengthens the body and helps you reduce stress while building a deep connection with your breath and the moment.

At Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel you can experience Vinyasa Yoga with Marnie Spögler, a member of the host family. Marnie is originally from Canada and has been teaching yoga for over 18 years. A certified Yoga Alliance teacher, she brings a wealth of experience and passion to her dynamic and energizing classes. The daily Vinyasa classes are included in the half-board rate. In addition, the hotel is offering three special yoga retreats during the 2025 summer season to help you deepen your practice. The hotel’s holistic, vegan philosophy further emphasizes this depth.

• Yoga-Retreats at the Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel

Vinyasa Yoga is also offered at the Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld – here by hostess Laura Seyrling-Riess herself. The family-run hotel looks back on over 500 years of hospitality and was built on the foundations of a former monastery. It is in this special atmosphere that you can enjoy powerful flow sessions, a combination of movement and mindfulness.

• Yoga-Offers at the Hotel Klosterbräu

#5 Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga is a dynamic and challenging style in which breath and movement are synchronized in a fixed sequence. The practice follows a series of postures that are systematically structured to develop strength, endurance, flexibility, and concentration. A special feature is the meditative flow state that results from the connection between breath (ujjayi), focus (drishti), and movement.

This year, an Ashtanga Yoga Retreat will take place at the luxurious yet sustainable ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The stylish resort is located in Sicily, directly on the sea and nestled in a nature reserve, offering ideal conditions for intensive practice and relaxation.

• Ashtanga Yoga at ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA

AI-Powered Yoga – The future of yoga with technology?

Finally, we would like to introduce you to another trend that is likely to become increasingly important in the future: AI-powered yoga. It combines traditional yoga practice with cutting-edge technology and is aimed primarily at people who practice at home. With the help of AI, personalized yoga classes are offered that are tailored to your specific needs and progress. The technology analyzes your movements, provides feedback on how you are performing the asanas, and adjusts the exercises in real time to help you improve your practice.

How does this fit in with the original teachings of yoga? To be honest, we’re not really sure what to make of it. So our recommendation is clear: find a qualified teacher in your area or attend a retreat to expand your knowledge. There are also a number of YouTube videos where real people show you how it’s done. From our own (pandemic-related) experience, we can tell you that you will be instructed at exactly the right moments not to clench your teeth or tilt your head back…

Green PearlsⓇ hotels focus on personalized service

Our Green PearlsⓇ accommodations continue to focus on individual attention and customized yoga experiences – without any technology. Here, experienced yoga teachers are on hand to guide you through your practice and respond to your needs. At SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA, for example, yoga is understood as a balance between rest and activity. You can book individual or private group classes for yourself and your friends to deepen your practice and develop sustainable routines.

Naturresort Gerbehof also focuses on a nature-based yoga experience. Here you can practice in a beautiful yoga room or directly in the garden or in the stone circle in the forest. There are no special classes, but there is plenty of space to enjoy your practice surrounded by nature.

Our hotels are designed with personalized service and individual well-being in mind – perfect if you are looking for a deeper connection to your practice and to yourself.

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Sustainable microcations – what to look for

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Traveling sustainable means living sustainable

It also means making sure you use resources consciously:

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

Microcation ideas for every taste

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

#1 Wellness & Relaxation

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

Sustainable hotel tips:

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

#2 Inner peace and strength

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

Suitable sustainable hotels:

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

#3 Adventure & Outdoors

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

Recommended accommodation:

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

#4 Detox & Digital Detox

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

Tips for sustainable hotels:

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

#5 Romance & Togetherness

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

Our hotel recommendations for a romantic getaway:

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

#6 Cities & Culture

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

Hotel tips for a city trip:

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

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

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This is the fourth in our Culinary Journey series – a new destination each month.

Down-to-earth cuisine with rural origins

Bavaria is located in the south of Germany, bordering the Alps and Austria. This cuisine originated in rural areas and features hearty meat dishes, dumplings, and pastries. Traditional dishes are still popular today,

In Munich there are some modern representatives of tavern culture. People consider the absence of meat and dairy products “modern”. For example, the vegan restaurant “Bodhi” in Munich serves “soy steak” instead of pork knuckle or “Keesspatzn” (cheese spaetzle without cheese).

“Vegan spreads more popular than cheese alternatives”

At least that’s the way chef Manuel Madei of the Green PearlsⓇ Hotel Gut Sonnenhausen sees it. While homemade vegan spreads are popular with guests for breakfast, “vegan sausage and cheese” are neither offered nor in demand.

The Gut Sonnenhausen is located about 35 kilometers south of Munich and was originally a stud farm. It is certified organic and has its own organic farm. Everything not produced on the farm comes from its sister farm, Herrmannsdorfer Landwerkstätten (where organic cattle, pigs, chickens and lambs are raised).

Manuel works with a farm-to-fork concept: “The combination of our own vegetable garden, organic farming and the Herrmannsdorfer Landwerkstätten allows me to process high quality and interesting food freshly and put the best on our guests’ plates,” he says. The inspiration for his dishes comes from walks in the woods with his dog, Tyras. He also values the “nose to tail” approach, ensuring that every part of the animal is used.

From Nose to Tail

The young chef sees meat as a fundamental part of Bavarian cuisine. In his opinion, regional organic meat should be used to make consumption ecologically justifiable. This guarantees species-appropriate husbandry, promotes organic farming in the region and avoids transportation emissions.

He also considers it important to use the whole animal. That’s why he praises and recommends Bavarian offal cuisine, which uses liver, kidneys, and other parts.

The FARMER’s CLUB restaurant is also open to external guests for breakfast, business lunch and dinner. The highlight is the 3-course menu on Sundays with organic roast pork from the Herrmannsdorfer Landwerkstätten, which is made from the local “Schwäbisch Hällische” pig.

