What is breathwork, and why is breathing so important for our well-being?

Breathwork refers to various techniques that involve consciously controlling your breathing. The goal is to effectively influence your body and nervous system.

What makes this method effective? Your breath is directly connected to your autonomic nervous system. Through breathwork, you can control whether your body is in stress mode or entering a state of relaxation. Quick, shallow breathing signals danger to your body, while calm, even breathing signals relaxation.

What types of breathwork are there?

Breathwork is not a single, uniform concept. There are many different approaches, ranging from medically grounded methods to spiritual or physically intense breathing techniques. We’ll take a closer look at some of them now.

The Buteyko Method: Why breathing less is better sometimes

The Buteyko breathing technique takes a surprising approach: you should breathe less, not more.

Why? Many people tend to overbreathe in their daily lives. This means they breathe too quickly or too much, which lowers the carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels in the blood. However, it is precisely this CO₂ that is essential for transporting oxygen efficiently to the cells.

Therefore, the Buteyko Method focuses on:

• calm, shallow breathing
• breathing through the nose
• short pauses in breathing

The goal is to calm the respiratory center and restore the body’s natural rhythm.

Among other things, this method is used for:

• Asthma
• Stress
• Sleep problems
• High blood pressure

At the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA in the northern Black Forest, the Buteyko Method is incorporated into the breathwork program. In keeping with this theme, the Green PearlsⓇ Hotel, a sustainable hotel, is located in the climatic health resort of Bad Herrenalb, which is officially recognized for its exceptionally clean air. At the Selfness Center, guests learn to consciously regulate their breathing to strengthen their physical and mental health.

The approach at the Hotel Korinjak in Croatia is similar. Here, the focus is not on intensity, but on natural breathing. “Many people believe they need to breathe ‘more,'” explains Ana from the hotel. “But often, the opposite is true.”

Modern lifestyles often lead to hyperventilation, which stresses the body rather than supporting it. That’s why, with us, you’ll learn to slow down your breathing, make it gentler, and breathe through your nose again—an approach that can calm your nervous system in the long term. –  Ana Grzincic, Hotel Korinjak

Breathwork You Can Try: An Exercise from the Hotel Korinjak

Breathwork instructor Snježana Kovačić demonstrates an exercise “to open the chest”here:

Sit up straight | 2. Cross your arms over your shoulders | 3. Open your arms and expand your chest as you inhale | 4. Lower your arms as you exhale | 5. Raise both arms as you inhale | 6. Lower your arms as you exhale and hold the position for a moment. Breathe through your nose; feel how your breath has become calmer | 7. Focus and awareness: With small, deliberate movements (pointing forward, arm to the side), you consciously direct your attention. Your breath follows the movements.

After the exercises, your chest should feel open—this may be enough on its own, or you can move on to further breathing exercises (Snježana continues beyond this sequence.)

Breathwork workshop with Dan Brulé at Hotel Korinjak: June 5th – June 6th 2026 Hotel Korinjak will host a special Breathwork-Event with with Dan Brulé, known as “The Bruce Lee of Breathwork”. He is renowned for his best-selling book Just Breathe and his “Breath Mastery” programme.

Medical Breathwork: When Breathing Becomes Therapy

Breathwork is about more than just relaxation. It can also provide tangible health benefits. Here’s an example from my own life:

My mother-in-law has had several strokes and spends most of her time in bed. At some point, we noticed that she keeps getting pneumonia even though she rarely leaves the house or comes into contact with strangers.

The reason for this is actually related to her breathing.

Secondary pneumonia caused by poor ventilation and blood flow in the lungs

People who spend a lot of time lying down often have very shallow breathing. This results in inadequate ventilation of the lower parts of the lungs, allowing secretions to accumulate and creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Doctors refer to this condition as hypostatic pneumonia.

We started doing deep breathing exercises with her every day. It’s simple: breathe in deeply, filling your lungs completely, then breathe out slowly. She hasn’t had pneumonia since.

Breathing exercises for treating illnesses

Breathing also plays an important role in other conditions:

• Diaphragm Issues: Focus on training diaphragmatic breathing.
• COPD and asthma: Breathing techniques can help control breathing.
• Stress and burnout: Conscious breathing calms the nervous system.
• Sleep Issues: Slow breathing helps you fall asleep.

At the Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa, this medical-therapeutic approach is practiced. Dr. Andreas Färber, M.D., the host, has integrated a medical wellness center into the hotel. Breathing exercises are part of the hotel’s holistic wellness concept, which combines exercise, nutrition, and modern diagnostics.

Boasting a virtually secluded location in the heart of the Berchtesgadener Land region, the hotel in Bayerisch Gmain also has a large spa area. Perfect conditions for relaxation. The activity program offers various options, including mindfulness coaching with breathing exercises.

Breathwork in Yoga: Between tradition and modern practice

Many modern breathwork techniques originate from yoga. In yoga, pranayama, the practice of breath control, is a central element that connects the body and mind.

Even today, breathwork plays a significant role in yoga. Ralph Skuban is one of the best-known experts in the German-speaking world. He describes breathwork as a bridge between modern science and a practice that is thousands of years old.

This isn’t just about relaxation, but also about:

• Energy flow
• Concentration
• Inner clarity

Dive Deep: Breathwork at Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt

If you’d like to experience breathwork in depth combined with yoga, the Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt is the perfect place for you. Stefanie Arquint will guide you through her sessions while you enjoy the view of the Matterhorn. She combines traditional breathwork with meditation and personal inner processes.

For her, breathing is a gateway to deeper levels:

“Focusing on your breath allows you to connect with yourself in a new, deeper way.” – Stefanie Arquint

In addition to in-depth practice, she also teaches techniques that are perfectly suited for everyday life. The course offerings include “Sleep Better & Relax More Easily” and “Breathe More Freely & Feel Better.”

• You’ll find the breathwork sessions on the website
• In addition, the Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt regularly offers retreats featuring yoga and breathwork
  

Breathwork for relaxation

Breathing exercises are not all spiritual, medical, or deeply focused on inner processes. Many people simply want a way to relieve stress and reconnect with themselves.

At My Arbor in South Tyrol, you can begin your day with calmness and focus through guided breathing sessions. Built high up on stilts in the middle of the forest, this sustainable wellness hotel on the Plose offers a fantastic setting for breathwork. Forest bathing is also part of the weekly program.

And at the Hotel Das Rübezahl in the Allgäu, breathwork is intentionally made accessible to everyone. It’s part of yoga and relaxation retreats “without any esoteric overtones,” as the hosts emphasize. Instead, guests can enjoy plenty of nature and sweeping views of the Alps and Neuschwanstein Castle.

Breathwork in Sports: The Wim Hof Method

An alternative approach is the more active form of breathing exercises, such as those used in the Wim Hof Method. At the Stanglwirt Organic and Wellness Resort in Tyrol, these exercises are used with ice baths, among other things.

The Wim Hof Method consists of three pillars: 1. Controlled hyperventilation (30 to 40 deep breaths), 2. Holding your breath after exhaling, and 3. Recovery breathing.

This type of breathing is said to prepare the body for stressors, increase cold tolerance, and build mental strength.

The Stanglwirt Organic and Wellness Resort is also very family-friendly and offers highly competent childcare for all age groups. It’s a great choice if you need time to “take a deep breath” amidst the hustle and bustle of family life, for targeted training, or for peace and quiet in the fabulous 12,000 m² wellness area.

• Here, you can see the courses offered by the Stanglwirt. 

And there’s more: Transformational Breath & Co.

In addition to these approaches, there are other forms of breathwork, such as:

• Transformational Breath: An intensive breathwork practice for emotional processing with esoteric elements.
• Holotropic Breathwork: A profound, “mind-altering” practice with esoteric influences.
• Connected Breath: Continuous breathing without pauses.

These methods often go beyond simple relaxation. I won’t go into further detail here, but just so you know, breathwork is a vast field!

Bottom line: Your breath can do more than you think

Breathwork is incredibly versatile, whether for medical, relaxation, or transformative purposes. And your next vacation could be the perfect opportunity to learn one or two techniques. After all, you always have your breath with you! 🙂

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This article shows you:

• a selection of 7 travel regions in Germany that offer conditions for more environmentally conscious tourism and highlight local sustainability initiatives
• accommodation options that, according to their own information, implement resource-saving measures (e.g. energy efficiency, regional sourcing, or environmental certifications)
• options for lower-emission travel and mobility, such as rail connections, public transport, or cycling infrastructure
• aspects related to nature conservation and biodiversity that are relevant in the respective regions
• practical tips on how small changes in travel behavior can help reduce environmental impact 

Travel destinations in Germany with a focus on sustainability

#1 Wadden Sea – ideal for families with children

The German side of the Wadden Sea is one of Germany’s most unique regions. This UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site is a true natural wonder (though it is already suffering from the effects of climate change, as we explore in detail in this blog post “The Wadden Sea in Danger?”).

The tides are fascinating. Twice a day, the North Sea recedes at low tide, exposing the seabed. A few hours later, the sea floods the area again. You can take advantage of this time to go on a guided tour of the mudflats. The tour involves wading through the mud in rubber boots and digging up crabs, mussels, worms, and other sea creatures, as well as birdwatching. The Wadden Sea is actually a vast feeding ground for migratory birds. This activity is enjoyable for all ages. But most of all, it’s fun for children. Therefore, we highly recommend the Wadden Sea as a vacation destination for families.

Important: Always go on mudflat hikes with experienced guides. They know the tides and the dangers of the incoming tide, so you can enjoy the excursion without worry. The guides will also explain the unique flora and fauna of this one-of-a-kind ecosystem.

Car-free Juist Island in the Wadden Sea – Ideal for Families with Children

The East Frisian island of Juist aims to be climate-neutral by 2030. The best way to reach the island is by train. From the Norddeich Mole train station, it’s just a short walk to the Frisia ferry terminal. Since cars are not allowed on the island, visitors can relax, even those with small children!

Overview: Juist

• Best time to visit: June to September
• Sustainability: The Wadden Sea region (Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands) has agreed on a joint climate goal and aims to be carbon-neutral by 2030.
• Siegel: UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site

Things to do:

• Rent a beach chair
• Bring a bike or handcart (allowed on the ferry)
• Bring binoculars (to watch birds and seals)

Sleepy, romantic Husum – the North Sea for adults

If you want to experience the Wadden Sea but are traveling without children, we recommend Husum. This small port town in North Frisia is charming, laid-back, and not yet overrun by tourists. Around the historic inland harbor, with its colorful houses, small shops, and cafés, you can fully savor the North German way of life.

For accommodation, we recommend the SANDglow – an adults-only boutique hotel (ages 16 and up) just a few steps from the harbor. After a day at the sea or a coastal bike tour on bamboo e-bikes, relax in the small wellness area or with a drink at the bar. Mudflat tours start nearby at the Husum National Park House.

