A Travel Guide to Europe's Hidden Sustainable Gem: Germany

In 2022, 163 million tourists arrived in Germany to explore what this country has to offer. From its complicated history, diverse cultural experiences, gorgeous natural environments, and the perfect location for a European vacation, it is Germany’s dedication to sustainability which makes it a wonderful travel destination. The diversity Germany has to offer ensures that everyone’s interests can be catered to, making it the perfect destination to cure your wanderlust this summer.

Sustainable Initiatives

According to Responsible Travel, “Germany has not only broken records when it comes to responsible tourism, it has also broken barriers.” Germany is dedicated to protecting its natural habitats with gorgeous national parks that are conserved and maintained to protect biodiversity. The rise of the German “bio hotel” is allowing tourists to choose more sustainable accommodation and farm holidays are trending with families learning about green farming, nature, and sustainability. With a ton of sustainable initiatives, developments, and goals, Germany is leading eco-tourism.

The Sustainable Tourism Destination Germany is a national competition which has created an incentive for regions around Germany to become as sustainable as possible. This competition acknowledges German regions that are dedicated to sustainability, awarding and promoting the most eco-friendly regions. There is also a similar competition for the Alpine region which is driving sustainable initiative in the mountains.

There are many research projects and studies which Germany is undertaking. The study on German sustainability is allowing Germans to better measure and implement sustainable travel while making it a transparent process. The study on the German alps is helping to maintain and preserve this region through the effects of climate change. It is creating measures to adapt to the changing conditions, and implementing initiatives to save winter tourism.

The country is working on digitizing their travel industry which will create opportunities for sustainable travel, while making it easier for tourists to book those sustainable options. They are improving environmental protection, climate action, and biodiversity conservation, including these three pillars into tourist attractions. Much of German ecotourism includes nature and environmental education experience activities like sustainable hiking programs.

Germany Travel states that: “With its blend of protected nature, innovative flair and cosmopolitanism, Germany as a travel destination has the ideal ingredients for exceptional and sustainable holiday experiences that also help to protect our climate and the environment.”

Traveling to, from, and around

Getting there…

When traveling to Germany, those residing in mainland Europe can get there easily and sustainably. Trains are the perfect way to travel to Germany from most European nations. Trains are a great way to not only travel sustainability, but to travel slowly, and experience other countries as well. By train travel, tourists will travel through other countries, exploring their natural environments leisurely from their seats. They are often also cheaper than a flight. If trains are not available or do not match your budget, buses are also available and a more sustainable way to travel than a plane or car.

Unfortunately for international tourists, they must book flights to Germany, however can purchase carbon offsetting to help balance their plane emissions. If there are international tourists who are already in Europe, then using a train to get to Germany is a very viable and sustainable option.

Traveling around Germany…

Germany is a pioneer of public transportation with one of the safest and cleanest modes of transport being its trains. Traveling around Germany is incredibly easy (yet not as punctual as we might like!) with the Deutsche Bahn. What’s really great is that these trains can take you to more natural spots as well, away from the bustle of the cities for a quiet day trip.

Moreover, the major German cities have fantastic public transportation from the U-Bahn (the subway system) to their trams. These trains will give you access to every part of the city, making it easy and quick to tour around. If you are staying in the countryside, the S-Bahn will bring you right into the heart of the city. Smaller German towns and villages will give you access to a practical bus schedule taking you from town to town or simply around the town you are visiting.

Transportation in and around Germany is incredibly sustainable and eco-friendly. There is a vast variety of places that will be serviced by buses, trains, subways, or trams. It will allow you to save money and emissions on renting a car, keeping our environment clean!

Diversity of the Country

Germany itself is a very diverse place with a little something for every traveler. From its large metropolitan cities to its sandy beaches to its mountainous region, Germany has so much to offer.

Sunny and sustainable beach vacations

The north of Germany is surrounded by the North Sea which has created beautiful sandy beaches along the coast. Close to the modern yet gorgeous city of Hamburg, which is perfect for a city/beach vacation, Germany beaches will surprise all travelers who have yet to experience them.