Gardening according to the principles of permaculture

The kitchen garden at Gut Sonnenhausen provides Manuel’s kitchen with fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs at harvest time. Designed according to permaculture principles, it requires only a manageable amount of water, even in the summer, because the plants protect and support each other. If you are interested in this type of organic vegetable gardening for your own backyard, read gardener Marie Louise Troll’s tips here. She is in charge of the gardens around Gut Sonnenhausen. 

These are the hearty must-eats in Bavaria

We asked Manuel which dishes are a must on a gourmet trip through Bavaria. Here are his recommendations:

#1 Resche roast pork belly with dark beer sauce, bread dumplings and caraway and pointed cabbage salad

Something that is “Resch gebraten” means that it has a hard crust. Unlike potato dumplings, cooks make bread dumplings from old bread rolls (“Semmeln”).

#2 Boiled “Tafelspitz” with grated horseradish and bouillon vegetables

The “Tafelspitz” gets its name from its triangular shape. It is the rear part of the beef rump. The meat is very lean and somewhat coarse. In Bavaria (and also in Austria) it is customary to sell this cut separately, resulting in several Tafelspitz dishes.

#3 Sour “Lüngerl“

As mentioned above, offal is one of Bavaria’s specialties. A “Saures Lüngerl” is a ragout of veal lung with bread dumplings. They serve it in a soup bowl.

#4 Liver Dumpling Soup

Another dish that proves you can enjoy the whole animal is liver dumpling soup. This is a clear broth with liver dumplings. Cooks make these from beef liver (sometimes pork liver) mixed with bread, eggs, parsley, and other spices.

Bavarian Dessert and Pastry Recommendations

In Bavaria, bakers prepare apple pies in countless variations, as farmers have grown this fruit in the region for centuries. People consider the apple the oldest cultivated fruit tree. However, many dishes sold as “classics” in Bavaria originally come from neighboring countries.

#5 Apple strudel with vanilla ice cream (or vanilla sauce)

Apple strudel is popular not only in Bavaria, but in all the countries that once belonged to Austria-Hungary (1867-1918). Boiled apple pieces with cinnamon sugar and raisins are rolled into a flaky strudel dough. Delicious hot or cold! Vanilla sauce was added later. (You can read more about Madagascar vanilla and sustainability in our Patisserie blog post).

#6 Tarte Tatin

Tarte Tatin is actually of French origin, but according to Manuel it is a common pastry in Bavaria, which he recommends for its “fine taste”. Interestingly, it was the signature tart of a 19th century French hotel (Hôtel Tatin). Bakers prepare it as a caramelized apple tart baked upside down.

#7 Crostata

Crostata also originated on the other side of the Alps, in Italy, but its simplicity makes it a perfect addition to Bavarian cuisine. It consists of a shortcrust pastry base spread with jam and topped with a shortcrust lattice. “Simply delicious,” says Manuel.

#8 Linz Torte

“The Linzer Torte is always perfect for special occasions or just to enjoy at home with family and friends,” says Manuel. It was invented in Austria, where confectioner Johann Konrad Vogel (1796-1883) made it famous. He had emigrated from Bavaria to Linz, where he was the first to mass produce the cake.

The Linzer Torte (similar to the Corstata) consists of shortcrust pastry with jam and a lattice topping. What makes it special is the shortcrust pastry. Linzer Torte has a high nut content, usually almonds or a mixture of almonds and hazelnuts.

Drink tip from Manuel: “In Sonnenhausen I discovered the Kräuter-Garten-Spritz (herbs + white wine and sparkling water). It’s made with herbs from our own garden, tastes fresh, a little sweet and naturally sparkling”.

Conclusion

Regional agricultural products play an important role in Bavarian cuisine. Meat, eggs, milk, flour, apples, potatoes, and onions are among the classic basic ingredients used in many traditional dishes. In modern cuisine, however, vegetables are coming out of their shadowy existence as side dishes. Horseradish, white cabbage, celery, and carrots, which grow in this part of Germany, are particularly popular.

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Glow coffee and px coffee – these are supposed to be the new coffee trends 2023. However, according to our internal survey of sustainable hotels and resorts, this has not been confirmed! Instead, the classics (with milk alternatives) are in demand. Barista Moritz Unterlechner from the Biohotel Grafenast in Tyrol, Austria, reveals how to enjoy your coffee as sustainably as possible, how to create the best foam, and which coffee the Viennese serve “in layers”.

Espresso with orange juice

First, let’s take a look back at the coffee trends of 2023. These were:

• Greek frappé of instant coffee with ice
• Coffee-Matcha combination
• Espresso with orange juice

That’s what barista Moritz Unterlechner tells us. He currently lives in the coffeehouse-city of Vienna. He also works in his parents’ family business, the Biohotel Grafenast, and in the winter at Café Rodel Toni (named after Moritz’s great-great-grandfather Toni Unterlechner).

According to Moritz, the coffee selection changes not only according to new trends, but also according to the season and time of day!

Most people like to wake up with a classic in the morning. That means an espresso, a cappuccino or a filter coffee. ALICE & BOB is his recommendation for “super coffee beans”. This is a German organic coffee roaster. They offer a very limited selection of exactly two coffees (an organic espresso and an organic filter coffee).

Turmeric latte with pistachio sauce

Customers are more receptive to specialty coffee in the period after lunch and into the evening. In the summer, for example, this would be the iced coffee and then, from the fall, the turmeric latte with Sonnentor’s organic turmeric latte spice blend, the milk of your choice and pistachio sauce. 

