Austria continues to be a forerunner in sustainability and ecotourism, topping other European countries in organic farming, alternative energy, and recycling programs. With the Austrian government backing many environmental initiatives and with the cooperation of public and private sectors, Austria remains a top eco-friendly destination. National parks, adventure sports, farm experiences, and spa getaways are but a few ways to discover the country while being eco-conscious.
Hohe Tauern National Park
As the country’s oldest national park and central Europe’s biggest alpine nature sanctuary, you can be one with nature as you trek through incredible landscapes in Hohe Tauern National Park, with views of cascading waterfalls and picturesque valleys. Book a guided hike with park rangers to reach the peaks of the Alps and admire their glistening glaciers. While adventuring, discover over one-third of Austria’s plant species and a variety of birds, reptiles, and mammals that make the park home.
Blockheide Nature Park
Be taken to another world with a visit to northern Austria. The Blockheide Nature Park looks like the setting of fairytales, with its giant granite stone formations and other naturally made monuments. Marked trails weave through a lush forest with enormous rocky outcroppings making an active, fun outdoor eco-adventure for the whole family.
Türkenschanzpark Park
While spending time in Vienna, escape the urban hustle and bustle with a visit to Türkenschanzpark. Known for its ponds, waterfalls, and exotic plants, the park is a green space open to the public. Climb the 89 steps up the Paulinenwarte, an old water tower that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, overlooking the botanical gardens, streams and ponds.
Lake Hallstatt
Hallstatt is an idyllic village at the foot of the Dachstein Mountains. While touring the village is a memorable experience, kayaking and canoeing are also popular options if you prefer to spend time on the water. Lake Hallstatt is not only popular for kayaking and canoeing but for other outdoor environmentally friendly activities such as hiking, mountain biking and scuba diving.
Europabrücke Bungee Jumping
Have a once in a lifetime experience during your travels to Austria with an extreme sport that’s also eco-friendly. Europabrücke or “Europe Bridge” has been a popular spot for bungee jumping for nearly two decades. The bridge is more than 620 feet tall and is nearly a half-mile long. Spanning over the Sill River the bridge is also part of one of the main routes to cross the Alps, making for an interesting stop if you’re planning a trip to the mountains.
East Tyrol
Austria is famed for its snow-capped mountain and is especially known for its slopes. Grab your skis and head to East Tyrol to find the Grossglockner, Austria’s tallest peak. Spend your eco-holiday in a winter wonderland unrivaled in charm and coziness. The region boasts over 200 mountains, with a variety of winter sports options such as cross-country skiing and snowboarding available at different skill levels.
Wellness
Many eco-friendly wellness spas are found across Austria. St. Martin Chalets is Austria’s first eco-friendly, energy sufficient village with 10 luxury chalets providing plenty of elbow room to wind down and relax in a serene natural setting. Go for a relaxing bath in the sauna, meditate or do some yoga in the spacious, on-site gym.
