Holidays are the highlight of the year for many people. Whether a relaxed beach holiday, an eventful city trip or an active hiking tour – the choice of the right destination depends on personal preferences, travel time and budget. But more and more travelers also place value on sustainability. In this article we present popular and sustainable destinations you can reach in a climate-friendly way – ideally by train – and provide tips for an environmentally conscious dream holiday.
What makes a sustainable destination?
A sustainable destination offers more than attractive landscapes or good weather. The focus is on nature and climate protection, regionality, low-impact tourism and a responsible use of resources. Ideal are places that rely on public transport, promote regional products and provide alternatives to mass tourism. If you want to plan your trip in an environmentally conscious way, you should consider not only accommodation and activities but also a low-CO₂ journey – e.g. by train.
Sustainable destinations in Europe
Europe offers a variety of climate-friendly destinations reachable by train. Here is a selection of particularly sustainable places:
Germany: diversity on your doorstep
- Bodensee: The lake lies in the picturesque tri-border area between Germany, Austria and Switzerland and can be reached conveniently by train. Thanks to well-developed cycle paths, numerous nature parks and a diverse regional cuisine, the Bodensee is an ideal destination for those who value low-impact tourism and want to relax.
- Uckermark (Brandenburg): This quiet and expansive region stands for unspoiled nature, sustainable travel offerings and conscious tourism. The Uckermark is not only well connected by train but is also regarded as a pioneer in eco-tourism. Here you can leave everyday life behind – whether hiking through nature reserves or staying in ecologically managed accommodations.
- Berchtesgadener Land: If you are looking for an impressive mountain panorama, crystal-clear lakes and quiet, car-free hiking areas, this is the right place. Arrival is straightforward by train – for example via Salzburg or Freilassing. On site you will find a precise combination of natural experience, sustainable infrastructure and Bavarian hospitality.
Austria: active holidays with a sustainability focus
- Salzkammergut: Lakes, mountains and regional hospitality – ideal for train travelers (e.g. Bad Ischl, Hallstatt). Many hotels operate carbon-neutral and use organic products.
- Zillertal: Easily reachable by train, many sustainable accommodations and car-free hiking regions.
Switzerland: Comfort meets environmental awareness
- Zermatt: Completely car-free – access by train to Täsch, then by electric taxi or cog railway. A genuine showcase for sustainable tourism.
- Vierwaldstättersee: Historic villages, outdoor experiences and good rail connections – for example to Lucerne.
France: Environmentally friendly to the Mediterranean
- Camargue & Provence: Diverse landscapes, lavender fields, charming villages – reachable by TGV (e.g. to Avignon).
- Atlantic coast (La Rochelle, Île de Ré): Bicycle-friendly, maritime and with organic markets – ideal for families or couples.
Italy: Enjoyable and sustainable
- South Tyrol: Reachable by night train or Railjet. Organic hotels, regional cuisine and climate-friendly mobility (e.g. Südtirol Mobilcard).
- Cinque Terre: The picturesque coastal villages can be conveniently explored by train – entirely without a car.
City trips by train – sustainable and exciting
Many European metropolises are excellently accessible by train – entirely without flying:
- Paris: Fast and convenient by TGV or ICE from Germany.
- Amsterdam: An environmentally conscious city with many cycle routes and sustainable hotels.
- Copenhagen: A cycling city with a focus on green infrastructure.
- Vienna: Diverse cultural offerings and certified organic hotels – well connected by night train.
- Zurich: Short distances, good public transport connections and a high sustainability standard.
Holidays in nature – sustainable and relaxing
Nature experiences are among the most environmentally friendly types of holidays – especially when you combine them with train travel and local accommodations:
- Nationalpark Eifel (Deutschland): A highlight for hikers and nature lovers – with good rail connections and sustainable guesthouses.
- Lofoten (Norwegen): Accessible by train and ferry – pristine nature with sustainable outdoor activities.
- Julische Alpen (Slowenien): Hiking, swimming and culture – well reachable by train via Ljubljana.
- Schwedens Seenplatte: Relaxation in lakeside holiday homes, reachable by train and bus.
Beach holidays without flying – these beaches you can reach in a climate-friendly way
- Baltic Sea (Germany/Poland): Lübeck Bay, Usedom or Rügen are conveniently reachable by train. Well-developed rail connections make switching to a car unnecessary.
- North Sea islands (e.g. Norderney, Amrum): By train to the coast and onward by ferry – the car-free islands offer peace, nature and deceleration.
- Italian Adriatic (e.g. Rimini, Trieste): Many places are well reachable by day or night train. Ideal for sun holidays with Mediterranean flair – entirely without flying.
- Croatia (Istria): You can travel comfortably by train to Rijeka or Pula. The region is quieter than the south and stands out for its nature, coastal towns and charm.
- Southern France (e.g. Marseille, Nice, Sète): Thanks to the TGV you can reach the Mediterranean quickly and comfortably. Perfect for beach holidays with French flair – sustainable and without flying.
Family-friendly and sustainable destinations
If you travel with children, you benefit from sustainable destinations with short distances, nature offerings and car-free zones:
- Biosphärenreservat Rhön (Deutschland): Nature, animals, gentle hills – perfect for family hikes.
- Bavarian FoREST National Park: Wildlife parks, foREST playgrounds and easily accessible towns like Zwiesel or Grafenau.
- Denmark (e.g. Bornholm): By train and ferry – ideal for holiday homes, flat beaches and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Swiss Jura: Nature experiences with educational elements, organic accommodations and sustainable mobility.
Tips for sustainable travel planning
- Train instead of plane: Use night trains, long-distance services or Interrail. That saves CO₂ and offers more comfort than many expect.
- Local providers: Book accommodations, tours and RESTaurants locally – that strengthens the regional economy.
- Less is more: Prefer a longer trip instead of many short trips – it spares the environment and your nerves.
- Pack consciously: Reusable water bottles, solid soap (e.g. the olive oil soap with dead sea salt from ALEPEO and the matching tin), bamboo toothbrush (e.g. the Bamboo Toothbrush from unicorn) and cloth bags help reduce waste.
- Environmentally certified accommodations: Look out for labels such as EU Ecolabel, BioHotels, BDIH, ECOCERT etc.
Conclusion: Sustainable holiday destinations – Relaxation with a future
Traveling with consideration for the environment and people is more important than ever. Whether you hike in the Alps, relax on the Baltic Sea, or explore charming towns – sustainable holiday destinations offer you relaxation, enjoyment and a clear conscience at the same time. With conscious planning, climate-friendly travel and an open eye for local particularities, your vacation will not only be unforgettable but also future-proof.