In the fall and winter of 2024/25, these coffee trends are coming

Winter is high season at Biohotel Grafenast. The sustainably run hotel sits 1330 meters above the Tyrolean Inn Valley. Guests come for skiing, tobogganing, snowshoeing, and ski tours that start right outside the hotel.

This winter, Moritz wants to serve sweet specialties like the “Rodel Toni coffee” in the Café Rotel Toni, right next to the toboggan run and the children’s ski school. The “Rodel Toni coffee” consists of three layers: Egg liqueur, espresso and whipped cream. Then there is the “Skier’s latte”: espresso, hot chocolate, chocolate sauce, milk foam.

The secret of good foam

A good milk foam is firm and has fine pores. According to the barista, “the secret of a good foam” is a combination of three things:

1. the right milk (organic H-milk is among the best, and for plant-based alternatives, oat milk barista)
2. the milk should not be too hot (an ideal temperature is 60°C/ 140 °F)
3. work with two milk jugs (the point here is that the foam is lighter than the milk – this is where dexterity comes in, getting the ratio right – as well as a pattern)

How sustainable is coffee?

You may have heard: 140 liters of water are used to make one cup of coffee. However, it should be noted that the coffee plant only grows in wetlands such as the tropics, where it is irrigated by rain.

Carbon footprint of our daily coffee

According to calculations by the German Federal Environment Agency (2020), the CO2 footprint of coffee is 5.6, i.e. 5.6 kg of CO2 per 1 kg of coffee. Mineral water from a reusable glass bottle has a factor of 0.2 and soda from a plastic bottle has a factor of 0.4. Now that sounds like coffee is a climate-damaging beverage. But wait. One cup of coffee uses between 6 and 12 grams of coffee! (Roughly speaking, 10 grams equals 0.056 kg of CO2, while a small 0.2 glass of lemonade consumes 0.08 kg of CO2).

Of course, this calculation is only a rough comparison because there are too many factors on the world market that cannot be compared with each other. However, if coffee is consumed by the cup (and not by the liter like juices or beer), the hot beverage has probably less impact on your personal consumption pattern as it is often portrayed.

Nevertheless, coffee has a higher ecological footprint than tea. This is largely because the tea plant requires less land and is more productive. Even more sustainable, of course, is tea made from herbs, flowers or fruits from your own garden. Our Green PearlsⓇ partner Gut Sonnenhausen near Munich is a specialist in this field. All the ingredients for their teas are “picked and dried by us in our own medicinal herb garden,” they tell us. The coffee selection, however, is limited to the “good old classics”.

Buy fair trade organic coffee

Coffee comes from countries like Brazil, Colombia and Peru and is grown mainly in tropical areas. Coffee is a labor-intensive crop. However, international traders determine how much the small farmers earn for their work, and it is often far too little! With Fair Trade coffee, you can be sure that the workers are not exploited and can organize themselves into cooperatives.

Another problem is that coffee is often grown in monocultures. This depletes the soil. It is also treated with pesticides. Organic coffee avoids both.

Barista Moritz Unterlechner also recommends buying coffee from a local roaster. This avoids even longer transportation routes and strengthens trade in your region.

This is also the belief at the sustainable Paradiso Pure.Living on the Seiser Alm in South Tyrol.

“We use 100% organic and fair trade coffee. It comes from a local roaster. As a vegetarian-vegan hotel, we serve this coffee with alpine milk from local organic producers, or with a selection of vegan organic plant-based drinks.” – Paradiso Pure.Living

Organic coffee from Thailand

Our partner Keemala on the island of Phuket in Thailand does not have to import coffee from overseas. In the highlands of Chiang Mai, in the north of the country, you find organic coffee plantations. The Suan Lahu Arabica grows according to the principles of organic farming and supports the indigenous Lahu population. Keemala Resort did not participate in fancy coffee trends. “Our guests prefer the classic style,” they say.

Coffee Trend 2024: Filter Coffee Ranks First in Germany

Other Green Pearls®partners in Germany, including the Naturresort Schindelbruch in the southern Harz Mountains and the Lifestylehotel SAND on the Baltic Sea, have also found that their guests enjoy drinking classic coffees the most.

According to the German Federal Statistical Office, filter coffee is still the most popular choice of coffee in Germany. In second place are cappuccino and latte macchiato.

An analysis of 97 global coffee statistics revealed that around 2.25 billion cups of coffee will be consumed worldwide every day in 2024!

Coffee classics in Italy

In Italy, however, drip coffee is a no-go! Here, you sip espresso. This also applies to the Relais del Maro, which is located in Liguria. In addition to pure espresso (“caffè”), there are its variants:

• Espresso lungo: The long (“lungo” = “long”) espresso contains twice the amount of water. Its taste is slightly less intense
• Cappuccino: a mixture of one third espresso and two thirds hot milk with milk froth
• Latte macchiato: hot milk, espresso, milk foam

Lupinscoffee – sustainable and local coffee option

If you’re looking for a regional alternative to coffee, the HUBERTUS Bergrefugio Allgäu also offers lupins coffee.

Lupins coffee comes from roasted lupia beans. It’s one of the best alternatives to coffee. It has the following advantages

• Very close to the taste of coffee
• Does not contain caffeine
• Cultivated in Germany (Bavaria) and South Tyrol (guarantee of fair working conditions)
• Lupins improve the quality of the soil. The strong main root can loosen the soil, and the “nodule bacteria” on the deep roots store nitrogen, which serves as fertilizer for future plants.
• Lupins are healthy. They contain plant protein, fiber and minerals (although it is unclear how much is in a cup of lupine coffee).

In addition, all the service staff at the HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio Allgäu complete a barista training course at the local Seeberger coffee roastery. Here they learn all about the popular hot beverage and its preparation.

