While bookings to certain classic long-haul destinations have declined substantially, Europe is gaining popularity. But this raises a new question: Are those beautiful summer destinations overcrowded now?

Not necessarily. Some regions and hotels are taking a different approach. These places distribute visitor traffic more effectively, operate on a smaller scale, or are simply located away from major hotspots. Here, we’re introducing these kinds of destinations—ideal for a last-minute summer vacation offering peace and quiet, nature experiences, and real added value.

When popular vacation spots get too crowded

 The example of Berchtesgaden demonstrates just how quickly tourist destinations can become overrun. In 2021, a small natural pool above Lake Königssee gained worldwide fame on social media. On peak days, hundreds of people flocked to the spot simultaneously. The result was destroyed vegetation, a network of trails stretching for miles through the protected area, and massive strain on sensitive natural habitats. The national park administration finally closed the area completely to visitors.

What’s next for the Gumpen at the Königsbach Waterfall?

The “Instagram Grumpen” will definitely remain closed until October 2026. According to the National Park Service, a panel of experts will then decide if the natural environment has recovered enough to reopen.

The example highlights a fundamental problem with modern travel trends. Today, places are discovered not only through travel guides but also through TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and AI-generated travel recommendations. Within a few months, a quiet natural spot can turn into an international hotspot.

This makes the following question all the more important: How can you experience popular regions without becoming part of the problem?

Experiencing popular tourist destinations gently

Berchtesgaden without hotspot stress

The Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa Hotel has experienced the effects of social media tourism firsthand. The Färber couple, who run the hotel, carefully considered the matter with their team. Rather than simply sending their guests to well-known spots, the hotel now focuses on education and offering alternatives.

They deliberately direct visitors toward less-frequented (but equally beautiful!) hikes and quieter natural spots. They also explain the reasons behind certain protective measures. In their experience, this changes guests’ travel behavior. Those who understand why a place needs protection tend to treat it with greater respect.

Discover the Dolomites at a leisurely pace

The Dolomites are one of Europe’s most popular summer destinations (in part thanks to social media). However, some regions struggle every summer with heavy traffic, parking issues, and overcrowded viewpoints.

The Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel is located in the Seiser Alm area, right in the buffer zone of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site and surrounded by protected areas. As a result, there are strict access regulations. Private cars are only permitted on the Alm under certain conditions, and new construction is strictly limited. These regulations help keep the region relatively quiet despite its popularity.

The OLM Nature Escape in the Tauferer Ahrntal Valley, on the other hand, takes a highly personalized approach. Guests receive personalized tour recommendations tailored to the weather, time of day, and their interests. The goal is to experience nature rather than just checking off “must-see spots.”

Neuschwanstein without the constant stream of tour groups

Neuschwanstein Castle attracts millions of visitors every year. Especially in the summer, a tour can quickly feel like a trip to an amusement park.

That’s why the Hotel Das Rübezahl emphasizes strategic timing and alternatives, such as visiting earlier or later in the day, taking quieter hiking trails, and visiting lesser-known viewpoints around the castle. The hiking concierge, “Bergbaschdi,” can help you with these options.

To avoid waiting in line altogether, you can choose not to see the castle from the inside. Personally, I find that admiring the famous fairytale castle’s backdrop from a distance is enough (and it’s the best part anyway).

Tyrol—a highly touristic region striving to preserve nature

The issue of mass tourism in the Tyrolean Oberland is a major concern for host Marco Spiss, as he explains in this interview on our blog.

The Super.Summer.Card, in particular, has made the region even more popular. However, the municipality of Pfunds, where his Summit Lodges vacation homes are located, has implemented a series of environmental protection measures and has been a member of the Climate Alliance since the 1990s, for example. With his vacation homes, which accommodate up to six people, he also wants to do his part and explains that they are powered by 100% green electricity from Tyrolean hydropower.

Vacation spots that many people haven’t discovered yet

The Rhön as an alternative to overhyped destinations

While some places are crowded, other regions remain surprisingly quiet even though they offer incredible scenic beauty.

The Rhön, a low mountain range in Germany, is one such place: sweeping views, hiking trails, a light-pollution-free zone and star park, and comparatively little hustle and bustle make the region particularly appealing to last-minute travelers looking to escape the typical summer hotspots.

Hotel STURM in Mellrichstadt explains that tourism doesn’t have to be curtailed everywhere. In some regions, like theirs, guests are essential to preserving the local infrastructure in the long term.

During your summer vacation, enjoy the natural swimming pond (filled with Grander water), gaze at the night sky, take short hikes through the moors, and sample the hotel’s snack garden. A wide variety of berries ripen here in the summer. 😉

Lake Constance without the glitzy hustle and bustle

Even on popular Lake Constance, you can find quiet spots. The Naturesort Gerbehof, for example, is a bit more secluded and appeals to people who want to stay longer and consciously take their time exploring the region: cycling, farm-fresh produce, nature, tranquility, and “soul wellness”. Regions with significant seasonal fluctuations benefit from guests who stay longer and travel outside peak periods, such as school vacations.

By the way: Outside of Baden-Württemberg school holidays, Gerbehof is adults-only!

A countryside getaway in Lower Saxony

Not every summer trip has to be to the beach or the mountains. In particular, many people in 2026 are rediscovering destinations that can be easily accessed by train or (electric) car.

The family-run Hotel Okelmann’s in Warpe demonstrates how relaxing a laid-back, countryside getaway can be: old trees, regional cuisine, ample space, and, most importantly, peace and quiet.

If you want to travel with your dog, Hotel Okelmann’s is the perfect choice for you. The two sisters who run the hotel have dogs of their own and offer all kinds of accessories and treats for your pet in the small concept store located in the café. Okelmann’s is also a great choice if you’re interested in yoga and singing bowl massages. Owner Maren is a certified yoga instructor who offers classes and mini-retreats—even ones you can attend with your dog.

Last but not least: a small island with only one hotel

The Croatian island of Iž has remained quiet to this day, especially compared to other coastal towns in Croatia. This is partly because the tourist infrastructure has been kept small on purpose.

The Hotel Korinjak is the only hotel on the island. It does not cater to large group tours; rather, it attracts independent travelers who enjoy vegetarian cuisine, like to relax by the sea with breathwork and yoga, and appreciate the wide variety of workshops and the Mediterranean scenery.

Conclusion: Perhaps you can be part of the solution

Mass tourism isn’t just caused by “too many people,” but also by the way people travel: as quickly as possible, seeing as much as possible, and seeking out the most spectacular sights. If you want things to change, you can start by making a difference yourself!

You can help regions the most by taking the time to really get to know them. Stay longer. Be considerate of nature. Find your own photo spots instead of following Instagram recommendations.

Many of the accommodations featured here show what that can look like and can assist you with personalized recommendations off the beaten path.

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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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At our Green Pearls® accommodations, several chefs have a significant impact on their establishments through their culinary expertise. In fact, some guests travel specifically to experience their cuisine.

Vegan fine dining on the Seiser Alm: a journey to the restaurant and its awards

Aggeliki Charami, Paradiso Pure.Living · LA VIMEA · OMNIA plant-based restaurant

A perfect example of this new breed of sustainable chefs is Aggeliki Charami. She is considered one of the most innovative vegan chefs in the Alps. In just two years in South Tyrol, the Greek-born chef has built a remarkable career and won a number of awards (including from Gault&Millau).