Overview: Husum

• Best time to visit: April through October
• Sustainability: SANDglow is a Green PearlsⓇ partner and implements numerous sustainability measures, e.g., 100% green electricity, breakfast featuring regional organic products, waste reduction, sustainable amenities, etc.

Things to do:

• Mudflat hike with a guide from the Husum National Park Center
• Bike tour along the North Frisian dikes (MyBoo bikes are available for rent at the hotel)

Be careful with fish sandwiches & co: North Sea shrimp and fish platters are a staple of many North Sea vacations. Unfortunately, however, you can no longer—or should no longer—eat everything without hesitation. Did you know, for example, that eel is just as endangered as the African rhino? Here you can find out how to experience North Sea cuisine sustainably.

Also controversial: kitesurfing. Several protected zones for migratory birds have already been established, but NABU believes this doesn’t go far enough. Learn more here about whether kitesurfing on the Baltic and North Seas is a problem.

#2 Baltic Sea – A Getaway with a Focus on Sustainability in Timmendorfer Strand

The Baltic Sea is also one of the most popular travel destinations in Germany. Sandy beaches, cliffs, fresh sea air, and a wide horizon make the coast an ideal place for a short getaway in any season.

A particularly beautiful seaside resort is Timmendorfer Strand on the Holstein Baltic Sea coast. Here you can stroll along the long beach promenade, relax in a beach chair, or let your gaze wander over the Baltic Sea during walks by the water.

It’s worth staying at the Green Pearls® Lifestylehotel SANDnature. This adults-only hotel (ages 16 and up) is located just a stone’s throw from the beach and combines modern design with natural materials and a relaxed beach atmosphere. Thanks to the late-riser breakfast served until 1:00 PM, you can start your day completely relaxed. Another highlight is the sauna on the rooftop terrace, which you can rent exclusively.

Overview: Baltic Sea

• Best time to visit: All year round; from around May to September is peak season on the Baltic Sea and it can get quite crowded. However, the weather is perfect for beach days then! If you prefer it quieter, we highly recommend fall and winter. The brisk breeze clears your head, and long, solitary walks by the sea give you time to reflect.
• Sustainability: Room for improvement! Due to its inland location, the Baltic Sea is considered one of the most polluted seas. Plans for a specific “Baltic Sea National Park” in Schleswig-Holstein were halted in 2024 and replaced by an action plan for marine protection. The plan includes 16 concrete measures to be implemented by 2030, e.g., protected areas, promotion of biodiversity, waste prevention, etc.
• Label: Limited to individual initiatives and accommodations (e.g., with the PartnEU EcoLabel)

However, there have been no real successes reported yet. Intensive conventional agriculture in Germany and neighboring countries is considered the main cause of nutrient pollution (nitrogen and phosphorus) in the Baltic Sea. These nutrients enter the sea via rivers, leading to eutrophication and the formation of oxygen-depleted “dead zones.” SANDnature is actively involved in local initiatives, such as the protection of porpoises, whose population has declined drastically.

Here’s what you should do:

• Take a walk along the Timmendorfer Strand boardwalk
• Rent a beach chair and enjoy the Baltic Sea horizon
• Bike tour along the coast
• Trip to the fishing port in neighboring Niendorf

Tip: If you want to experience something special, you can spend the night under the open sky in the beach chair bed on the rooftop terrace of the SANDnature Hotel and watch the starry sky over the Baltic Sea.

#3 Black Forest – Perfect for Health and Wellness

The Black Forest is Germany’s largest contiguous low mountain range and, thanks to the national park (approx. 10,000 hectares) and many other protected areas, offers one thing above all else—pure nature.

As is well known, the German forest plays an important role in the Grimm’s Fairy Tales, for which the dense and dark Black Forest is considered the source of inspiration! There are also rivers, lakes, moors, and thermal baths. The region is ideal for hiking, cycling (e-bikes are very popular due to the mountains), and cross-country skiing in winter.

The Sustainable Spa Town of Bad Herrenalb

In Bad Herrenalb, located in the northern Black Forest, there is a strong focus on environmental and climate protection. No wonder, since the town is officially recognized as a climatic health resort. The fresh, clean air combined with the forest lets you relax and unwind. So be sure to try a forest bathing session when you’re there!

For accommodations, we recommend the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA or the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA APPARTMENTS. In addition to the panoramic views that give it its name, this wellness hotel offers a spacious spa area with an on-site panoramic thermal bath and saunas, as well as a wellness center featuring alkaline fasting, yoga, and TCM therapies. Perfect for escaping the daily grind.

Overview: Bad Herrenalb

• Best time to visit: All year round
• Sustainability: Many nature reserves and plenty of opportunities to rent e-bikes. Well-developed network of e-charging stations.
• Certifications: UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (in the Southern Black Forest); Bad Herrenalb in the Northern Black Forest is recognized as a climatic health resort, spa town, sustainable travel destination, and Fairtrade Town.

Things to do:

• Drink healing water from the Bad Herrenalb drinking pavilion
• Rent an e-bike or use public transportation for free with the KONUS guest card
• Forest bathing
• Bring a fairy tale to read (e.g., The Cold Heart by Wilhelm Hauff)
• Buy a “Made in the Black Forest” cuckoo clock (if you can spend around 400 euros on such a hand-carved souvenir)

Freiburg – a more sustainable city break in the Black Forest

If you’d like to combine your Black Forest vacation with a city break, Freiburg im Breisgau is our top choice. This sunny university town is considered one of Germany’s greenest cities and combines a historic old town with sustainable urban development. The short distances to nature are an added bonus.

Particularly exciting is the car-free Vauban district, a flagship project for sustainable living with plenty of green space, solar energy, and direct tram connections. This is also where our hotel recommendation is located. At the inclusive Green City Hotel Vauban, people with and without disabilities work together, and sustainability is just as much a part of the concept as modern design and good connections to downtown and the Black Forest (you’ll receive a ticket with your stay to use public transportation for free).

Overview: Freiburg

• Best time to visit: Spring and fall for sightseeing, trips to the Black Forest, and the vineyards in mild temperatures. Summer is the season for beer gardens and wine festivals, and in winter there’s a Christmas market.
• Sustainability: The city is known as “Green City Freiburg” and serves as a true role model with various environmental initiatives.
• Certifications: Freiburg awards a number of its own certifications, such as the MobilSiegel, which recognizes companies for sustainable mobility (for their employees) (e.g., Jobrad, Jobticket, etc.)

Here’s what you should do:

• Take the Schauinsland cable car up Freiburg’s local mountain
• Stroll through Freiburg’s Old Town and along the Bächle
• Get ready with this blog post: Tips for a more sustainable weekend in Freiburg

Here you’ll find more tips on more sustainable travel in the Black Forest

#4 UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Rhön – Hiker’s Paradise

Some animal species, such as the capercaillie, have already gone extinct in the Rhön—but fortunately, action was taken in time. With its designation as a biosphere reserve, the entire region is now committed to safeguarding biodiversity. In addition to protecting the environment, biosphere reserves incorporate key economic sectors, with tourism being a prime example. If you’re looking for an example of sustainable vacationing in Germany, a biosphere reserve is the perfect place.

The STURM was the first certified organic hotel in the Rhön. It treats its guests exclusively to certified organic food and sees itself as part of the Slow Food movement. Here, you can relax at the Rhön Spa or explore nature as an active traveler on the many hiking trails. The low mountain range also offers the perfect backdrop for mountain biking.

The Rhön is one of the few regions in Europe designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve (Star Park). Thanks to exceptionally low light pollution, you can experience an impressive starry sky here.

Overview: Rhön

• Best time to visit: Year-round when the weather is nice and in winter when there is snow
• Sustainability: Many areas are designated as light-protected zones. This helps protect insects, as artificial light disrupts their natural flight patterns. (Insects navigate by the moon and stars)
• Certification: UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

Things to do:

• Stargazing in the Star Park
• Visit the two raised bogs, Schwarzes Moor and Rotes Moor (there is a nature trail on wooden planks for each)
• Take a day hike on the “Michelsberg” premium hiking trail.

#5 Bavaria – Alps, Lakes, and Sustainable Hideaways

Although part of the Rhön region is in Bavaria, the state has many other impressive natural areas. The Allgäu region is particularly popular for its Alpine panoramas, green meadows, and famous royal castles, such as Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau.

Overlooking Neuschwanstein Castle is the romantic, family-run Hotel Das Rübezahl in Füssen. This wellness hotel is known for its special atmosphere (Psst: marriage proposals are one of the house specialties). The hotel also includes two mountain huts, which you can reach, for example, on guided hikes with mountain guide “Berg Baschdi.”

Another highlight is the Berchtesgadener Land with the emerald-green Königssee and an impressive Alpine landscape. Here we recommend the Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa in Bayerisch Gmain. This wellness hotel features a spectacular indoor pool with a view of a crackling fireplace and a wellness center. And by the way, the hotel is also highly recommended for babymoon vacations.

If you’d also like to experience Bavaria culturally, a detour to the cities is well worth it. Near Munich lies Gut Sonnenhausen, a lovingly restored estate surrounded by nature. Events are held here regularly (e.g., permaculture garden tours, knife sharpening, art auctions, and concerts)

Erlangen is also a city that offers options for more sustainable travel. At Hotel Luise, the “Wall of Change” in the lobby showcases over 250 measures the hotel has implemented to promote sustainability—from the “Renewable Hotel Room®” and a microforest to water-saving “astronaut showers.”

Overview: Bavaria

• Best time to visit: All year round – hiking and cycling in summer, winter sports in the Alps in winter.
• Sustainability: In the Berchtesgadener Land region in particular, the focus is on protecting alpine nature. Many towns prioritize eco-friendly transportation and well-developed hiking and biking trails. Erlangen is also considered a very bike-friendly city.
• Certifications: Bavaria has several sustainability initiatives, including Der Blaue Gockel for sustainable vacation farms, as well as green tourism certifications such as TourCert and sustainable hotels from the Green Pearls® Network.

Here’s what you should do:

• See Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau Castle, at least from the outside
• Hike in the Allgäu Alps or to one of the Rübezahl mountain huts
• Take a boat ride on Lake Königssee (the lake in Berchtesgaden National Park is navigated exclusively by electric boats, rowboats, or pedal boats)

Find more inspiration in the following blog posts

• Sustainable Travel in the Realm of the Watzmann (Berchtesgadener Land)
• A Culinary Journey to the Allgäu
• Interview with Hiking Guide Berg-Baschdi (Allgäu)
• Insider Tips for a Sustainable Weekend in Erlangen

 

#6 Lake Constance – Flowers and Water Sports

Lake Constance, stretching over 60 kilometers across the Alpine foothills between Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, is a well-known and popular vacation destination. This vast lake is ideal for water sports such as sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). However, you don’t need to buy equipment specifically for a vacation or a first-time try. It’s more sustainable to use one of the many rental services.

To reconcile water sports with nature conservation, the state government of Baden-Württemberg has created this PDF document on nature sports on Lake Constance. These measures include the designation of special protected areas.