Coffee infusion in the sauna

It is well known that drinking coffee stimulates the senses – but using coffee as a sauna infusion? That really is a new idea. (Or have you heard that before?!) You can experience this at My Arbor on the Plose in South Tyrol.

Sustainable Coffee Trend: Coffee with a plant-based milk alternative

Most recently, we’ve looked at plant-based drinks and how they’re sustainable. While drinks made from soy, oats or almonds were a rarity on menus ten years ago, almost all of our partners now offer these vegan alternatives. Read our blog to find out if this makes environmental sense:

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“Trails are constantly changing,” says Nancy Hobbs, the founder and Executive Director of the American Trail Running Association. “Trails keep changing, from start to finish, from one season to another, which means there’s always a new way to empower yourself.”

If you are looking for running events or training opportunities for your marathon, take a look at this article: Marathon Training on Vacation and Running Events.

World-Athletics definition of different trail running disciplines

• Trail Running:
  Running on various types of natural terrain. These include sand, forest trails, single-track paths, and snow tracks. There are no restrictions on distance or elevation gain, and no special equipment is required. However, poles etc. may be allowed.
• Cross-Country Running:
  An athletic discipline that describes races run by teams or individuals. The races take place outdoors, on grass and forest trails, and may include roads, hills, and natural obstacles. (A typical course length is 2000 meters.)
• Mountain Running:
  Mountain running takes place in a variety of mountainous terrain and there is no limit to the length of the course. (Races can be as short as a 15-minute mountain sprint or as long as several hours). Any type of equipment (poles, ropes, compasses, backpacks) is strictly prohibited. Mountain running also includes special uphill and downhill races.

Tip: Conquer mountains and inclines with a power walk. This saves energy and allows you to lengthen distances.

Tipp: Leave your running tracker at home! Many people run with smartwatches, focusing on their pace and mileage. But when you’re trail running, you’re bound to be slower than on a flat road or paved trail-and that shouldn’t discourage you. Instead, you can (at most) measure your time or keep an eye on your heart rate – or maybe stay away from electronic metrics altogether and just listen to your body 🙂

“Thanks to the proximity of the Baltic Sea, trail runners can run directly on the sandy beach. If you prefer to run on asphalt, the beach promenade along the Brodtener Steilufer in the direction of Niendorfer Hafen to Travemünde is an ideal route. Runners always praise this route.” – Lifestyle Hotel SAND

#3 Forest trail running in Glonn

To get an idea of the terrain, you can watch this video on the private YouTube channel “flow me in action”. As you can see, the 13-kilometer course takes you through forests, across meadows, past streams and lakes – a beautiful nature experience combined with the wonderful autumn sun.

#4 “Royal trail run” in the Allgäu

The route is 16.5 kilometers long and climbs 980 meters, with some technically challenging passages. You will also pass the Schutzengelweg and the Rohrkopfhütte, which belongs to the Hotel Das Rübezahl. (If you prefer something less challenging, you can take the Schutzengelweg to the Rohrkopfhütte and then continue to the Tegelberg summit station.) You can find more pictures and information about the track at Laufbar

#5 Trail running to the Siplinger Kopf, Allgäu

The German Alpine Club offers several trail running routes in around the Siplingerkopf on Outdooractive. You can also see the beautiful trails through the landscape here on YouTube. However, YouTuber Julia Mrozek hiked the 10-kilometer route (instead of running).

The spa town of Bad Herrenalb is known for its clean air, healing waters and thermal springs. The SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA even has its own indoor thermal pool. For those guests who enjoy running, the hotel recommends the Schweinbachtal. Here the Black Forest shows its romantic and magical side. Waterfalls, toadstools, moss – you’re just waiting to run into Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf.

The 10.2 kilometer circuit through the Schweinbachtal valley has a high percentage of trails and is technically demanding. It goes through the woods along a babbling stream. You can also see the historic Hirsau Monastery complex. You can find a detailed description at Outdooractive.

Sealed surfaces, such as asphalt roads and parking lots, are not only hard on the joints, they are also an environmental problem. According to the Bundesumweltamt, soil sealed with concrete or asphalt loses its valuable functions as a habitat for plants and animals. It also prevents rainwater from soaking into the ground. So trails are extra eco-friendly – and you will notice it, too – because the flora and fauna are right at your feet when you go trail running in Germany. You just have to be careful not to step on them;)

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Permaculture Garden and it’s Contribution to Sustainability

Green Travel Blog: Hi Marie Louise, Permaculture is often seen as a kind of ecological model garden. Is that the case?

Marie Louise Troll:  I think so. Because permaculture is creating healthy relationships within the overall system of the garden; therefore it is inherently sustainable and ecological. The concept was developed by Australians Bill Mollison and David Holmgren in 1978. It includes 5 dimensions: the two horizontal dimensions, the vertical dimension, the dimension of time as the fourth, and the above-mentioned fifth dimension of relationships; everything is interdependent.

Green Travel Blog: It’s also about imitating cycles observed in nature, right? Could you give an example?

Marie Louise Troll: With pleasure! Due to the effects of climate change on water resources and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, we have been working intensively for several years on solutions to mitigate the effects on our horticulture. To this end, we spent the last year using permaculture principles to observe our property and trace the watercourses. Based on our observations, we developed our own water system consisting of rainwater cisterns, ponds, and underground waterways. We also use certain techniques in growing vegetables, such as mulching, to minimize water use.

Green Travel Blog: The environmental benefit is that resources (in this case, water) are conserved?

Marie Louise Troll: Yes, we make the most of the environment. Working with nature, not against it.

Permaculture at Gut Sonnenhausen

Green Travel Blog: What is the significance of the gardens around Gut Sonnenhausen to the hotel business?

