Styrian winter forest from above | © Steiermark Tourismus | Tom Lamm Styrian winter forest from above | © Steiermark Tourismus | Tom Lamm
Green holidays - holidays in Styria

Sustainable holidays in Styria

What does it mean to travel sustainably? It means treating natural resources with respect or using and consuming raw materials in such a way that they are available to future generations in the same quality and quantity as they are to us today.

The idea of sustainability originated in forestry. In the timber industry, people think in terms of generations. The reason for this is that the period from planting a tree to harvesting timber takes several generations, depending on the type of wood. Decisions made at a certain point in time only have an effect years or even decades later. In the green heart of Austria, efforts for a more sustainable future have been taken for many areas already – out of respect and a sense of responsibility for nature and future generations. By the way, it should be mentioned at this point that Styria is the most densely forested federal state in Austria, with about 62 per cent of its land covered by forests.

Going on a sustainable holiday means:

  • to act with caution and care in the habitats you visit and to leave them as you found them,
  • to perceive nature as intensely, authentically and respectfully as possible,
  • and to adapt your lifestyle to the culture of the holiday destination.
„Be the change you want to see in this world.“
Mahatma Ghandi, lawyer and publicist

Sustainable mobility

We have put together some useful information and links for an uncomplicated arrival so that your journey to Styria is already part of a relaxing holiday.

hotel room | © Steiermark Tourismus | Punkt & Komma

Ecolabel hotels

The award-winning eco-label businesses care just as much about organic food from regional suppliers as about the responsible use of water and energy. From small private rooms to large seminar or holiday hotels, the stay is sustainably relaxing for guests and the environment.

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Styrian pioniers in all things sustainability

More and more companies in Styria are stepping up their green side. With fresh ideas and innovative actions, they have been contributing to a better climate for many years.

The results are impressive:

The Heßhütte, the Haindlkarhütte and the Mödlinger Hütte in the gesäuse national park, die Liezener Hütte, the Edelrautehütte and the Rottenmanner Hütte, die Köhlerhütte near the Zirbitzkogel, the Alois-Günther Haus in the Fischbacher Alps, or the Guttenberghaus and the Austriahütte above Ramsau am Dachstein are just a few of the environmentally friendly mountain cabins in Styria and have received awards from the Alpine Club for their commitment to nature.

The Ramsau “Bioniers” are committed to fully organic farming, active environmental protection, and a relaxing holiday in the spirit of nature. Farmers, merchants and restaurateurs meet the highest ecological standards of Bio-Ernte Austria.

The Murau energyregion relies on renewable energies: 89 hydroelectric power plants, ten wind power plants and 833 photovoltaic plants already produce more electricity than can be used in that region.

Golfers will also find the world's first organic golf course in the Green Heart of Austria. On the natural course of the Kobaldhof in Ramsau am Dachstein, synthetic fertilisers and plant sprays aren’t used there.

The Riesneralm uses the given resources efficiently. The available water not only feeds the snow-making system, but is also used to generate electricity.

Every wine is unique. The winegrowers' community of values "Schmecke das Leben" (taste life) cultivates a respectful and sustainable approach to the earth and the vines and leaves room for the aromas of the wines to unfold. The result: authentic wines with soul.

With the Rogner Bad Blumau thermal spa, the artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser has realised his vision for a life in harmony and in tune with nature. But it is not only visually that the spa blends wonderfully into nature. Thanks to so-called energy converters, the spa covers 30 percent of its own electricity needs.

SUSTAINABLY ACCOMMODATED IN STYRIA

With eco-conscious stays, holiday guests do something good for the environment without having to miss out. From hotels that have been awarded the eco-label to winegrowers' rooms and idyllic farm holidays - in the Green Heart of Austria, everyone will find the right holiday offer for a careful approach to nature.

EXPERIENCE STYRIA NATURALLY

Whether at events of the Styrian natural parks, while hiking, cycling or at the alpine pastures and cabins: there are many ways to consciously perceive the nature of Styria.