The Mountain Calls: Gentle Tourism in the Alps
The Alps attract 100 million tourists every year. 100 million people who admire the landscape. 100 million people who trudge through the mountains. 100 million people who want to eat, sleep and be entertained. It is clear that this cannot happen without leaving a mark.
The Mountain Cries for Help
The consequences of the high volume of tourists alone are enormous for the sensitive alpine ecosystem. They are further aggravated by the advancing climate change. This is true for tourism in summer, but even more so for the high season in winter. Shorter ski seasons, increased artificial snowmaking and thin snow cover make skiing an immense burden on the Alpine ecosystem. But also in summer, the many tourists are causing ecological and also social problems.
Abolishing tourism in the Alps is not a solution. Too many people depend on travellers for their livelihood. After all, tourism is one of the most important sources of income in nearly half of the Alpine region. Instead, a solution is needed that combines environmental protection, the need for recreation and economic efficiency. This solution can be gentle tourism in the Alpine region.
Gentle Tourism in the Mountains
The ultimate goal of gentle or soft tourism is to minimise or eliminate negative environmental and social impacts. In addition to environmental protection projects and the expansion of public transport, this also includes supporting local communities and the local people.
Travellers themselves can make specific choices for the environment and more sustainable alternatives. For example, they take more time to travel to a region and explore the area more slowly and consciously, using environmentally friendly means of transport such as bus and train, a bicycle or hiking boots.
On the other hand, companies in the tourism industry have a great influence on the design of gentle Alpine tourism. Hotels are switching to resource-saving processes, increasingly sourcing products from regional farmers and thus supporting the local economy. Hiring locals instead of seasonal workers also contributes to gentle tourism with benefits for all involved.
How to do it is shown by our new Green Pearls in the Alpine region.
By Train and Bike Through the Allgäu - Hotel Das Rübezahl (Allgäu)
When booking a stay at Hotel Das Rübezahl, guests can offset their carbon footprint right from the word go. However, the hotel is continuously working to keep this footprint as small as possible. Since 2021, 90 percent of the hotel's required energy has been generated via its own photovoltaic system and the modern combined heat and power plant. The pool and whirlpool are heated to comfortable temperatures via heat recovery from the cold stores.
The hotel in the Allgäu also supports environmentally friendly travel by public transport. Travellers by train are of course picked up at the station. In general, guests of the Das Rübezahl hotel can use public transport free of charge.
The hotel's location opposite the famous Neuschwanstein Castle is also ideal for exploring the surrounding area by bike. Free rental bikes or e-bikes for a small fee are available. In addition, the hotel's active guide regularly offers tours into the mountains. Here, guests learn a lot about the local herbs and plants and thus become more aware and mindful of the nature of the mountains.
Renewable Energy and Regional Cuisine at the Waldhotel Fletschhorn (Switzerland)
The Waldhotel Fletschhorn is particularly well known beyond the borders of Saas Fee for its excellent restaurant. Regional ingredients and dishes that vary according to the season characterise the cuisine and make the heart of gourmets beat faster.
But it is not only in the kitchen that the Waldhotel focuses on a gentle and sustainable approach. Located in the middle of a spruce forest and just outside Saas Fee, the nature of the Alps can be felt very directly here. In order not to disturb the sensitive ecosystem, no pesticides are used. Pollutant emissions and waste production are also kept as low as possible. For example, the hotel relies on e-vehicles to transport the goods it needs.
For the guests, a Guest Card is part of their stay, with which they can also use the mountain railways in summer. In winter, the Waldhotel team recommends gentle alternatives to classic ski tourism, such as snowshoeing or ski tours.
Sophisticated E-Mobility Concept at Klosterhof - Alpine Hideaway & Spa (Berchtesgadener Land)
You won't find seasonal workers at the Wellnesshotel Klosterhof - Alpine Hideaway & Spa. The team of 100 employees was put together with a focus on long-term employment and contributes significantly to the implementation of the hotel's sustainable concept. In addition, the Klosterhof relies on a comprehensive e-mobility concept and has, for example, converted the entire hotel fleet to electric vehicles. There are charging stations for guests' vehicles and bicycles, and since autumn 2021 they have been able to borrow E-Smarts for day trips. Pollutant emissions are thus significantly reduced and the environment is protected.
Berchtesgadener Land also has a well-developed bus and rail network, so a car is not necessary for travel either. Guests are then brought the last few kilometres to the Klosterhof by e-bus.
This year, the Klosterhof was the first hotel in Germany to be certified with the EU Eco-Label for its continuously evolving and effective sustainability concept. The strict requirements of the label are recognised throughout the EU.
For the Green Pearls® partners in the Alpine region, sustainable action and a gentle approach to nature are a matter of course. They have been passing this understanding on to their guests for many years and communicate it to the outside world via the Green Pearls® platform. Their green initiatives are environmental protection, serve social coexistence, support the region and inspire others to follow suit.
Initiativen der Green Pearls® Partner in den Alpen
| Green Pearls® Partner | Selected Green Initiatives |
| HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio | Sustainable heating technology, seasonal and regional cuisine, supporter of the Climate Alliance Allgäu 2030 |
| Berghotel Rehlegg | Supply of 100 % CO2-neutral energy, spa treatments with regional products, protection and breeding of endangered domestic animal breeds |
| Biohotel Grafenast | Exclusive use of organic products, inclusive workplace, innovative composting process |
| Naturhotel Aufatmen | Local timber and stone used in construction, pure vegetarian/vegan cuisine, commitment to biodiversity both on their own land and throughout Tyrol |
| Genießerhotel Die Forelle | "unplugged" evenings where cooking is done only with wood, own organic farm, disposal of organic waste via a communal biogas plant |
| Naturhotel Outside | Employment of local workers, craftsmen and traders, own vegetable and herb garden, use and upcycling of old materials (e.g. doors, lamps, etc.) |
Gentle tourism in the Alps is a true benefit for tourists as well as for hosts and local producers. Above all, it protects the unique mountain environment that travellers, hotel owners and farmers value and love so much.