Ageliki Charami arrived in South Tyrol as an outsider, but her vision for vegan fine dining was immediately recognised. And not only that. The hosts at the Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel gave her a lot of creative freedom. Together, they decided to take the long-awaited next step with Paradiso Pure.Living, evolving from a vegetarian-vegan concept to a fully vegan hotel. They have also created the OMNIA plant-based restaurant, where guests can experience Charami’s plant-based cuisine and special approach at a fine dining level, even independently of a hotel stay.

What sets her cuisine apart is her storytelling, which combines the dark, mystical mountain world with the Mediterranean joie de vivre of her Greek heritage. As a chef, she loves to experiment with fermentation, textures, and lesser-known regional produce. For her, sustainability and respect for ingredients form the basis of her work.

She also oversees the culinary concept at LA VIMEA, the adults-only vegan hotel in Naturns, working with her dedicated team, where the cuisine reflects a garden-inspired approach, complementing the more alpine and bold character of the dishes at Paradiso on the Alpe di Siusi.

Find out more about Aggeliki Charami in this interview.

South Tyrolean haute cuisine and celebrity chefs

Berni Aichner, PRENN° culinary director at OLM Nature Escape

Berni Aichner is another prime example of the impact a chef can have when a hotel grants him true freedom. As the culinary director of PRENN° at the young OLM Nature Escape, Aichner has had a decisive influence on the aparthotel’s culinary identity. He played a key role in Gault&Millau naming OLM Nature Escape the 2026 South Tyrolean Hotel of the Year.

Berni Aichner gained experience at the highest level, including working as a sous chef for Norbert Niederkofler, one of Italy’s most renowned three-star chefs. Today, he oversees the overall culinary concept, implementing his vision of contemporary slow food cuisine in South Tyrol’s Ahrntal Valley: regionally rooted, precisely crafted, and full of flavor.

The PRENN° is exclusively for hotel guests. However, Berni Aichner opens his kitchen to outside guests for select events. Whether it’s a four-handed dinner with Michelin-starred chef Theodor Falser or special cooking events with Reinhold Messner, Aichner’s cuisine is made accessible to a wider audience.

The following menu is a good example of what that tastes like: red tuna tartare with wild garlic and chanterelles; char with buckwheat miso, kohlrabi, and chive oil; an intense beetroot risotto; braised veal cheeks with potato and wasabi cream, watercress, burrata, and fried lemon powder; and, for dessert, marinated strawberries with balsamic ice cream, yogurt foam, and oatmeal crumble.

Allgäu cuisine reinterpreted

Erik Wendt, Hotel Das Rübezahl

Erik Wendt, the chef at Hotel Das Rübezahl, defines his cuisine succinctly as modern with great attention to detail. How does he combine cosmopolitanism and a love of home in a new culinary way? His answer: a great team, the finest ingredients, and a great deal of love for his job. He learned his trade at the Mercure Hotel in Leipzig and was discovered and promoted by Michael Lacher of the Alte Sonne in Ludwigsburg. After working at some of Germany’s best restaurants, he and his family moved to Schwangau in 2011 and joined the Hotel Das Rübezahl.

He recorded the knowledge and experience he gained over the years in his “white book,” which he gives to each of his trainees. The book provides the trainees with a basis for developing new recipes by listing all the basic recipes inside. But when Erik cooks, he doesn’t just prepare food; he creates happiness in a spoonful. It’s evident in every bite. Using the principle of the aroma circle, Erik creates dishes that appeal to all the senses with different flavors and textures.

One of his most famous creations is his vegetarian version of “Krautkrapfen,” an Allgäu specialty consisting of dough rolls with sauerkraut, onions, and apples. Read more about this dish and other must-try Allgäu cuisine in Erik Wendt’s blog post.

“Secret Forest” dinner events as a highlight and “special cuts” from dry-aged beef at the hotel

Sascha Förster, Klosterhof Alpine Hideaway & Spa

© Klosterhof Alpine Hideaway & SpaWhen you place yourself in the culinary hands of Sascha Förster and his team, you will experience gourmet moments at their finest. With enthusiasm and passion, he creates extraordinary menus for the guests of his regular fine dining experience, “Secret Forest”, among other things. You book a place at a secret location, a table with 12 seats, and a special fine dining menu from the chef. The ingredients for it come directly from the region and are seasonal.

Sascha Förster has designed the daily evening menu for guests at the Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa as a “GenussArt Menu.” You can choose between “Chef’s Choice” (featuring whatever is currently available from the fields and forests), “Bergwiese” (traditional Alpine cuisine and modern variations thereof), and “Kraut & Rüben” (vegetarian and/or vegan creations). However, his latest passion is “Special Cuts” from dry aged beef. The in-house dry-ager (a special refrigerator for dry-aging beef) gives the meat “an intense aroma, incomparable tenderness, and depth of flavor.”

Enjoy sustainably sourced seafood and beloved family recipes

Giuseppe Schimmenti, ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA

For Giuseppe Schimmenti, Sicilian cuisine is more than just a culinary tradition; it’s a way of life. As the head chef at the ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA, he takes his guests on a culinary journey through the flavors, stories, and memories of his home island. Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, influences his cuisine with its abundance of fish, seafood, Mediterranean herbs, olive oil, and citrus fruits, all of which are sourced locally from the immediate vicinity of the resort.

Food played an important role in Giuseppe’s childhood. His grandfather was a fisherman who brought home fresh fish daily, and his grandmother lovingly prepared pasta dishes, often incorporating squid ink. These memories of flavors, aromas, and family meals continue to influence his cuisine to this day. “When you stroll through the streets of Palermo, you quickly realize how central food is,” he says.

At the ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA, he translates this food culture into contemporary, sustainable hotel cuisine. Giuseppe places particular importance on high-quality ingredients and traditional production methods. For his homemade pasta, for example, he uses a Sicilian variety of ancient wheat native to the region that is ground in a traditional mill. Dishes such as maltagliati and tortellini stuffed with squid are among his and his guests’ favorites.

Giuseppe Schimmenti took us on a virtual culinary journey through Sicily for our blog, introducing us to the island’s must-try dishes.

25 years as a hotel chef in the heart of the Alpine National Park

Radenko Jovicic, Naturhotel Outside

The chef of Naturhotel Outside, Radenko Jovicic, has a moving story. He came to Matrei, Austria during the Yugoslavian War. The talented, self-taught chef has worked in the Naturhotel Outside’s family businesses for almost 25 years. In that time, he has literally worked his way up from janitor to head chef. Together with his team, he has set the goal of offering a “sustainable surprise of the senses” through his cuisine.

Guests can enjoy a freshly prepared snack every afternoon and a six-course gourmet menu every evening. Vegan and vegetarian options are always available. The menu also features homemade products, such as brown bread made from East Tyrolean original wheat, homemade jams, and syrups. Food from the nature hotel’s garden or the region finds its way into the kitchen. Radenko’s simple formula is, “The shorter the distance, the fresher the food. The closer the farm, the better the taste.”

Healthy & light cuisine for guests on the Atlantic coast

Fernando Hernández Izquierdo, OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel

Fernando Hernández Izquierdo has established a unique culinary experience at the OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel, blending traditional Canarian cuisine with the resort’s holistic approach to health.

