7 Eco-Friendly December Travel Ideas in Europe
Looking for green winter getaways in Europe? Here are 7 top spots for eco-conscious travelers:
- Strasbourg, France: Christmas markets with LED lights
- Zermatt, Switzerland: Car-free ski resort
- Rovaniemi, Finland: Santa's hometown with sustainable hotels
- Ljubljana, Slovenia: Green capital with eco-Christmas market
- Copenhagen, Denmark: Biking city aiming for carbon neutrality
- Reykjavík, Iceland: Geothermal energy and eco-certified hotels
- Val di Fassa-Carezza, Italy: Ski area cutting carbon emissions
Quick Comparison:
| Destination | Main Green Feature | Top Eco Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Strasbourg | LED Christmas lights | Biking (373 miles of paths) |
| Zermatt | Car-free town | Solar-powered skiing |
| Rovaniemi | Eco-certified hotels | Reindeer sledding |
| Ljubljana | Car-free city center | Green Christmas market |
| Copenhagen | Extensive bike lanes | Harbor swimming |
| Reykjavík | Geothermal energy | Eco-friendly pools |
| Val di Fassa-Carezza | Smart snow tech | E-biking |
These destinations blend holiday magic with sustainability. From snowy peaks to festive markets, they prove you can enjoy winter travel while being kind to the planet.
Related video from YouTube
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg calls itself the "capital of Christmas." It's a top spot for green travelers, mixing old traditions with new eco-friendly practices.
The city's Christmas market, around since 1570, now has over 300 stalls in the Grande Ile area. Here's what makes Strasbourg stand out:
- LED lights that only run from sunset to 11 pm
- 373 miles of bike paths (France's #1 cycling city)
- Special markets supporting charities and sustainable artists
Want a green place to stay? Try these:
| Hotel | Green Features |
|---|---|
| Hotel Tandem | Local breakfasts, no single-use plastics |
| Okko Hotels | Natural bed linen, showers instead of tubs |
Guillaume Libsig, Deputy Mayor, says:
"We have to operate in a more environment-friendly way – we need to protect the change of the seasons."
When you visit:
- Use Park & Ride if you're driving
- Drink gluhwein from reusable cups at the markets
- Try craft workshops at du Marché Gayot
- Check out the OFF Marché for thrifting and local art
Strasbourg shows you can have a merry AND green Christmas.
2. Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt is a car-free Swiss resort town that's perfect for eco-friendly December travel. It's at the foot of the Matterhorn and blends luxury with green practices.
Getting there? Park in Täsch and take a train. Once in Zermatt, you can walk, use electric taxis, buses, or even horse-drawn carriages.
Zermatt's hotels are big on sustainability:
| Hotel | Green Features |
|---|---|
| The Omnia | Solar power, local food, less waste |
| Hotel Alpen Resort & SPA | Solar energy, local food |
| La Vue | Eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient |
| Boutique Hotel Matthiol | Saves water, cuts waste |
The ski resort is eco-friendly too:
- Three solar systems make over 210,000 kWh a year
- Snowmaking machines that pollute less
- Spends up to 1 million Swiss francs yearly on green projects
Zermatt's mayor, Christoph Bürgin, says:
"The more we attract the people, the more the challenge is to keep it clean and untouched."
For the greenest stay:
- Take the train to Zermatt
- Walk or e-bike around
- Stay at eco-certified hotels
- Eat local, organic food (try Waldhotel Fletschhorn in Saas Fee)
Zermatt shows you can have a luxurious AND green December getaway.
3. Rovaniemi, Finland
Rovaniemi, Santa's hometown, isn't just about Christmas magic. It's a winter wonderland that takes eco-friendly travel seriously.
Green Stays and Play
Rovaniemi's hotels are stepping up their green game:
| Hotel | Eco-Friendly Perks |
|---|---|
| Glass Resort | Air heat pumps |
| Santa Claus Holiday Village | Geothermal energy, green electricity |
| Aurora Holidays | Recycling, reusables, eco-cleaning |
Want eco-fun? Rovaniemi's got you covered:
- Reindeer sleigh rides
- Dogsledding lessons
- Ice fishing and Nordic skiing
- Northern lights viewing from glass-ceiling "igloos"
Beyond Arctic, a local tour company, snagged the Green Activities Environmental Award in 2021. They use clean vehicles and leave no trace behind.
Eat Local, Stay Sustainable
Aurora Holidays Restaurant walks the eco-talk:
- Wild Teno river salmon
- Home-herd reindeer
- Tap water in glass jugs
- BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) friendly
Want a taste of Finland? Join a cooking demo over a wood fire.
Travel Smart, Travel Green
Here's how to keep your trip eco-friendly:
- Train it from Helsinki
- Walk or use public transport
- Pick eco-certified hotels
- Shop local crafts
- Save energy in your cottage
Antti Nikander from Santa Claus Village Cooperative says:
"The commitment of its members to sustainable tourism is genuine."
Rovaniemi proves you can have your winter wonderland and be green too.
sbb-itb-863863a
4. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital, is a top pick for eco-friendly December travel. The city's green living commitment shines through its actions and layout.
Since 2012, Ljubljana's heart has been car-free. This move cut down noise and air pollution, made walking and cycling safer, and created a more pleasant atmosphere.
The city is incredibly green:
- 46% covered by native forest
- 75% of the total area is green spaces
This keeps the air clean and offers plenty of outdoor spots, even in winter.