Marie Louise Troll: Health, regional and seasonal cuisine, aesthetics and well-being are important to us at Gut Sonnenhausen. To this end, we live in harmony with nature and the cycle of the year, which is reflected in our garden. We see ourselves as a team, with each department reflecting our common philosophy.

Green Travel Blog: Please describe your garden in more detail so that our readers can better imagine it.

Our certified organic agriculture is divided into four areas that complement and develop symbiotically.

1. Our culinary and medicinal herb garden, approximately 500 m²: Just outside our front door, guests are greeted by a colorful world of herbs and flowers. Our naturopath (Kirsten Walter) and our chefs pick fresh, aromatic herbs for healing treatments and culinary delights.
2. Our vegetable garden, about 2700 m²: Following the “Farm to Fork” principle, we grow our organic vegetables sustainably, regionally & according to the principles of permaculture. We also think in cycles. Anything not used for processing is added to our compost and later returned to the soil. Once harvested, the fresh, nutrient-rich vegetables go straight to our kitchen for quality processing. In addition to cultivation, the vegetable and herb garden is a decelerating, colorful, and grounding relaxation area for our guests.
3. Our ornamental plants decorate, accent, beautify, and romanticize the old monastery garden. They also encourage the biodiversity of insects, birds, and amphibians.
4. Our outdoor area, about 25 ha under nature protection: About 4600 perennial, shelter, and ornamental trees have been planted here. Our focus is on old varieties of fruit and nut trees. The peaceful forest completes the experience at Gut Sonnenhausen.

Permaculture at Home – Tips from the Gardener

Green Travel Blog: How could you use such a large-scale garden concept at home? Do you have any special tips for our readers?

Marie Louise Troll:  My advice to amateur gardeners is to explore and perceive the garden first and foremost as a space of experience. Through curiosity, supportive intervention, fun, and passion, your own garden will develop naturally and profitably.

Green Travel Blog: You also offer a “Gartentreff” and seminars on “Seasons in the Kitchen Garden” at Gut Sonnenhausen. What exactly happens in those?

Marie Louise Troll: In my seminars, we build community, gather and share knowledge, and experience the vegetable garden through the seasons, and of course, there is plenty of training input for the individual garden at home.

Green Travel Blog: Finally, is there a flower or plant that you particularly like or should be planted for sustainability?

Marie Louise Troll: What I like most is the variety, the bright colors, and the many different shapes. And it is this diversity that is ecologically valuable.

Green Travel Blog: Thank you for your time and best wishes for your gardening year.

If you want to experience the garden at Gut Sonnenhausen live, you can find the dates of Marie Louise Troll’s seminars in the calendar of events at Gut Sonnenhausen.

If you are staying longer, the building itself has a lot to offer. The carefully renovated stud farm consists of stylishly renovated rooms with a mix of modernity and tradition. For example, some of the rooms still contain farmhouse cupboards over 100 years old. The owner, Georg Schweisfurth, is also an avid art collector and displays a wide variety of works throughout the property. There is something to see around every corner.

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Sustainable ingredients straight from the hotel garden

As Booking.com found in a survey of 27,000 travelers in 33 countries, 81% of travelers consider sampling local cuisine part of a vacation. 61% are also interested in the origin of the food.

That’s a big plus for the sustainable Green PearlsⓇ partners, because their menus feature local cuisine, and many of them even have their own farms or vegetable and herb gardens. Not only does this mean that the food is absolutely fresh, but it also leaves the smallest ecological footprint possible, as there are no long transportation routes or packaging waste.

“Thanks to our own farm, we can harvest the products when they are really ripe – this gives them a very intense flavor that is unfortunately lost nowadays. – My Arbor

My Arbor chef’s favorite ingredient: fresh porcini mushrooms and chanterelles

The Hotel My Arbor is located in South Tyrol, about 15 minutes by car from Brixen, and overlooks the alpine landscape in the middle of nature. Among the favorite ingredients, not only in the kitchen but also among the guests, are the self-picked chanterelles and porcini mushrooms.

The mushroom season in South Tyrol begins in summer (June/July) with the chanterelles and lasts until around October. They thrive in warm, humid conditions in the forests of the Plose. Both the nutty porcini and the orange chanterelle are delicious in risotto, polenta, pasta, soups or with meat and game dishes.

Immune-boosting spices and meat from symbiotic animal husbandry

Gut Sonnenhausen, south of Munich, has its own large vegetable garden and meat from its sister farm, Herrmannsdorfer Landwerkstätten. Here, pastured pigs and farmyard chickens are kept together in a symbiotic animal husbandry system. Cardamom, ginger, horseradish and turmeric provide the right spice. “What they all have in common is that they are immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory,” says the chef at Gut Sonnenhausen, explaining the reasons for these favorite ingredients.

Chefs’ favorite ingredients: from every day to exotic

The people who run our partners’ kitchens are as diverse as the favorite ingredients they share with us. But one thing was consistently emphasized: The most important thing to them is that the products are sourced or produced fairly.

Natural flavor enhancer parmesan

“Parmesan always works” – this was the opinion of our au pair from the Italian part of Switzerland. In mashed potatoes, sauces, vegetables and of course pasta dishes – a little of the Italian hard cheese was mixed in everywhere.

The chefs at SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA share this approach to taste. They are convinced Parmesan “opens the taste buds” and “makes the dish taste more intense”. So why not give it a try!

Good to know: Parmesan cheese is neither vegetarian nor vegan. This is because the cheese gets its firmness from animal rennet (an enzyme from the stomachs of ruminant animals). It causes the milk to coagulate.

Tonka beans and kofu

Interesting vegan favorites can be found at the HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio Allgäu. The owners, the Traubel family, report that meat-free dishes are becoming increasingly popular. Two wonderful products you can try at the holistic wellness hotel in Balderschwang are tonka beans and kofu.