His dishes feature classics like mojo, a spicy cold sauce, and fresh Atlantic fish. Rather than using complex techniques, he focuses on high-quality basic ingredients, gentle preparation, and clear flavors. Many of his dishes feature cumin, garlic, paprika, and fresh coriander, complemented by an abundance of vegetables, legumes, and regional crops. His goal? Healthy food that nourishes without weighing you down.

“Our goal is for guests to feel energized after eating, not tired or overwhelmed,” says Fernando Hernández Izquierdo. In the linked article, he reveals which dishes accomplish this and shares his recommendations for the must-try foods in Tenerife.

Head chef and “flavor gardener” in the Maldives

Hari Govindaraj, Gili Lankanfushi Malediven

Hari Govindaraj has led the kitchen team at Hotel Gili Lankanfushi with great talent and skill for over 13 years. Born in southern India, Govindaraj discovered his passion for cooking at a young age. He has a unique culinary style and a special interest in vegan cuisine.

Govindaraj gained valuable inspiration from renowned Michelin-starred chefs, such as Raymond Blanc of Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons (two Michelin stars) and Pierre Gagnaire, one of the most influential three-star chefs in international haute cuisine. These experiences continue to influence his finely balanced, aromatic cuisine.

Some of the herbs, vegetables, and fruits used by Hari and his team come from the lush garden, which he is also responsible for. Here, he finds the ingredients for his special creations, such as aloe vera ceviche, avocado and garden leaf gazpacho, and citrus fruit salad.

If you’re interested in delving deeper into Hari Govindaraj’s philosophy, you can find a detailed portrait of him at Lightfoot Travel. He also shares some of his vegan recipes there.

Sustainable hotels offer chefs a new role

The chefs featured here redefine hotel cuisine as a creative force and an expression of a hotel’s philosophy. They are also a reason for guests to visit. Their menus are as unique as their life stories, yet they share a common philosophy: offering high-quality cuisine made with regional and seasonal ingredients, a preference for organic products, and a commitment to respecting nature and the origin of ingredients.

Many Green Pearls® hotels provide their chefs with the necessary space to achieve this goal, offering them their own gardens, short supply chains, an open ear, and a clear commitment to sustainability.

We are excited to see where these chefs’ culinary paths will lead. We are convinced that their influence on sustainable hospitality will continue to grow. As so often happens, we see our partners as pioneers in this area.

This is an update from November 29, 2022.

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Is herbal tea even tea?

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

Study: British tea culture is reinventing itself

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

Arabic Chai must contain tea

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

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

Back to herbal tea: origins in healing medicine

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

Healing Tea Blends from Gut Sonnenhausen

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

Younique herbal tea blend from the Hotel Klosterbräu

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

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DIY Herbal tea blend "Younique"

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

Course Tea

Cuisine alps, austrian

Keyword herbal tea, tea blend

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Herbal Tea Blend

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

Preparation of the herbal tea

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

Fasting teas in the OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel

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

Tea, culture and travel

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

Experience culture up close – through tea

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

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

Tea drinking in Japan

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

Kettle in the hotel room

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Organic ready-to-blend and home tea brands

Sonnentor

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

Link: Sonnentor

Monthea

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

Link: Monthea

Bioteaque

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

Link: Bioteaque

DIY tea blends straight from your own garden

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

“Garden herb mix” from the STURM

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

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

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

Mountain herb tea from Weihrerhof

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

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

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

Our tips for a more sustainable tea drinking

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

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

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

This is an update from December 19, 2023.

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But vacations can sometimes be exhausting. The variety of offerings entices you to rush from the sauna to a treatment and then to dinner. However, don’t be afraid to take moments to rest without worrying about missing something =) Doesn’t it sound tempting to forget about time while enjoying a good book? What about an extended nap wrapped in a fluffy blanket in a cozy spot? Or a stroll through the hotel garden?

Most hotels have special locations and quiet oases designed for just such moments of rest—places that can look very different. Our partners are sure to have the perfect spot for you, and they may even inspire you to create your own peaceful retreat at home.

Take a breather surrounded by greenery

Studies show that spending even a short time in nature can measurably reduce stress hormones. For example, researchers at MedUni Vienna found that spending just 20 minutes in the forest reduces cortisol, a physiological stress marker, in saliva. No wonder, then, that it is particularly easy to recharge outdoors in nature. For this, exploring a garden or taking a short walk in a nearby forest is just the thing. With a gentle breeze in your hair and the sun on your skin, surrounded by the rustling of green leaves, it’s wonderful to take a deep breath.

A healing climate, a snack garden, and quiet moments in the Black Forest

Speaking of “breathing deeply”: Did you know that the Black Forest has particularly fresh air? When you stay at the Hotel SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA, you’ll find yourself in a health resort with a beneficial climate. Feel free and healthy as you relax on a lounger on the sun terrace with your eyes closed, or take a tour of the hotel’s snack garden and taste the delicacies growing in the raised beds. Activities like these stimulate several of your senses at once, which helps lower your stress level.

Tip: If you want to be undisturbed, hotel gardens are often less crowded during the day.

Discover your new favorite places in Mediterranean nature

Sometimes, tranquility isn’t found in just one place, but rather spread gently across a village, garden, or landscape. That experience awaits you at the Relais del Maro in Liguria. The sustainable Albergo Diffuso is located in Borgomaro, a small, quiet village with only about 800 inhabitants in the Imperia countryside. Its rooms and houses are spread across several historic buildings interspersed with narrow streets, a church, and Mediterranean nature. In the main building, you will find a beautifully landscaped garden with a pool — a place to arrive, read, and relax. Here, tranquility is not staged but experienced naturally in the rhythm of the village, far from the hustle and bustle.

Peace and quiet on a secluded, natural beach

Further south in Sicily, a different yet equally profound form of silence awaits. The ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA is located on a secluded beach that can only be accessed via the resort. Surrounded by orange groves, fields, and rolling hills, the resort offers sweeping views of miles of wild, sandy beaches stretching to the horizon where the sun sinks into the sea. In this spacious, luxurious complex, it’s easy to find your own personal retreat, whether it’s barefoot on the beach, on a cozy island in the garden, or in your room overlooking the calm sea. Here, untouched nature and vastness ensure that everyday life quietly fades into the background.

Built silence: How the architecture at STURM invites relaxation

But tranquility can be found not only outside in nature, but also indoors. Picture being out in the wind, rain, and cold, and then stepping into a cozy, warm room.

In recent years, the sustainable Hotel STURM has extensively studied how to create tranquility through architecture. At the end of 2023, the hotel opened a new relaxation room in the RHÖN-SPA designed by Professor Matthias Loebermann. Loebermann has worked with STURM for a long time and was awarded the Best Architects Award 24 for his work.

First “reset chamber” then relaxation

Before entering the relaxation room, guests pass through a deliberately designed threshold called the “ÜberGang” (transition). This architectural space acts as a mental reset, allowing guests to leave everyday life behind step by step and become more relaxed. Beyond it, a room opens up, panelled with natural silver fir. The subtle scent of the wood, its vertical structure, subdued lighting, and spacious double loungers create an atmosphere that does not distract but rather calms.

But that isn’t all. At the end of 2025, STURM took it a step further by opening its own House of Silence in the middle of the garden overlooking the natural swimming pond. Designed once again by Loebermann and built using sustainable timber construction methods, this place provides inner peace through its architecture alone.

Light exercise is a guarantee for well-being

Exercising (in nature) can promote general well-being, strengthen the immune system, and build endurance and strength. Low-impact activities like yoga and swimming are good options.