For accommodations (not directly on the lake, but surrounded by a forest and apple orchards), consider the Naturresort Gerbehof. This organic hotel has received multiple awards for its ecologically managed wellness area. It offers unique massages, such as stress-relief massages based on the Philippi method, and treatments with natural cosmetics, including products from PHARMOS NATUR.

The Lake Constance Cycle Route is also particularly popular: approximately 260 kilometers circle the lake and connect Germany, Austria, and Switzerland—perfect for sustainable cycling trips. A trip to the famous flower island of Mainau is also an absolute highlight in almost every season. But in the spring, the island totally captivates visitors with a sea of tulips and other early bloomers.

Overview: Lake Constance

• Best time to visit: May to September
• Sustainability: For over 25 years, the Lake Constance Foundation has been committed to sustainability. For example, it launched Ecocamping, which now includes over 200 campsites. Here, you can not only vacation with a tent or RV but also rent accommodations.
• Certification: The ECHT certification, developed by Deutsche Bodensee Tourismus GmbH, is relatively new. A key feature is the ECHT Bodenseecard, which allows you to use local public transportation for free and receive discounts on cultural events.

Things to do:

• Buy fruit directly at the farm stand. The Lake Constance region is one of the largest fruit-growing areas in Europe.
• Help clean up Lake Constance’s beaches with CleanUp. (Reusable trash bags and tongs are available at numerous distribution points)
• Take a ride on the solar-powered boat HELIO
• Take a trip to the flower island of Mainau

#7 Moselle – Vineyards, Castles, and River Landscapes

The Moselle is one of Germany’s most romantic river landscapes. The river winds its way through steep vineyards, past medieval castles, palaces, and small wine-growing villages. Cycling and hiking tours along the Moselle riverbank are particularly popular, offering magnificent views of the vineyards.

One of the most famous vacation spots is the picturesque Bernkastel-Kues with its historic old town, half-timbered houses, and cozy wine taverns. Here you’ll also find the Green Pearls® partner Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten. The wellness hotel is designed according to Feng Shui principles and is considered a place of power in its own right, with a harmonious flow of energy. In addition to various pools, saunas, and water features, the resort also features an integrated TCM center that combines traditional Chinese medicine with modern wellness offerings.

Overview: Moselle Region

• Best time to visit: May through October, especially beautiful during the autumn grape harvest.
• Sustainability: The Moselle region is increasingly focusing on sustainability, particularly through sustainable tourism (hiking, cycling), a well-developed public transit system, ecological viticulture, and regional energy concepts (some municipalities, for example, run on 100% wind energy)
• Certification: As part of the Rhineland-Palatinate tourism strategy, the Moselle region has been recognized as a “sustainable destination.”

Things to do:

• Stroll through the old town of Bernkastel-Kues
• Bike ride along the Moselle Cycle Route
• Hike through the vineyards

Small things with a big impact – how to make your vacation in Germany more sustainable

• Traveling by train or long-distance bus: As determined by the Federal Environment Agency, trains and buses (long-distance buses) are the most eco-friendly ways to travel.
• Sustainable accommodations: You can find the complete list of Green PearlsⓇ accommodations, vacation homes, hotels, and destinations in Germany on the linked page.
• Use the Refill app: Bring a water bottle with you on vacation and refill it for free at Refill stations along the way. This way, you protect the environment, the climate, and your wallet 🙂
• Shop locally: You can buy regional products at farm stands and weekly markets; if you bring your own bags, you can even buy them unpackaged!
• Keep your distance from wildlife: Respect nature while on vacation and follow the rules of nature reserves during your excursions. For example, wild birds and animals must not be fed.

This is an update from February 3, 2023

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Der Beitrag More sustainable Travel in Germany – Destinations and Travel Tips (Green Travel Guide) erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Is herbal tea even tea?

Strictly speaking, tea is an infusion of boiling water and leaves of the tea plant. In English, however, you can brew something other than “tea”; if you want to be more specific, you can call it herbal tea, fruit tea, flower tea, or spice tea.

Study: British tea culture is reinventing itself

Great Britain has long been considered a bastion of classic black tea. However, recent consumer studies show that British tea culture is changing. According to a 2025 Mintel analysis, younger generations in particular are open to new types of tea, from herbal and fruit teas (“infusions”) to matcha, which has become a daily staple for those under 35. Tea is increasingly seen as part of self-care routines, conscious nutrition, and emotional well-being rather than as a traditional hot beverage.

Arabic Chai must contain tea

People in Arabic countries are even stricter about their “chai.” In Arabic, only black or green tea can be called “tea.” Moroccan mint tea is green tea with mint and lots of sugar. Tea brewed only with dried peppermint leaves, which is called “peppermint tea” or “spearmint tea” in English, is called “mint” in Arabic. Quite logical — it’s a peppermint tea without tea. I hope you can still follow!

Tea is more complex than you think! As someone from a tea-drinking family, I can tell you a thing or two. Speaking of Arabic tea, chai in Morocco and Libya should always have a nice layer of foam, but the surface of tea in Palestine must be as smooth as glass. If bubbles form when it’s poured, they must be skimmed off with a spoon before serving to guests..

Back to herbal tea: origins in healing medicine

First, let’s get back to herbal tea. It originated in medicine. Hundreds of years ago, Hildegard of Bingen (1098–1179) brewed teas from herbs in her garden to treat ailments. The German abbess, for example, recommended fennel for hoarseness and chest pain and to “strengthen the heart and mind.” This is why many fennel tea blends bear her name today.

Healing Tea Blends from Gut Sonnenhausen

Naturopath Kirsten Walter has her practice on the grounds of Gut Sonnenhausen, south of Munich, where vacation-guests are also welcome to visit. The sustainable hotel, which was created from a former stud farm, also includes a permaculture farm and medicinal herb garden. Kirsten regularly collects fresh herbs from the garden, dries them, and makes her own tea blends. Her “Sonnenhausen Blend” is available as a welcome tea in the farmhouse lounge.

Younique herbal tea blend from the Hotel Klosterbräu

The Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld also has its own unique blend. Here is the recipe:

Print

DIY Herbal tea blend "Younique"

Organic herbal tea blended by Johanna Krug from the Hotel Klosterbräu in Tyrol, Austria. The herbs for this are grown by the hotel itself on the Seefeld high plateau.

Course Tea

Cuisine alps, austrian

Keyword herbal tea, tea blend

Ingredients

• Lemon mint
• Peppermint
• Blackberry leaves
• Lemon balm
• Stinging nettle
• Mallow
• Mullein
• Marigold

Instructions

Herbal Tea Blend

• Dry the herbs mentioned above (e.g. spread out on a kitchen towel, as a hanging bundle or at low temperatures in the oven).
• Then remove the stems and place the dried leaves in a large bowl.
• Crush the leaves with a pestle or by hand
• Pour the herbal mixture into a tea caddy

Preparation of the herbal tea

• Pour one teaspoon of the herbal tea mixture per cup into a large glass jug and pour boiling water over it.
• Leave to infuse for 6 to 10 minutes
• Pour through a sieve into the cups.

Fasting teas in the OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel

Many health-conscious people come to the OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel in Tenerife for a yoga retreat or a fasting cure to take a break from everyday life. “For fasting guests, there is an exclusive selection of natural herbal teas tailored for fasting, with appropriate recommendations,” the team reports, revealing the composition of these teas.

Tea, culture and travel

“Tea is drunk to forget the noise of the world,” according to an old Chinese proverb. But tea drinking is not only associated with leisure and contemplation in China. Maybe you do, too. If so, you may have felt the need to turn drinking tea into a little ceremony. You may even have your own tea-making rituals. This is true in all countries and cultures around the world. When you travel, you can learn a lot about a country’s culture and people by drinking tea.

Experience culture up close – through tea

A travel expert specializing in Asia and the Orient recommended that vacationers have tea at a bazaar during an appearance on the radio station WDR5. “But wouldn’t I have to buy something from the shop?” the radio host asked. “Oh, nonsense!” the expert replied. “You don’t have to buy a carpet just to get a few cents’ worth of tea!” In fact, having a glass of tea is a great way to soak up the atmosphere.

Only if you are in a very poor area where people now have to collect extra-rare firewood just to make tea should you decline. According to the travel expert, it’s best to say something like, “Oh, I’ve already had so much tea today. I’m afraid my stomach can’t take any more!”

Tea drinking in Japan

The Japanese are said to have the most complicated tea culture. To learn the (hour-long) tea ceremony, you need to be trained in a tea school. In addition to stirring the matcha tea with a bamboo whisk, you have to observe various gestures and postures. But don’t worry, I’ve heard that the rules are different for tourists – if you’re ever invited. All you have to do is learn the absolute basics, such as using two hands to take the bowl from the other person.

Kettle in the hotel room

“Do you have an electric kettle in your hotel room?” That’s one of the most important questions my mother asks when she travels. If not, she sometimes packs a travel kettle in her luggage. Unfortunately, the kettle is made of plastic, and I strongly advised her not to use it.

Studies have shown that every time you boil water in a plastic kettle, millions of microplastic particles are released and end up in your teacup! If you are trying to avoid microplastics, glass and stainless steel are the only suitable materials for a kettle.

At the Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt beneath the Matterhorn, for example, every room has a stainless steel electric kettle. If you wish, you can brew herbs from the garden in addition to the (packaged) organic teas. Peppermint, lemon balm, verbena and chamomile grow there.

Tea and sustainability: Herbal tea can have a lower environmental impact than coffee, depending on cultivation and transport methods

Both tea (from the tea plant) and coffee are imported goods in Europe and the United States; most of the growing areas are in Asia. With brands like GEPA, you can rest assured that fair working conditions are maintained on the plantations.

In a sustainability comparison between tea and coffee, tea scores significantly higher. The reasons are:

• Tea plant requires less space
• Tea is more economical in preparation
• The environmental footprint (energy consumption) of tea production is lower than that of coffee. The latter also has the more complex roasting process.

Other factors include transportation, packaging waste, and the method of preparation. Add milk to the mix and the environmental impact of your favorite hot beverage is sure to worsen. Whether its tea or coffee.

But when you make herbal tea from fresh or dried herbs on your windowsill, there is no packaging, no storage, and no transportation. And herbal tea is rarely drunk with a swig of milk.

Tea with provenance: Tea grown on site at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

My colleague, Mara, recently had a very special tea experience at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. Surrounded by the Peruvian Andean cloud forest, just a few kilometers from Machu Picchu, she met employees who spoke with palpable pride about their passion project: green and black tea made from Camellia sinensis plants over 100 years old. These plants grow at an altitude of 2,050 meters in the shade of native trees, and the tea is picked and processed by hand.

In 2025, Inkaterra tea once again received international recognition at the Teas of the World Awards (AVPA, France). Their green tea was awarded a gourmet medal, and their black tea was awarded a bronze medal, bringing their total medal count to five. A tea with provenance, attitude, and history.

