Sustainable Vacation in Austria – All about eco-friendly travel, accommodations and activities

Each year, Austria inspires many travelers just like you and us. Sadly, this is also the problem: The Alps inspire so many people. At least in the two high seasons, summer and winter, too many. Therefore, we have compiled a Green Travel Guide to help you prepare for your next vacation in Austria. You are, of course, welcome to check the website once you are on site to travel in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way.

Green destination on the doorstep: Austria

So, what do you associate with Austria? Skiing and winter vacations in the Alps are probably the first thing that come to your mind, right? Snow-capped peaks, craggy cliffs and gentle, snow-covered alpine meadows are the epitome of romantic winter getaways. But Austria has much more to offer. There are almost 25,000 lakes. 3,900 themed hiking trails and nearly 1,000 long-distance hiking trails crisscross the country and invite you to take extended hiking tours in summer.

To preserve this impressive nature, sustainable behavior on vacation is essential. But, what does that actually mean?

What does sustainable travel mean?

Sustainable travel includes many aspects. If you want to look into it in more detail, refer to these two blog articles on the background to sustainable travel and tips for sustainable travel.

Generally speaking, travel plays a huge part in why tourism is considered harmful to the climate. That is why the shorter the journey, the better.

Austria is very centrally located in Europe and is easily accessible by public transport. That means you can comfortably do without your car and travel by bus and train. Airplane? Unnecessary!

Moreover, more and more resorts are embracing sustainability and making sure to support the local economy, make green travel possible, and also create incentives on site to go emission-free. What you can do yourself for a sustainable vacation in Austria, we have summarized in a compact travel guide.

Guide: Sustainable vacation in Austria

Tips for your journey

Take the train instead of the car. Refrain from short-haul flights from neighboring countries or within Austria. Also pack lightweight. For one thing, you have to carry less, and for another, means of transport consume more fuel when loaded heavier. Especially if you are traveling by car, this is relevant for you.

Mobility on site

An increasing number of places offer their guests the possibility of a sustainable vacation. Whether with improved connections to the train, or through the incentives created by accommodations, such as free e-bike rental when traveling by train. For example, this is available at the Hotel Klosterbräu in the popular Seefeld vacation region.

Other resorts have joined the Alpine Pearls, committing themselves to climate protection and sustainability in tourism. The four Alpine Pearls in Austria (Hinterstoder, Mallnitz, Weissensee and Werfenweng) are car-free. Hiking, valley and ski buses take guests everywhere. In addition, e-bikes and bicycles are provided free of charge.

Along the Danube, the regions have also networked to guarantee sustainable mobility for guests. In addition to buses, trains, and bicycles, the Transdanube Pearls also offer boat trips to connect the individual towns.

Excursus: Cable Car

Criticism of the construction of new rope ways is frequently voiced. However, often, only recreational activities such as skiing or tourist traffic are considered. Cable cars are just as much a means of public transportation as buses and trains, and they are also an important supply line for remote huts and alpine pastures.

Even though it seems against nature, the route that has to be cut for construction is still a good idea if you consider how much space a road would have taken up.

In the end, how environmentally friendly a rope way is depends on the mode of operation. A social aspect is fulfilled in any case: It makes it possible for seniors, people with disabilities and children to experience the mountain world.

Sustainable hotels and vacation homes in Austria

A significant point on how you can go on your vacation in Austria more sustainable is by choosing sustainable accommodation. They are committed to the preservation of Austria’s unique nature and take their responsibility. So, you can stay overnight with a good conscience.

You can recognize sustainable hotels and vacation homes by certain labels, such as the label. It’s best to familiarize yourself in advance with the criteria that an accommodation must fulfill.for example, sustainable energy production, the local purchase of food, the protection of the environment during construction and operation, as well as social aspects (employees, projects, …).

Hotel Klosterbräu, Seefeld

Unique hotel experience in a 500-year-old monastery • family-owned for 7 generations • wellness and culinary delights at their best • own brewery

Good for you and for the region

When you stay in a sustainable hotel, it provides regional products. But even if you do your shopping because you stay in a vacation home, or if you eat out, you should make sure to consume regionally. By doing so, you help the local economy and indirectly support local farmers. For example, the AMA seal, whose standards are even higher than the EU organic seal, and the Grüne Haube (Green Hood) are suitable points of reference when shopping and searching for restaurants.

Sustainable Activity Guide for Austria

Austria is best explored on foot. The numerous hiking trails lead you to remote regions and through almost untouched nature. In this blog article, we have already selected hiking trails that you can easily reach.

But the country in the Alps is not only perfect for hiking. Cyclists, from touring to mountain biking, also get their money’s worth. Also on horseback or by kayak, you can discover Austria emission-free and with a new perspective. And if you’re not into sports at all: How about a wellness vacation in a sustainable wellness hotel?

If you don’t want to just passively do something for the environment while on vacation, but want to get active yourself, then join one of the CleanUP Days organized by the non-profit association Patron e.V. Plasticfree Peaks and local communities. With a group of like-minded people, you can clean up the trails and do your part.

Sustainable vacation in Austria – Essentials for your packing list

Packing is very individual, but a few essentials belong in every luggage for a sustainable vacation. Here you get them at a glance:

• Glass or metal water bottle to avoid single-use plastic bottles.
• Jute or fabric bags for your groceries
• Beeswax paper or lunch box for your snack in the mountain
• Natural cosmetics, solid soaps, etc. without microplastics (tip: if you still take those little shower gel travel bottles at home, don’t throw them away, just refill your shower gel or shampoo for shorter trips if you don’t use solid products anyway)
• Eco-friendly sunscreen (even in winter!)

Take your time and let it be

Hiking, relaxing and taking time in Austria

Austria has so many attractions that it’s tempting to rush from one beautiful spot to the next. But we advise you to take a slow, sustainable vacation in Austria. Allow a place to slow you down and discover it in a whole new way during your vacation. By the way, this doesn’t have to be during high season. Even in spring and autumn, the mountains are beautiful. Maybe even a bit more beautiful. 😉