From December 1st to January 1st, Ljubljana hosts one of Europe's greenest Christmas markets:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Preseren Square and along the river |
| Lighting | Green energy and LED lights |
| Products | Local, handmade Slovenian goods |
| Food | Many vegan and vegetarian options |
The market supports the local economy while keeping its carbon footprint low.
Visitors can join Ljubljana's green efforts:
- Use public water fountains to refill bottles
- Shop at the Central Market for local produce
- Join the organic market on Wednesdays
- Decorate living "Green Trees" with recycled ornaments
For a green stay, consider:
- Hotel Park: First Slovenian hotel with a Travelife Gold certificate
- Hostel Celica: World's first eco-certified hostel
- One 66 Hotel Ljubljana: Focuses on reducing waste and saving energy
Ljubljana shows that winter travel and eco-friendliness can go hand in hand, offering festive fun without compromising green values.
5. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is a top pick for eco-friendly December travel in Europe. The city's green living commitment shines through its daily operations and future plans.
Biking is Copenhagen's eco-friendly heartbeat:
- 390 km of bike lanes
- 36% of residents bike to work
- More bikes than cars in the city center
Rent a bike to experience the city like a local. Shops and services like Donkey Republic make it easy.
Copenhagen's green public transport:
| Type | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Metro | 39 stations, 4 lines, 24/7 |
| Harbor Bus | Electric, wheelchair-friendly |
| S-trains | City center to suburbs |
| City buses | Going all-electric |
The city aims for carbon neutrality by 2025:
- Planting 100,000 new trees
- Testing smart city solutions
- Speeding up public transport
Want a local experience? Swim at Islands Brygge Harbour Bath. It's clean, has five pools, and shows off the city's water quality efforts.
Foodies, check out Copenhagen's eco-friendly eats:
Make your stay greener:
- Use the Copenhagen Card for free transport and discounts
- Get the GoGreen Copenhagen app for local green tips
- Take a Cycling Embassy bike tour to learn about the city's bike setup
It's chilly in December, but Copenhagen's eco-friendly vibe makes it a perfect winter spot.
6. Reykjavík, Iceland
Reykjavík's winter charm and eco-friendly options make it a top pick for December travelers. The city's green living shines through its activities and stays.
Green Stays and Eats
Reykjavík has 21 eco-friendly hotels. Here are some top picks:
| Hotel | Features | Carbon Emissions (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Holt Hotel | ETIC Gold Certified | 23.7 |
| Radisson Blue | Local ingredient cuisine | 29.4 |
| Hilton Reykjavík Nordica | LightStay management system | 26.4 |
For food, try Gló. It's one of Reykjavík's first eco-friendly restaurants, focusing on healthy meals and less waste.
Eco-Activities
-
Geothermal Pools: Reykjavík has 17 pools heated by natural hot springs. The Sky Lagoon offers a seven-step spa experience.
-
Green Sightseeing:
- Walk the city with a Viking guide
- Bike around to cut your carbon footprint
- Check out the Perlan Museum for city views and Iceland exhibits
Christmas Markets
Reykjavík's Christmas markets are new but growing:
- Skate at Ingolfstorg Square (Dec 1-23, 1490 ISK)
- Shop local crafts at Hafnarfjordur's Christmas Village
- Get a sustainable Christmas tree at Heidmork Forest
Be a Responsible Tourist
- Take the Icelandic Pledge
- Look for Vakinn-certified companies
- Consider offsetting your carbon with Icelandair's tree-planting program
Reykjavík in December? It's a green winter wonderland waiting for you.
7. Val di Fassa-Carezza, Italy
Val di Fassa-Carezza, nestled in the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a winter sports paradise that's going green. This Italian ski region is stepping up its eco-game big time.
Skiing with a Conscience
Carezza ski area isn't just talking the talk:
- They joined the "Turn to zero" Community in 2019
- They're cutting their carbon footprint year after year
- They even bagged the Climate Investment Award
The Eisath family, who run the cable car, are tech-savvy:
| Tech | What it does |
|---|---|
| Smart snow cannons | Cover all slopes in just 80 hours |
| GPS snow groomers | Cut fuel use by 25% |
More Than Just Skiing
Val di Fassa-Carezza isn't a one-trick pony:
- 500 km of hiking trails? Check.
- E-bikes? You bet.
- Climbing routes? They've got those too.
Want a quick nature fix? Take a 20-minute spin around Lake Carezza.
Winter Wonderland
December here is something else:
- 220 km of slopes for everyone from newbies to pros
- 20 km of cross-country trails
- Snowshoe through Latemar woods
Eat Like a Local
After shredding the slopes, warm up with:
- Knödel
- Spaghetti
- Apple strudel
Hit up the Christmas market at Lake Carezza on weekends for extra holiday vibes.
Val di Fassa-Carezza shows you can have your cake and eat it too - world-class winter sports AND eco-friendly practices. It's a no-brainer for green-minded travelers this December.
Wrap-up
Eco-friendly travel in Europe isn't just a fad. It's a way to enjoy the holidays while being kind to our planet.
Here's how to make your winter trip greener:
- Take trains, not planes. European rail is excellent and cuts emissions big time.
- Eat local and stay at family-run spots. It puts money right into local pockets.
- Pack smart. Bring a reusable water bottle, bag, and utensils to cut plastic waste.
- Use public transport. Many European cities have great systems.
- Choose low-impact fun like snowshoeing or visiting local Christmas markets.
Small choices matter. Pick an eco-friendly destination and follow these tips. You'll help keep Europe's winter magic alive.
"Travel green now, ensure happy trips for future generations." - Rick Steves
This holiday, let's enjoy amazing experiences while giving back to the places we visit. Happy green travels!