Where should you go to make your trip as environmentally friendly as possible? The Swedish renewable energy company, Hemsol, has examined various environmental aspects in a study and selected the 10 greenest destinations in Europe for your vacation. ⒸBirgit Reitz-Hofmann | Stock.Adobe.com

Which destination is the greenest on the continent?

To determine which European country is the leader in sustainability, Hemsol examined statistics from all European countries on the following points:

• Proportion of renewable energy
• Municipal waste recycling rate
• Public transportation
• Forested areas
• Agricultural land
• CO2 Emissions

Results of the greenest travel countries study

Top 1: Norway

According to the study, Norway is the greenest country in Europe. It ranks second among European countries in the use of renewable energy. There is a lot of agricultural land, and the country aims to produce zero CO2 emissions between 2045 and 2055. As one of the means for it, the government is focused on reforesting the world’s Rainforests.

Top 2: Austria

Austrians like to use public transportation and are conscientious about recycling (second-highest recycling rate). The capital, Vienna, aims to be CO2 neutral by 2040.

There are many sustainable Green PearlsⓇ accommodations in Austria, located in the beautiful natural Alpine landscape of Tyrol and East Tyrol. If you want to learn more about Austria as a green travel destination, we recommend our article:

Sustainable Vacation in Austria (Eco-friendly Travel, Accommodations, Activities)

Top 3: Finland

About 80 percent of Finland is forested, which is why its air and drinking water quality are considered some of the best in the world. The country aims to reduce its carbon emissions by 60% by 2030 (compared to 2022) and by 90% by 2050.

Top 4: Iceland

Iceland is powered almost 100% by renewable energy and is considered one of the countries with the lowest CO2 emissions in the world. The Nordic volcanic island nation aims to be completely carbon neutral by 2024.

Top 5: Sweden

Sweden has achieved this high ranking thanks to its large forested areas, exemplary recycling policies, and extensive use of renewable energy. It aims to achieve zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2045.

Top 6: Estonia

Tallinn was the first capital city in Europe to introduce free public transportation for residents in 2013. The country has many green initiatives and over 50% of the country is forested.

Top 7: Germany

The fact that Germany made it into the top 10 greenest destinations in Europe is remarkable. After all, Germany is the fourth largest industrialized nation in the world after the U.S., China and Japan. In particular, the study singled out long-distance trains, which run on green electricity, as being environmentally friendly.

Germany also has a large number of sustainable accommodations, about 20 of which are Green PearlsⓇ partners.

Top 8: Luxembourg

This small country has completely abolished public transport fares by 2020, meaning that even as a tourist you can travel completely free of charge. The country is also switching to renewable energy. By 2030, 25% of its energy consumption will come from renewable sources.

Top 9: Switzerland

Switzerland is the highest country in Europe, with 48 mountains over 4,000 meters high. Environmentally friendly practices for recycling, waste reduction, and sustainable building principles are implemented. In addition, the Swiss love to eat local food, which you can enjoy while vacationing with our Green PearlsⓇ partners. The quality of the drinking water is also excellent.

Planning a mountain vacation with your dog? Check out our tips for vacationing with your dog in Switzerland.

Top 10: Slovenia

In Slovenia, 40.4% of the country is a nature reserve. You can still find ancient forests here. The capital, Ljubljana, is also literaly very green – 75% of the city is parks and green spaces.