Swimming with a view — relaxation in water

Many of our partner hotels have pools in their spas where you can swim or relax at your own pace. Have you ever been to a natural swimming pond, for instance? At Naturhotel Outside, you can enjoy one surrounded by a 360-degree mountain panorama. It was even expanded in 2025. As you swim, you can relax and unwind while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

The great thing is that the water not only invites relaxation, but also gentle activities such as swimming a few laps, which contribute to general well-being. So do treatments, massages, yoga, meditation, and the sauna. Many of our Green Pearl hotels offer a wide range of services for this kind of relaxation.

A special indoor climate for your downtime

It’s not outdoors, but The Naturhotel Outside in East Tyrol has created a special climate for you. Make yourself comfortable on the loden sofa and enjoy the pleasant room climate, thanks to the local larch wood and loam walls.

The Zirben Suites have cozy nooks and freestanding bathtubs made of regional stone. Here, you can relax in complete privacy.

Wellness for the soul

Do you know why swimming is so good for your body? Water pressure helps push blood out of the veins, which relieves the heart. Additionally, moving underwater provides low-impact exercise for your whole body, protecting your joints and promoting mobility. But your mind and spirit benefit, too. Contact with water and movement in it can boost your self-confidence while reducing stress hormones. Simply relax and enjoy being in your element.

Floating on water

While floating in the Soledom at the Klosterhof Alpine Hideaway & Spa, you can relax and truly “float away.” Thanks to the water’s 15% salt content, you will feel almost weightless in it`s Reichenhall brine. This type of “floating” strengthens your nerves, positively affects skin conditions and allergies, and helps you find inner harmony. You can also experience healing brine water when you swim in the infinity panoramic pool at the ADLER Lodge RITTEN in South Tyrol.

Relaxation rooms and oases of tranquility

In addition to exercising in the water, it is beneficial for us to relax in a quiet environment. Why is it that when we relax, our mind recovers? Inner tension often manifests physically. Thankfully, we can help our souls by relaxing externally. Inner peace follows.

Many wellness areas of the Green Pearls have quiet oases set up for a peaceful time-out.

One example is the Arvenstube at the Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt, where you can relax on comfortable waterbeds in a Swiss stone pine room.

But what if you could be indoors and feel surrounded by nature at the same time? In the relaxation room next to the forest sauna at the ADLER Lodge RITTEN, you can cozy up on a comfortable lounger and take in the unobstructed view of the lush greenery and beautiful landscape. Gentle scents and the natural warmth of a crackling fire surround you. Here, it’s easy to be in the moment and find complete peace.

The Hotel Luise, located in the heart of Erlangen, proves that oases of calm aren’t limited to the countryside. On the green roof terrace, you’ll find a surprisingly quiet place above the city’s rooftops. In a small glass house, you can enjoy a break in any weather, shielded from the hustle and bustle yet still enjoying the view of the greenery. It’s a beautiful example of how space for tranquility can be created in an urban environment.

Inspiration for your own retreat

Many of the calming ideas offered by our Green Pearls® partners can inspire your own home. Natural materials, such as wood, linen, and stone, create a warm and calming atmosphere. Indirect, subdued light sources instead of bright lighting help you unwind. Gentle scents, such as those from an aroma diffuser with essential oils, can ease the transition from everyday life to relaxation.

It’s also important to look outside. A window with a view of greenery, the sky, or a plant is ideal—without a screen. Perhaps a small routine: a cup of tea, a book, or a few quiet breaths. No big plans, no goals. Just a place where you can simply be.

This is an update from October 25, 2022.

Do you have a place of retreat like this at home? Let our Green Pearls® partners inspire you! And if you found this post inspiring, feel free to save it.

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What to keep in mind when winter hiking—tips from real hiking experts

Alessa Konrad from Naturhotel Outside in East Tyrol believes that winter hiking is the ideal way to experience nature. Located in the Hohe Tauern National Park, the hiking hotel is surrounded by snow-covered peaks reaching three thousand meters high. It’s an environment with an almost magical atmosphere in winter, but it can also be challenging and demanding. Alessa’s recommendations for the right equipment are accordingly clear:

„It is important to wear sturdy, waterproof winter boots with good traction, as well as warm, layered clothing, a hat, and gloves. Depending on the conditions, hiking poles and crampons are recommended to ensure stability..“

Planning is just as crucial. Only use approved winter hiking trails, keep an eye on the weather and snow conditions, and adapt your tour to the shorter days of winter. One often-overlooked aspect is:

„It’s also important to drink enough – ideally warm tea from a thermos, since you lose fluids through exercise, even in winter.“

Bonus tip: Hiking concierge Karin Steiner always carries a bar of chocolate in her backpack during tours—for quick breaks or when energy levels start to dip.

A tour tip from Naturhotel Outside

The Wohlgemuth Almen-Runde in the Tauern Valley is ideal for those who want to experience the quiet enjoyment of winter hiking. The 2.7-kilometer, easy-level trail mostly follows the Tauernbach stream and passes winter meadows and snow-covered larch trees. Along the route, hikers are rewarded with impressive views of the Hohe Tauern mountains. Quiet, close to nature, and far away from the hustle and bustle of skiing.

Winter hiking in South Tyrol

Family knowledge and alpine experience

#1 My Arbor on the Plose near Brixen – with Alexandra Huber

In South Tyrol, it’s also clear that the best recommendations come from those who have known the mountains for generations. Around 15 minutes from Brixen lies the adults-only hotel My Arbor on the Plose. When asked what you need for winter hiking, hostess Alexandra Huber responds: “Just warm clothing and good footwear.”

Guided winter hikes are led by Günther and Hannes, her father’s brothers. They both know the Plose trails like the back of their hand. Three free winter hikes are offered each week as part of the regular program, and private tours are available upon request.

Even if there isn’t snow around the hotel all the time, the conditions in the mountains are still excellent:

„There isn’t always snow at My Arbor at the beginning of winter, but there is plenty in the mountains.“

After the tour, the spa and culinary delights beckon you to unwind. The cuisine at My Arbor is sure to be a hit. If would like to learn more, we interviewed the hotel’s head chef and bread sommelier for our blog.

Ahrntal: Quiet paths and clear rules

#2 OLM Nature Escape – with Thomas Steiner

The farther you venture into the Ahrntal Valley, the quieter it becomes. Thomas Steiner of the energy-self-sufficient aparthotel OLM Nature Escape reports ideal conditions:

„We have wonderful snow in the winter“

The hotel recommends winter hikes in Rein, Weißenbach, and, in particular, Kasern, which is located at the northernmost point of Italy. Here, winter hiking is secluded, peaceful, and scenically impressive.
Another  particularly atmospheric hike is the trek to the Kofler Lakes near Rein in Taufers. The hike features high-altitude, frozen lakes at over 2,400 meters, snow-covered forests, and a backdrop that slows you down just by looking at it.

At the same time, risks are handled very transparently in the Ahrntal Valley. Some winter hiking trails are not cleared or gritted and are only accessible when conditions permit. Studying avalanche reports is part of the preparation process here (and everywhere else!). Respecting such limits is also part of sustainability.

