Best Cities for Sustainable Travel
Sustainable travel is an increasingly popular movement to reduce waste, protect the planet and aid local communities. This goal is accomplished by avoiding mass tourism, embracing local culture, and using less energy.
One of the most eco-friendly travel options is taking the train to your destination. Another viable choice is staying at a locally owned hotel.
1. Gothenburg
Gothenburg, Sweden’s second-largest city, has long been recognized as a hub for sustainable travel. In fact, it was named the best city in sustainability by the Global Destination Sustainability Index over the past three years.
Parks, green spaces, and historic buildings abound in this city that strive to encourage people to slow down, appreciate the moment, and leave as little of an environmental footprint as possible.
Due to this, it has become one of the world’s most eco-friendly cities and a top choice for meeting planners seeking an environmentally friendly venue. All hotels, restaurants, and transportation in the city follow a sustainable tourism ecosystem that’s been refined over time to guarantee travelers have an eco-friendly experience.
Furthermore, many restaurants and bars are offering sustainable options that utilize local ingredients. Michelin-starred Upper House, for instance, is 100% powered by wind energy and even their waste is recycled to fuel the kitchen when cooking meals.
Gaveriet is another excellent destination, a restaurant and farm shop where all food is grown, harvested, and prepared locally. Their zero-waste plates feature organic fish, meat, and vegetables.
Finally, the Museum of Maritime Culture should not be missed when in Stockholm. Here you’ll discover Sweden’s vibrant maritime history through various exhibits.
Gothenburg is also home to an idyllic archipelago that can be explored by ferry or boat. These rugged, tree-topped islands make for a tranquil day trip from the city and provide plenty of opportunity to escape the hectic pace in Gothenburg’s main hub.
2. Copenhagen
Copenhagen, with its clean air, tranquil waterways, and majestic wind turbines dotted across the horizon, is one of the premier cities for sustainable travel. Voted European Green Capital in 2014, Copenhagen aims to become carbon neutral by 2025 by embedding sustainability practices into all aspects of urban planning and development.
Copenhagen is a bicycle-friendly city, boasting smooth streets and dedicated lanes for cycling. Additionally, Copenhagen boasts an efficient public transport network that switches buses from diesel to electric.
Cycling in Copenhagen is an easy and popular way to get around. Thanks to a system of cycle lanes and curb-separated bike paths, you can quickly pedal around the city in no time!
Another excellent way to explore Copenhagen’s hidden gems is on board a solar-powered GoBoat, which will let you discover some of Copenhagen’s hidden treasures while enjoying the refreshing breeze. Green Kayak also offers free rentals in exchange for cleaning up the harbor and spreading ‘good karma’.
When it comes to food in Copenhagen, many restaurants use organic ingredients and are known for their minimal-waste kitchens. Amass restaurant features dumplings made from fish bones and crackers; Geranium boasts three Michelin stars for plant-based dishes with lower carbon footprints than meat dishes.
Copenhagen has many green initiatives underway, such as a wastewater system that stores stormwater runoff from roads for later treatment and use. This could reduce the amount of water pumped through the sewer system, thus decreasing emissions. Other sustainable projects like CopenHill are waste-to-energy power plants that produce clean energy and heat 120,000 homes.
3. Oslo
Oslo is known for being a green travel hub, offering many ways to stay eco-friendly while visiting this Scandinavian capital. From taking a walking tour around town, visiting Vigeland Park, or dining out at restaurants that use ethically sourced and organic ingredients, there are plenty of eco-friendly activities available to choose from when visiting Oslo.
Oslo is a leader in eco-friendly transport solutions, with the majority of new cars being electric vehicles (EVs). Norway has an extensive incentive framework that encourages drivers to purchase and drive EVs, making Oslo the “EV capital of the world”.
Another eco-friendly way to travel to Oslo is by taking public transport such as trams or buses. These are often more efficient than driving yourself and provide an excellent opportunity for getting acquainted with both the city and its people.
Oslo offers many local adventures, such as hiking or biking to the top of a mountain or taking a cruise around the 100-kilometer Oslo Fjord for an amazing sight. If you want to reduce your carbon footprint while having some fun on board, GreenBoats is an option; their vessels use electric engines for propulsion.
When looking for eco-friendly restaurants in Oslo, Vippa street food market is an excellent option – located twenty minutes from City Hall at Oslo Port and offering an extensive range of cuisines while supporting immigrants and local food entrepreneurs. This market provides a perfect opportunity to support both sustainability and delicious dining!
Oslo boasts several green museums and buildings made from sustainable materials, such as the National Museum, which uses seawater pumps to heat and cool its building and drains that take rainwater back into the sea.
4. Helsinki
Helsinki, the Scandinavian capital, is an ideal destination for eco-conscious travelers. It boasts numerous eco-friendly hotels and businesses that strive to reduce their impact on the environment.
Walking in the city center only takes 20 minutes, making it a great option for those who want to get some exercise while away from touristy areas.
Cycling is a popular form of transportation in Helsinki and should be utilized whenever possible, particularly for getting from one destination to the next. There are plenty of cycling routes throughout the city suitable for people of all ages and abilities.
Cycling and public transport are two popular ways to get around the city. There are over 300 bus routes and the metro crisscrosses its entirety. Additionally, the rail system is well developed – you can take a train from any part of it!
Finland boasts an impressively low carbon footprint, making it a great country to travel to if you want to reduce your impact while away. They do this through various measures such as decreasing their energy usage and using renewable energies.
Furthermore, they boast an extensive network of trails connecting various parts of the city. This makes walking and cycling in the city more enjoyable as well as environmentally friendly.
There are also a number of islands you can visit, such as Lammassaari and Kuusiluoto. These spots offer an ideal escape from the hectic city life and allow you to appreciate nature at its most stunning.
5. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is known as one of the best destinations in the world for sustainable travel and with good reason. This Central American nation contains more than 6% of Earth’s biodiversity despite covering only 0.03% of its surface area, and it makes great efforts to protect its natural resources.
Ecotourism destinations like Manuel Antonio and Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula are carefully monitored and managed to minimize their environmental impact. Many tourist spots also use renewable energy sources and prioritize protecting their flora and fauna.
Costa Rica has emerged as a top destination for responsible tourism, offering visitors not only an opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint but also to make a valuable economic contribution to the local community while they’re there!
Fortunately, it’s easy to do your part when planning a trip to Costa Rica. By selecting a Green Leaf-rated hotel and tour operator, for example, your money will go toward conservation projects, animal rehabilitation work, and other initiatives that benefit the area you are visiting.
If you’re vegetarian or vegan, it is essential to find restaurants that adhere to the ethical sourcing of ingredients and limit their use of single-use plastics. Furthermore, support local farmers by purchasing produce directly from them.
Additionally, you should avoid taking ATV tours which tend to operate in an unsustainable manner. They often veer off designated trails and damage plant life, adding further carbon into the air.
Alternatively, eco-friendly accommodation like a homestay or B&B is another great way to reduce your carbon footprint. These establishments are usually owned and run by locals who can offer valuable insight into the community around you.