Which type of active vacation is right for you?

Would you rather be by the water or in the woods? There are currently six popular types of active vacations, and one of them is sure to appeal to you.

Here’s an overview of them—including recommended regions and unique accommodations. Some hotels provide equipment, tour recommendations, guides, and practical logistics to help you with your outdoor adventures.

#1 Hiking & Trekking: Taking it slow

Hiking is one of the most popular types of active vacations. And it’s easy to see why: often, all you need is a good pair of shoes, some time, and a bit of motivation. While a solid level of basic fitness is helpful, you’ll find a trail in most regions that suits your ability level. Hiking offers something often lost in everyday life: peace, focus, and a deep connection with the landscape.

For your hiking vacation, we recommend regions that not only offer classic, scenic trails, but also actively develop nature-friendly concepts.

The team at SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA in Bad Herrenalb raves about the “Albtal Abenteuer Track,” which begins right near the hotel. The route takes you off the beaten path through the northern Black Forest. Fallen branches, muddy sections, and steeper stretches (with rope assistance) are all part of the experience. Rather than perfectly groomed trails, the focus is on providing a genuine trekking experience with a wilderness vibe. At the same time, the route was designed to take protected areas and sensitive habitats into account. This means that although it feels like you’re hiking off the beaten path, you’re not.

Hiking with Guides and Rangers in the Hohe Tauern National Park

East Tyrol is another great place to enjoy active vacations and nature experiences. The Naturhotel Outside in Matrei is located in the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park, between the Großglockner and the Großvenediger. This hiking hotel helps you plan and carry out your hiking vacation all year round, offering guided tours and equipment rentals. As hiking concierge Karin Steiner explains in an interview, the focus is on consciously experiencing the mountain world.

Read her hiking tips for the Hohe Tauern here.

Llama Trekking

The APIPURA hotel rinner in Ritten, South Tyrol, is a particularly leisurely option. Through a nearby provider, you can go hiking with llamas and alpacas. The animals are led by hand and set their own pace. A variety of tours are available, ranging from relaxed family outings to longer hikes toward the Dolomites or the Three Peaks.

Quick Sustainability Check: Hiking

Hiking is generally considered an eco-friendly travel activity. However, how you behave while you’re there matters most.

Our tips:

• Stay on the marked trails.
• Don’t leave any trash behind.
• Respect wildlife and quiet zones.
• Use public transportation or shuttle services to reach your starting point.
• Support local guides and small businesses.

#2 Cycling & E-Bike Tours: Explore the regions in depth

Hardly any other form of travel is booming as much as cycling and e-bike vacations right now. Regions like South Tyrol are particularly benefiting from this trend: well-maintained trails, mountain panoramas, alpine pastures, and valleys make the region ideal for tours suited to a wide range of fitness levels.

E-bikes make it possible to easily cover longer distances or climb higher elevations. At the same time, they provide a more leisurely travel experience than driving.

Alpine hotels with e-bike rentals

The Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel sits at an elevation of 2,000 meters in the heart of the Seiser Alm mountain range in the Dolomites. In the summer, numerous mountain and e-bike trails begin right outside, offering panoramic views of the UNESCO-protected natural surroundings. Guests can rent e-bikes at the hotel and explore the region without a car. Since the hotel is located in a protected nature reserve, traffic is regulated anyway. To minimize the impact on the sensitive mountain landscape, for instance, you can only drive your car to the hotel on your arrival and departure days with a permit.

The adults-only, vegan hotel LA VIMEA is located in Naturns, near Merano—a region known for its extensive network of bike trails. Here, a Mediterranean climate, orchards, and alpine mountain landscapes converge. You can rent e-bikes at the hotel and use them to explore leisurely valley routes or more challenging mountain tours.

Bicycles can also be easily rented by guests at My Arbor near Brixen. The hotel partners with Sportservice Erwin Sticker, a local provider, for this service. The desired equipment is delivered directly to the hotel. If you bring your own bike, you can safely store (and charge) it in the large bike room. Mountain bikers can choose from downhill trails across the Plose or long routes into the Dolomites.

We recommend the Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa in the Berchtesgadener Land region as the fourth hotel with its own e-bike rental service. The hotel is the departure point for numerous tours through the German Alps.

Guided bike tours & local activities

The Ritten region of South Tyrol is another diverse biking destination in the Alps. Here, the ADLER Lodge RITTEN not only offers free e-bike rentals, but also organizes guided e-bike tours several times a week (free of charge). Popular tours include those to the Earth Pyramids..

The APIPURA hotel rinner is a partner of the Ritten Tourist Association. They also offer weekly e-bike tours led by local guides. As a guest of the hotel, you will receive the RittenCard free of charge. It covers bike rentals and tours.

Quick sustainability check: E-Bikes & Bicycles

Cycling trips can help reduce car travel in the local area—especially in regions with good infrastructure. Nevertheless:

• Do not ride off-road
• Respect delicate alpine and forest trails
• Proper battery maintenance
• Use local rental shops

You can also find more inspiration here:

• Sustainable Cycling Vacations
• E-Bike Vacations at Hotels

#3 Experience the water: Rafting, SUP & coastal adventures

Water and vacations are a great combination, especially in the summer. However, lakes, coastlines, and rivers are sensitive ecosystems, so you should exercise extra caution when participating in water sports.

Therefore, the Hotel Korinjak on the Croatian island of Iz focuses on peaceful water activities, such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Many guests either bring their own equipment or rent it from small, local providers. This allows visitors to fully experience the coastline free of motorboats and extensive infrastructure.

The Lifestylehotel SANDnature in Timmendorfer Strand is an ideal place to start your windsurfing, SUP, or kayaking adventure on the Baltic Sea. In partnership with local surf schools (e.g., Surfschule Timmendorfer Strand), the hotel offers lesson booking and equipment rentals. With its shallow entry points, the Baltic Sea is considered a great spot for beginners.

Whitewater Rafting in the Alps

Are you looking for some action? Rafting might be just the thing for you! Two accommodations in Tyrol have shared their rafting tips with us:

The Stanglwirt organic and wellness resort recommends whitewater rafting tours on the Tiroler Ache. They partner with Mountain-High, a provider offering a wide range of options, from family-friendly rubber dinghy trips to more athletic tours. Ramona from Stanglwirt emphasizes the importance of partnering with regional providers and notes that the guided tours combine nature experiences with safety.

The Summit Lodges in Pfunds and Schloss Lerchenhof in Carinthia also offer rafting adventures with professional local guides.

The Summit Lodges are vacation homes that can accommodate up to six people. They are located close to the famous Imster Schlucht rafting route. You can find more information about the tours (for pros or families) at Lemmingtours.

The Hotel Schloss Lerchenhof is a great fit if you enjoy slow food, farm-fresh produce, and a family-friendly atmosphere. You can find information about rafting on the Gail River on the linked page.

Sustainability check: water sports

Not all water sports are environmentally friendly. It is particularly important to consider:

• Travel by non-motorized means whenever possible
• Keep your distance from nesting areas and reed beds
• Do not chase animals
• Do not bring sunscreen containing harmful ingredients into the water
• Only use designated areas
• Follow local rules

Learn more:

• How can water sports be made more eco-friendly while on vacation?
• How sustainable are surfing and kitesurfing?

#4 Winter active holidays

These days, a winter vacation doesn’t have to mean just skiing. Due to a lack of snow in many places, many regions are expanding their offerings to include quiet, nature-based activities, such as winter hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

At the same time, some ski resorts are trying to be more environmentally conscious. For example, they are developing artificial snow systems that use water specifically dammed for this purpose or switching their gondola operations to green energy.

Several Green PearlsⓇ hotels are located right on the slopes. The Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel is in the Dolomiti Superski area. The Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt, on the other hand, offers access to the renowned Matterhorn Ski Paradise in the Zermatt ski area.

Winter activities without skiing

If you’d like to stay active without skis, the Hygna Chalets in the Tyrolean Alpbachtal offer a beautiful setting for winter hikes or snowshoe tours. The chalets provide a peaceful retreat featuring a sauna, an infinity pool, and, in some cases, a private hot tub. The hot tub is filled and heated at the touch of a button and, thanks to modern technology, operates as energy-efficiently as possible using green electricity.

My Arbor on the Plose offers guided winter hikes, and the Plosebob is an excellent place to explore.

Sustainability check: winter sports

Winter vacations are complicated. Snowmaking systems and lift infrastructure are often criticized, and climate change poses challenges to traditional winter sports.

Traveling more sustainably in the winter can mean:

• Choose ski resorts with guaranteed snow; though they still use artificial snow, at least it’s supplemental, not the sole source
• Rent winter gear (skis, snowshoes, etc.) instead of buying it
• Stay longer instead of taking weekend trips.
• Take the train instead of driving
• Try activities that don’t require extensive infrastructure (e.g., cross-country skiing instead of downhill skiing)
• Choose accommodations that clearly communicate their energy and mobility policies.

#5 Mountaineering & Canyoning

Are you looking for a challenge on your active vacation? Not to break any records, but rather to build mental strength, improve focus, and connect with nature.

Mountaineering has been an integral part of Zermatt’s identity for decades. The Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt is an ideal base for alpine mountaineering tours—from guided Breithorn ascents for beginners to the renowned Matterhorn climb for seasoned mountaineers.

Canyoning offers a unique adventure experience. It involves navigating gorges, waterways, and natural rock formations. The Italian hotel Relais del Maro recommends tours with “Movimento & Natura” in Liguria. The routes begin just 20 minutes from the hotel and wind through clear mountain streams and narrow gorges. Professional guides accompany participants on these tours, which are tailored to different skill levels.