Ritten: Winter has many faces

#3 Hotel Weihrerhof – with Klaus Pichler

Winter does not necessarily mean snow in every place. Klaus Pichler of the Hotel Weihrerhof on Lake Wolfsgrubener See on the sunny Ritten plateau openly states:

„We usually get snow in the winter. And even if it doesn’t snow, we still have the frozen lake for ice skating, hockey, and curling.“

Even without snow, you can still enjoy exercise, fresh air, and mindful experiences at this time of year. Whether ice skating or hiking through the frosty, albeit snow-free, landscape.

PS: In the vast ice field, you will also find a hole that the hotel has cut out for ice bathing.

#4 ADLER Lodge RITTEN – with Sofia Rabanser

Also on the Ritten is the ADLER Lodge RITTEN, composed of wooden lodges surrounding a small pond which often freezes in the winter. Sofia Rabanser provides insight into the activity program and recommends a guided winter hike to the Earth Pyramids. The hike takes about an hour and offers a unique natural feature and fantastic views of the Dolomites. However, her bonus recommendation is the newest addition to the program: a hike with the hotel’s own alpacas.

All activities are included in your stay at the ADLER Lodge. The hotel will reopen at the beginning of February.

Sustainable winter vacations in Germany: Winter hikes and peaceful retreats

Winter retreat just outside of Munich

#1 Gut Sonnenhausen – with Alexandra Baeten

Winter hiking also reveals its serene side in the Alpine foothills. Gut Sonnenhausen, located near Munich, sent us a video capturing snow-covered meadows, the sound of crunching snow, and a sense of tranquility—perfect for experiencing the winter season, even in the lowlands. Take a stroll through the landscape park or hike along the high-altitude circular trail.

Hiking with Bergbaschdi in the Allgäu

#2 Hotel Das Rübezahl – with Alexander Thurm

In the Allgäu region, Bergbaschdi, the hiking concierge, guides guests through the countryside, even in the winter. Alexander Thurm, a member of the host family at Hotel Das Rübezahl, reports:

„There is guaranteed snow on the mountain, but it is only sporadic in the valley. Depending on conditions, guided hikes will continue to take place with or without snowshoes.“ (January 23, 2026)

Snowshoes, poles, crampons, and headlamps for evening tours can be borrowed free of charge. After your hike, relax and unwind in the Roman-inspired spa, enjoy the private infrared saunas in select rooms, and sample the highly acclaimed cuisine. Recommended reading: We have previously discussed and featured chef Erik Wendt on our blog.

Austria: Guaranteed snow in Seefeld and Pfunds

#1 Hotel Klosterbräu – with Familie Seyrling

In Seefeld, Tyrol, you can enjoy snow cover for most of the winter. Here, the luxurious Hotel Klosterbräu, housed in 500-year-old monastery walls, recommends winter hikes starting right at the hotel: an easy tour through the Möserer Valley, or a moderately difficult circular hike around the Gschwandtkopf with panoramic views of the Inn Valley for more advanced hikers. The hotel provides an overview of all winter hiking trails on its website.

#2 Summit Lodges Pfunds – with Marco Spiss

As demonstrated by a special tip from the Tyrolean Oberland, winter hiking doesn’t always have to take place in the morning or during daylight hours. Marco Spiss from Summit Lodges Pfunds recommends enjoying a picnic under the moonlight in Pfundser Tschey, a high valley far from brightly lit cities that offers perfect conditions for stargazing.

After a leisurely 30-minute winter hike, you will find yourself in a natural setting that is particularly rare in winter: true darkness. With the help of an expert guide, you can discover constellations in the clear night sky while keeping warm with hot punch or mulled wine and a small snack.

Good to know: The Moonlight Picnic lasts for around two to three hours and takes place on selected dates. The next full moon nights, which offer the best conditions for stargazing, are on 1 and 3 February 2026. The new moon (ideal conditions for stargazing) occurs on 17 February 2026. Registration is required as the number of participants is limited.

Important: If you plan to be out after dark, make sure you’re prepared with a headlamp, etc. Be sure to check that it is charged beforehand. Even if you plan to be back before dark, you may misjudge the length of your tour, or something unexpected may happen. To ensure you can safely get down from the mountain, always carry a charged pocket flashlight or, better yet, a headlamp in your hiking gear (a cell phone flashlight is not sufficient). Also, always inform someone in the valley about your planned tour and expected return time.

Walk quietly and see far — experience a winter like no other

From snow-covered forests in Hohe Tauern National Park to sunny high plateaus in South Tyrol to groomed trails in Tyrol to the Tyrolean Oberland under the moonlight, winter hiking reveals the power of slowness. It requires no lifts, noise, or spectacle. All you need are good shoes, a little preparation, and a willingness to embrace the season.

Conversations with the guides reveal: Winter hiking is an invitation to reconnect with nature.

Is it winter where you live, too? If so, you can lace up your hiking boots right now. Take with you what winter can teach us: peace, clarity, and an eye for the essentials.

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

Are organic foods really healthier?

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

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

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

Why organic food can be healthier overall

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

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

● Groundwater and drinking water are significantly less polluted.

● Soils remain more fertile and healthy

● Biodiversity is protected (keyword: insect decline).

● Water cycles are not disrupted by persistent pollutants.

● Harvest workers are exposed to fewer health risks.

● Harmful pesticide residues cannot remain on food.

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

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

Is organic better than regional?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What about organic hotels?

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

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

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

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

Here’s an experiment for you to try:

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

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

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

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

EU organic label: A solid foundation with room for improvement

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

Some requirements for the EU-Bio seal:

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

Bioland: Strict requirements for products, catering, and accommodations

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

Some requirements for the Bioland seal:

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

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

Demeter: Very strict requirements and a biodynamic concept

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

Some requirements for the Demeter seal:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Organic certification for hotels

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

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

Bio Hotels: A network with clear standards

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

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

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

Organic without a seal: when conviction remains

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

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

Our understanding of organic at Green Pearls®

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

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

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

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

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

Are you in?

This is an update from November 11, 2022.

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7 environmental sins to avoid while hiking

Before we discuss how you can best enjoy your hikes, including recommendations on footwear and other essentials, we would like to point out the most common environmental sins.

#1 Ignoring prohibited areas

Blocked paths, nature reserves, and “no trespassing” signs aren’t there for fun; they’re there for your safety and the protection of ecosystems. In the Alps, for instance, mass tourism is causing an increasing number of problems, including the destruction of flora and fauna, as well as rescue operations resulting from carelessness and the use of closed sections. Therefore, always stay on designated routes and respect signage.

#2 Wild camping

Spending the night under the stars sounds romantic—but so does staying at an official campsite, designated bivouac, or trekking site. These places also have important amenities, such as toilets and trash cans.

#3 Leaving trash and cigarette butts behind

Even seemingly small items, such as candy wrappers, tissues, and chewing gum, take decades to decompose. If they decompose at all! So, take your trash with your—even organic waste, such as fruit peels, does not belong in nature.

#4 Leaving dog waste behind

For many people, dogs are an integral part of the hiking experience. However, their waste contains nutrients and germs that can alter alpine flora. Always carry bags with you and dispose of them properly. This applies to both your dog’s waste and your own!

#5 Swimming in protected mountain lakes

Some bodies of water, such as Lake Antermoia in the Dolomites and Lake Bodensee in Styria, Austria, are closed to the public to protect their ecosystems. Swimming can disturb animals, destroy shore plants, and deteriorate water quality, so it’s important to stick to the rules, even when the water looks tempting (find more info here).