(Tip: Spanish speakers can also listen to a radio interview with founder José Koechlin.)

A look at Green PearlsⓇ accommodations: These are the favorite teas of sustainably managed hotels (and their guests’)

In the sustainably focused hotels and holiday accommodations of the Green PearlsⓇ partners, special care is taken to ensure that the tea is of organic quality. The absence of pesticides in organic farming promotes soil health and biodiversity.

Organic ready-to-blend and home tea brands

Sonnentor

Both the East Tyrolean Naturhotel Outside and the German SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA use Sonnentor organic tea. In our blog post about organic spices, we have already reported in more detail on the Austrian tea and spice manufacturer. At SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA you will find Sonnentor organic tea in the rooms and at the breakfast buffet. For example, the “Kaminknistern” blend – a fruit tea blend with rose hip, apple and cinnamon – is currently popular.

Link: Sonnentor

Monthea

The South Tyrolean Forest hotel My Arbor on the Plose near Brixen is an enthusiastic customer of the South Tyrolean company Monthea. They produce organic teas with herbs and fruits from South Tyrolean farmers. You can find various wild berry teas among other options.

Link: Monthea

Bioteaque

The  Hotel Das Rübezahl in Füssen, Algaü, uses teas from the tea company Bioteaque. Here you can find “delicious organic teas” with funny names like “Zapfige Zilli” or “Frostiga Fritzi”. In the suites of Das Rübezahl, you can choose from a selection of Bioteaque teas – interestingly, they even offer loose tea instead of tea bags.

Link: Bioteaque

DIY tea blends straight from your own garden

If you got a real tea craving after reading this. (I’m brewing some right now), here are a few DIY tea blends that you can easily make at home. And by the way, a homemade tea blend like this also makes a great gift! 

“Garden herb mix” from the STURM

As a guest at STURM in the Bavarian Rhön, you have access to a tea bar all day long, where you can serve yourself for free. In addition to the Sonnentor tea, there is also a “garden herb mixture”. Its “recipe” is fairly simple:

“What the garden has to offer is dried. The combination of the colorful flowers, the flavor of the ripe herbs and the green of the nettle leaves make this tea so delicious” – STURM

Alternatively, you can pick the ingredients for your tea in the snack and herb garden. This is allowed and even encouraged at STURM.

Mountain herb tea from Weihrerhof

The Hotel Weihrerhof on the Ritten in South Tyrol is located at an altitude of over 1,200 meters. A wide variety of plants grow here which the hotel uses to make pure teas. These are:

• Peppermint
• Lemon Balm
• Yarrow
• Vermont
• Elderberry
• Calendula

In addition to the single origin teas, a mountain herbal blend is available next to the kettle in the rooms.

Our tips for a more sustainable tea drinking

To be fair, your choice of drink contributes far less to your carbon footprint than your transportation or heating habits. But as so often in our blog, we believe that even small steps can make a difference. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Use a glass or stainless-steel teapot
2. Brew tea in the pot and keep it warm on the stove or in a thermos (instead of boiling water for each cup)
3. Tap water is the best water for tea in the DACH region. Consumer organizations now advise against water filters, as they can create germs that can make the water quality actually worse rather than improving it.
4. When traveling abroad, check the quality of the tap water before you travel.
5. Loose tea uses less packaging. The dosage is simple – one teaspoon per cup!
6. Buy organic quality or use herbs, flowers, and fruits from your own garden.

Do you have any tips? Or your own tea blend that you would like to share with us? Let us know in the comments.

This is an update from December 19, 2023.

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Here’s another surprising fact: food waste is no longer just an issue for the wealthy. The report shows that the amount of food wasted per person is remarkably similar across all income levels. This means the problem affects everyone—regardless of income or location.

2030 is not far away, yet the goal is still a long way off

Through the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 12.3) the international community has committed to halving food waste by 2030. Sounds like a problem for the future? 2030 is closer than it seems, and this goal will not be achievable without real change in our everyday lives.

After all, food waste is not a marginal issue. It is a major driver of the climate crisis, resource consumption, and economic losses. Every piece of food thrown away represents wasted water, energy, labor, and emissions.

How is this related to travel?

The topic of food is particularly important in the sustainable hotel industry: changing guest flows, buffets, individual dietary requirements, and seasonal fluctuations. Places that cater to large numbers of people on a daily basis are precisely where it becomes clear whether circular thinking works. And that is precisely where we are now drawing some inspiration for our own lives. 😉

Less is more: How smart shopping prevents food waste

Circular food doesn’t start with cooking; it starts with production and purchasing. Many of our Green Pearls® partners demonstrate the importance of this initial step.

At the Hotel Klosterbräu in Tyrol, at least 80% of the food is sourced locally. Moreover, much of it is produced in-house: eggs from their farm, homemade jams and compotes, herbs and honey from their garden, and hay milk from local cows. This results in short supply chains, minimal packaging, and full control over quality and quantities.

The Tree Hotel My Arbor, the energy-self-sufficient OLM Nature Escape aparthotel, and the sustainable Lifestylehotel SANDnature on the Baltic Sea all rely on targeted, demand-oriented purchasing from regional organic producers. Orders are not placed “for stock,” but rather according to capacity utilization. The result? Hardly any expired products in the pantries.

What can we learn from this?

• As we explained in our blog article on organic food, using (more expensive) organic products automatically leads to more conscious eating. Furthermore, you can eat the peel of organic products (if possible).
• Focus on seasonal products from your region (seasonal recipe calendars offer guidance).
• According to Hotel Klosterbräu, it is important to avoid prepared products because “this preserves complete ingredient cycles and enables the use of leftovers.”
• Shop with a list and plan your meals carefully. Consider meals that use “leftovers,” as well as breakfast and snacks, and plan realistic quantities. Don’t just tell yourself, “I’ll use it for something.”

Planning beats perfection—and buffets are not mandatory

Another lever against food waste: planning. And the courage to do things differently.

At the Canvas & Orchids Retreat in Cambodia, there is a set daily menu (i.e., no à la carte options). Meals are cooked using whatever is freshly available—creatively, seasonally, and with every part of the ingredients. This reduces waste and allows guests to experience sustainability through a culinary journey of discovery.

Another thing few hotels “dare” to do is offer flexible portion sizes. This means that the staff is trained to provide half portions (or second helpings) upon request. The Naturhotel Outside focuses on smaller portions. Any surplus food does not end up in the trash but rather at the afternoon buffet or with the employees. The SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA operates similarly, using intelligent menu planning and adjusted portion sizes to prevent food waste from the outset.

The Hotel Luise in Erlangen is a real best practice example:
On average, only five grams of food waste per guest per meal are left over. This is made possible by smaller buffet plates that are refilled as needed. At the end of breakfast, staff ask guests specifically what else the guests would like. They then fetch a single slice of cheese from the kitchen instead of putting out another 20 slices.

For you at home:

• It’s better to replenish than to overfill. Unlike in a hotel, you won’t have the problem of not being able to serve food that has already been on the table. However, you should also make sure the food remains appetizing. No one wants rice mixed with sauces and other foods, but you can use leftover plain rice in many ways.
• You don’t need a huge selection or a something new every day. (It’s better to finish an open container of hummus or jam before opening something new.)

Leftovers become flavor — when creativity is part of the concept

“Leftover utilization” is a part of cooking as an art form, as well as a firm part of professional gastronomy.

• At the Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt, orange peels are made into syrup, stale bread is given to the sheep, and coffee grounds are used to fertilize flowers.
• The three South Tyrolean hotels, My Arbor, Hotel Weihrerhof, and OLM Nature Escape, transform vegetable peelings into stock and use stale bread to make dumplings or croutons.
• The SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA uses leftovers to make soups, stews, and fresh salads.

The advice for you at home:

Learn how to cook creatively with leftovers. Our tips from the web:

• Zucker and Jagdwurst: This vegan food blog provides a straightforward list of recipes for everyday ingredients like rice, bread, and soft fruits.
• Familienkost also offers ideas for more unusual foods, such as asparagus and lemons, and has a search function for ingredients.
• Der Restegourmet is a sophisticated website and app for cooking with leftovers. It takes a little while to get used to, but it offers useful tips and recipes.

When food returns to the earth: Thinking circularity through to its logical conclusion

Food that can no longer be eaten does not have to be wasted. Many of our partners close the loop by composting.

• STURM composts all organic waste and uses the resulting soil in its snack garden.
• At the Naturresort Gerbehof, food waste is also converted into fertilizer through composting.
• The SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA collaborates with ReFood, which collects cooking oil and food scraps from restaurants and transforms them into biodiesel, biogas, heat, and organic fertilizer.

The Hotel Korinjak on the Croatian island of Iz stands out in this regard. Here, food scraps are processed on site using a professional composting machine. The nutrient-rich compost is used in the hotel’s garden and given to guests as a small gift. “A gift from our little island to your gardens and plants at home,” they say.

“To us, cycles are systems that nature has always operated according to. We see ourselves as part of this natural rhythm.” – Hotel Korinjak

At home:

• Reheat and enjoy leftovers from the previous day (follow hygiene rules).
• Use the organic waste bin wisely. Plastic and meat scraps do not belong in it. In many places, this also includes “plastic” made from natural materials, such as corn starch.
• Make your own compost (you can even do this in a small container, with a worm bin, or with a bokashi on your apartment balcony).

Cooking Oil: The invisible food waste with massive consequences

One often-overlooked issue is used cooking oil. Frying and cooking fats should never be poured down the drain.

Machu Picchu Pueblo, Peru, is an example of just how serious the consequences can be. There, the pollution of rivers by used cooking oil from restaurants in this popular tourist destination was so severe that it measurably deteriorated the water quality. In response, the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel partnered with the community to build a facility that collects and processes cooking oil from restaurants, households, and local businesses into biodiesel. An environmentally friendly project that involves the local community.

How to properly dispose of cooking oil:

• Old cooking oil, frying fat, and similar substances belong in the residual waste bin. Small amounts can be wiped up with kitchen paper and disposed of in the residual waste bin.
• For larger amounts, allow the oil to cool, then place it in a well-sealed container. Dispose of the container in the residual waste or take it to special collection points in your region.

Circular Food only works when we work together

Whether it’s the Hotel Klosterbräu, Naturhotel Outside, SANDnature, or Hotel Luise, one thing is clear: circular thinking only works when employees and guests are involved. This also applies at home—to you, your family, and your guests. And it’s probably much easier here. “Would you like me to pack that up for you? Would you like to finish that?” Would you like to take some radishes from our garden with you?” Nowadays, even at weddings and other large celebrations, it’s becoming common for guests to bring containers so they can take home leftovers from the buffet.

Conclusion: Circular thinking begins in the mind

Our Green Pearls® demonstrate that a circular food system can work even under complex conditions. That’s why it’s clear that if it works there, it works here, too.