Mountain sports sustainability check

This is especially true in sensitive mountainous regions:

• Only go on challenging hikes with experienced guides
• Do your research beforehand (weather, conditions, difficulty level) and assess your own abilities honestly
• Respect weather conditions
• Do not use drones in protected areas
• Do not take shortcuts across the terrain
• Opt for small group sizes

#6 Adventure & Multi-Sport

Active vacations aren’t just about traditional sports. Multisport activities, outdoor challenges, and nature workshops are also growing in popularity.

Paragliding as an alternative to skydiving

Paragliding is an exciting trend. Unlike skydiving, paragliding does not require a plane to launch the pilot. Flights typically begin from a mountaintop. Consequently, paragliding produces significantly fewer emissions.

The regions around Plose, Wilder Kaiser, and Berchtesgaden have many tandem flight providers, such as My Arbor (Tandem-Fly), Stanglwirt Organic and Wellness Resort (several providers are listed on the Wilder Kaiser region’s website), OLM Nature Escape (12 kilometers away in Ahornach), and Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa (where you can find several providers at the Bad Reichenhall tourist information office).

Active games, workshops, and outdoor adventure parks

Those who prefer to stay on the ground won’t be disappointed, either.

For instance, the Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld offers the “Men Craft Days” program. In the winter, guests can enjoy activities like snowshoeing, ice bathing, biathlon shooting, and igloo building. In the summer, guests head out into nature together to enjoy activities like fishing and chopping wood.

The SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA recommends the “Black Forest Games.” These team challenges include archery, horseshoe throwing, and laser biathlon.

At Schloss Lerchenhof, visitors can enjoy a rock labyrinth surrounded by nature, complete with a zip line, high-ropes courses, and a forest adventure trail. The Immenstaad Adventure Park on Lake Constance, located near the Naturresort Gerbehof, offers a similar experience.

Sustainability check: Adventure holidays

Taking action doesn’t have to be bad for the environment. The key factors are:

• local providers
• small groups
• safety standards
• respectful treatment of landscapes and nature
• as little additional infrastructure as possible

Conclusion: Active vacations work best when you respect nature

An active vacation, whether it involves hiking, biking, water sports, or adventure travel, is a wonderful opportunity to experience your destination more deeply, gain new experiences, and reconnect with nature. At the same time, you’re improving your health and relaxing your mind in a way that’s completely different from lounging on a beach chair. During a challenging trek, for example, you must focus on each step, leaving no time to think about anything else.

However, for the sake of the environment, it’s important to choose and plan activities thoughtfully, considering the impact on animals, plants, and local communities. Professional guides can help you safely and respectfully experience regions, especially sensitive natural areas or more demanding sports.

Der Beitrag Active vacations with integrity: Experience nature, travel more mindfully erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

What is the “comfort crisis”?

The term “comfort crisis” was coined by American author Michael Easter in his 2021 book of the same name. To explore this concept, Easter ventured alone into the Alaskan wilderness, deliberately distancing himself from comfort, distraction, and connectivity. His central thesis:

Although modern life is more comfortable than ever before, this can make us less satisfied, more stressed, and less mentally resilient in the long run.

In his book, Easter combines scientific findings with personal experiences to explore topics such as exercise, nutrition, loneliness, boredom, nature, and stress.

Here are some of the key takeaways from The Comfort Crisis (as summarized by the online magazine Baige):

• Challenges build resilience: People who regularly expose themselves to small challenges learn to cope better with stress. Resilience doesn’t come from constant comfort but from experiences outside one’s routine.
• Being alone can be good for you: Many people immediately view loneliness as negative. Yet, consciously spending time alone can help you get to know yourself better.
• Constant distraction stifles creativity: Smartphones, streaming, and social media fill every spare minute. However, boredom isn’t necessarily bad; it can be a catalyst for creativity and the development of new ideas.
• Nature has a calming effect: Studies show that spending time in nature can lower cortisol levels, especially when we’re not constantly checking our phones.
• Eating mindfully instead of mindlessly
• Not everything has to be convenient right away: Small moments of discomfort can make you feel more alive and present in the long run.
• The finite nature of life clarifies many things: Recognizing that time is limited can help you redefine your priorities. What is truly important to you? What is good for you? How do we actually spend our days?

Break out of your comfort zone—on vacation

Vacation can be an opportunity to do things differently. To try new things. Embrace silence. And reconnect with yourself. It’s also an opportunity to dare to do something you’d never do at home. Since you’re away from your usual routines, it’s easier to try new—and sometimes uncomfortable—experiences.

To learn how to break out of your routines while traveling, we spoke with hosts from the Green Pearls® network.

To get started: Step outside the comfort zone of “mindless travel”

Melting glaciers, species extinction, microplastics, and marine debris—sometimes the climate crisis seems so overwhelming that we’d rather look the other way. This can manifest as a quick weekend flight, using single-use plastics on vacation, or booking a hotel on a whim where you don’t know where the food or energy actually comes from.

In surveys, travelers say they would like to travel more sustainably and believe it is a good and important practice. However, when it comes to the “how,” doing the research feels like an insurmountable hurdle.

This is something you can start doing right away for your next trip—for instance, choose accommodations that are transparent about the measures they take. Support hotels that source local food, use renewable energy, offer natural cosmetics, and provide fair working conditions for their employees. Many hotels in the Green Pearls® network meet these criteria and encourage car-free travel.

Traveling more sustainably isn’t always the most convenient option. However, it’s not the least convenient option either; it’s often just a small step beyond the usual ways. Every small step makes your vacation more mindful.

Take a chance! Here are some vacation ideas for those who feel their daily routine has become too comfortable

#1 Boxing with Björn Schulz at the Stanglwirt

Many people find boxing intimidating and painful at first. But that’s precisely what makes it exciting.

Ramona, a member of the team at the Stanglwirt Organic and Wellness Resort, says:

„One way to step outside your comfort zone is to try out unfamiliar activities—such as a boxing session with Björn Schulz, which is not only physically demanding but also builds mental strength, focus, and energy.“

Reassuring: Björn’s training sessions focus on concentration, endurance, and fitness rather than intensity or aggression.

#2 Devil’s Leap and Suspension Bridge in East Tyrol

The Naturhotel Outside is located in the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park in East Tyrol – surrounded by peaks over three thousand meters high, gorges, and wild rivers. The region offers plenty of opportunities to step outside your comfort zone.

For example, there’s the “Devil’s Leap,” which is a controlled free fall of about 40 meters into a gorge that is up to 140 meters deep. Another option is the suspension bridge over the Isel Gorge. The 84-meter-long bridge spans the roaring Isel River at a height of about 90 meters.

#3 Stand-up paddleboarding on the Baltic Sea

Not every challenge has to be extreme. Sometimes, all you need is a board on the water.

Marion Muller of SANDnature on the Baltic Sea recommends stand-up paddleboarding as a new activity to try. You’ll learn to keep your balance, fall into the water, and get back up. You’ll quickly experience a sense of accomplishment with “SUP,” and it’s fun, too.

SANDnature is just a few steps from the beach. After enjoying a breakfast of organic products, you can head straight for the sea.

Here’s a sustainability tip: Instead of buying your own board, you can rent one on-site or take a SUP class (e.g., at the Timmersdorf Surf School).

#4 Mudflat Hike in the Wadden Sea

The Wadden Sea is constantly changing. As you experience the ebb and flow of the tides, the wind, and the currents, you will feel the forces of nature and discover the biodiversity that we often overlook.

SANDglow in the North Sea encourages guests to experience the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site of the Wadden Sea through guided mudflat hikes and Halligen island excursions. It might take some effort to venture out onto the mudflats barefoot, especially during the cooler seasons or when the weather is unpleasant. However, when you reflect on the experience over a cup of tea afterward, you’ll feel more alive than you have in a long time.

Cell phones. Schedules. Crisis. Why unplugging is sometimes the biggest challenge

Maybe you’ve experienced this: Even a few free minutes don’t feel free anymore. As soon as a gap opens up, we automatically reach for our smartphones. We check messages, photos, appointments, work, and social media.

Silence—without filling it with technology—feels unfamiliar and can be challenging.

#1 Digital detox at a lake

Klaus Pichler, the host of the Hotel Weihrerhof in South Tyrol, says:

„At the Weihrerhof, we invite our guests to step outside their comfort zone in a special way: through a digital detox. We suggest setting your phone aside for a while, turning off notifications, and immersing yourself fully in the lake, the forest, and the silence. It’s not a requirement, but an invitation.“

#2 It’s okay to do nothing

“So, what did you do on vacation?”

„Nothing.“

To many people, that sounds like a failure. A vacation often seems successful only if it’s filled with activities and events that can be documented with hundreds of photos.

The tree hotel My Arbor, located near Brixen, offers a different perspective. Hostess Alexandra Huber says:

„Here, guests are welcome to take the liberty of doing absolutely nothing for a change.“ – My Arbor

Sleeping in without an alarm clock. Sitting in the woods. Not planning every minute of the day. For some people, that’s the real challenge.

The Naturresort Gerbehof on Lake Constance focuses on peace, nature, and retreat. Surrounded by woods and orchards, the resort offers guests space to breathe deeply—with furniture made from wood harvested from its own forest, wellness offerings, and quiet places to unwind.

#3 Forest Bathing at LA VIMEA

The vegan hotel LA VIMEA in South Tyrol offers guided forest bathing sessions—inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku. Led by yoga and meditation instructors, guests slowly and mindfully walk through the forest, taking in the sounds, smells, and light while focusing on their connection to nature.

#4 Yoga instead of constant stress

The Hotel Korinjak is located on the Croatian island of Iž—a place where stepping outside your comfort zone means slowing down, not doing something spectacular.

