Sustainable Travel in Austria
Tips for car-less holidays, certified eco-friendly accommodation, and slow travel
Introduction
Sustainable travel can take many forms, from arriving by train or bus to staying in eco-certified hotels, enjoying a car-free holiday or choosing accessible travel options. People exploring the topic often come across slow travel, an approach that focuses on spending longer in one place and getting to know a region more deeply.
Austria offers a range of opportunities for this type of travel. Many destinations are connected to the rail network and can be reached locally by public transport. In numerous regions, shuttle services, cycle paths and mountain railways further expand mobility options. Many accommodation providers also hold certifications such as the Austrian Ecolabel.
These ways of travelling can be combined with nature and cultural experiences, whether hiking or cycling in the mountains, on alpine pastures, by the water or in the forest. Austria is home to numerous protected areas, including national parks, nature parks and biosphere parks. Museums with inclusive programmes and regional cultural events add further variety.
Tips and information on sustainable travel
Austria's most important certificates
Austria's protected landscapes
National parks, biosphere parks, nature parks and Natura 2000 sites are among the protected and recreational areas that shape Austria's landscapes. They range from the Thayatal Valley in the north and lake and moorland landscapes to the high mountain regions of the Alps. Austria's six national parks encompass a variety of habitats, from the country's largest national park, Hohe Tauern, to Donau-Auen National Park east of Vienna.
Visitor centres, ranger-led tours, themed trails and viewing points offer plenty of opportunities to explore these landscapes. Along the way, visitors can gain insights into local wildlife, plant life and the distinctive features of individual regions.
Sustainable winter holidays
Many people associate sustainable winter holidays with travelling by train, staying in eco-certified accommodation or making use of local mobility services. Which aspects take priority often depends on the region and individual interests. Here are a few examples:
At Lake Weissensee in Carinthia, Europe's largest prepared natural ice surface, winter hiking trails and travel by train and public transport help shape the winter experience. In Montafon, the Golm adventure mountain combines winter sports with rail and bus connections as well as regional mobility services. Riesneralm in Styria operates its own hydropower plant to supply electricity for its mountain lifts and has received several awards for its energy concept. In Tirol's Kaunertal Nature Park, free ski buses provide access to the ski area.