#6 Picking (protected) wildflowers

According to § 39 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG), the so-called “hand bouquet rule” applies. This means that you may pick a small amount of wild herbs, mushrooms, berries, or flowers for personal use (but you should only do so if you have a use for them).

However, many people don’t realize that many wildflowers are endangered. In Germany, for instance, nearly one-third (26%) of all wildflowers are protected. This includes popular flowers like pussy willows, monkshood, gentian, and crocuses. Tip: Use Google Lens or various apps to identify plants on the go and ensure that you don’t pick any protected species.

#7 Disturbing animals

Animals need peace and quiet. Noise and cameras can be sources of stress. The Nature Conservation Union says: “Keep a respectful distance from animals and breeding grounds. Stay on paths and refrain from using flash photography or approaching animals.” Following these guidelines will prevent behavioral disturbances and ensure that you remain a respectful guest in their habitat.

Tips for sustainable hiking

Now that you know what not to do, you might be wondering: What is the right thing to do? That’s what we’re going to talk about now! 🙂

Preparing for your hike

It’s worth investing a little time in planning before you lace up your hiking boots.

• Choose a route that matches your fitness level to prevent overexertion or having to turn back.
• Find out in advance about nature reserves, closed trails, and special local rules so you won’t encounter any surprises along the way.
• Research the animals and plants you might encounter, and find out if any of them are endangered or dangerous.
• Pack only the essentials to reduce weight.
• Use reusable containers for your provisions.
• Pack weather-appropriate clothing, preferably in layers for different conditions. Remember that the weather can change quickly, especially in the mountains. It gets much cooler at higher altitudes than in the valley!
• Book sustainable accommodations—we’ll recommend some options further down!

The right outfit for the mountains

Of course, we understand that you want to look good while hiking. You can do that with sustainable hiking clothing. Many eco-friendly labels produce functional clothing made from recycled plastic bottles or organic natural fibers that are environmentally friendly yet stylish. The product range extends from shoes to hats. If you want to take it a step further, look for the Fair Wear Foundation label, which guarantees fair working conditions.

Some sustainable clothing brands include Patagonia, Vaude, Icebreaker, Engel Natur, and Löffler. For shoes, consider Hanwag, Ethical Wares, Lowa, Eco Vegan Shoes, Will’s Vegan Store, and Doghammer. (The brands are mentioned for informational purposes only. We do not receive money or other benefits for mentioning them.) If you can recommend any other sustainable outdoor brands, please share them in the comments!)

5 sustainable hiking hotels and vacation homes in the DACH region

#1 Naturhotel Outside, East Tyrol – Hike with guides through the national park

The Naturhotel Outside in East Tyrol will pick you up at the Lienz train station and take you back on your departure day. Located in the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park, this official hiking hotel is the perfect home base for hikes of all difficulty levels.

For example, you can discuss which route suits you best with hiking concierge Karin Steiner. We interviewed her for this article, and she shared some insider tips for hiking in the national park.

“We offer free hikes with our hiking guides several times a week. In addition, there are ranger tours in the Hohe Tauern National Park (also free for our guests). Backpacks and hiking poles are available to borrow free of charge at the hotel.“ – Naturhotel Outside

#2 Hotel Das Rübezahl, Bavaria – Discover the Allgäu with hiking concierge ”Bergbaschdi”

At the Hotel Das Rübezahl in Füssen, the hiking concierge, Bergbaschdi, is ready to show you the mountains in a unique way. In our interview, he reveals how he encourages even the most seasoned hikers to take breaks along the way.

In addition to guided tours, the hotel has a spacious spa area that’s perfect for unwinding after a hike.

• Tip: If you want to experience the mountain feeling even more intensely, you can extend your stay with an overnight stay in the hotel’s own Edelsberghütte

Füssen train station is 3 kilometers (5 minutes by car) from the hotel and there is a free shuttle service.

#3 LA VIMEA, South Tyrol – vegan hiking hotel

The LA VIMEA in Naturns makes climate-friendly travel easy; the hotel offers a shuttle service from the train station in Naturns. Another eco-friendly option is taking a long-distance bus, such as FlixBus, to Merano and then taking the train for the last leg of the journey.

As Italy’s first 100% vegan hotel, La Vimea is committed to sustainable cuisine. Hiking enthusiasts not only benefit from the animal-friendly packed lunches but also from the hotel’s ideal location in the heart of the South Tyrolean mountains, within walking distance of the Texel Group Nature Park. Numerous tours await you. After an active day, unwind in the saltwater pool, natural swimming pond, or sauna.

• • Tip: Here you will find the hiking routes recommended by the hotel

#4Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten, Moselle — Combine hiking with Far Eastern wellness

If you want to combine hiking with wellness and culture, the Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten on the Moselle is the perfect choice. This region offers gentle, circular trails through vineyard-covered hillsides and picturesque riverside paths, as well as challenging trails with narrow paths, climbing passages, and ladders. There are also various excursion destinations around Bernkastel-Kues. Designed according to Feng Shui principles, the resort features a TCM center and five-element cuisine.

• Tip: Here you will find 10 hiking trails on komoot near the hotel.

#5 Summit Lodges Pfunds, Tyrol – log cabin in the heart of the mountains

If you prefer having your own space instead of staying in a hotel, the sustainably operated Summit Lodges Pfunds are perfect for you. The two log cabins can each accommodate up to six people, and they are ideally located for exploring the surrounding Tyrolean mountains. I asked owner Marco Spiess what else he would recommend besides hiking. His answer? Instead of long hikes, he recommends short trips. For example, it takes just 1.5 hours to reach the Pfundser Tschey, and then you can continue on to the Frudiger (Pfunds’ local mountain).

Otherwise, he recommends relaxing in the lodges. You can sit comfortably in the living room and enjoy the mountain view in front of the open fire.

Sustainable Hiking Hotels in Tenerife and Peru

Of course, there are also wonderful hiking destinations outside of Europe. Depending on where you start your journey, it may not be quite as sustainable to get there, but there are Green Pearls® accommodations that consistently operate in an environmentally friendly manner.

#1 OCEANO Health Spa Hotel in Tenerife — Holistic Hiking on the Volcanic Island

#2 Inkaterra Hotels in Peru — your dream destination on the Trail of the Incas

The legendary Inca Trail in Peru is on many hikers’ bucket lists. Spanning several stages, it winds through the Andes, passing by ruins and cloud forests and crossing high mountain passes en route to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu. At the end of the trail, the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel awaits, offering the perfect opportunity to reflect on your hike while surrounded by lush tropical gardens.

We also recommend the Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba. It is located in the Urubamba Valley near Cusco. There, your guide, Hiroshi Sánchez, will accompany you on hikes where you will discover nature and learn about the region’s traditional agriculture. Birdwatchers will particularly enjoy themselves — Hiroshi will be happy to show you colorful hummingbirds and rare Andean birds!

Here’s a tip for anyone who wants to hike more sustainably: try plogging

WAnother brilliant tip that we learned from the Swedes is to always pack a trash bag. You can use it to dispose of your trash and to collect anything that others have left behind in the forest or mountains, just like plogging (a portmanteau of the Swedish words “plocka” for picking up and “jogga” for jogging).