The team describes it this way:

„Stepping out of your comfort zone doesn’t have to involve any “extreme challenges.” For some guests, simply slowing down a bit is already an unfamiliar experience.”

They also know:

“The path to self-awareness is rarely the easiest one. Sometimes it means enduring uncomfortable feelings, questioning habits, or letting go of the constant drive for productivity. But that is precisely where growth can happen.“

Guests are supported, for example, through yoga classes, breathwork, daily singing bowl sessions, and meditation activities.

Fasting: Eat less, be more mindful

Everyone has heard of therapeutic fasting, but have you ever considered trying it yourself? Several hotels in the Green PearlsⓇ network offer guided fasting weeks.

At the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA in Bad Herrenalb, guests can participate in fasting programs based on Dr. Buchinger’s method or an alkaline fasting regimen. These programs are complemented by yoga, guided fasting hikes, meditation sessions, and treatments in the Selfness area. There is also a wellness area with a swimming pool. As an added bonus, guests stay in Circular Living rooms furnished with fully recyclable materials.

• Click here for the fasting program at the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA
  

The Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa in Bavaria offers liver fasting according to Dr. Worm and also has packages specifically designed for solo travelers. This four-star superior hotel is a health resort and features an on-site wellness center. Host Dr. Färber places great importance on ensuring that his methods are scientifically sound.

The OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel in Tenerife is affiliated with an F.X. Mayr Center which has offered fasting programs based on the F.X. Mayr method for over 20 years. The hotel was founded by doctors who also serve as hosts. Guests can receive medical and therapeutic care and choose from a variety of programs, ranging from the classic introductory program to combinations with exercise or stress management.

Get involved instead of just consuming

“Here, you don’t just watch—you get to join in,” says Johann Steinwender of the Austrian Schloss Lerchenhof. He notes that this is also a way for some guests to overcome their “comfort crisis.” Guests can enter the barn to feed the pigs, help harvest the fields, or join him for various Slow Food workshops.

Speak Italian

Martina Dellerba from Relais del Maro has a suggestion for anyone who already knows a little Italian:

„Speak Italian while on vacation — and perhaps even try out the Ligurian dialect“

It’s a challenge worth taking on! You’ll find that you improve quickly and are welcomed with open arms by the locals. Your efforts will be appreciated—and this isn’t just true in Italy!

The Albergo Diffuso Relais del Maro is located in the heart of Borgomaro, a small village in Liguria. This means you won’t be isolated in a hotel complex; you’ll be right next door to the residents. This is helpful if you want to practice speaking Italian.

Step out of your comfort zone to get closer to yourself

Vacations are a great way to break out of your routine and try something new. We hope we’ve given you a few ideas for things you could “dare” to do to step outside your comfort zone.

Remember, you can see things that seem uncomfortable at first as opportunities for personal growth (e.g., taking the train instead of driving or talking to people in a foreign language). If you can break out of your comfortable routines while on vacation, it’ll be easier to do so at home, too!

Save this article for inspiration on Pinterest.

Der Beitrag Eat. Sleep. Crisis. What helps? A vacation that takes you out of your comfort zone erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Is it possible to tell if a product is sustainable just by looking at the price?

The clear answer is: No, even though we humans tend to equate quality—and sustainability, for that matter—with a higher price. “What costs more is worth more” is a common misconception. And a look at current data confirms that it’s not that simple.

A 2025 study by the Federal Environment Agency shows that there is no clear correlation between travel costs and sustainability.

Sometimes, more sustainable trips are cheaper; other times, they are more expensive. There is no evidence of systematic price increases due to more sustainable measures, accommodations, or activities. This is primarily because sustainability accounts for only a small portion of total expenses. How you travel matters much more: shorter distances, different modes of transportation, and the accommodations you choose often influence the price more than sustainability factors themselves.

Especially interesting is that travelers for whom sustainability is a key factor actually spend less money per day, on average!

“The price isn’t the problem”

Professor Harald Zeiss (research focus: sustainable tourism) shares this view. For him, price is not a reliable indicator. He says gut feelings, such as the suspicion that arises when seeing a “green” 500-euro trip and thinking “something’s not right here,” can be misleading.

Low prices aren’t always the result of poor conditions and indifference toward the environment; sometimes they stem from political or economic factors, such as when countries actively promote tourism.

All-inclusive resorts are not automatically unsustainable either. A large portion of the money often stays in the country. Employees are paid, and in the best-case scenario, food is sourced locally.

With the addition of the Megasaray Club Belek on the Turkish Riviera, Green PearlsⓇ now includes an all-inclusive resort. At first glance, you see a massive hotel complex with every amenity imaginable: plenty of pools, a spa, various restaurants, fitness and sports facilities, and a beach. However, the resort’s commitment to sustainability becomes clear upon further inspection: electricity comes from its own solar park, regional products are sourced, green spaces are largely planted with native, drought-resistant plants, and employees are treated fairly and paid well.

• If you’d like to learn more about their sustainability efforts, you can find them listed under “Green Initiatives” on the Megasaray Club Belek microsite.

So, what is our conclusion? Just because something is cheap doesn’t mean it’s unethical. And expensive does not necessarily mean sustainable.

But…

… is it really as simple now as looking for the cheapest deal and heading off on vacation? Not quite. Price can certainly be a clue, especially if it’s extremely low for what’s included. For example, consider the €500 package tour that includes flights and all-inclusive meals. But what counts as “extremely low,” and what’s reasonable? To find out, we reached out to hoteliers in the Green PearlsⓇ network and gained interesting insights into how prices are calculated in the hospitality industry.

What factors determine the price of a vacation package?

(Unsurprisingly), a large portion of the cost of a vacation goes toward paying people a fair wage.

Marion Muller from the SANDcollection explains:

“The most significant cost factor is labor costs, followed by the cost of goods sold—that is, food, materials, and products.”

When an offer is extremely cheap, this is often where the low price originates. In other words:

• Lower wages for employees
• Cheaper or imported food
• Simpler, cheaper materials
• Lower quality service and facilities

Host Marion believes that responsibility comes at a price. This belief is reflected in the accommodations, such as the quality of the materials, food, and working conditions. At SANDnature on the German Baltic Sea coast, for instance, guests sleep on handmade (and therefore quite expensive) COCO-Mat beds made from natural materials, enjoy regional organic products for breakfast, and the staff are paid fairly and receive a wide range of benefits and training.

For that reason, Marion Muller does not offer “dumping prices.” Nevertheless, a night’s stay with breakfast at SANDnature starts at just 99 euros—a bargain for such a popular vacation spot as Timmendorfer Strand on the Baltic Sea.

An overview of the main price components for your vacation

The price of a trip usually consists of several components:

• Transportation (air, rail, and transfers — often one of the biggest cost drivers in terms of both price and sustainability)
• Accommodation & Infrastructure (buildings, maintenance, energy, water)
• Staff (service, kitchen, housekeeping, and management—one of the biggest cost drivers in a hotel)
• Food & Supplies (regional vs. imported, organic vs. conventional)
  Sustainability measures (e.g., waste management, certifications, and training)
• Occupancy and business model (quantity versus quality, seasonal fluctuations, pricing strategy)
• External factors affecting price (e.g., government grants or subsidies, global events).

You can either cut costs or make strategic investments in each of these areas. So, when you see an extremely low-priced offer, ask yourself this simple question: In which area are they likely cutting costs to offer this price? Because, as the hoteliers in the Green Pearls® network agree:

The cost doesn’t disappear. It just gets shifted.

Hidden vacation costs: “Someone always ends up paying.”

Caroline Pescoll, the sustainability officer at ADLER Spa Resorts & Lodges, says, “Very low prices often suggest that the real costs are being passed on elsewhere.” Sustainability also means paying fair wages, investing in environmental and climate protection, and supporting the local economy.

Johann Steinwender of Schloss Lerchenhof in Carinthia, Austria and the team at Croatian Hotel Korinjak agree: if prices were too low, they would be unable to uphold their commitment to fair labor practices and regional economic development.

“Responsibility comes at a price—not in the sense of being “expensive,” but in the sense of fair and realistic prices that support quality, sustainable business practices, and regional structures.” – Johann Steinwender, Schloss Lerchenhof

Fair wages and quality: Areas where compromises should not be made

As you now know, a large portion of travel costs goes toward staff. Food and other supplies are also major expenses for hotels. This is often where you can see how sustainable an offer really is.

Ursula Wagner of the Naturresort Gerbehof on Lake Constance speaks of “appreciation”: for employees, high-quality food, and the work that goes into producing it. According to her, organic products, fair pay, and quality cannot be achieved at rock-bottom prices.

Alexander Thurm, the owner of Hotel Das Rübezahl in the Allgäu region, agrees. “Extremely cheap trips can hardly be sustainable,” he says. In addition to fair wages and regional economic benefits, quality is also a factor. Opting for high-quality, durable products that are free of harmful substances is better for the planet, but it’s not cheap.ig.

Quantity over quality: The problem with the “cheap is best” principle

Low prices in the tourism industry often rely on the principle of “quantity over quality.” Marco Spiss of Summit Lodges Pfunds highlights this. His two vacation log cabins (each with a sauna and a fireplace) are nestled in the heart of the Tyrolean Oberland, a popular tourist region. Low prices are usually only possible through high occupancy rates and large volumes. The well-known consequence of this is overtourism. In an interview with us, Spiss discusses how overtourism threatens nature and how we can steer tourism in a more sustainable direction.

