Europe can teach the world a few things about caring for the environment. With eco-hotels springing up in all the major cities and more and more emphasis on sustainable and environmentally friendly energy sources, there are now many eco-friendly holiday destinations in Europe.
Sweden
A land of virgin forests, glacial mountains and rugged coastlines, Sweden was one of the first countries to introduce an eco-tourism charter. Stockholm was voted European Green City 2010, whilst Malmo boasts the world’s largest wind farm. A destination for all seasons, in winter you can ski, go husky sledding or take in the wondrous Northern Lights, whilst in summer, take a tip from the Swedish themselves and head to the coast and participate in some sailing or kayaking.
Iceland
Known as the land of fire and ice, almost 100% of Iceland’s power comes from renewable, geothermal and hydropower energy sources. Home to Europe’s largest national park, Vatnajokull, it’s a land of glaciers, boiling mud pools, geysers, volcanoes, and waterfalls. Reykjavik is known for its notoriously eccentric nightlife, its art galleries and stylish restaurants. It’s also aiming to become ‘the cleanest city in Europe’. There are even hydrogen powered buses to transport you around the city.
Switzerland
This landlocked country attracts millions of visitors each year and it has often been said that the quality of life here is the best in the World. Numerous rivers fuelled by glacial melt are harnessed to provide much of the country’s power. The biodiversity is amongst the richest in the world with sustainable forestry being their biggest industry. With crystal clear lakes and stupendous mountains, skiing is very popular here, but in summer walkers and rock climbers flock to the mountains too. Visit Zurich and tour the city on an eco friendly scooter or take a leisurely boat trip on Lake Zurich itself.
Norway
Norway has become a bit of a guru when it comes to being eco friendly, it currently advises the rest of the world on developing renewable sources. With all of its energy coming from renewable sources, mainly hydropower, this is hardly surprising. There is water everywhere, waterfalls, turquoise blue glaciers, fjords. The Norwegians just love the outdoors. So join them and try some hiking in summer or ski in winter on quiet uncrowded pistes where even the lifts are powered by renewable power.
Germany
Perhaps not the first country to spring to mind, but Hamburg held the title of European Green Capital in 2011. Situated on the Elbe River, Hamburg is a lush city with vast public parks, lakeside beaches and shaded woodland areas. Take a boat trip along its winding canals or hire a bike and use pedal power to get around the city. Make sure you stop off at the Fresh Fish market held on Sundays for the last 300 years. If you are lucky enough to be there on one of the city’s ‘car less’ Sundays you can take advantage of free bike hire and free public transport.
As Europe becomes increasingly aware of the need to conserve our energy supplies and create new sustainable power supplies, more and more countries are now vying for a place in the top 5 eco friendly holiday destinations in Europe.
Sue Wright is an avid traveller and writer and has spent many years working with travel companies including Travel and Leisure Group. She has spent the last eight years living and working in Cyprus.