Households are responsible for the largest share of food waste, so they also have the greatest leverage for change. Circular thinking starts with a mindset of responsibility.

2030 is approaching. Let’s get started.

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To answer these questions, we spoke with certified organic hotels from our network. As true pioneers in this field, they demonstrate that organic practices can be economical and suitable for everyday use while still being consistently implemented.

Are organic foods really healthier?

If a product has an “organic” label, it must be healthy, right? Not necessarily. Organic butter is still butter, and organic chocolate is still chocolate. Research shows that the same applies to fruits and vegetables. If you only consider vitamins, a conventional apple can be just as nutritious as an organic apple.

Our detailed Green Pearls® Insight on the state of research on organic food shows this, and we have summarized the most important scientific work of recent years.

If we stopped now, the answer to the question would remain “no.” However, that would leave out a large part of what makes organic food special.

Why organic food can be healthier overall

Things get interesting when you consider not only individual foods, but also the systems behind them. The most significant distinction between organic and conventional agriculture lies not in vitamins, but in the use of pesticides.

The absence of synthetic chemicals in organic farming has far-reaching consequences:

● Groundwater and drinking water are significantly less polluted.

● Soils remain more fertile and healthy

● Biodiversity is protected (keyword: insect decline).

● Water cycles are not disrupted by persistent pollutants.

● Harvest workers are exposed to fewer health risks.

● Harmful pesticide residues cannot remain on food.

Therefore, organic farming protects not only individual consumers, but also the basis of our entire life: water, soil and biodiversity. This is precisely where the added health value lies, and it cannot be measured in a vitamin table.

So, is organic food healthier? Perhaps not when it comes to individual food items. However, if we consider the health of both ourselves and the planet as a whole, organic food is definitely healthier.

Is organic better than regional?

Organic is considered sustainable. But isn’t food from the immediate vicinity, even if it has been grown conventionally, more sustainable than organic vegetables flown in from overseas?

This is a valid question that is often discussed controversially in the sustainable hotel industry. The short answer is: The best is both – organic and regional.

• Ideally, food should be sourced locally and carry an organic label.
• If this is not feasible, it is better to choose organic products from nearby regions, such as Europe, than to choose organic products from overseas.
• What if certain foods are only available in organic quality from distant regions? In that case, the most sustainable option is often simply to do without.

In a conversation with Fabienne Anhamatten from the Hotel Bella Vista in Zermatt, we learn how this can work in practice. The hotel exclusively serves organic products and has made a conscious decision not to serve exotic fruits. Her stance is clear: pineapple and papaya have no place on a Swiss breakfast buffet. Seasonal, regional alternatives are more sustainable and often more fitting for the location.

And what about the price? Organic doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive

Now, let’s address the crucial question: Who is actually able to afford it? Organic food is clearly more expensive than food produced using conventional methods. One key to saving money on organic products is to buy in season. For example, the first local strawberries of the year are always the most expensive. The more strawberries that become available, the cheaper they become. Our tip: Cook according to the seasonal calendar. This not only saves money, but also adds variety to your plate.

Discount stores now offer organic products, too. It’s worth taking a closer look: Are these products regional as well? Often, they only carry the EU organic label. More on this in the section on labels. At least, though, they’re organic. This is a realistic and important first step.

What about organic hotels?

A look at our Green Pearls® network of sustainable hotels reveals something surprising: the hotels that consistently focus on organic products are not necessarily the most expensive.

A good example is the APIPURA hotel rinner on the Ritten in South Tyrol. Here you can stay sustainably for less than 100 euros – even though the hotel is one of the most committed advocates of organic products. Junior manager and chef Manfred Rinner even played a key role in bringing the Bio Fair Südtirol label to the catering and hotel industry.

His most important money-saving tip? Make the most of your ingredients (especially meat), and get creative with vegetable scraps.

When something costs a little more, you’re more conscious of how you use it. Buy in portions, use up leftovers, and don’t throw anything away. With organic food, you can even eat a lot of it with the skin on — just scrub potatoes, carrots, and apples thoroughly instead of peeling them.

Here’s an experiment for you to try:

• For a month, write down how much you spend on food.
• Then, switch to organic food for a month.
• Compare your results and be sure to share them in the comments!

If you’re ready to take the next step in the shopping process, here’s some guidance:

The three most important organic labels in Germany — and what they really mean

There are many labels based on different criteria and awarded by various companies and organizations. Don’t worry; we won’t delve into this jungle. Instead, we’ll introduce you to the largest, most recognized organic labels you can trust.

EU organic label: A solid foundation with room for improvement

The EU Organic Seal, awarded by the European Union, identifies organic products produced in the EU in a standardized way. An authorized body explicitly checks the products and subsequently issues the seal. EU-Bio certification promotes organic and ecological agriculture.

Some requirements for the EU-Bio seal:

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

Bioland: Strict requirements for products, catering, and accommodations

Bioland Verband für organisch-biologischen Landbau e.V. (“Bioland Association for Organic Farming”) is Germany’s leading organic farming association. The association focuses on species-appropriate animal husbandry, regional production, resource-efficient use of materials, and recycling management.

Some requirements for the Bioland seal:

• The animals are fed 100 percent organic feed, at least 50 percent of which comes from the company’s own farm or a regional cooperative.
• Generous specifications for grazing areas.
• The entire farm must be converted to organic (i.e., both animal husbandry and arable farming must meet Bioland standards; one cannot be certified without the other)

Bioland also certifies hotels and businesses. For example, the in-house apiary at the Apipura hotel rinner is a “Bioland apiary.” The SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA in Bad Herrenalb is “Bioland Gold” certified. To receive this certification, a hotel must offer at least 90% organic food. However, according to the hotel, they actually offer almost 100% organic food. The Naturresort Gerbehof also works closely with Bioland and has its own Bioland-certified cultivation.

Demeter: Very strict requirements and a biodynamic concept

Demeter e.V. is the oldest organic label (founded in 1924) and the strictest, focusing on the highest quality animal feed, for example. This democratically organised association prioritises a consistent circular economy, going far beyond EU regulations on animal welfare and food processing.

Some requirements for the Demeter seal:

• At least 50% of feed must be organic, with at least two thirds of this being Demeter quality.
• Antibiotics may only be used in animal husbandry in case of emergency.
• No painful dehorning of cows is permitted
• The use of chemical fertilisers is prohibited, and only a few pesticides are permitted. Fertiliser amounts are limited.
• Only own varieties (such as cereals, poultry and vegetables) may be used; for cereals, only seed-proof varieties and no hybrid seeds or seeds with cell fusion technology
• Only essential additives are permitted during processing, such as flavour extracts. Natural flavours, such as iodisation or nitrite curing salt, are not permitted (although they are still allowed under the EU organic regulation).

Critics of the Demeter certification scheme complain that all Demeter farms must keep animals, which is part of the concept of biodynamic agriculture. The association relies on esoteric and anthroposophical methods involving “cosmic forces”.

“Organic” is protected – unfortunately, other terms are not

The terms ‘organic’ and ‘eco’ have been legally protected in Europe since 1993. This means that they can only be used to advertise or label food products if certain requirements are met. These requirements are set out in the EC Organic Regulation. Organic products must always be labelled as such. This helps consumers identify more sustainable products.

Please note: terms such as ‘untreated’, ‘field-fresh’ and ‘from controlled cultivation’ are not protected and do not indicate that the food is organic. To be more sustainable in everyday life, look specifically for items marked with certified organic seals when shopping. (An exception to this is local produce from hobby farmers who cannot afford organic certification.)

Here are some tips on how to buy organic products from certified Green Pearls® hotels.

The Green Pearls® partners are ahead of the game when it comes to purchasing organic produce and serving certified organic cuisine, and their success proves them right. However, they don’t just use their knowledge of organic labels; the hotels also buy regionally and seasonally to conserve resources. By doing so, they contribute to the respectful treatment of our planet and may even inspire you for your next weekly shopping trip.

Organic certification for hotels

For some hotels, the kitchen is just the beginning of an organic approach to sustainability. One pioneer in this field is Stephan Bode, the current host of the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA hotel.

Long before he took over the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA, he was in charge of a large conference hotel, which he successfully converted to organic practices. At the time, hardly anyone in the industry believed that such a step was economically viable. It was considered too expensive, too complicated and impossible to implement in everyday hotel life. Stephan proved them wrong: the concept worked. And it still works today.

Bio Hotels: A network with clear standards

Bio Hotels is an association of hotels in the DACH region. Its member establishments are committed to serving 100 per cent organic food and sourcing 100 percent green electricity.

One such hotel is the Naturresort Gerbehof on Lake Constance, which is part of our Green Pearls® network. Ursula Wagner, the hotel’s host and vice-chair of Bio Hotels, lives organically both in and beyond the hotel. The Gerbehof runs its own Bioland-certified organic farm and is nestled among orchards and forests.

Guests can indulge in culinary delights, take an alkaline fasting cure, stay in rooms furnished with natural materials and experience wellness close to nature – an organic total experience, not just an individual measure.

Organic without a seal: when conviction remains

The STURM in Mellrichstadt proves that it’s possible to be organic without an official label. The sustainable hotel was certified organic for many years but later decided to continue on the organic path without a seal — maintaining the same high standards. Instead, they focus on communication – the hotel restaurant Otto’s has an open kitchen concept where food is cooked in front of guests, and the origin of the organic food is explained.

STURM’s tip for private shopping: If you value high-quality organic products, shop at the local farmer’s market or from the farmer next door. Direct contact allows you to get valuable tips on how to prepare and store food.

Our understanding of organic at Green Pearls®

At Green Pearls®, we never view “organic” in isolation. For us, the overall concept of a hotel is what matters most — from energy and architecture to social responsibility. Nutrition plays a central role, too. What ends up on our plates directly impacts the environment, health, and value chains.

Regional, organic quality is the gold standard for us — and for all hotels in our network. Every hotel that wants to join Green Pearls® must disclose its culinary concept. Using organic, regional, seasonal ingredients and practicing conscious consumption are fundamental principles, not optional extras. We are proud of this, and our green pearls show that sustainability can be credible and economical in the kitchen.

They are truly pioneering in doing so. A look at the figures: Organic food remains a niche market in Germany. Only around seven percent of all food sold is organic. Denmark leads the way with 12-13 percent.

According to a survey by BMUV and UBA (2023), just 3 percent of consumers said they buy exclusively organic food. (30 percent buy it “occasionally”).

So if you take on the one-month organic challenge we are proposing, you can consider yourself part of the avant-garde!

Are you in?

This is an update from November 11, 2022.

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At Green PearlsⓇ, we have over a decade of experience supporting sustainable accommodation providers with their communications, so we encounter this topic repeatedly. We are critical of the idea of offsetting CO₂ emissions simply by planting trees. After all, ‘planting trees’ can easily amount to greenwashing and is often used for this very purpose. “For every product purchased, we plant a tree” – who hasn’t heard this advertising slogan? At the same time, however, there are also meaningful long-term forest and ecosystem projects that can support biodiversity and climate resilience. As a traveller, you can support these projects with complete confidence.