Ben Förtsch of the Hotel Luise in Erlangen is very clear about his position:

“Cheap all-you-can-eat-and-drink vacations tend to ruin tourist destinations rather than promote them. Being cooped up in hotel complexes with nothing but fresh air and sunshine, yet never venturing outside, cannot be the point of traveling. Going on vacation should be accessible to everyone. But that doesn’t mean flying should be so cheap. It doesn’t mean cheap, cheap, cheap.” – Benjamin Förtsch, Hotel Luise

Price is one factor to consider in the tourism industry, but it’s not the only one. When planning a trip or choosing accommodations, it’s important to understand the system behind it and pay attention to where your money goes. This is not just a matter of budget travel; it’s a universal principle.

The SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA in Bad Herrenalb recommends the following approach:

“Instead of asking, “How cheaply can I travel?” ask yourself, “What impact do I want my trip to have?” – SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA

“Travel deserves to be affordable”

The Relais del Maro also emphasizes: “Travel should be affordable, but not at the expense of the planet.” Built in the small village of Borgomaro in Liguria, the 4-star hotel is an “Albergo Diffuso.” This means that it is spread across several former residential and commercial buildings in the village. Here, tourism is part of the solution, not a problem. Tourism has prevented residents from leaving the countryside, and the empty buildings have been given new purpose. The village has been preserved.
Despite the sustainable renovation of the buildings and numerous initiatives focused on regionality and the environment, the Relais del Maro’s starting rates are well below the Italian average at 115 euros per night. According to Momondo, the average cost of a double room in Italy is between 159 and 220 euros per night.

Cheap travel at the expense of people and the environment: When should we worry?

Finally, we would like to point out that cheap travel deals can sometimes be a cover for scams or exploitation. According to the Consumer Advice Center, travel is the fourth most common topic in which consumers feel they have been deceived. For example, Oliver Buttler, a travel expert at the Baden-Württemberg Consumer Advice Center, told the Berliner Morgenpost that people repeatedly fall for fake offers. They book and pay for extremely cheap flights, only to later discover that these flights never existed.

This often happens through sites like Skyscanner or other third-party providers that do not accept liability for fraud. Therefore, Oliver Buttler recommends booking directly with the airline or accommodation provider. This ensures that the offers are legitimate.

Direct bookings are fair

At Green PearlsⓇ, a platform that clearly and transparently outlines a hotel’s commitment to social, environmental, energy, and food initiatives, we also recommend booking your stay directly on the hotel’s website.

This ensures that your money goes entirely to the accommodation (i.e., without any commission deductions). In some cases, the hotel will also reward you with a small extra (e.g., a welcome drink at the Relais del Maro, free parking at the Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa in Bayrisch Gmain, or other benefits).

Red Flags with Low-Cost Offers

When booking a trip, the following factors should prompt you to do some research, especially if you prefer sustainable travel:

• Flight + Hotel + All-Inclusive at an extremely low price
• Unrealistically perfect photos + little real information
• Pressure (“only today,” “last seats available”)
• No information on the origin of food
• No transparency regarding working conditions

We also recommend avoiding tour operators or platforms that promote extremely unsustainable travel options, such as “fly to New York for a shopping weekend,” “skiing in Dubai,” or “elephant riding in Thailand.” Common sense can often help you determine if a travel option is responsible.

Taking responsibility for one’s own decisions

Ultimately, it’s not about the cost of your trip, but its impact. You can spend a lot of money traveling—there’s no upper limit. However, you don’t have to do that to travel more sustainably. You can choose an affordable hotel that supports the environment and the local community. At the same time, you can skip the cheap flight and buy the more expensive train ticket. The important thing is to make conscious travel decisions and not just go for the cheapest option.

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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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A–B: From Aromatherapy to Biohacking

Aromatherapy: The use of essential oils for relaxation, stimulation, or calming. The scents work through the skin, respiratory tract, and nervous system—usually in combination with massages or baths. The experience is particularly pleasant (and long-lasting) when the oils are organically grown and used sparingly and thoughtfully.

Ayurveda: A millennia-old Indian system of health and wellness that views the body, mind, and lifestyle as a unified whole. Typical practices include oil massages, herbal treatments, meditation, and a diet tailored to one’s constitutional type. The LA VIMEA Vegan Hotel in Naturns, South Tyrol, offers Ayurveda as part of its holistic spa concept, combining it with vegan cuisine and plenty of peace and quiet amidst nature.

Bamboo massage: A dynamic form of massage that uses smooth bamboo sticks to perform rolling and deep tissue movements. It stimulates blood circulation, relaxes muscles, and increases lymphatic flow. It is particularly enjoyable after physical activity. At the Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa in Bayerisch Gmain, bamboo massages are therefore offered specifically to active guests. The hotel’s 1,500-square-meter Artemacur Spa combines medical expertise with alpine relaxation and has been certified as a “Medical Spa.”

Beer Massage: A Franconian wellness specialty in which hop and malt extracts are used in massages. These ingredients are said to relax muscles and nourish the skin. At the Hotel Luise in Erlangen, beer massages are combined with regional brewing history and wellness.

Bioenergetic motivation, according to Viktor Philippi: An alternative method of activating the body’s natural self-healing powers. It uses energetic impulses to support the immune system, metabolism, and regeneration. This method is often used to address stress, exhaustion, and for general revitalization. You remain fully clothed during the treatment. It is offered at the Naturresort Gerbehof on Lake Constance, among other places, as part of the “Soul Wellness” program.

Biohacking: A self-optimization trend that uses targeted methods, such as sleep optimization, breathing techniques, and specific heat treatments, to enhance physical and mental performance. In our article “Beware of Biohacking,” we explain how meaningful this trend really is and what it has to do with sustainability.

Body wrap: A beauty treatment involving the application of mud, algae, healing clay or herbs to the body. The heat opens the pores, enabling the minerals to be absorbed through the skin.

C–E: Energy, relaxation, and heat

Chakra: A term originating from Indian yoga teachings. Chakras are considered to be energy centres located along the spine that influence physical and emotional balance. At the Naturhotel Outside, chakra massages using organic essential oils are offered to restore balance to the body and mind.

Detox: A general term for programs designed to cleanse the body and mind. This is typically accomplished through mindful eating, exercise, and rest. From a scientific perspective, health insurance providers note that detox products are unnecessary because the body detoxifies itself. In the wellness context, however, variations exist, such as digital detox and mental detox. At Klosterhof — Alpine Hideaway & Spa, mental detox is one of the wellness offerings, and at Hotel Weiherhof, guests receive a surprise box to motivate them during their digital detox.

Event Infusion: A creative take on the traditional sauna experience. Sauna masters combine scents, music, and choreography to create short performances. At the Hotel Das Rübezahl in the Allgäu region, sauna master István’s event infusions are legendary; sometimes he appears as Bob Marley and other times he wears a kilt and plays the bagpipes.

F–H: Facial care, floating, and Far Eastern techniques

Facial: A cosmetic treatment that includes cleansing, exfoliation, a mask, and a massage. The goal is to achieve healthy, radiant skin and enjoy an hour of deep relaxation.

Floating: Weightless floating for deep relaxation. At the Dolomitenhotel Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel on the Seiser Alm, you can even experience this sensation without getting wet. During the “Zero Body Floating Experience,” you lie on a warm surface and feel weightless thanks to a zero-gravity system. Traditional floating in brine water is available at the Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa, which uses brine from Bad Reichenhall, and at the Naturhotel Outside, which uses Deferegger healing water brine.

Forest bathing: a practice originating in Japan (“Shinrin Yoku”) in which one consciously spends time in the forest to reduce stress. At the tree hotel My Arbor (arbor is Latin for tree) on the Plose, guided forest bathing and spa experiences tailored to different tree species are part of the program.

Gua Sha: A Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment in which a stone is used to scrape the skin. Increased blood flow is said to improve the skin’s appearance. At the Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten on the Moselle, Gua Sha is a staple of the massage menu. Read more about it in our blog post on massage trends.

Hay Bath: This traditional Alpine wellness treatment involves wrapping guests in warm mountain hay. The hay’s herbs and essential oils are said to relax muscles and improve circulation. At the same time, the treatment transports guests mentally to a summer day on an alpine pasture.

Hot Stone Massage: A massage that uses heated basalt stones to penetrate deep into the muscles. According to the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA staff, it is one of the most popular treatments among guests.

Hydrojet: A type of massage that uses a water jet in a special tub, whirlpool, or pool.

Herbal Compress Massage: A massage that uses heated cloth pouches filled with herbs. At the Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba in Peru, the herbs used for these pindas are grown in the resort’s “Healing Garden.” The warm compresses are moved across the body using pressure and circular motions to relieve tension and improve sleep.

I–K: Ice, Infrared and Kneipp

Ice bathing: The practice of bathing in an ice hole in a frozen lake or an ice barrel. It is said to improve circulation, boost the immune system, and strengthen mental resilience. Read more about the effects of cold in our article on ice bathing and cold therapy. From a sustainability perspective, this activity should only be enjoyed when lakes or other bodies of water are naturally frozen, and ice baths made with artificial ice should be avoided.

Infrared sauna: A gentler alternative to the traditional Finnish sauna. Rather than hot air, infrared rays heat the body directly. Although the temperatures are lower, you will still start sweating quickly.

Kneipp Therapy: A form of hydrotherapy based on the methods of Sebastian Kneipp, involving alternating between warm and cold water, as in the well-known water walking exercise. This method is said to strengthen the circulatory and immune systems. Many hotels, such as Naturresort Gerbehof, have their own Kneipp path in their wellness garden.

L–O: Longevity and Ways to Achieve Deep Relaxation

Longevity: A modern wellness trend with a grand goal—to live a healthy life for as long as possible. The “Longevity Booster Program” at the ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA includes light therapy, Ayurveda, skin analysis, personal coaching, yoga, a Mediterranean diet, and spa treatments. Located right next to the Torre Salsa Nature Reserve, the resort is committed to renewable energy and a plastic-free environment. Read this article to learn more about longevity and where such treatments are offered.