Kofu is tofu made from chickpeas. It is vegan too, but does not contain soy. Kofu can be diced, stir-fried, and tastes great with vegetables, in salads, and in soups. No wonder the kitchen loves it!!

Tonka beans come from the tonka tree, which grows up to 30 meters tall in South America and the tropical regions of Africa. The black seeds of the fruit are the tonka beans and have a beguiling scent. Think vanilla, bitter almond, and woodruff! The HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio buys them in organic quality and fair production.

In addition, the sustainable hotel uses (and sells) its own spice blends, blended according to Ayurvedic principles.

Vegan recipes by Chef Luca Sordi

If you are looking for more interesting vegan food options, you should try the cuisine at LA VIMEA in South Tyrol! LA VIMEA is an adults-only hotel and the first completely vegan hotel in Italy. Here in Naturno, you can relax during your morning yoga session right next to the natural swimming pond and enjoy a cuisine completely free of animal ingredients. By the way, the restaurant is also open to external guests 😉

Chef Luca Sordi has given us two recipes that you can read/cook here. They are:

Vegan dumplings and

Asparagus elderflower cream soup

Culinary experience with a twist

Favorite Ingredient: Organic! That sums up the philosophy of the STURM kitchen. The hotel, located in the Biosphere Reserve Rhön, serves only regional and seasonal organic products. Resulting in creations you have never tasted before! A few examples:

• Loin of Rhön pork | White pepper sauce | Cous Cous | Vanilla | Sauerkraut | Vegetable chips
• Lamb stew from the organic farm Werner Gut | Apricots | Cashew | Steamed eggplant | Fried Bread | Feta crumble
• Home made Maultaschen | Cream cheese | Herbs | Chard | Sage butter

And for dessert:

• Mousse of goat cheese | Strawberry sauce | Chocolate sand
• Sweet bread casserole | Fruits

Meat and dairy products are therefore an option, but only meat from species-appropriate animal husbandry, sourced directly from German farms. By the way, the Rhön pigs are also known as “potato pigs” because they are fed with steamed potatoes (that grow on the same farm).

After all the delicious inspiration, we immediately wanted to incorporate some of the ingredients into our own kitchens? What’s it like for you? Do you use any of the products yourself? And what is your all-time favorite ingredient?

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Cocoa ceremony and yoga retreats on an annual cycle

For the year 2024, Gut Sonnenhausen is offering yoga retreats based on the cycle of the year. The former stud farm south of Munich could not be more appropriate. Located in the middle of a nature reserve, you can feel the seasons. In the midst of nature, you can take a wonderful break and focus on yourself during a yoga retreat.

The yoga retreats are led by professional yoga teacher Thail De La Paz and take place in February, March, September, November, and December. The centerpiece is the Cocoa Ceremony. This shamanistic ritual focuses on the consumption of real cocoa. The ceremony is designed to “open the heart” and perfect for those interested in a guided journey to their inner self.

4-hour signature flow from east to west

Experience a complete cleansing from the outside in with the Signature Treatment at CERVO Mountain Resort in Zermatt, Switzerland. It consists of six treatment stations from east to west. The journey begins with a hammam scrub in the steam room, followed by a Bhutan-inspired hot stone herbal bath. At the third stop, choose between a Swiss stone pine or Ayurvedic Abhyanga massage in the Mongolian yurt. Followed by a break with fresh juices and fruit. The journey continues with a foot, hand, and facial treatment using the CERVO Apricot and Mountain Herb cosmetic line. Finally, the journey ends with a Tibetan singing bowl ritual.

During this treatment, you will be guided by trained therapists and leave feeling cleansed and relaxed, both physically and mentally.

Long-term pain relief

If you are plagued by all kinds of aches and pains for which conventional medicine has not yet found a cure, a stay at the HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio Allgäu may help. Located high in the German Alps, this ecologically run wellness hotel takes a holistic approach.

“The holistic theme is important to us because it is the basis of our HolisticLife concept.”

HUBERTUS Mountain Refuge Allgäu

Signature treatments include:

• HolisticDeep: A treatment that targets the deep muscles for long-term pain relief and improved mobility. Manually treats the source of many blockages and tensions.
• HolisticReset: The holistic treatment concept is suitable for acute and chronic illnesses, tension, and sports injuries. “In a perfect symbiosis of anamnesis and therapy form, a therapeutic approach to the iliopsoas (soul muscle) and the temporomandibular joint takes place, bringing the entire body back to its baseline – RESET.”

In addition to treatments, you can enhance your well-being by hiking in the surrounding countryside, swimming, and taking a sauna – and enjoying the hotel’s healthy organic food.

Reduce stress while on vacation

Stress has a significant impact on our physical and mental health. An anti-stress treatment combined with a (short) vacation can be just the antidote. STURM in Röhn (Central Germany) offers holistic, energetic treatments performed by shiatsu practitioners Carmen and Sabine. They combine the Japanese art of healing with a mindful touch to calm the mind.

“The energetic treatments have a decelerating effect when stress levels are high – that’s why we recommend taking them at the beginning of your vacation.”

STURM

Stress management in Thailand

Our Green PearlsⓇ partner Keemala on Phuket in Thailand offers special Unwind programs for people with “high-pressure careers”. Not only do they offer exercises and spa treatments, but they also teach stress management techniques one can practice at home.

“During the retreat, guests learn how to recognize the onset of stress and to use effective techniques to consciously reduce stress.”

Keemala

The sustainable resort also offers yoga and nature experiences in the Thai jungle, as the villas are located in its canopy. Here it is important to walk barefoot to feel nature directly.