Alongside Hamburg, we recommend visiting Sylt, Binz, Niendorf, and Langeoog for access to gorgeous beaches. The beaches in Sylt, a German island, are often compared to Monaco with 40 km of sandy beaches full of areas perfect for relaxation, swimming, and other beach activities.

Binz is a combination of stunning old fashioned architecture and sandy beaches that will send you back in time. With clear blue water, breathtaking cliffs, beech forests, and an historic charm Binz is the perfect location for a beach vacation.

The beaches in Niendorf are a secret, remaining undiscovered for the most part by international travelers. These beaches are teaming with events from sporting opportunities such as volleyball and soccer to fun beachside concerts. This is the best place for those who want a beach vacation with other activities besides relaxing.

Langeoog is a stunning little island in the northwest of Germany with a dedication to sustainability. Cars are not allowed on the island so biking is the way to go. There is also the opportunity to take horse drawn carriages or the short train line. The town is colorful and beautiful and the beaches are white and sandy!

Fast paced, historic and cultural city stays

Germany is known for its extremely complex history dating back to before it had even unified as a country. This history can be explored in many of the cities alongside German culture which is incredibly diverse depending on the region you visit. From traditional Bavaria to international Berlin, German cities have something for everyone.

Some of our favorite cities include Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Bremen, Dresden, and Cologne. While Berlin remains the largest international hub with more people speaking English than German. All of these cities have many important historical landmarks which are significant for cultural learning and educational purposes. They are each home to a variety of German cultures and histories with unique cuisines, traditions, stories, music, and even dialect.

Berlin is a huge metropolitan city, bursting with history, politics, and alternative movements. This city is full of different cultures, awesome nightlife, and a surplus of activities so you’ll never be bored. Munich is the perfect city for a blend of the traditional and innovative. With the mountains so close by, it’s ideal for a slower city stay. Hamburg is covered in bridges, canals, and rivers, making boat travel a super cool way to discover this city. Not only does Hamburg have beautiful architecture, delicious seafood, and vibrant nightlife, it is also one of Germany’s greenest cities!

Bremen is a major cultural hub, with incredible medieval architecture and interesting folklore. A great place for a trip centered around culture. Dresden is home to stunning and iconic landmarks and is a major historic center with the aftermath of the 1945 bombing of the city. Cologne is not only gorgeous but has a huge party scene, from its delicious food to its fun filled city, this is an action packed destination.

What’s more is that each of these cities is working on implementing sustainability. This means that wherever you go, you’ll find a brilliant combination of traditional, modern, and green places throughout.

Slow Traveling in Nature

Looking for a break from cities? Want to travel more slowly and sustainably? Germany is the perfect destination for slow nature travel. From its incredible Alpine mountains, stunning forests like Schwarzwald, and breathtaking glacier lakes, there is a lot of German nature to explore.

The Alps offer a variety of sustainable activities. One of the most impressive mountain ranges, visitors can hike or bike around them to explore all they have to offer. Stop at a local Hütte to sample some of Bavaria’s finest cuisine which is usually locally sourced and produced! You can also try the famous rodelbahn if you dare!

In the winter, travelers can enjoy downhill skiing, sledding, and snowshoeing. Stay in one of the many eco-friendly hotels and enjoy relaxing in nature. This region is very sustainable, with efforts to protect and maintain biodiversity. There is also a lot of history to be explored like the Eagle’s Nest in Berchtesgaden or one of King Ludwig II’s famous castles.

Around the Alps and also in Germany’s southern region are a ton of gorgeous, can’t miss lakes like the Starnberger See, Walchensee, Tegernsee, Chiemsee, and Königsee. These lakes are incredibly impressive, with many of them boasting turquoise water. There are so many activities offered around these lakes such as hiking and biking, paddle boarding and windsurfing, or even renting a paddle boat and enjoying the serene waves.