Natural Swimming Pond: A swimming pond that doesn’t use chemicals to treat the water. Instead of chlorine, clean water is ensured by plants and biological filtration systems. Many Green PearlsⓇ hotels, including La Vimea, Naturhotel Outside, and STURM, have adopted this nature-friendly approach to swimming.

Orgon Accumulator: A cabin designed for energetic relaxation based on the theory of psychoanalyst Wilhelm Reich who posited the existence of a universal life energy called “Orgon.” Guests at the Hotel Korinjak on the Croatian island of Iž can try this unique treatment.

Q–T: Ancient Healing Traditions and Modern Spa Rituals

Qi Gong: A meditative exercise rooted in traditional Chinese medicine that combines breathing, movement, and concentration. At the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA, Qi Gong classes are part of the program offered at the on-site Selfness Center.

Reiki: A Japanese energy healing method in which practitioners place their hands on specific parts of the body to promote relaxation and harmonize energy flow. This “laying on of hands” technique can also be performed about 1 cm away from the body (in the aura). You remain fully clothed during the session.

Rhassoul Bath: An oriental steam bath in which mineral-rich mud is applied to the skin. The heat opens the pores, cleansing the skin and stimulating blood circulation.

Sensory Shower: A multisensory shower system featuring changing water jets, lighting, scents, and nature sounds. The brief cooling-off period after a sauna or steam bath stimulates circulation and the senses. Incidentally, many sustainable hotels opt for showers instead of bathtubs or cold plunge pools.

Salt Cave: A room filled with salty air, designed to mimic the microclimate of salt mines. Breathing in this air is believed to support respiratory health. One such salt cave is located in the spa area of the Megasaray Club Belek on the Turkish Riviera.

Sauna: A classic of wellness culture originally from Finland. In its hot, dry air (usually between 70 and 100°C), the body heats up, and then cold showers or plunge pools provide relief. This alternating between heat and cold is said to strengthen the circulatory and immune systems and improve blood flow. Saunas are now a staple of almost every spa, but they consume a lot of energy. Read our article on sustainable sauna concepts to learn how sustainable hotels are operating their saunas in the most resource-efficient way possible.

Sound Massage: A relaxation technique in which singing bowls are struck on or near the body. The vibrations are transmitted to the body’s tissues, which is said to relieve stress and induce a deep sense of calm. The Hotel Korinjak, located on the Croatian island of Iž, offers sound massages and daily gong baths as part of its wellness program. The Eco-Hotel Okelmann also offers sound massages based on the Peter Hess® method. Learn more about Peter Hess and singing bowl massage in the linked article.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): A millennia-old medical system from China based on the balance of yin and yang and the flow of life energy, or qi. At the Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten on the Moselle, TCM therapists work in the on-site center to create personalized programs combining nutrition, exercise, treatments, and meditation.

Tepidarium: A room with moderate heat (40 °C), inspired by Roman baths. At the Spa Therme Romana in the Hotel Das Rübezahl, the tepidarium gradually prepares guests for the hotter saunas.

Thalassotherapy: A treatment that uses seawater, seaweed, mud, sea air, and sea salt. The term comes from the Greek word thalassa, meaning “sea.” At the OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel in Tenerife, thalassotherapy plays a central role, as seen in the “Ocean Balancing” treatment.

W–Z: Stretching, physical activity, and inner peace

Yoga: An ancient Indian practice that unites the body, breath, and mind through movement and meditation. Many Green PearlsⓇ hotels offer yoga retreats and classes. Find inspiration here:

• Hotels where the owner is also a yoga instructor
• Yoga retreats for beginners
• Yoga retreats for advanced practitioners
  
  

Yoga at the panoramic pool | © Klosterhof Alpine Hideaway & Spa 

Zen: A Buddhist meditation practice from Japan that focuses on mindfulness, stillness, and being present in the moment. Its goal is not so much relaxation in the traditional wellness sense as it is mental clarity. Nevertheless, Zen has long been incorporated into many spa and retreat programs in the form of silent meditation, breathing exercises, and minimalist retreats in nature.

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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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How can I fast in a more sustainable way?

Fasting (we are referring to therapeutic fasting, not religious fasting) means going without food for a period of time, either completely or partially, to give the body time to detoxify and cleanse itself. A desired effect is that after fasting you will eat more consciously and perhaps use food and other resources more consciously.

👉 You can read our article “Sustainable fasting?” here, where we explain different types of fasting, give you tips for your fasting cure, and also discuss what this has to do with sustainability.

Therapeutic fasting is one of the options for a healthy and conscious lifestyle. Therefore, it makes sense to choose a sustainable hotel for your fasting vacation. By combining your fasting cure with a stay in a sustainable hotel, you can be sure that aspects such as sustainable energy production, CO2 reduction and organic food are taken into account.

Why combine fasting and vacations at all?

Of course, you can also do therapeutic fasting at home on your own; and even go to work and go about your normal daily routine. But anyone who has tried this (like me) will confirm that it’s not the best idea. You probably don’t want to just give up food, but also take a break from other things and find peace and reflect. In addition, therapeutic fasting will require you to focus on yourself and your body. Especially since your energy intake (in the form of food) is reduced and you will hardly be able to cope with your “normal” daily routine without stress.

Many people generally associate vacations with enjoyment and “treating themselves.” But taking care of your health while traveling has become a trend, and “treating yourself & enjoying” has taken on a new meaning: treating yourself to what is good for you.

Fasting on vacation is easier and has many advantages:

● You are in a group of like-minded people who are pursuing the same goal as you.
● There is professional (medical) guidance and support.
● Fasting meals are provided depending on the type of fast. So you don’t have to worry about shopping and cooking.
● An accompanying program with light hikes, yoga, meditation, forest bathing, etc. supports your regeneration.
● Beautiful surroundings and wellness offerings make your fast a real vacation.
● Away from your everyday life, it’s easier to embrace new things.

How much does a fasting vacation cost?

For a fasting vacation at a hotel, including accommodation, fasting meals, support, spa, and program, you can expect to pay around 1,000 euros per week. You can find approximate prices here in the article for each individual hotel. Since the exact prices vary depending on the program you choose and its duration, we have linked the offer pages so that you can look for the program that suits you best.

Fasting vacation in Tenerife 2026 according to F. X. Mayr

The F.X. Mayr Center is affiliated with the OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel in Tenerife and is specifically designed for guests who are fasting. Established over 20 years ago, the center is one of the most renowned fasting facilities in Europe. While staying here, you can enjoy the hotel’s amenities, including the swimming pool, seawater pool, fitness room, and yoga classes. However, you will only be with other fasting guests during meals and activities. For instance, there is a separate restaurant where fasting guests can dine with a view of the gardens. The hotel is surrounded by the picturesque backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean and volcanic mountains in northern Tenerife. Throughout your stay, trained therapists and doctors will look after you.

In 2026, four types of fasting treatments will be offered:

• Classic (ideal for beginners | for colon cleansing, stomach problems, and a fresh start)
• Detox (focus on detoxification, abdominal treatment, and activation of the intestines, particularly suitable for irritable bowel syndrome)
• Active (combined with an exercise and training program specially tailored to your fitness level)
• Mental Balance (new since 2026 | in addition to the fasting cure, the program strengthens your inner balance with Walk & Talk coaching, Ocean Healing Sound in the thalasso pool, and stress reduction treatments.

Dates for 2026: Classic: 14 or 21 days; Detox: 10, 14, or 21 days; Active: 10, 14, or 21 days; Mental Balance: 14 or 21 days. All treatments are available for booking throughout the year.

Price: For example, a 14-day Classic fasting treatment starts at 1,750 euros per person.

Fasting retreats in Germany 2026 with a focus on sustainability

#1 Fasting in a healing climate in SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA

In Germany, the Hotel SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA focuses on “selfness” and fasting. It is located in the climatic health resort of Bad Herrenalb (which also has a healing spring) and has its own thermal swimming pool. You can see the Black Forest through the hotel’s large panoramic windows.

During a fasting cure at SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA, you will be accompanied by daily fasting talks and receive a special program with guided hikes, forest bathing and mindfulness impulses.

In 2025, two 6-night fasting cures will be offered:

• Fasting cure according to Dr. Buchinger
• Fasting cure with an alkaline diet

Dates in 2025: From January to December 2025, there will be several monthly dates for a one-week fasting cure at the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA. Click here for an overview:

Price: from 1,020 euros per person (6 nights)

#2 Alkaline fasting & Buchinger fasting at Naturresort Gerbehof

The Naturresort Gerbehof is a family-run organic hotel located on the German side of Lake Constance. Surrounded by orchards and forests, the hotel features natural furnishings made of wood. The hotel offers guided alkaline fasting programs, which not only involve avoiding acid-forming foods, but also other “acidic” things, such as stress. Bioenergetic motivation according to Viktor Philippi is also incorporated.

• Alkaline fasting programs (5 nights or 7 nights)
• Buchinger fasting programs (7 nights)
• MyDetox: Fasting program with a web-based app that prepares you for your fasting vacation three days before your arrival at Gerbehof and provides you with tips, recipes, and shopping lists for an alkaline lifestyle afterwards.

Dates for 2026: Throughout the year. A certain amount of flexibility regarding the timing is advantageous, as the dates are set on request.

Price: from 740 euros (5 nights in a single room)

#3 Liver fasting at the Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa

Dr. Andreas Färber, the doctor and host of the Klosterhof, combines his medical health center with a wellness hotel at Klosterhof—Alpine Hideaway & Spa. Its location in the Berchtesgadener Land region is ideal not only for hiking but also for fasting retreats, thanks to its alpine surroundings.

During the fasting programs, you will receive personalized care from Dr. Färber and his nutrition-specializing team.