Hike with respect for yourself and nature

You are now well-equipped for your sustainable tour – from start to finish:

1. You know what to avoid: No environmental sins, no traces, and no stress for nature or animals.
2. You are prepared: You have the right equipment and have chosen the right tour — because less is often more.
3. You travel consciously: Whether by train, shuttle, or bus, you keep your carbon footprint small.
4. You are well accommodated: In accommodations designed not only for hikers but also to promote the experience of nature – from alpine national parks to tropical gardens.

This makes hiking a valuable experience for your body, mind, and the environment. Together, we can ensure that we enjoy and preserve the landscape, step by step.

This is an update from April 12, 2019

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Some tell tales of royal splendor, while others recount great upheavals. Together, they demonstrate that history isn’t confined to museums; it can be experienced along hiking trails and in your sustainable hotel. Here, our Green PearlsⓇ partners reveal which sights their guests find particularly fascinating.

The history of Bavaria between royalty and nationhood

Let’s start with Bavaria, Germany’s most visited federal state. This remains true for both German and foreign visitors, according to a Statista survey from 2024. Thanks to its proximity to the Alps, Bavaria is an ideal destination for hiking and outdoor vacations. There is also an abundance of wellness hotels, some of which are committed to sustainability and Green Pearls™ partners.

In addition to hiking and wellness, there are historical sites to explore! Bavaria has many historical buildings that tell the story of a time when regional identity and national aspirations were closely intertwined. In the Upper Palatinate, for instance, King Ludwig I commissioned the construction of Walhalla, an impressive monument to this day. Built in an ancient style, this temple honors notable figures in German history and embodies the concept of unity long before modern German national consciousness emerged.

The House of Bavarian History in Regensburg is close by and provides vivid information about the development of Bavaria and its role in German history.

Tip: Several events dedicated to King Ludwig I will take place until November 2025, marking the 200th anniversary of his accession to the throne.

Since 2025, Neuschwanstein Castle has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The royal castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau in southern Bavaria are a testament to the self-image of King Ludwig II, grandson of King Ludwig I. He used these buildings to create a place of retreat and a romanticized ideal of rule. Known as the “Fairy-Tale King,” Ludwig II was King of Bavaria from 1864 to 1886. Neuschwanstein Castle therefore belongs to the modern era, despite its medieval appearance.

On July 12, 2025, Neuschwanstein Castle, Linderhof Castle, Herrenchiemsee Castle, and the Royal Palace on Schachen were listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Some of the suites at Hotel Das Rübezahl and the outdoor spa offer direct views of Neuschwanstein Castle, which looks like something from a fairy tale. You won’t have to wait in line to see it! Instead, you can enjoy the warm water of the outdoor pool or your morning coffee on your balcony. The hotel offers exactly that combination of wellness and hiking vacations, which are popular at the moment, along with a hiking concierge (Bergbaschdi) and historical sights. Additionally, the hotel is sustainably oriented, using renewable energies and serving regional organic cuisine.

A hotel in a historic country estate

Some accommodations even have a rich history within their very own walls: Gut Sonnenhausen, located near Munich, for example, dates back to an early 20th-century stud farm. Over 120 years ago, Munich architect Wilhelm Spannagel built it in the English style, and host Georg Schweisfurth converted the stud farm (along with a farmhouse dating from 1800) into a sustainable hotel. Stylishly furnished, the hotel features a blend of modern and traditional elements. For instance, antique farmhouse cabinets from various sources were purchased and restored for the bedrooms.

Regional history and old borders

Germany’s history as a patchwork of principalities, duchies, and free cities is evident even today in many small, often inconspicuous traces in the landscape. Take the northern Black Forest, for example, where hikers come across old boundary stones—silent witnesses to a time when Baden and Württemberg were independent states.

Guests at the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA hotel in Bad Herrenalb can follow these historical traces. Many of the stones bear the letters “B” for Baden and “W” for Württemberg. They mark a border that once separated the two regions but now symbolizes their union.

Similarly, the employees at Schwarzwald Panorama have grown together as a team as well. As host Stephan Bode told us in an interview, the team is made up of people from many different countries, all working to make the wellness hotel in the climatic health resort a pioneer in sustainability with a holistic zero-waste strategy and organic food.

The division of Germany — and what remains of it

Following the development of the federal states into an empire, then a republic (the Weimar Republic), and finally the German Nazi Reich, another significant period in recent German history was the division of the country into East and West Germany. Following World War II, Germany was divided in 1949 into the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) in the west and the German Democratic Republic (GDR) in the east—a division that lasted until the country’s reunification on October 3, 1990.

While the Berlin Wall is the first thing that comes to mind for many when this topic is mentioned—it was a symbol of the Cold War and the site of dramatic escape attempts—there were numerous other places along the inner-German border where the division was palpable.

One such place is Mellrichstadt, located in the Bavarian Rhön region just a few kilometers from the former border. The Berkach border memorial here commemorates the GDR’s security installations — an old watchtower still stands today, only about 300 meters from the current Bavarian-Thuringian state border. Those who want to learn more can visit the Border Museum in Eußenhausen. Together with the German Unity Sculpture Park, it makes for a worthwhile day trip..

The STURM, now a sustainable hotel and member of Green PearlsⓇ, is nearby. Built in the 1970s as a classic clinker brick building, the hotel benefited from border tourism at the time. Today, it stands for mindful organic living, eco-friendly architecture, and the serene beauty of the Rhön, showing how places with history can reinvent themselves.

Immerse yourself in the economic and migratory history of the region

The impact of diversity and exchange on regions is particularly evident in former trading cities and places of immigration. These areas continue to benefit from the knowledge, ideas, and energy of their former newcomers.

The European Hansemuseum in Lübeck, located in the north, is an impressive reminder of the Hanseatic League, a powerful alliance of cities that dominated Northern European trade for centuries. The main exhibition is available in four languages: German, Swedish, Russian, and English.

The Baltic and North Seas are also popular vacation destinations in Germany. Almost every German has visited one of them at least once in their life. The most popular places are those right on the beach, like Timmendorfer Strand, where our partner, SANDnature, is located. The adults-only lifestyle hotel boasts a natural flair and a great roof terrace.

Lübeck and the Hanse Museum are ideal destinations for a day trip — or, if you’re feeling athletic, by bike. The exhibition shows how international trade links shaped the Baltic Sea coast and how values such as trust, contracts, and alliances determined economic activity in the Middle Ages.

Huguenots

Further south, you will learn about the history of the Huguenots, who were forced to flee France in the 17th century. They settled in Erlangen, leaving a lasting impact on the city through their expertise in crafts, trade, and medicine.

Today, guided tours recount Erlangen’s eventful history as a “Huguenot city”—an impressive example of early modern migration and integration. The Hotel Luise is ideally located for exploring these historical sites on foot or by bike. It is designed to be sustainable through and through. There are “renewable hotel rooms” with “astronaut showers,” a private microforest, beehives, tables made from old refrigerators, and many other projects you should check out! The Wall of Change in the hotel lobby provides an overview where each project, no matter how small, is represented by a wooden leaf.

History isn’t always pleasant — hole prisons and nuclear bunkers

Erlangen and the surrounding citys like Nuremberg have other historically significant sites that may be difficult to understand, but which reveal a great deal about the country.

One such place is the “hole prisons,” small underground solitary cells in Nuremberg that can be visited on guided tours. Water, bread, and a little daylight – the only things that came through the “hole.”