But why tree-planting projects are often presented as a way to compensate for part of the emissions associated with travel?

Climate protection is now an issue in all areas of our lives — and almost every activity results in CO₂ emissions. Flying, in particular, generates several tons of greenhouse gases per person on a single long-haul flight, and these emissions are even more harmful to the climate when released at high altitudes. From winter 2025/26 onwards, passengers will be able to see these emissions for the first time thanks to the new Flight Emissions Label (FEL) from the European Commission. The aim is to make the climate impact of flights more transparent, even though participation by airlines is currently voluntary (which unfortunately demonstrates the power of the lobby in this area once again).

But what can you do if your trip causes a large amount of CO₂ emissions? Tree planting campaigns offer one solution: by absorbing CO₂ and releasing oxygen, trees are meant to offset the negative effects of travel. While this sounds straightforward, the actual climate impact depends heavily on how and where projects are implemented.

The problems with planting trees to offset emissions:

#1 The calculations

The explanation often given for why tree-planting projects are useful as part of broader climate mitigation efforts: “A tree absorbs X kilograms of CO₂.” However, such calculations only apply to mature trees (for example, a 35-metre-high spruce stores around 2.6 tonnes of CO₂ during its 100-year life cycle). However, compensation projects usually involve planting seedlings that take decades to reach a stage where they can store significant amounts of CO₂.

#2 Lack of care

Time and again, it has been shown that compensation planting campaigns result in a seedling being placed in the ground and then left to fend for itself. Without proper care, the saplings dry up, get eaten by animals, or die. Therefore, there is no guarantee that a seedling will grow into a tree.

#3 Individual trees instead of ecosystems

Another study shows that, in theory, such maintenance would be unnecessary. However, this works only if we protect functioning ecosystems instead of creating monoculture plantations. The study shows that many researchers argue that protecting intact ecosystems can provide broader long-term environmental benefits than isolated tree-planting campaigns.

#4 Whether projects create measurable additional climate benefits beyond what would have happened anyway

However, when it comes to protecting existing forest projects, climate partners describe the difficulty of guaranteeing that the protection will bind ADDITIONAL emissions caused by travel. In other words, the forest already exists, but those who want to offset emissions demand a NEW positive effect on the climate.

#5 Forest fires

Climate change worsens the risk: wildfires increasingly threaten forests. When fires break out, they release CO₂ that took years to store. As a result, the climate benefits associated with reforestation projects can be reduced or reversed by wildfires and extreme weather events.

#5 Wrong tree species, wrong areas

In 2024, The Guardian revealed that reforestation projects had targeted African savannas, even though forests do not naturally grow there. Scientists warn that this will potentially disrupt existing ecosystems and biodiversity. Similarly, ecologists criticize eucalyptus farms in Brazil because eucalyptus is not a native species there.

#6 Displacement of people

Displacement for projects promoted as climate or environmental initiatives is particularly problematic. In Uganda, for instance, a whole region lost its land to a forestry company that advertised “climate protection through reforestation.” Around 10,000 people were forcibly displaced.

“In my experience, tree planting often borders on greenwashing. I think social projects that directly help people are better.” —Stefany Seipp, Managing Director of Green PearlsⓇ Unique Places

Is planting trees for climate purposes a bad thing?

No, you can’t say that across the board. Trees are essential for our planet, and therefore, for our survival. However, some tree-planting campaigns are criticized for focusing more on marketing claims than on measurable long-term environmental impact and, in the worst case, they can even cause more harm than good. A commentary on The Conversation sums it up as follows: “Corporate tree planting primarily creates a positive image, but it can actually harm the planet and local communities if it is done without considering existing conditions.”

How can we identify greenwashing in the context of “planting trees for the climate”?

As a consumer, you have more power than you might realize. CO₂ compensation offers exist because there is demand for them. This makes it all the more important to take a close look:

• Ask questions: Where are the trees being planted? What types of trees? Who is responsible for their care?
• Demand transparency: Reputable projects openly answer these questions, often without you having to ask, e.g., on their website. Greenwashing campaigns usually fall silent quickly.
• Think holistically: Don’t just consider “one tree per night,” but also everything else involved. Does your chosen accommodation promote sustainability in other ways? Is the tree-planting campaign part of a comprehensive strategy, or is it the only measure? We prefer projects that focus on climate, people, and biodiversity simultaneously. A well-thought-out tree planting measure can certainly fit the bill!

Travel blogger Julia Lassner (Globusliebe) sums it up perfectly:

“I always ask where the trees will be planted and if they will be cared for properly. Most of the time, I don’t receive an answer, and suddenly, there’s no more interest in working together. This quickly shows me which companies are being honest and which are just greenwashing.” —Julia from Globusliebe

How hotels with comprehensive environmental and resource-conscious strategies approach the topic of “planting trees”

CO₂ offsetting is a major issue for our Green Pearls® accommodations. There is one point on which all agree: prevention is better than compensation.

Avoiding CO₂ instead of sugarcoating it

Alessa Konrad, from the Naturhotel Outside in East Tyrol, is often contacted by companies looking to sell CO₂ offset projects. Her response is always the same:

„As an environmentally certified nature hotel, we are committed to sustainability and resource conservation, but our approach goes beyond planting trees. We implement measures directly in the hotel and share them with our guests. These measures include free pick-up from the train station for guests arriving by public transportation, regional shopping, eliminating disposable products such as bath slippers, using energy-efficient technologies in the wellness area, and maximizing our PV system.“

The approach is clear: first and foremost, emissions should be avoided where they arise. This applies not only to hotels but also to travelers themselves. For example, it is better to travel by train than by plane, to rent a suitcase than to buy a new one, and to stay in a sustainable hotel than in a hotel from an international chain.

Marion Muller from the North German hotel association SANDcollection says that they are always mindful of the companies they support at their sustainable Lifestylehotels, SANDnature, and SANDglow. These include MyBoo bamboo bicycles for rent, Samova tea for breakfast, and climate-neutral, recycled toilet paper from Green Hygiene. Incidentally, the latter’s “climate neutrality” is achieved through solar energy, both its own and that promoted by Climate Partner, rather than through trees.

Successful forest projects—when they are properly planned and executed

However, criticism of “planting trees for the climate” does not mean a complete rejection of the idea. In fact, some Green PearlsⓇ hotels have launched impressive projects that promote biodiversity and strengthen ecosystems.

Primordial cloud forest in the Peruvian Andes

One of the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel’s signature projects is its cloud forest initiative. When the hotel’s founder, José Koechlin, acquired the property in the 1980s, the former cloud forest had already been cleared and converted into agricultural land. Rather than accepting this, Koechlin began gradually restoring the original forest around the hotel.

Today, around 30 years later, guests can witness the results of this pioneering work firsthand: orchids, butterflies, and rare bird species such as the Andean cock-of-the-rock. Machu Picchu was recognized in 2017 as part of a broader climate and sustainability initiative

What makes it special: The focus has always been on a genuine, long-term commitment to nature and biodiversity, not quick CO2 compensation.

Planting a forests right outside one’s doorstep

Many European hotels are also focusing on reforestation and forest protection—directly at their own accommodations. However, this is not necessarily a compensation measure; rather, it is hands-on nature conservation: 

• Gut Sonnenhausen, Bavaria
  

  Several years ago, the hotel planted around 400 trees and over 10,000 shrubs along its mountain trail. Today, guests, employees, and wildlife alike enjoy the increased diversity of flora.

• Naturresort Gerbehof, Lake Constance
  

  The organic hotel near Friedrichshafen is surrounded by its own forest. The hotel uses the wood for its own furniture, among other things, while dead wood and wood infested with beetles are used to generate energy. There is also a forest rest area for wild animals. Hostess Ursula Wagner criticizes the practice of using trees purely for CO₂ compensation: “There’s a lot of greenwashing in this area.”

• OLM Nature Escape, South Tirol
  

  Rather than planting trees elsewhere, OLM has created its own wild garden with biotope plants, including old regional fruit tree species. “For us, real climate protection is about quality, not quantity. We take responsibility locally instead of relying on distant projects,” says Astrid Hellweger, the host.

• My Arbor, South Tirol
  

  As a “tree hotel,” My Arbor is a sustainable wellness hotel closely connected to the forest. New trees, such as spruce, Swiss stone pine, fir, and larch, are regularly planted around the hotel. This process binds CO₂ and strengthens biodiversity, preserving the forest. Spruce trees are also part of the ecosystem. Host Alexandra Huber explains, “The problem is that spruce trees are susceptible to bark beetles, which sometimes destroy entire slopes. That’s exactly why we’re trying to replant them.”

• Hotel Klosterbräu, Tirol
  

  In addition to its own forest, which provides wood for the nature rooms, for example, the hotel launched a new project in 2025. Together with guests, 300 apple trees were planted on the parish hill. Once the fruit is ready, it will be used in the hotel for everything from apple strudel to animal feed for the hotel’s petting zoo.

A forest in the middle of the city

The Hotel Luise in Erlangen proves that forest projects can be established in urban areas as well. A microforest with over 200 trees was created there, designed according to ecological principles with varying plant heights that function together like a real forest.

Laura Heufelder from the hotel explains:

“Our microforest improves the microclimate and has become a paradise for birds, insects, and small animals. However, our primary goal is to reduce operational emissions as much as possible. We only offset unavoidable CO2 as a last resort. This approach benefits the environment and the economy, as it creates jobs.”

Protect and enjoy your own forest

Not all sustainable hotels plant new trees—some protect the surrounding forest and allow guests to experience it in a unique way.

Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel , South Tyrol

The Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel is located at an altitude of over 2,000 meters in the heart of the Schlern-Rosengarten Nature Park, which is protected by UNESCO, on the Seiser Alm. In this sensitive environment, nature conservation is paramount. To minimize traffic pollution, guests are only allowed to drive their cars on arrival and departure days. During their stay, cars must remain in the parking lot.

The hotel provides a special transit permit for this purpose, which park rangers check. This ensures that the alpine nature is preserved for future generations to enjoy.

Hotel Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa, Bavaria

The adjacent forest is also a focal point at the Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa in Bayerisch Gmain. Guests can experience it through mindful forest bathing, which promotes relaxation and a new awareness of nature. The experience is enhanced by a herb garden and a “green wall” at the buffet where guests can harvest fresh herbs.

The goal is not to offset CO₂, but to bring nature to life, appreciate its resources, and bring a piece of nature into guests’ everyday lives.

Overnight stays supported by certified climate compensation projects

A special case in our network is the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA in Bad Herrenalb. Stephan Bode’s establishment is considered a pioneer in sustainable hospitality. Its gold organic certification, zero-waste breakfast buffet, and hotel rooms made from 100% recyclable materials (“circular living”) set new standards.