Liver fasting according to Dr. Worm

Dr. Andreas Färber, together with WDR nutrition expert Isabell Heßmann, offers regular group retreats on liver fasting according to Dr. Worm. Liver fasting helps with fatty liver and high cholesterol levels and is the ideal way to get rid of bad eating habits.

Liver fasting according to Dr. Nicolai Worm, means 3 daily meals (shakes) and 2 snack times (vegetables). This helps to keep your insulin levels consistently low, promoting fat breakdown in the liver.

You will be accompanied throughout the entire fasting week and will also take part in cooking events and lectures, receive materials, and have your progress checked individually.

Dates for 2026: The liver fasting retreat took place from March 8 to 15, 2026, and was fully booked. The next dates have not yet been set. You can request a liver fasting vacation here.

Price: from 1,820 euros per person in a double room / from 2,443 euros per person in a double room (7 nights). 14-day liver fasting from 3,280 euros per person in a double room / 4,536 euros in a single room.

Sustainable hotels that support you during your customized fasting program

If you’re looking for a pleasant holiday atmosphere without the need for a group for your fasting cure, consider the Hotel Bella Vista in Zermatt, Switzerland, at the foot of the Matterhorn. Zermatt is a car-free village and is considered one of the most beautiful in Switzerland. The Anthamatten family runs the boutique hotel personally and has a small spa area, a Swiss stone pine relaxation room with water beds, and offers yoga classes. The hotel will gladly accommodate your fasting plan.

Individual fasting is also possible at My Arbor* in South Tyrol on the Plose. “We are happy to support our guests who are following fasting plans,” reports the adults-only hotel. Taking special dietary requirements into account is part of the “My Concept,” in which guests are cared for individually and the staff is trained accordingly.

Fasting vacation in a vacation home

If you’re looking for a sustainable vacation home for you and your partner or friends, we recommend Ebner 1822 in Carinthia, Austria. There are three newly built houses in a traditional farmhouse style, each with space for up to four people (two sleeping places are on the sofa bed in the living room). Surrounded by nature, you will find a natural pond suitable for swimming and mountains. Barbara and Mario Sonnleitner, your hosts, are available on site and will be happy to support you with fasting plans. Barbara is a culinary chef, cook, and restaurateur who is very knowledgeable about seasonal vegetables.

A final tip for fasting

It is best to participate in a therapeutic fasting program in an appropriate setting rather than trying to squeeze it into your daily routine. There is a saying:

“When we are young, we waste our health to make money, and when we are old, we spend our money on health.”

It doesn’t have to be this way. Fasting for health is primarily for healthy people and is a preventative measure that can benefit people with poor eating habits, overweight, stress, and digestive problems. The money you spend on a fasting vacation is therefore an investment in your own health and can contribute to a more conscious and sustainable lifestyle in general.

*CIN Code: IT021011A1AE4737IT (My Arbor)

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What exactly is a snack garden?

Unlike traditional ornamental gardens, which are designed primarily for beauty, and Zen gardens, which focus on tranquility and minimalism, snack gardens focus on the experience. They combine enjoyment with a sense of closeness to nature. Rather than “Please do not enter,” the motto here is “Feel free to try.” For many people, especially those on vacation, this is a surprisingly intense moment of freedom and connection.

Some Green Pearls® hotels have snack gardens at the heart of their design. They provide easy access, make the origin of food tangible, and create a playful connection between guests, cuisine, and landscape. If not in the mouths of guests, the harvest ends up in the hotel kitchen and, equally importantly, with bees, butterflies, and other insects, which are just as welcome here.

The concept of a snack garden is a statement of trust and sharing, encouraging relaxed coexistence between humans and nature.

The STURM snack garden lies at the heart of the hotel’s sustainable concept

At the Wellnesshotel STURM in Mellrichstadt in the Rhön (Bavaria), you can experience a particularly large and impressive snack garden. On around 3,500 square meters, you will find everything you could possibly want to eat: vegetables, salads, fruit, herbs, and honey from the hotel’s own bees. Deliberately designed to offer space for everyone, the garden provides room for plants, birds, insects, and, of course, guests.

One particularly appealing aspect is that not only are the fruits and herbs in the snack garden edible, but so are many of the flowers. For example, cosmos bloom colorfully between the beds in the summer, attracting bees, bumblebees, and butterflies—and ending up as edible flowers on the plates at the hotel’s organic restaurant, Otto’s. The hotel recommends two special herbs: French tarragon and chervil. Tarragon aids digestion when consumed as a tea, and chervil traditionally supports kidney, bladder, and digestive health.

For 30 years, Christa and Matthias Schulze Dieckhoff have been gradually transforming the former inner-German border hotel into a design hideaway shaped by responsible practices – with a natural swimming pond instead of a pool and a garden designed to create experiences rather than merely serve as scenery.

The snack garden is a species garden in the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA

The snack garden at SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA is bursting with life. The lovingly designed “species garden” spans around 100 square meters, offering a delightful blend of snacking, biodiversity, and culinary delights. Guests are invited to help themselves to raspberries, strawberries, and currants growing along a 25-meter berry path with around 15 varieties. Other offerings include vegetables such as peppers, tomatoes, and zucchini, as well as aromatic herbs that go straight to the kitchen.

Stephan Bode’s hotel garden is based on the principles of regenerative agriculture. Synthetic pesticides are consistently avoided. Instead, the hotel focuses on diverse plant communities and insect-friendly planting. With raised beds, fruit trees, and wildflower meadows, a lively space is created that appeals to the senses of sight, smell, touch, and taste, not to mention the sound of busy bees buzzing around.

The snack garden is also a refuge for animals. Lizards find shelter in stone piles, honeybees and wild bees are permanent guests, and birds, hedgehogs, and earwigs take advantage of the many nesting sites and watering holes. Guests can enjoy a real nature experience by strolling through the garden, which also establishes a connection to the origin of the ingredients on their plates.

• For more information about the snack garden, visit the hotel’s website.
  

What if a snack garden isn’t possible? Kitchen gardens are an alternative

You like the idea of a snack garden, but let’s be honest, it’s not that easy in real life. Where do people who are allowed to snack come from? Maybe you could take down the fence and put up a sign that says: “Snack Garden — Visitors Expressly Welcome.” It’s a nice idea, especially if you live in a lively neighborhood or on a play street.

However, if that’s not realistic, there’s an equally appealing alternative: a kitchen garden. Here, you can grow herbs, vegetables, and fruits specifically for your kitchen. It’s less open, but you’re more aware of what you’re growing. Kitchen gardens create a connection to nature, enhance the flavor of your food, and demonstrate the impact that even small spaces can have. Ultimately, it’s also a kind of snack garden—just for you.

Mocktails from the kitchen garden at LA VIMEA

At the adults-only vegan retreat LA VIMEA, the kitchen garden is part of the holistic wellness concept. Organically grown medicinal herbs are cultivated here and used in both the kitchen and the bar. Among other things, the herbs are used to make homemade infusions for cocktails and mocktails that are fresh, aromatic, and perfectly tailored to the hotel’s wellness concept.

Hotel Bella Vista, Zermatt: “Our garden on the garage roof is quite impressive.”

The kitchen garden at the small, family-run Bella Vista hotel in Zermatt is located where you might not expect: on the garage roof. Despite the limited space, the garden produces an impressive variety of crops, including herbs for teas, such as peppermint, lemon balm, verbena, chamomile, and nettle, as well as berries, like raspberries, strawberries, and currants, which are used to make jams.

The selection is rounded out with rhubarb, lettuce, zucchini, and cauliflower. This rooftop garden demonstrates that a functioning kitchen garden can be established even in alpine regions with limited space. It is directly connected to the kitchen and tea room, firmly anchoring the hotel’s commitment to sustainability.

Do you dream of having your own Mediterranean herb garden? Hotel Korinjak has one

The Hotel Korinjak, located on the Croatian island of Iz, is surrounded by an abundance of natural food sources, including olive trees, figs, and wild herbs. A small, traditionally laid out Dalmatian herb garden complements the landscape. Rosemary, sage, mint, lemon balm, wild fennel, and lavender are cultivated here using minimal intervention and a great deal of trust in the soil and climate, without the use of chemicals.

The garden is an intentional connection to the island. The herbs end up in the kitchen, at the tea station, or in workshops in which guests can participate. Anyone can pick, smell, and learn—and understand how much flavor is connected to place and rhythm.

Conclusion: Kitchen garden — but alive

Whether it’s a snack garden or a kitchen garden, there’s always something going on in these gardens. They are functional, but not strictly controlled production areas. With berry bushes, herbs, and raised beds, there’s always a buzzing, fluttering, and crawling. Here, insects are allowed to snack, pollinators can do their work, and plants are allowed to simply grow instead of looking perfect.

Edible gardens encourage sharing, and kitchen gardens encourage mindful processing. Both types of gardens reconnect people with what they eat and with the nature from which it comes.

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This very change is what makes the Black Forest so special. Here, you will find a fairy-tale setting of dense forests shrouded in mist, steeped in ancient myths and legends. Yet, the Black Forest also represents modern ways of experiencing the forest and gentle tourism.

In this destination guide, we take you to the Black Forest. We share its stories, showcase sustainable accommodations and unique destinations, and provide inspiration for a trip that blends nature, culture, and the future.

The dark forest that gives birth to stories

For the Romans, it was a place of the unknown. They called it the “Silva Nigra” – the dark forest. Densely packed fir and spruce trees allowed hardly any light to reach the ground, fog hung between the trunks, and sounds were lost in the thicket. The forest seemed threatening. But that’s precisely why it was so fascinating. Where there is no light, the imagination runs wild.