The region contains many relics from the Nazi era and the postwar period. Examples include the former Nazi Party rally grounds in Nuremberg and the Cold War–era nuclear bunkers also located in Nuremberg.

Lake Constance – where contemporary history meets engineering excellence

The engineering prowess of the German people is a particular source of national pride. Evidence of this can be found everywhere, from the automotive industry to bridge construction, energy technology, and aerospace engineering.

The Zeppelin Museum in Friedrichshafen on Lake Constance commemorates a special milestone in German aviation history.

Did you know? The first Zeppelin, the LZ 1, took off on its maiden flight from Lake Constance on July 2, 1900 — an event that ushered in a new era of travel. The museum’s exhibition displays original parts and replicas and highlights the social significance of airship travel.

By the way, you can now experience the Zeppelin Museum through an escape game! You’ll hunt for secret Zeppelin plans and play your way through history.

If you’re looking for sustainable accommodations, check out the Naturresort Gerbehof nearby. This family-run hotel is quietly located between forests, apple orchards, and horse stables. It has a sauna and spa area and is a true retreat. Children are welcome during the holidays, and outside of the holidays, you can enjoy an adults-only atmosphere.

Travel at a turning point

Just as the Zeppelin once ushered in a new era of travel, we are now at a turning point. Sustainable travel is not just a trend; it’s a conscious step toward a future that considers people, the environment, and history.

When we travel mindfully, we write a new chapter for ourselves. And who knows? Perhaps this way of traveling will one day become part of our collective memory.

Other parts of this miniseries:

Part 1: Travel to the Early Days (What Glaciers and Caves Reveal)

Part 2: Travel like the Romans do

Part 3: Castles and Monasteries in the Middle Ages (and what the rest of the world looked like then)

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Years ago, I moved from Cologne to Jerusalem and was surprised by the many connections between these two places. After all, the Roman Empire created a cultural area around the Mediterranean whose influence can still be seen and experienced today.

Rome – the origin of a global empire

When discussing the Roman Empire, the Eternal City is simply the place to start. Rome grew from a small city-state into a vast empire spanning three continents.

A center of power for over a thousand years

Rome was founded in 753 BCE, which marked the beginning of the Roman Empire. The empire lasted for 12 centuries and underwent various eras. The Western Roman Empire collapsed in 476 CE, marking the beginning of the Middle Ages in Europe. The Eastern Roman Empire, however, continued to exist until 1453, when Constantinople fell to the Ottoman Turks.

Rome was a city of millions with sophisticated water and sewage systems, fortified roads, and a functioning fire department in the first century A.D. Even today, numerous monuments bear witness to Rome’s former glory: the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Roman Forum, the Baths of Caracalla, and the Appian Way—all of which illustrate how highly developed and cultured life was in ancient Rome.

Fortunately, you don’t have to travel to Rome to experience the spirit of Roman times. In line with the “Second Cities” movement, many other places in Europe have preserved their Roman heritage. And they are all located near our sustainable hotel partners. 🙂

Following in the footsteps of the Romans in Europe

Immerse yourself in the world of the Romans: the Roman town of Aguntum near Lienz

Near the Naturhotel Outside in East Tyrol lies the Roman town of Aguntum – a fascinating archaeological park with an adjoining museum. Under Emperor Claudius (41–54 AD), Aguntum was declared a municipium, or town. Here, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the everyday life of the Romans. Mosaics, jewelry, tools, and other everyday objects offer a glimpse into a bygone era. Excavations have also uncovered parts of the city wall. Other notable features include the atrium house, a residential building with an open courtyard; the craftsmen’s quarter; a large thermal bath; and a macellum, a circular market building.

Highlights include:

• The reconstructed impluvium, which is a water basin in an atrium house.
• Interactive stations that bring history to life
• Guided tours and events are also available, as well as a viewing tower with a view of the excavation site.
• Hiking like a Roman legionnaire

The Roman Empire was conquered on foot, so it’s no surprise that the Romans were known for their well-built paths and roads. One such road, the Roman Trail, still runs across the Ritten in South Tyrol today. It was recommended to us by the APIPURA hotel rinner.

Fun fact: The Romans invented advanced footwear for their long journeys. The famous Roman sandals were part of soldiers’ standard equipment (incidentally, only men served as soldiers, which is why we’re not using gender-neutral language). The number and shape of the straps indicated rank. Today, however, we recommend modern hiking boots for the Roman Trail—preferably from sustainable brands, of course. 😉

The trail itself is considered a historic bypass route around the impassable Eisack Gorge. Wheel ruts from carts and the name “Römerweg” (Roman Trail) suggest a long history, although it is unclear if Roman troops ever passed through. What is certain, however, is that emperors and kings used the Römerweg on their way to Rome in the Middle Ages. This approximately 10-kilometer-long (6.2-mile) hiking trail takes you past several sights and the famous earth pyramids. It’s definitely great if you like combining nature experiences and historical sights!

After your hike, relax in the wellness area of the APIPURA hotel rinner, which features a rooftop whirlpool. The hotel is famous for its organic cuisine and honey. Fun fact: Honey was an important ingredient in Roman cuisine and medicine.

Wellness à la Roma: Bathing like in ancient times

Roman bathing culture was legendary in antiquity and remains so today. Public baths were places not only for hygiene, but also for socializing, leisure, and enjoyment. Whether in the frigidarium (cold bath), the tepidarium (lukewarm bath), or the caldarium (hot bath), bathing was a ritual that benefited the body and soul.

You can still see traces of this ancient heritage today, such as at the Hotel Das Rübezahl in the Allgäu region. Many guests come for the view of the famous Neuschwanstein Castle. However, those interested in the region’s history will discover an even older treasure right next door: the Roman villa on the Tegelberg.

About four kilometers from the hotel are the ruins of a second-century Roman villa rustica (country house). The excavated bathhouse, which has original mosaics and colorful frescoes, is especially impressive due to its well-preserved structure. The small frigidarium (cold bath) with a barrel vault and round-arched windows has been reconstructed at the Munich State Archaeological Collection – from there, it was once possible to see as far as the hill of the castle in Füssen.

The ruins are now accessible for free directly at the valley station of the Tegelbergbahn cable car. It’s a great place to experience Roman history up close and enjoy wellness like a Roman.

At the sustainable Hotel Das Rübezahl, you can also immerse yourself in ancient Roman culture. The Therme Romana, located in the clothing-optional wellness area, pays homage to ancient bathing culture. The host team deliberately designed it in the spirit of this history. In this stylish setting, which features natural materials and warm lighting, you can relax, sweat, and bathe just as the Romans did 2,000 years ago.

Conclusion: Experience and preserve the past

When you follow in the footsteps of the Romans, you travel not only to a distant past but also to the origins of our modern culture. Much of what shaped the Roman Empire, from roads and thermal baths to architecture, can still be seen in everyday life today.

However, historical sites are more than just fascinating photo opportunities. They are a valuable part of our cultural heritage and, therefore, an important aspect of sustainable travel. After all, sustainability means protecting existing treasures, passing on cultural knowledge, and traveling responsibly.

By visiting Roman excavation sites, you are contributing directly to their preservation, whether through admission fees, attention, or appreciation. Many of these sites, such as the Roman villa on Tegelberg, are open to the public and rely on visitors like you to experience them respectfully.

So, buckle up—or lace up your hiking boots—and join us as we explore one of the most fascinating empires in history. You’ll be surprised at how alive history can be today.

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