Green Getaways and Sustainable Swaps when visiting Europe in 2024

Czechia

Swap planes for trains when travelling to the Czech Republic

Rail travel is set to be one of the top travel trends of 2023, with travellers looking for a cheaper, ‘slower’ and more sustainable way to travel. Europe’s network of sleeper trains will grow next year, as Czech Republic’s rail operator has announced new mega-cheap routes, including a new ‘Canopus’ sleeper service running from Prague to Zurich via Dresden, Leipzig, Frankfurt am Main and Basel. Also European Sleeper, a Belgian-Dutch company, along with Czech company Regio Jet, will connect Brussels to Prague via Amsterdam and Berlin by spring 2023, in a new route which they hope will re-establish night train travel popularity. Connecting some of the top cities in Europe, this route will undoubtedly be extremely popular for travellers, also due to the great perks of the night trains like wifi, breakfast and coffee. While also being a more sustainable form of travel, rail travel can also be a more affordable alternative; governments in Germany and France have announced reduced fare schemes and other countries are sure to follow suit in a bid to reduce carbon emissions.

Immerse yourself in authentic and sustainable travelling with a stay at an eco-farm

Staying at an eco-farm pushes visitors away from the major Czech cities such as Prague and into the countryside, therefore working to reduce overtourism, a major problem before the pandemic. These ecological farms offer tourists accommodation and sell local produce, allowing visitors to experience farm life, learn about authentic Czech culture, eat organic food and chat to locals. While promoting responsible tourism, they also provide an idyllic stay in Czech small villages and countryside. One initiative promoting this is WWOOF, which links visitors with suitable ecological farms, creating a global community for sustainable tourism.

Poland

Paddle around Poland’s Lake District, Masuria

Explore a kayaking excursion through the interwoven waterways that form the ‘land of lakes’. The Warmia-Masuria region is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, home to over 2,000 bright blue lakes and 20,000 square miles of untouched green landscapes and diverse wildlife which can be approached silently from the waters of Masuria’s enchanting lakes. Connected by a series of pretty rivers and canals, it is a haven for sailing, windsurfing and boating, with the 100km long Krutynia River particularly popular with kayakers. Due to the unspoilt natural beauty of the area, you can also discover UNESCO Biosphere Reserves such as Łuknajno Lake, or unwind by boating on Poland’s biggest lake; Śniardwy. Also, you can swap the paddles for pedals and try out the Green Velo East of Poland, the longest marked cycling trail in the country! While you visit, why not try some regional food, as Masuria is famous for its healthy, local cuisine based on three ingredients: fish, honey and flour!

Book to stay at one of the most unusual green cottages in Poland!

Hidden among hills and dreamy greenery in Krzywcza lies Hobbitówa, a unique architecture of natural construction. What was born out of passion and dreams is now available for both hikers and travellers looking for a 360-off-grid stay with microclimate charms. The real-life hobbit home that puts the shire to shame is a fully sustainable off-grid cottage with its own water well, sewage works and panels for electricity. It is the perfect place to relax and explore in a fully sustainable way. You will find the wonderful greenery of the Dynowski foothills closeby with the San river closeby, available for a spring canoeing trip. If you are travelling with children or are looking to explore parts of Poland’s own history, Przemyśl fortress and its monument are just a short trip away. Why not break away from reality by the clay fireplace or gaze at the amazing landscape that lies right in front of the cottage.  Your unique adventure awaits.

Vale of Glamorgan, Wales

Foodies will love to discover the local, sustainable Welsh food scene

A great way to make sustainable changes is through food. Taking place from 26th May – 4th June 2024, the Vale Food Trail will include a calendar of events that will highlight sustainable food and drink, offering visitors and locals the chance to deepen their connections with the community while exploring the region independently. The trail will bring together 20 businesses and organisations committed to showcasing climate and nature-friendly (agroecological) food and showcase the Vale’s incredible offering of local food. Participating businesses and organisations include Forage Farm Shop & Kitchen, Slade Farm Organics, Peterston Tea, Garlic Meadow, Foxy’s Deli & Café, and Awesome Wales – each contributing to a diverse and sustainable culinary experience in the beautiful Vale of Glamorgan.

