Planning a trip to Bavaria’s capital? Munich is one of those European cities where you can make the most of your eco-tourism practices. Germans are very open to sustainability practices, so don’t be surprised when you don’t get your products packed in a plastic or paper bag. You’ll need to buy your own tote in case you didn’t bring yours with you. Want to know more about how to have a perfectly sustainable vacation in Munich? Keep on reading.
Book eco-friendly accommodation
One of the first steps in planning a vacation is looking for a place to stay. To have a sustainable stay, look for green thumb accommodations. Not changing towels every day? Promoting the use of glass over plastic? You can find places to stay made entirely of wood without using a single particle that harms the environment. Reduce the tourism leakage by staying at hotels that use soap and cook food with sustainable products. Many eco-friendly hotels offer locally grown and in-season food, while using 100% green energy. If, on top of that, you can find a place that stopped using plastic cups, and started recycling paper, switched from liquid bottled toiletries to soaps, that’s your ideal sustainable accommodation.
Sightseeing by a bike
To lower the CO2 emission, explore Munich by bicycle. Forget about renting a car like a lazy tourist, and spend an active vacation on a bike. Rent a bicycle in Munich to start your eco-friendly journey immediately. From parks to botanical gardens, museums, galleries and theatres – Munich offers a plethora of attractions for everyone’s taste. Not only will you protect the environment, but contribute to your well-being too, by spending all that time outdoors in the fresh air.
Use public transportation
Affordable accommodations tend to be on the outskirts of the city, making you spend hours until you reach your next sight. However, don’t choose a rental car immediately. Public transportation is well-organised in Munich, so hop on a bus to reach your next landmark. Even better, go on one of the hop-on-hop-off Munich city sightseeing tours and explore the attractions of Munich at your own pace. Your ticket is valid for 11 stops, and the busses stop at every major landmark in the city. Hop on and off as you like, to make the most of your Munich trip without leaving a carbon footprint.
Walk everywhere
Walking is another activity that will make your vacation eco-friendlier. When you hop off the bus, walk to the nearest landmark and beyond. Visit the local farmer’s markets, and botanical gardens, or have a picnic at one of Munich’s lovely parks. Olympiapark, for instance, is one of the perfect pales to enjoy the outdoors. Built for the 1972 Olympic Games, this park boasts incredible cityscape views and will leave you in awe with its ambience. The grounds of Nymphenburg Palace are another ideal picnic spot surrounded by cascading fountains offering the ultimate tranquillity for everyone looking for their oasis of peace in the heart of Munich. Don’t miss out on English Garten – the biggest park in Munich. It’s one of the hotspots of Munich, attracting locals and tourists every day. Spread your blanket, open up a picnic basket and recharge after a long day of sightseeing.
Shop at eco-friendly stores
Can you say you’ve had an eco-friendly vacation if you don’t shop at a sustainable store? Whether you’re looking for tiny souvenirs or artisan fashion pieces, Munich has it all. Get organic fairtrade fashion and beauty products at eco-friendly stores such as Dear Goods. Have you ever seen a bag from apple leather? You’ll find it there. For those travelling with kids, auryn is the store to visit as they offer organic and fairtrade toys, postcards, deco products, books and clothes so you can shop for everything in one place.
Visiting Munich will be one of the best experiences of your life. This German city is so diverse that every tourist will find their cup of tea easily. Best of all, it offers a full spectrum of eco-friendly options for you to have an ideal sustainable vacation. From eco-friendly accommodation to boutique stores and restaurants, Munich will offer you an unforgettable vacation all year.