Moreover, there is so much history that surrounds many of these lakes with the Starnberger See being the death place of King Ludwig and Chiemsee home to one of his impressive castles. Go back in time and explore these historic sites in the middle of nature.

Day Trips to Surrounding Countries

As an added bonus, Germany is the perfect country to take day trips to other European countries from. Using Germany as a homebase, you can easily travel to ten other countries depending on where you are staying.

In the north of Germany, you’ll have access to Denmark, which is only a two hour trip from Hamburg. If you are staying in the north west, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg are easily accessible with some trips less than two hours. In the north east, you’ll take a two hour trip to reach the Polish border, and the east of Germany is bordering the Czech republic with Prague being only four hours from Munich.

In the south west, France and Switzerland are your day trip targets with two hour trips. In the south east, Austria is a quick one hour trip away with Italy only a three hour trip from there to visit South Tyrol. Germany is the perfect country to take quick sustainable trips from.

Places to Stay

Fast Paced International Capital: Berlin

In the heart of the capital lies this stunning ecohotel: the Lulu Goldsmeden. With beautiful and trendy rooms decorated in a combination of Nordic and Balinese design, this hotel will wow you with its striking attention to detail.

Lulu Goldsmeden is certified by Green Key and the Green Globe, highlighting their dedication to sustainability. They offer a completely organic restaurant and offer a variety of sustainable perks like bike renting. They are both family and dog friendly so feel free to bring along your family’s best friend!

Traditional and History Southern City: Munich

The Soulmade Hotel in Munich is sleek, modern, and completely eco-friendly. ThisHotel describes it as being “made for eco-conscious souls”. The theme of nature is woven throughout the hotel’s decor with almost everything being made from natural resources – even the hotel itself is made from sustainably sourced wood. Moreover, it’s powered by renewable energy.

The Soulmade offers seasonal and locally sourced food and opportunities to make your own produce! It has a beautiful rooftop garden and outdoor fireplace. With plenty of fun hotel activities, opportunities to rent bikes, and an ideal location, this hotel is perfect for the eco-friendly traveler.

In the Alps: Berghotel Rehlegg

Traditional yet sustainable is what comes to mind with Berghotel Rehlegg. Located in Berchtesgaden, a historic and cultural place, this hotel offers a variety of amenities such as a relaxing spa! Rehlegg is proud of its historic roots and has built upon them to become a locally run hotel with traditional and modern elements.

The hotel is climate positive, taking sustainability very seriously and as a core value. Their food is regionally sourced, ensuring organic farming methods are used. They use renewable energy to power their hotel and have nuanced waste management processes. All of their merchandise is sustainably sourced.

On Iconic Starnberger See

Situated on the iconic Lake Starnberg only 27 km from Munich and 75 km from the Bavarian Alps is the bio hotel Schlossgut Oberambach. This hotel is climate neutral, a certified BIO HOTEL, and uses renewable energy. Enjoy organic cuisine, stunning views, and access to an assortment of summer sporting gear such as bikes or golfing.

From paddle boarding to biking to leisurely walks, the Starnberger See is a place full of history and gorgeous nature. This location is the optimal place for a slow, relaxing, nature filled vacation.

Adventure in the Black Forest

This hotel in the Black Forest region is unique in its concept. Ever wanted to sleep on a tree top? NaturTräume gives you that chance. This hotel allows you to stay in forest canopies that are suspended above the forest with steel cables. This way you can enjoy nature with no interruptions, eat a delicious array of various local delicacies, and experience life above the forest floor. This hotel is also dedicated to sustainable practices!

Popular Destination. Hidden Sustainability.

While Germany is not a hidden location, its dedication to sustainability is certainly a hidden gem among Europe’s vast landscape. This country has made strides to create eco-friendly tourism that will benefit its local culture, economy, and environment. From its breathtaking mountains to its sustainable cities, Germany truly has something to offer every type of traveler.