Thalasso and ocean balancing on the Atlantic Ocean

The OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel in Tenerife is located directly on the Atlantic Ocean and has a special relationship with the sea. That’s where Thalasso comes in, a treatment method named after the ancient Greek word thálassa = sea. It uses the powers of the sea. Including (heated) seawater, sea air, algae, sand and mud.

With Ocean Balancing, you will receive a therapeutic signature treatment in the 34-degree Thalasso Pool (seawater pool), which combines weightless floating and aqua massage.

Aroma bath with aquapuncture

Water also plays an important role in your unique spa treatment at the Hotel Luise in Erlangen, Germany. Here you can create your own herbal bath for the aroma bath with aquapuncture. The herbs are either homegrown or from sustainable suppliers in the area. Aquapuncture uses warm water from ten specially arranged jets to relax the muscles in your shoulders, back, and lower back.

Zero body floating experience

Things get more futuristic at the vegetarian Dolomite hotel Paradiso Pure.Living on the Seiser Alm. During the Zerobody Floating Experience, you lie on a warm surface and feel completely weightless.

“The Zero Gravity System provides complete relaxation for the body and mind. It allows you to float as if in the depths of space, surrounded by colorful lights and soft music. Guests staying with us in the Dolomites particularly appreciate the Zerobody Floating experience after an active day of skiing or hiking”

Paradiso Pure.Living

Exceptional wellness with the power of the forest

My Arbor is located in the middle of a spruce forest on the river Plose near Brixen in South Tyrol. This forest is the inspiration for many of the specially developed Wellness treatments. Through a questionnaire, you can be assigned to a specific type of tree (larch, Swiss stone pine, mountain pine, or spruce) and then be treated according to the properties of these trees. The hotel has a 2,500 m² wellness area with saunas, an infinity pool, and a panoramic whirlpool. The hotel’s top priority is “the satisfaction and relaxation of our guests after a spa treatment”.

Signature spa treatments on the Ritten

Even higher up in South Tyrol, at 1,200 meters on the sunny Ritten plateau, Hotel Weihrerhof is located directly on the Wolfsgruben Lake. Its spa area offers a wide range of treatments as well as three specially developed signature treatments. One of them is called “Ionad – Centering” – a ritual for unblocking the respiratory muscles. This is done by stimulating the energy pathways from the feet to the hands to the neck and head. The 70-minute treatment includes head acupressure and allows you to breathe deeply, relax, and be free.

Alpine Ayurveda

On the German side of the Alps, at the Hotel Das Rübezahl in Allgäu, you can learn about Ayurveda. An ancient Indian art of healing, Ayurveda is considered to be the oldest system of medicine in the world still practiced today. It is about holistic healing and health and includes both health and nutritional teachings.

Read more about Ayurveda wellness in sustainable hotels in our article on Ayurvedic teachings and treatments

At Das Rübezahl, Manuela Kellner, Spa Manager, and Ayurveda Therapist, will advise and treat you. Should you wish to delve deeper into the subject, you can receive detailed advice during a one-hour coaching session. During this session, you can determine your Ayurvedic type (Vata, Pitta, or Kapha) or focus on specific issues such as diet, sleep problems, or life balance. You can also book treatments with Manuela, such as the Abhyanga full body oil massage.

Massages specially tailored to you

If you still haven’t found the right treatment for you, we recommend Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld, Tyrol. The 3,500-square-foot spa, featuring a heated outdoor pool, a panoramic rooftop pool, and seven themed saunas, is called FEEL.YOUNIQUE®. In addition to the treatments offered, you can have a YOUNIQUE massage (65 minutes) tailored to your needs. You can choose from various elements such as cupping glasses, basalt stones, fascia tools, or aromatic oils. The holistically trained therapists have a wealth of experience and will tailor the treatment exactly to your wishes and needs.

Sustainable in more ways than one

The best thing about Green PearlsⓇ Partner Signature Treatments is that they are sustainable. They take place in natural environments, using natural materials and natural cosmetics. The Spa Worlds are powered by the most environmentally friendly methods possible, and the featured hotels are committed to minimizing their carbon footprint. Not only does this mean less impact on the environment, but you can enjoy an atmosphere free of “chemicals” or artificiality. In addition, you can rest assured that the therapists are paid fairly.

Except for Erlangen’s Stadthotel Luise, all of the aforementioned partners are located in the heart of nature, so you can combine the treatments with forest bathing, swimming, or mountain hiking to further enhance your well-being. And in Erlangen? Numerous rustic pubs invite you to end the day with a relaxing Bavarian beer 😉

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12 sustainable hotels and vacation rentals with stunning views

Mountains, sea and fantastic natural phenomena, world-famous sights, nature and unspoiled landscapes – these are the places and views that make our hearts beat faster. And the best part? The sustainable Green PearlsⓇaccommodations all have a unique connection and commitment to the region, ensuring that future generations will have the same views!

#1 Sweeping views of the Upper Palatinate Lake District

The Upper Palatinate Lake District in eastern Bavaria encompasses 830 hectares of water in the form of lakes, rivers and ponds – all nestled in lush nature. The Birkenhof ***** Spa & Genussresort is located right above it all. Enjoy panoramic views from the rooms, suites and the 2 Michelin star Eisvogel restaurant.

The sustainably managed hotel has just joined Green PearlsⓇ and is ideal for those who enjoy fine dining, wellness, hiking and water sports.

#2 View of the mountains

“Garden of Eden” is what the Hotel Klosterbräu calls its outdoor wellness area with pool, loungers, lawn and native plants. It also offers views of the majestic mountain backdrop of the Alps. The hotel in Seefeld was built on the walls of a former monastery, and many elements (such as the monastery bell in the picture) have been deliberately preserved.