Stay at Llanerch Vineyard, the UK’s first vineyard hotel which makes delicious Welsh wine grown from grapes on-site. The vineyard itself makes a variety of Cariad wines which have garnered numerous accolades and are celebrated for their unique Welsh character and quality. Visitors to the hotel can book an accompanying package tour of the vineyard and its 22,000 vines. The hotel itself does not disappoint. As well as the novelty of sleeping amidst a vineyard, the rooms are comfortable, bright, luxurious and tastefully decorated. At this award winning restaurant with AA two-rosette status, visitors can enjoy locally sourced Welsh food in the renovated old farmhouse while overlooking the originally family-run vineyard. Llanerch offers a true farm-to-table experience; their use of fresh, local produce shines in their exquisite menu. Llanerch Vineyard has put Wales on the map as a wine destination, offering a perfect blend of Welsh hospitality, wine expertise, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit for wine enthusiasts and travellers seeking a unique and unforgettable experience in Wales.

Vilnius, Lithuania

Taste the best of Lithuanian local produce in Vilnius, European Green Capital 2025

Like most places these days, emphasis is on sustainability and being mindful of the environment. Vilnius is no different – especially when it comes to sourcing local produce and keeping Lithuanian cooking traditions at the heart of their vision. In fact, in October Vilnius was named as European Green Capital for 2025 for their sustainability measures and aims for the future. Many restaurant chefs respect seasonal produce and follow a farm-to-table approach. This philosophy allows them to create delicious, modern and contemporary cuisine yet remain faithful to conventional ingredients and local traditions.

For example, Džiaugsmas, named the best restaurant in the country several times, serves top drawer food created from delicious seasonal ingredients by chef Martynas Praškevičius. Fun fact: Džiaugsmas actually translates as ‘joy’ in Lithuanian! Also, at intimate 42 seat restaurant Nineteen 18, fine dining is inspired by local produce and stories of the Lithuanian people and mouth-watering dishes created under the watchful eye of celebrated chef Andrius Kubilius. Another venue that really follows the ‘farm to table’ ethos is 14 Horses, creating beautiful dishes from local ingredients and inspired by Baltic culinary traditions. Located in Senatorių Pasažas – a unique and lively hub of shops and restaurants offering the very finest organic food and contemporary cuisine. Food is a great way to experience a new destination and there’s nothing better than lingering over a long lunch or a cosy candlelit dinner to create travel memories – and visitors will feel even better knowing that they are helping the environment.

Tampere, Finland 

Embark on a Green Getaway to Tampere, the Finnish city where sustainability meets outdoor adventures! 

Located between the enchanting Lake Näsijärvi and Lake Pyhäjärvi, Tampere invites you to embrace eco-friendly travel in 2024. Swap traditional resolutions for a commitment to the planet and discover the natural wonders and sustainable gems this city has to offer. Tampere is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Engage in activities that harmonise with nature, like cross-country skiing, ice skating, and scenic walks in the lush forests. Feeling bold? Take a refreshing dip or try river floating in the icy waters – a true Nordic experience!

Tampere offers something unique for visitors who enjoy a good walk on their travels. The National Parks are close to the city for anyone wanting to combine outdoor activities with a city break.

Did you know you can go hiking really close to the city? In the Hervantajärvi hiking area, which opened in 2021, there are about 10 km of guided hiking trails and two campfire sites. As a special treat, visitors can take the tram from the city centre and go deep into the forest.

Helvetinjärvi National Park’s hiking trails are part of the extensive Pirkan Taival network (300 km), with routes leading towards Ruovesi, Kuru and Virrat and all the way to Seitseminen National Park (which celebrated 40 years in 2022).

TheNiihama Nature Trailruns through the wooded terrain around Niihamajärvi Lake and Soukonvuori Hill. The trail is over three kilometres in length, has ten checkpoints and features fresh and dry heath forest, birch groves and herb-rich forests.