Conscious travel in Steiermark

Offers for a mindful holiday 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

Informations about traveling to Styria and mobility on site

Some useful informations and links for an uncomplicated arrival so that your journey to Styria is already part of a relaxing holiday.

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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Pioniers in Steiermark

How do businesses in Steiermark approach energy use, resources, and mobility? We introduce companies and show, through specific examples, the measures they have put in place.

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 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 more than 3.000 photovoltaic plants already produce much more electricity than can be used in that region.
The Riesneralm uses water from the Donnersbach for two purposes: first, a hydropower plant generates electricity. The water is then directed into the snowmaking system.
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.
Friedensreich Hundertwasser shaped the architecture of Rogner Bad Blumau with his distinctive forms and planted roofs. The spa also uses heat from the Vulkania® thermal spring for heating and generates electricity at its geothermal plant. According to the operator, the plant produces around 685,000 kWh of electricity a year.
The Planai electric ski bus takes winter sports enthusiasts along the valley ski bus route between the 4-Berge-Skischaukel and the Rohrmooser Plateau.

Sustainably accommodated in Steiermark

Whether you choose a hotel awarded the Austrian Ecolabel, a room at a winery, or a farm stay, Steiermark offers accommodation for many kinds of holiday - often just a short walk from hiking trails, vineyards, or meadows.

Experience Steiermark 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.