Darkness has always been a breeding ground for stories. For myths, fairy tales, and legends. Thus, the Black Forest became a projection screen for fears and desires, evil and good spirits, temptation and morality. No wonder so many stories originate here.

My recommendation: Watch The Cold Heart to get in the mood

When preparing for a trip to the Black Forest, I don’t start with travel guides, maps, or hotel reservations. I start with stories. One of these stories is the 1950 fairy tale film “The Cold Heart”, based on a story by Wilhelm Hauff.

Set in the Black Forest, the story follows Peter Munk, a poor charcoal burner who trades his heart for wealth and receives a heart of stone in return. It’s a story about greed and blindness that asks what really matters. And it could hardly be set in a more fitting place.

“The Cold Heart” is just one example of the many cinematic portrayals of the Black Forest. From “The Black Forest Queen” to “The Black Forest Clinic,” the forest has repeatedly served as a backdrop for grand emotions, conflicts, and transformations. The fairy tales we all know go even deeper: Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel, and Snow White.

Though the Brothers Grimm did not write their stories in the Black Forest, the area is inextricably linked to them in terms of atmosphere. A dark forest that swallows everything—and, at the same time, presents challenges that help people grow.

Would you like to know how I’m further preparing for the Black Forest?

Exactly! While we watch The Cold Heart with the family, we eat—as you might have guessed—a Black Forest cake that we baked beforehand.🙂

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Black Forest cake – a piece of forest history on your plate

The Black Forest cake is much more than just a dessert. It symbolizes abundance, indulgence, and a touch of excess. According to Wikipedia, it is Germany’s most popular cake, and its reputation has spread around the world. I have encountered it in the USA and in Jerusalem as “Black Forest Cake,” each time with a slightly different interpretation, but always with the promise of sumptuous enjoyment.

The original recipe (over 100 years old) is anything but modest, calling for six eggs, a liter of cream, chocolate, cherries, and cherry brandy. This is the exact recipe that SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA in Bad Herrenalb sent us. I recreated the cake almost exactly, only without the alcohol.

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The animal and plant world as a backdrop for a fairy tale

The Black Forest is home to the creatures we know from stories. Deer and stags symbolize gentleness and strength; wolves symbolize danger and freedom; while foxes symbolize cunning. Ravens are considered clever and mysterious, whereas the cuckoo is the forest’s messenger, announcing the time and seasons. These animals are part of an ecosystem, yet they also represent archetypes that have shaped our imagination for centuries.

The richness of the forest — and the moment of crisis

In the fairy tale, Peter Munk eventually realizes where the wealth truly originates. The forest. Michel, the evil Dutchman from the fairy tale, whispers: “Take the wood. Bring it to Holland. There is gold there.” What sounds like a fairy-tale temptation was reality in the Black Forest for a long time.

The Black Forest as an economic factor: When wood turned to gold

Wood had become the most important economic factor in the region by the 18th century at the latest. Iron and glassworks, charcoal kilns, and ore mining consumed enormous quantities of wood: up to 40 cubic meters were needed to produce a single ton of iron. Medium-sized glassworks burned thousands of cubic meters every year. Huge fir trees were tied together to form massive rafts that floated down the Enz, Murg, or Kinzig rivers into the Rhine and all the way to Amsterdam. There, Black Forest fir trees formed the foundation of ships and entire cities. They were known as Dutch fir trees for a long time, and not without reason.

The price for this wealth was high. The Black Forest was cleared. Even cattle were driven into the forest due to a lack of pasture, where they trampled and ate the young trees.

By the end of the 18th century, much of the Black Forest consisted of only grassland and scrubland. In some places, the forest area shrank to barely ten percent. The forest was facing ruin — as were the livelihoods of the people.

The forest on the brink, and a slow shift in mindset

At the beginning of the 19th century, there was a reversal of policy. From then on, timber could only be harvested in a way that ensured the forest’s availability for future generations. Large-scale reforestation programs began. Due to its rapid growth and economic benefits, spruce was the primary choice for a long time. The forest grew, but it became monotonous and vulnerable. When Hurricane Lothar struck in 1999, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake, the vulnerability of this lack of diversity became apparent.

Today, the Black Forest is undergoing another transformation—this time in a more conscious manner. Mixed forests are becoming more important, with beech trees making a particular comeback. This increases the forest’s resistance to drought, wind, and pests while making it more diverse and vibrant. Thus, the circle is complete. The story of a forest that nearly disappeared has given rise to a region that exemplifies the necessity of long-term thinking, protection, and sustainability.

Fun fact: The Black Forest currently consists of 56% spruce, 23% fir, and 9% beech. The remaining 22% consists of other tree species.

Black Forest National Park

The Black Forest National Park has only existed for around ten years. In 2024, it celebrated its tenth anniversary — and it currently accounts for just over one percent of the total area of the Black Forest. This corresponds to approximately 10,000 hectares. Three-quarters of the park belongs to the core zone, where the forest develops without human intervention. An expansion to over 11,000 hectares is planned for 2026.

Compared to large European national parks — such as Hohe Tauern in the Alps — this is small. All 27 rangers in the young national park are volunteers. This demonstrates that the Black Forest will largely remain under human responsibility in the future.

This is precisely why tourism plays such a crucial role. The way we travel, where we stay, and how we experience nature directly impacts this forest. And that is exactly what matters now.

Travel in the Black Forest with a focus on sustainability

The Black Forest is a popular travel destination for German and international visitors alike. It offers experiences ranging from relaxation to action-packed vacations and culture. To enjoy it sustainably, choose environmentally friendly transportation and accommodations, respect the wildlife and plants, eat local organic products, and buy souvenirs from local artisans.

Bad Herrenalb: A spa town with dual certification for its therapeutic climate

When a town in Germany bears the name “Bad,” (bath) it is no coincidence; rather, it designates state-recognized spa towns and therapeutic baths.

Bad Herrenalb is one such historic spa town with natural thermal springs, healing waters, and proven air quality—officially recognized as a health resort and spa. For decades, people have been coming here to breathe deeply, hike, drink healing waters, and recharge their batteries.

Bad Herrenalb was designated a Fairtrade Town as early as 2012. In addition, the town implements various measures for energy efficiency and regional value creation: buildings have been renovated to improve energy efficiency, the Siebentäler Therme uses a combined heat and power plant, and the town hall in Bernbach is heated with pellets. At the same time, regional agriculture and short supply chains play an important role in the town.

A visible sign of this is the weekly market on Town Hall Square. Here, local producers sell their goods, complemented by many shops that consciously focus on local products.

Experience nature at the climate health resort

Over 150 kilometers of signposted and quality hiking trails await you around Bad Herrenalb, with gentle peaks along the way. You can hike the monastery trail between the ruins of Frauenalb and Herrenalb, walk through the wild forest gorge “Großes Loch,” or explore family-friendly themed trails like the Wildcat Adventure Trail.

As an added bonus, with the KONUS guest card, you can ride buses and trains throughout the Black Forest for free, including direct connections to Karlsruhe.

Spend the night with at hotel SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA with a focus on sustainability 

Perched high above the town on the Health Mountain is the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA, a wellness and health hotel that takes the region’s commitment to sustainability to new heights. All rooms on the newly renovated fourth floor are designed according to the Cradle-to-Cradle® principle. The kitchen in the “La Vie” restaurant is certified organic according to the Bioland Gold Standard, and breakfast is served as a zero-waste buffet. While an expansive wellness area with a panoramic mineral swimming pool, saunas, and relaxation zones offers relaxation with a view.

Furthermore, the hotel’s “Selfness Center” provides activities that cater to the body and mind, including yoga, meditation, Qigong, forest bathing, and guided fasting programs.

Freiburg im Breisgau: a green city with attitude

Freiburg is considered one of the greenest cities in Germany for good reason. With its historic cathedral, Bächle canals, and sunny lifestyle, the city developed an early strategy that combines environmental awareness, quality of life, and urban development. Sustainability is an integral part of everyday life in Freiburg, evident in numerous energy projects, well-thought-out mobility concepts, and entire neighborhoods.

The Vauban district: a new approach to urban planning

The former barracks site, now home to the Vauban district, is a showcase for sustainable, socially inclusive and largely car-free living. Solar energy shapes the cityscape, green spaces have replaced parking lots, and community life plays a central role. Two large car parks on the outskirts of the district and direct connections to the tram network mean that cars can be banned (with the exception of loading and unloading) within the district without residents having to sacrifice convenience. Vauban clearly demonstrates how urban spaces can function with a focus on people, nature and the climate.

The Green City Hotel Vauban: not just accommodation, but part of the district

The Green City Hotel Vauban is located in the heart of the district. Just ten minutes from the city centre by tram, it combines peace and relaxation with urban convenience. The green wooden slats on the façade, climbing plants on the exterior walls and minimalist interior made of natural materials allow guests to unwind.

The social approach is particularly striking. The hotel is run by a non-profit organisation and is an integration enterprise, where people with and without disabilities work together. Tolerance, acceptance and social responsibility lie at the heart of the concept, extending to suppliers and partners too.

For more sustainable vacations in the Black Forest – our tips

The Black Forest is not a designated national park, but rather a cultural landscape. This makes the way in which we travel through it all the more important. These tips will help you experience the area’s nature, places and people respectfully, whether you’re visiting from Germany or abroad.

#1 Getting there: A relaxed journey with more climate-conscious travel options

The Black Forest is a great place to explore without a car.

