When speaking of sustainable travel in Germany, people often think of the Black Forest or Freiburg. But Bremen in the north and Erfurt in the east are also cities that combine history, culture, and green initiatives – giving travelers the chance to experience Germany in a meaningful and climate-conscious way.
🌿 Bremen – Hanseatic City with a Green Pulse
Bremen is one of Germany’s oldest Hanseatic cities, and its historic center around the Marktplatz and Town Hall (a UNESCO World Heritage site) is a journey in itself. But Bremen is also a green metropolis where sustainability plays a significant role in daily life.
Experiences:
🚲 Bicycle-friendly Bremen – with over 700 km of bike paths, it’s easy to explore the city without a car.
🌳 Bürgerpark and Rhododendron Park – large green oases in the middle of the city.
🍺 Sustainable brewing – several microbreweries in Bremen work with local ingredients and energy-efficient production methods.
Sustainable hotels in Bremen:
ATLANTIC Grand Hotel Bremen ♻️ – centrally located, certified with the "Green Key" label, focused on energy and water conservation and local partnerships.
Vienna House Easy by Wyndham Bremen – a modern design hotel near the train station, where sustainability is integrated into both operations and design.
🌿 Erfurt – Medieval Atmosphere with a Green Future
Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia, is one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Germany – and at the same time, a city investing in sustainable tourism. It's known for the Krämerbrücke, a medieval bridge filled with small shops and cafés, as well as its green profile.
Experiences:
🌸 Egapark Erfurt – one of Europe’s largest flower and theme parks, where visitors can enjoy nature and learn about sustainable horticulture.
🚶 Old town center – explore the cathedral and the beautiful half-timbered houses on foot. The compact center is easy to discover without a car.
🌱 Green lifestyle – Erfurt has a growing number of vegetarian and organic restaurants, as well as local markets.
Sustainable hotels in Erfurt:
KrämerLoft Hotel Erfurt ♻️ – a modern boutique hotel focused on upcycling, sustainable interiors, and a creative, eco-friendly concept.
Victor’s Residenz-Hotel Erfurt – actively works with environmentally friendly solutions and is close to public transport, allowing guests to explore the city car-free.
🚆 Travel Sustainably Between the Cities
Both Bremen and Erfurt are easily accessible by train – making it ideal to combine the two cities in one trip. This way, you’ll experience the contrast between the maritime Hanseatic city in the north and the medieval charm in the east – in a way that’s gentle on the climate.
✨ Why Choose Bremen and Erfurt?
Because they’re a bit more off the beaten path – and therefore feel authentic. You get history, culture, and green innovation in two different settings – and you can return home with both experiences and inspiration for a more sustainable lifestyle.
👉 Insider Tip:
Travel by train to Bremen, experience the Hanseatic charm and bike-friendly vibe, then continue to Erfurt, where medieval history and green initiatives come together.
Schmilka – the Little Town Where Sustainability is a Way of Life
Imagine a small town where you wake up to the sound of the Elbe River, where the scent of freshly baked organic bread drifts out of an old mill house, and where the entire community lives according to sustainable principles. Welcome to Schmilka, a fairytale-like town tucked away in Saxon Switzerland in eastern Germany – a travel destination that proves how a modern lifestyle can go hand in hand with nature and tradition.
🌿 A Whole Town in Harmony with Nature
Schmilka is not just another idyllic village – it’s an ecological experiment that works. The entire town has been converted to organic and sustainable living:
- Hotels are powered by renewable energy.
- Restaurants serve food made from local, organic ingredients.
- Even the saunas and spa facilities are sustainably heated.
- As you walk through the town, you feel that this is not a trend – it’s a way of life.
🍞 Craftsmanship and Traditions
One of the highlights of Schmilka is the historic watermill, where bread is still baked the old-fashioned way. The smell of freshly baked sourdough mixed with fresh-ground organic flour makes the visit a sensory experience. Here, it feels like stepping back in time – but with today’s ecological awareness.
🥾 Nature Right Outside Your Door
Schmilka is located in the heart of Saxon Switzerland National Park, one of the most beautiful natural areas in Germany. The dramatic rock formations, deep forests, and winding trails make the area perfect for hiking. Many travelers call it one of Europe’s most underrated hiking paradises.
A must-do is the hike to the Bastei Bridge – a spectacular stone bridge that connects the cliffs high above the Elbe.
🍷 Organic Indulgence
After a day in nature, you can unwind at one of the town’s small breweries or organic restaurants, where you can taste local wine, beer, and vegetarian specialties – all produced with respect for nature.
✨ Why Visit Schmilka?
Schmilka is not just a place – it’s an experience that inspires. It’s living proof that we can travel, enjoy life, and still take responsibility for the planet. For anyone longing for peace, nature, and a meaningful journey, Schmilka is a place that stays with you.