However, not all emissions can be avoided here either. To offer “climate-neutral overnight stays” and “climate-neutral conferences,” the hotel works with ClimatePartner. The principle remains clear: reduce before compensating. However, unavoidable emissions are transparently offset – among other things, through two forest projects that are part of a larger portfolio of 20 recognized climate protection initiatives.

According to SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA and ClimatePartner, projects contributed to reducing, avoiding or compensating 5,710 tons of CO₂₂ and collected 6,010 kilograms of plastic. Additionally, 112 trees were planted in 2023 and 2025, both in Germany and internationally, as part of a comprehensive climate protection initiative.

FAQs and Tips: Contribute to climate mitigation efforts caused by travel through tree planting

Is planting trees an effective way to offset CO2 emissions?

Yes and no. It only makes sense if it is well thought out, appropriate for the location, and designed for the long term. Many projects fail due to a lack of maintenance or because they serve marketing purposes more than climate protection purposes. To really make a difference, you should primarily avoid emissions and offset unavoidable emissions through recognized climate protection projects (not necessarily tree planting).

How can I spot greenwashing?

Be skeptical of promises such as “one tree for every tube of toothpaste sold.” Ask questions: Where are the trees planted? Who takes care of them? Reputable companies answer these questions transparently, companies using vague environmental marketing claims not.

How can I get involved?

• Ask questions: Feel free to email companies that advertise tree-planting campaigns.
• Plant locally: Plant trees in your own neighborhood so that you can take care of them yourself or at least see the results.
• Consume mindfully: As Ursula Wagner from Naturresort Gerbehof emphasizes, “Everyone should pay attention to the environment and nature in their daily lives. Does the light always have to be on? Do I need products like avocados, which require huge amounts of water?” Being mindful in everyday life often saves more CO₂ than symbolic planting campaigns.
• Think creatively: Fabienne Anhamatten from the Hotel Bella Vista in Zermatt provides a good example. She didn’t dispose of her Christmas tree, but rather planted it in the spring, allowing it to remain part of the cycle.

In conclusion, we would like to emphasize that genuine climate protection while traveling begins with making many small, mindful decisions along the way, not with planting a tree.

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Riding vacations, trail rides or a vacation with  your horse?

As a horse person, there are many ways to get your money’s worth, even on vacation. However, most people only know about riding vacations for kids. Meanwhile, there are also plenty of opportunities for adults to enjoy a horseback riding vacation. These are especially great opportunities for beginners and insecure riders to develop their riding skills.

Trail rides offer a particularly intensive experience. Whether you do one in your home country or abroad, you spend the day with the horses and your riding group, enjoying real adventures. Depending on the type of ride booked, your luggage will either be brought to the next accommodation by escort vehicles or pack horses, or you will carry it yourself.

However, there are also opportunities to interact with horses outside of sustainable riding vacations. Many horse farms and ranches, for example, offer vacation apartments. This allows you to enjoy horses in the area without going on a riding vacation. Or, you can book individual riding lessons or rides in your vacation region.

Of course, those of you who have horses can also travel with them. One easy way to do this is to start your trail ride right from your front door. Alternatively, you can look for accommodations that have a stable nearby or even run one themselves.

No matter how, where, or with whom you travel, we’ll show you what a sustainable riding vacation looks like and how to make it happen.

Here are five tips for planning a sustainable riding vacation:

Will you be traveling with or without your horse?

The question posed in the title is crucial to your journey. Of course, you can’t bring your horse on the train. This means you will need to use a car and a transporter, which will have a significant environmental impact due to exhaust fumes and particulates. Therefore, consider whether it’s worth driving your horse all over Germany for a week or leaving it in the care of friends at your stable.

However, of course, we understand that you may want to bring your horse with you. After all, what could be better than exploring new surroundings with your horse? If you decide to bring your horse, choose a closer destination, offset your emissions, and drive fuel-efficiently.

The accommodation: Sustainable hotel for horse and rider

You and your horse have to sleep somewhere during your trip. While there are plenty of nice boarding stables, particularly in popular vacation regions, the search for a sustainable hotel is a bit more difficult. Portals like ours (Green Pearls®) help you discover truly sustainable hotels and learn more about their green initiatives.

You can also look at vacation apartments and houses for sustainability and see if they are supplied with renewable energy, for example, or if the furnishings are based on renewable raw materials.

Holidays at the Naturresort Gerbehof

Vacation apartments and hotel rooms like these can be found at the Naturresort Gerbehof at Lake Constance. The comfortable rooms and vacation apartments are ideal for families and the perfect starting point for long hikes, whether you’re traveling with a horse or not. Best of all, your horse can stay with you! Spacious stalls are available for guest horses. There is also an indoor riding arena where you can exercise your horse on rainy days.

The Gerbehof consists of a country hotel, a horse ranch, and an organic farm that provides most of the ingredients used in the hotel kitchen. After hours of riding through gorgeous nature, you can relax in the nature spa while knowing that your four-legged partner is happily munching on hay next door.

Equipment or packing my trunk

Travelling with a dog means doubling the amount of luggage needed. It’s even worse with a horse! You need a saddle, a bridle, a grooming kit, a blanket, and more. Not to mention saddlebags or transport gaiters! Some of these items you may only need for this one trip. So, before buying anything new, ask around at the stable to see if you can borrow certain items. You can also check to see if you can find them used. If you do buy new equipment, look for durable, sustainable materials.

If you’re only planning on taking short rides, you can get by with just a pair of breeches in your luggage, as helmets and boots are usually available to rent locally. However, for longer trail rides, it’s more convenient to bring your own gear. When buying new items, look for durability and sustainability. If possible, borrow or buy used items (except for the helmet!).

At your destination

If you book horseback rides on-site, they are usually guided. This means that you will have a guide who knows the area well and which paths are suitable for riding. Of course, you can still keep an eye out and speak up if you notice the guide riding off-path in protected areas.

In our blog article on animal welfare when traveling, we have described what you should consider when choosing a stable or provider. Take a close look, and trust your instincts. If you have any doubts, it is better to forgo the ride than to support practices contrary to animal welfare.

If you are traveling with your own horse, find out in advance where you can ride to avoid getting into trouble with farmers or landowners. Even after you leave at the end of your vacation, local riders will still have to deal with farmers who dislike horseback riders. The same rules apply to riders as to anyone else spending time in nature: stay on the trails, don’t leave trash behind, and treat nature with respect. But that goes without saying, right?

After departure

Yes, sustainable action doesn’t stop there, nor does a sustainable riding vacation! From home, you can support sustainable hotels, riding providers, and great stables by sharing your experiences. You can do so on Google, on social media, or on blogs like ours. For example, leave a recommendation in the comments section to make other travelers aware of sustainable options. So, what are you waiting for?

Where can I go for a sustainable riding vacation?

Now you know how to plan a sustainable riding vacation! To help you start planning your trip right away, we asked Green Pearls® sustainable hotels for their recommendations. After all, they know best where you can book a horseback ride in their area without worrying.

Icelandic horses in the Black Forest

The Wiesenhof Icelandic Horse Center is just fifteen minutes from the eco-friendly Hotel SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA. Novice and experienced riders alike have the opportunity to experience the charm of the small northern horses here. The spacious paddocks and loose stables are home to over 200 Icelandic horses.

Wiesenhof’s philosophy centers on a holistic approach to humans and horses. In addition to rides and lessons, the center offers seminars and courses on exciting topics related to horse-friendly training.

Horseback riding on the sunny plateau of South Tyrol

The Weihrerhof is another hotel with a nearby riding facility. Just a five-minute walk away is a stable where you can try “trial riding” to see if you like the sport. You can also explore the Ritten region on horseback and take in the 360-degree panorama of the Dolomites.

Explore the mountains on horseback in Austria

The LENI MOUNTAIN is closely connected to Austria’s horse world. After all, Marco Arnold, the owner, is related to the president of the Haflinger Breeding and Sports Association. Life in Sölden without these blond-maned ponies is difficult to imagine. The ponies spend the summers on the meadows above the valley, so you’re likely to encounter them on your hikes.

Explore Sicily’s Valley of the Temples on horseback!

Visiting this ancient site is one of the highlights of any trip to Sicily. And what could be better than experiencing it from horseback? The ride there is an adventure in itself. Experienced guides from Amici del Cavallo will lead you along narrow paths lined with olive and almond trees to the temple ruins. Don’t worry if you’re a beginner or an inexperienced rider; the horses are calm, well-trained, and well-groomed. The ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA, a sustainable resort on the edge of a WWF nature reserve and not far from the wild beaches of southern Sicily, recommended this provider to us.

Tip: If Sicily is too far for you, there is also a great provider in Tuscany called “Il Cornacchino,” who take good care of the animals. Current offers include, for example, 8 days of natural Western riding in Tuscany*.

Conclusion: Sustainable riding vacation with or without your horse

Sustainable riding vacations are pretty straightforward. Hopefully, this article will help you plan your next trip in a relaxed, sustainable way. These tips will help whether you’re riding a horse or not!

If you have a recommendation for a sustainable riding vacation, please leave it in the comments. It can be a horse farm, tour provider, or destination. Inspire others. 😉

*For the offer marked with an asterisk, we receive a small commission if you book through the link.

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Der Beitrag A sustainable horseback vacation: how it works and things you should keep in mind erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

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?

Save this article for your next holiday-inspired cooking session!

Der Beitrag Sustainable chefs’ favorite ingredients and tips to spice up any meal erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

This underscores the importance of green spaces, especially for city dwellers. You may not realize it, but studies indicate that just a few minutes in nature can lift your spirits! When it’s too hot indoors, and you’re already starting to stick to the furniture, a park offers cool shade, wide vistas, scampering squirrels and chirping birds to enjoy.

“With more trees and less pavement, rainwater can soak into the ground and evaporate, keeping buildings cooler and the city less hot in the summer. And because greenery binds particulate matter, the air becomes cleaner.” – German Federal Ministry for the Environment and Nature Conservation

Aromatic garden in Erlangen

Erlangen is a large German city in Bavaria with several famous parks. Well known are for example the Schlossgarten Erlangen, a large baroque garden complex, or the Botanical Garden with its own stalactite cave. As a “secret tip” the Creativhotel Luise recommended the Aromatic Garden in Erlangen. “It keeps what it promises,” say the people of Erlangen. It houses more than 100 fragrant plants. Many of them contain essential oils. There are also regular guided tours and workshops (e.g. on the importance of aromatic plants in medicine).

Feeling stressed? Take a whiff of lemon balm – its scent is relaxing and calming.

Web link: Aroma Garden

Greenery and Pop Art in Freiburg

Residents of the university city of Freiburg im Breisgau have less green space than other large cities. About 18 square meters per inhabitant, compared to an average of about 23 square meters in the country Baden-Württemberg.

But there is a park with a sculpture by Claes Oldenburg! If you don’t know this Swedish-American artist, you should definitely Google him and visit an exhibition if possible. (I’m a huge fan!) Along with Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, he’s one of the greatest exponents of American Pop Art, and he just recently (2022) passed away.