#3 Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castle

The direct view of the castle is an absolute highlight of the Hotel Das Rübezahl in Schwangau. You can see Hohenschwangau Castle as well as the world famous Neuschwanstein Castle. The scenery adds a romantic atmosphere to your vacation. That’s why Hotel Das Rübezahl is also known as the “Romantic Hideaway” and has many offers especially for couples. For example, how about enjoying the view during a romantic carriage ride – as a surprise, the hotel team will be happy to organize a picnic in a secret and charming spot. Maybe this is the right moment to ask your beloved the question of all questions?

#4 Hotels with stunning views of the Matterhorn

It is one of the most famous mountains in the world: the Matterhorn, a symbol of Switzerland. At 4478 meters, it is not only one of the highest peaks in the Alps but also has such a striking pyramidal shape that it is almost the perfect image of a mountain.

In Zermatt, we have two partners that offer guests a direct view of the Matterhorn from the comfort of their hotel rooms. One is the family-run Biohotel Bella Vista Zermatt with its cozy flair (think open fireplace and Swiss stone pine lounge) and the stylish CERVO Mountain Resort, which has won several design awards.

“The highlight is our mountain world! Guests love to gaze at the Matterhorn from their balconies over the rooftops of Zermatt.” – Biohotel Bella Vista Zermatt

The glaciers of the Matterhorn suffer from climate change

The sight of the Matterhorn includes its snow-capped peak – even in summer. In fact, the “Glacier Paradise” ski resort at 1,600 meters is a year-round ski area frequented by athletes training in the summer.

But how long this perpetual glacier will remain is another question. “Unfortunately, more and more of our glaciers are melting due to climate change,” reports CERVO Mountain Resort. And Fabienne Anthamatten adds:

“Once you get into the mountains, you can see how much the glacier has receded in recent years. Rocks appear that you haven’t seen before. – Fabienne Anthamatten, Biohotel Bella Vista Zermatt.

As you can see, fighting climate change is also about preserving beautiful views.

#5 The Gelbhansekopf

Less known but no less impressive is the Gelbhansekopf (1,438 meters). It is the local mountain of the HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio in Balderschwang. Part of the Nagelfluhkette Nature Park, it is at its most beautiful at dawn, according to the owners of the sustainable hotel. For this reason, they offer a “sunrise hike” for their guests. If you are less active in the morning, you can also enjoy the view from the window with a cup of coffee.

#6 View of the Atlantic Ocean

See more sea. That’s what a lot of people want. And at the OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel, you get the perfect opportunity. Located on the volcanic island of Tenerife, this health-oriented and eco-friendly hotel is right on the Atlantic Ocean.

“Unique – the panoramic view from our roof terrace of the Atlantic Ocean, over the bay of Punta del Hidalgo to the Teide. You will never get tired of it!” – OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel

#7 The Black Forest and its spa town

Or would you rather gaze into the green? After all, besides the white mountain peaks and the blue ocean, the green forest is also a feast for the eyes! And green is said to have a particularly calming effect on the mind. At the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA, the word “panorama” is part of the hotel’s name. From here you have a wonderful view of the centuries-old spa town of Bad Herrenalb and the Black Forest.

#8 Nature pure

The Gut Sonnenhausen near Munich is surrounded by nature. The carefully restored stud farm from the last century also includes an organic farm and gardens based on permaculture principles.

“We have designated special places outside where you can enjoy a special view of the landscape or a particularly charming view of the estate.” – Gut Sonnenhausen

#9 Over the treetops to the Sarntal Alps

If you are a tree lover, we recommend My Arbor near Brixen in South Tyrol. The hotel is built on 34 meters high stilts and you can enjoy a view of the Plose from every room. This way you can enjoy a different natural spectacle each season.

“In our hotel, every room, regardless of category, offers the same breathtaking view of a picturesque landscape. This panoramic view stretches from the enchanting town of Bressanone/Brixen, just a 15-minute drive away, to the majestic Sarntal Alps on the opposite side”. – My Arbor

#10 Rhön Biosphere Reserve with a magnificent starry sky

The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Rhön is sparsely populated, which means you can enjoy a clear starry sky. The STURM also takes care to avoid light pollution, so it is possible to watch the stars from the terrace. “Even the Milky Way can be seen here,” say the owners.

The best rooms for nature lovers are the new Garden View Rooms. Located on the edge of the Wellness Garden, these rooms overlook the natural swimming pond and greenery.

#11 – The Dolomites

Parts of the Dolomites in South Tyrol are also protected by UNESCO and even recognized as a World Heritage Site. The extraordinary rock formations are made of dolomite and make the mountain range one of the most beautiful in the world.

This is exactly what you can see from “absolutely all” of the hotel rooms while vacationing at Paradiso Pure.Living! “Our tip for the best view is the open-air Jacuzzi that runs on warm salt water,” the team reveals.

By the way, a special natural spectacle is the alpenglow. The team of the sustainable active hotel told us the story in our blog about mythical creatures.

#12 Admire the phenomenon of the split sun over the lake

Have you ever heard of the “split sun” phenomenon? Dietmar Bernardi discovered it on the Ritten in South Tyrol and wrote a book about it. It describes a solar phenomenon at the equinox when the sun is positioned so that it appears to be split in two behind a mountain peak. The amateur paleontologist has studied former cult sites around the Hotel Weihrerhof, which apparently stood exactly where you can see the split sun rising with its incision between the Santner and Euringer peaks. At Hotel Weiherhof you can observe this phenomenon twice a year directly from your balcony. In your room, you will also find a map and a brochure with descriptions of special places of power around the hotel.

By the way, there will soon be a wall in front of my window – they have recently started building a new house that will cover two of our windows. 🙁 I think I’ll have to take more vacations! How about you?

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