• Arriving by train:
  Both Bad Herrenalb and Freiburg have excellent rail connections. Freiburg can be reached directly from many European cities.
• KONUS Guest Card:
  Overnight guests in many places, including Bad Herrenalb, can use buses and trains throughout the Black Forest region free of charge with this guest card.
• Public transportation in Freiburg:
  The Green City Hotel Vauban provides guests with a free public transportation ticket during their stay. (Also valid for regional transport.)
• Cycling and e-bike holidays:
  Ideal for shorter distances and gentle exploration.
• Arriving by long-distance bus:
  Providers such as FlixBus connect Freiburg with many European cities. This option is often cheaper and more climate-friendly than short-haul flights.

#2 More sustainable accommodation options: Our Green Pearls® recommendations

• SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA | Bad Herrenalb
  A sustainable wellness and health hotel featuring circular living rooms, certified organic cuisine, a zero-waste approach, and direct access to nature.
• Green City Hotel Vauban | Freiburg im Breisgau
  This urban integration hotel is located on the edge of the car-free Vauban district. It has a social focus, innovative architecture, and perfect connections to the city and the Black Forest region.

#3 Conscious travel experiences: Nature and culture in harmony

Black Forest National Park

• 50 km from Bad Herrenalb and 110 km from Freiburg
• Insights into natural forest development with rangers, nature trails, and viewpoints.
• Important to know: The national park makes up only around 1% of the Black Forest area — making every respectful visit all the more valuable

Around Bad Herrenalb:

• Bad Wildbad Treetop Walk:
  Take a walk through the treetops up to 40 meters high.
• Wildline Suspension Bridge:
  Suspended over the valley, it offers a spectacular and scenic view.
• Pforzheim Gasometer:
  Immersive, 360° panoramic installations on various topics, including art and history.
• Merkur Baden-Baden:
  Take one of Germany’s steepest funicular railways and enjoy panoramic views of the Black Forest.
• Baden-Baden:
  Culture, thermal baths, spa gardens, and elegant, easy-to-explore architecture — all accessible on foot or by public transportation..

Freiburg & Surrounding Area:

We have created a detailed guide for a more sustainable weekend in Freiburg—including the Old Town, eco-friendly restaurants, the Schauinsland cable car, museums, insider tips from the Green City Hotel Vauban, and suggestions for eco-friendly excursions. Feel free to take a look!

#5 Sustainable cuisine: regional, organic, and full of flavor

Sustainable travel in the Black Forest also means enjoying things consciously. The regional cuisine is down-to-earth and seasonal, and it aligns perfectly with organic and local principles.

At SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA, nearly everything on the plate is organic. The hotel has received Bioland GOLD certification, the association’s highest honor, and sources its ingredients directly from the region whenever possible. The cuisine is characterized by short delivery routes, transparent origins, and a clear focus on quality over quantity.

Sustainability also plays a central role at the Green City Hotel Vauban. Many products come from regional organic farms and social enterprises, and Freiburg itself offers a wide selection of organic markets, zero-waste shops, and sustainable restaurants — ideal for exploring the city through its cuisine.

Typical Black Forest dishes are:

• Black Forest ham
• Maultaschen (Swabian ravioli) with potato salad
• Bibbeleskäs (herb quark)
• Brägele (fried potatoes)
• Fresh trout (nowadays mainly from aquaculture, which is considered more sustainable in Germany.)

Many classics can now also be enjoyed vegan and/or in organic quality.

#5 Tradition lives on: traditional costumes, festivals, and authentic crafts

When you travel to the Black Forest, you experience tradition not in a museum, but in everyday life. Folk and shooting festivals are an integral part of the annual calendar in many places. As a local journalist, I covered many of these festivals and noticed that tradition is not just a folklore program for visitors; it’s part of people’s identity.

Traditional to the Black Forest: the Bollenhut hat

Hardly any other symbol represents the Black Forest more than the Bollenhut. However, what many people don’t know is that it was originally only part of the traditional costume in three villages: Gutach, Kirnbach, and Reichenbach. Today, it has become a global symbol of the region. Its power lies less in historical accuracy than in what it represents: belonging, pride, and recognition. Tradition lives on and evolves.

Traditional crafts as souvenirs

The Black Forest has a long history of cuckoo clocks, wood carvings, and glassblowing. Many workshops now offer tours where you can see the work, skill, and time that goes into each piece. You can often purchase items directly on site, ensuring that they are authentic regional products.

However, a handmade cuckoo clock is not just a souvenir; it’s a purchase for life. For a high-quality model, expect to pay around 700 euros or more. Kitschy? Perhaps. But that is a very personal decision.

If you prefer something smaller, other sustainable souvenirs are available—for example, insect hotels made from regional wood, like those offered in the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA shop. A souvenir that not only looks beautiful, but also has real added value.

#6 Modern forest rituals: forest bathing & a new closeness to nature

After exploring the stories, traditions, and paths, you will ultimately return to where it all began—the forest itself. Forest bathing, originally known as shinrin-yoku in Japan, takes on a unique meaning here, surrounded by this special forest. Here, it’s not about performance or climbing peaks; it’s about walking slowly, breathing consciously, and feeling with all your senses.

Many hotels and health resorts in the Black Forest offer guided forest bathing, mindfulness walks, and meditation among the trees as a way to experience nature. This may be the oldest and yet most modern way to experience the Black Forest—not as a backdrop, but as a living space that grounds us.

Invitation to the Black Forest

The Black Forest was once dark; then, it was nearly exploited to the point of disappearing. Today, it is a place for reflection and an invitation to take a closer look. A place to slow down. To take responsibility.

Whether you hike through ancient forests, breathe deeply in a spa town, experience Freiburg’s model for a more sustainable future, or find your own way through this region of tradition and modernity, the Black Forest has many stories to tell. Which stories you take with you—or even write yourself—is up to you.

Save this article for your next sustainable vacation in the Black Forest.

Der Beitrag The Black Forest: Fairytale forest, myth, and more sustainable travel erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

The Hotel SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA has shared its recipe with us. It’s everything you’d expect from this classic dish. And exactly how it has been baked for generations. However, the hotel wouldn’t be one of the pioneers of sustainable hospitality in Germany if it didn’t address issues of responsibility and sustainability in relation to this classic dish.

Germany’s most famous cake: classification and context

With its generous helping of cream and eggs, the classic Black Forest cake is certainly not the most sustainable option. However, enjoyment, tradition, and responsibility don’t have to be mutually exclusive. The quality of the ingredients and how they are used are the decisive factors. And, ultimately, this cake is not an everyday treat, but rather a special occasion dessert.

At the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA in Bad Herrenalb, for instance, Black Forest cake is baked using only organic ingredients. The hotel has received Bioland GOLD certification, the association’s highest honor. Whenever possible, the ingredients are sourced directly from the region. Otherwise, they are organic and fair trade, as is the case with chocolate.

Here, tourist expectations such as cuckoo clocks and Black Forest cake are not rejected, but rather embraced and elevated. The hotel uses good ingredients and focuses on regional products. The same applies to the rest of the hotel, which features recyclable rooms, a holistic wellness concept, and modern ways of experiencing the Black Forest, such as forest bathing. A piece of cake is the perfect addition to your Black Forest vacation.

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Black Forest Cake - original recipe

The Hotel SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA in Bad Herrenalb, located in the Black Forest, bakes traditional Black Forest cakes using 100% organic ingredients.

Course dessert, cake

Cuisine black forest, german

Keyword cake

Ingredients

For the sponge cake

• 6 Eggs Organic
• 200 g Sugar Organic
• 200 g Flour Organic
• 50 g Cornstarch Organic
• 50 g Cocoa powder Organic and Fair Trade
• 2  tsp Baking powder
• 3 tbsp Hot water

Filling

• 1 glass Morello cherries Organic
• 2 tbsp Corn starch Organic
• 1 l Cream Organic
• 5 packs Cream stabilizer
• 1 tbsp Sugar Organic
• 9 tbsp Cherry brandy (From the Black Forest)
• 100 g Chocolate shavings Organic and Fair Trade

Instructions

Sponge cake

• Place the eggs, sugar, and water in a bowl and beat for 5 minutes (preferably in a figure-eight motion—the sugar should be completely dissolved by the end)
• Mix the flour, cornstarch, cocoa powder, and baking powder in a bowl
• Add to the egg mixture using a sieve
• Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius
• Grease and flour the bottom of the springform pan
• Pour in the sponge mixture and smooth it out
• Bake for 20 minutes, then let cool

Cherries

• Drain the morello cherries through a sieve, collecting the juice
• Mix the starch with 2 tablespoons of the juice
• Bring the cherry juice to a boil and stir in the cornstarch-cherry juice mixture
• Stir it in and bring it to a boil once
• Set aside 8 to 12 morello cherries for decoration
• Fold the remaining Morello cherries into the mixture of cornstarch and cherry brandy

Preparing the cake

• Cut the cake base twice to make three layers
• Drizzle the first three tablespoons of cherry brandy over the first
• Spread the cherry mixture evenly over the top and smooth it out
• Let cool
• Beat the cream with the cream stiffener and sugar until stiff peaks form
• Spread about three tablespoons of cream thinly over the cherry mixture using a spoon
• Place 4 tablespoons of cream in a piping bag
• Place the second base on top and press down lightly
• Drizzle another 3 tablespoons of cherry brandy onto the bottom
• Spread cream on the base
• Place the final sponge base on top and soak it with the remaining cherry brandy
• Use the remaining cream to cover the cake
• Use the piping bag to pipe the cream filling onto the cake
• Put the cherries on top
• Sprinkle the grated chocolate over the surface and edges
• Put it in the fridge

P.S. I recently tried out the recipe myself. My minor changes: I didn’t use cherry brandy; instead, I added almond flavoring to the egg mixture. I also added a few fresh strawberries to the cherries and used raspberries because they are in season. It was delicious, looked beautiful, and everyone loved it!

Der Beitrag Black Forest Cake — A classic that balances tradition and responsibility (including the original recipe) erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.