Claes Oldenburg’s sculpture “Gartenschlauch mit Wasserhahn” (1983) is located in the Eschholzpark and is meant to remind us that 370 allotment gardens in the Stühlinger district were destroyed for urban development. In 1982 (three years after the demolition), the Eschholzpark gave the residents back some greenery.

In addition, Freiburg has the Stadtgarten and the Vauban district, which has no less than five green spaces that offer many opportunities for play, especially for children. The Green City Hotel Vauban, with its green façade, is located in this green and partially car-free district.

Web link: Landscape-architecture in Vauban

Shade trees in the Kurpark of Bad Herrenalb (Black Forest)

If you have a special love for trees, you will feel at home in the Kurpark Bad Herrenalb, which was recommended to us by SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA. Here you will find silver maples, weeping cherries, rock pears, flowering ashes and tulip trees. The spa gardeners have also taken climate change into account when planting. In 2021, for example, a prominent citizen wanted to donate a spruce to the park. The gardeners refused. Spruces, they said, could not withstand the stresses of climate change and could easily suffer from “drought stress”. In the end, they agreed on a hanging elm.

The Alb creek also flows through the Kurpark, and there is a special dahlia and peony garden, an eight-person tree house, and many hidden lawns and play areas.

Web link:  Kulturpark Bad Herrenalb

Wild and Beautiful Parks in Germany – Sunbeds Allowed

The English word “park” implies a fixed boundary (think of a parking lot, for example). Although city walls disappeared in the 19th century (they were no match for war technology anyway, and cities exploded), parks always had fences and gates. The same was true for the green spaces within the park. There were the paths – and to the left and right of them was a low fence. A beautifully landscaped pond – surrounded by hedges. A large meadow – just to look at! Lying down on the lawn was not intended in the old days. I learned this on a guided tour of the Volksgarten in Cologne. Visiting the park meant strolling along the paths and looking at nature.

Today, the behavior of park visitors has changed fundamentally. There are still a number of dos and don’ts (keep dogs on a leash, no fires, etc.), but you can feel free to play or picnic as you please.

20,000 square meter snack garden

In the 20,000-square-meter hotel garden that STURM has created in Mellrichstadt, Bavaria, you can snack on everything that grows here on the trees and bushes. A special stimulation for the senses is also the barefoot path.

The park without a fence is (or used to be) a Ha-Ha

Incidentally, the first parks without fences were developed in England, the mother of European parks. It was a “lowered fence” within a protected garden, where visitors could enjoy an unobstructed view of nature. When park visitors saw this, they would say “Ha-ha” or “Ah-ha.” Until now, Ha-Ha parks exist in England. Their most important feature: “The element of surprise”.

Save the parks as inspiration for your next sustainable city trip!

Der Beitrag Green Oases in the City – 4 Beautiful Parks in Germany erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Environmental awareness in tourism has increased

When Green Pearls started in 2013, sustainability was still new territory in the hotel industry. 10 years later, we are fully in the eco-trend. You may have noticed it yourself. Years ago, we used “cheap flights” to just do some weekend-shopping in a metropolis – now we rather save up for an e-bike. In 2021, an international Booking.com survey of more than 29,000 people found that 76 percent of travelers consider sustainable travel important.

Greenwashing confuses consumers

One problem is greenwashing. This is the deliberate misleading of consumers through advertising, marketing and wording that makes an accommodation appear more environmentally friendly than it actually is. Bloggers report disappointed that the place does not look as green as expected. Towels are left purposely hanging in the bathroom – and new ones are inadvertently provided. Or every tea bag is shrink-wrapped. But on the other side, you yourself may not understand why the spa is no longer open all day. Sustainability can mean many things. And as we will see, different hotels and vacation rentals have very different priorities.

Transparency is key

In an interview with HOUSE of MANAO, Stefany Seipp, founder of Green PearlsⓇ, says: “Whether an accommodation has a solar system, for example, depends on various circumstances. That’s why she says it’s especially important to “make the different sustainable aspects transparent. In some places, for example, there are legal hurdles to solar installations. Or the house may be under a preservation order that prevents changes to the exterior. The reasons are many, and many remain hidden to us as guests.

With us, i.e. Green Pearls®, every accommodation that becomes a partner receives a microsite on which its sustainable commitment is listed in detail. That way, you don’t just see a seal, but you can get specific information about their commitment to sustainability. Even what you can’t see in the pictures  

7-point check for sustainable accommodation

Green PearlsⓇ checks a number of criteria with its partners, although, as mentioned, you don’t have to be involved in all of them. The following seven points can help you understand how to identify sustainable accommodations:

#1 Architecture

Renovating an existing building is more sustainable than building a hotel from scratch. A great example is the Relais del Maro in Italy. Owner Elena Scalambrin built an Albergo Diffuso out of several old commercial buildings in her childhood village of Borgomaro. This means that the rooms are spread out over several houses in the village, and you come to the main house for breakfast. Win-win: You live among the locals, and the locals are happy that the formerly vacant buildings have been revitalized in a meaningful way.

Another example is the Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld, Tyrol. A monastery was built here in 1516, and for more than 200 years the property has been owned by the Seyrling family, who have transformed the former monastery into a sustainable 5-star hotel. New natural rooms and suites have just opened (June 2023). Up to 95 percent of the materials used are from the region. For example, the wooden floors and furniture were made from trees in the hotel’s own forest, and the walls are clay plastered.

Especially when a hotel expands with new rooms or when rooms need to be renovated, sustainable accommodation should pay attention to the materials used. In Germany, “the regrowing hotel rooms” of the Creativhotel Luise in Erlangen and the “Circular Living room concept” of SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA are prime examples of ecological room design.

#2 Climate Neutrality / Renewable Energy

More and more accommodations are now offering CO₂-neutral accommodations. But there are also some that are pioneers in this field. In the center of Milan, for example, there is the Hotel Milano Scala. This “zero-emissions accommodation” opened in 2010 and was the first CO₂-neutral hotel in Italy! The city hotel is powered by geothermal energy from a 30-meter deep geothermal well beneath the hotel. All rooms are connected to a computer system that controls heating and cooling.

At the Naturresort Schindelbruch in the Harz region, Germany, efforts are made to avoid CO₂ emissions right from the start. For example, you won’t find a mini-bar in your room or electric hand dryers. The sustainable accommodation draws its energy from four sources: its own photovoltaic system, its own geothermal system, pellet heating and green electricity from hydropower. The Nature Resort is certified with the Viabono environmental seal and determines its carbon footprint annually. It regularly ranks among the best. In order to become “climate positive”, in addition to its own measures, a rainforest project in Panama is being reforested – so you can be sure that your stay here will not have a negative impact on your CO2 balance.

#3 Support a climate-friendly trip

If you want to travel in a climate-friendly way, you should also think about the journey. “Depending on which study you want to believe, (between) 70 and 80 percent of CO2 emissions are caused by arrival and departure,” says hotelier Daniel Ganzer of Naturhotel Outside in East Tyrol. That’s why it’s a good sign for sustainable accommodation if the website already provides information on how to travel as environmentally friendly as possible and also helps with the “last mile”. Naturhotel Outside takes care of both. In addition, you will receive a guest card at check-in that allows you to use local public transportation free of charge throughout the vast Hohe Tauern Alpine National Park.

#4 Regional organic cuisine

Another way to recognize a sustainable accommodation is the food. It should be regional, seasonal, and organically grown. The use of chemical products (pesticides, herbicides) is prohibited in organic farming, which protects the groundwater. By buying local, you avoid transportation emissions, strengthen the region and eat fresh and natural.

At the Genießerhotel Die Forelle on Lake Weissensee in Austria, you can experience how import self-sufficiency and Slow Food are put into practice under the guidance of chef Hannes Müller. If you are interested in the subject, you can book various Slow Food seminars at https://www.forellemueller.at/de/slow-food and even fish for and prepare wild fish with chef Hannes Müller.

Another trend we are seeing is a shift towards vegan cuisine. Even if you’re not a vegan, sustainable accommodations like the all vegan hotel LA VIMEA in South Tyrol can show you how delicious and varied plant-based cuisine is. Because let’s face it, if you want to help the climate, you need less meat on your plate.

#5 Water

Clean water is our most important resource, which is why every sustainable hotel and green vacation rental should have a water conservation policy. This can be done with water-saving shower heads and taps, the use of grey water (e.g. for flushing toilets) and the collection and use of rainwater.

At STURM in the Rhön, cisterns are used to irrigate the 30,000 square meter snack garden. Whatever grows in the garden is used in the hotel kitchen, is available for guests to snack on, and provides shelter for insects and small animals.

#6 Waste Prevention / Zero Waste

Packaging waste is still a big problem for hotels. In fact, for a long time, guests and hoteliers couldn’t even imagine what a bathroom or breakfast buffet would look like without packaged disposable products and mini portions in plastic trays. Fortunately, that has changed. Hotels like Keemala on the Thai island of Phuket are leading the way in Zero-Waste-Travel: Since 2015, plastic bottles and straws have been completely banned from the resort, and even wedding decorations (on the beach or in the forest) are made entirely of natural materials.

Nevertheless, according to the German Hotel and Restaurant Association (DEHOGA), each hotel guest generates between 3.4 and 9.1 liters of waste per day. Logically, most waste is generated where disposable products are used.

But what happens to the waste? What you don’t notice as a guest is how the waste is disposed of. For example, the proper separation or recycling of organic waste. The LIFESTYLE Resort zum Kurfürsten on the Mosel, for example, uses leftover food as animal feed for local farms.

#7 Social sustainability

Carbon-neutral and organic are not the only factors that make a hotel or holiday-accommodation sustainable. There is also the pillar of social sustainability. Green PearlsⓇ accommodations typically operate with local staff and a permanent workforce.

At the Green City Hotel VAUBAN in the southern German city of Freiburg, half of the staff is made up of people with physical and mental disabilities.

[See image gallery at green-travel-blog.com] Social sustainability is also an issue, especially in poorer countries. In Cambodia, the sustainable resort Farmhouse Smiling Gecko is part of an NGO that creates prospects for the rural population through training and education centers.

There is no such thing as 100% sustainable

You probably know it yourself – not everything is possible. If you buy vegan shoes, they likely contain plastic. Choosing sustainable bamboo means that it grows in China, not around the corner. So even with sustainable lodging, you can’t make everything perfect. To find a sustainable accommodation, we recommend that you make sure that the owners really care about the issue personally and that they are transparent about their efforts. This means that they don’t just write on their website that they are sustainable or carbon neutral, but that they show you how they do it and maybe even take you on a tour. Also, labels like GreenSign (or of course Green PearlsⓇ :-)) are a good place to start.

Do you have any other tips on how to identify sustainable accommodation? Write them down in the comments!

Save this 7-Point-Check for your next vacation planning!

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