Car-Free Travel - Dreamy Destinations in Europe
In times of overcrowded highways, rising fuel prices and increasing environmental awareness, more and more people are considering leaving their cars at home and taking the train to their holiday destinations. However, this requires a destination that is easily accessible by train and does not require a car once you arrive. Combined with a stay in a sustainable hotel, holiday home or apartment, the getaway becomes an all-round environmentally friendly and relaxing holiday experience. From West to East, we present European destinations that are perfect for a car-free holiday.
Paris - French metropolis with all of the options
The former convent turned boutique Hôtel Le Pavillon, with its garden and terrace, is a real insider tip for those who come to Paris to discover the sights, shops and parks of the French capital. After a day well spent in the hustle and bustle of the city, guest return to a quiet, stylish oasis where they can relax and recharge their batteries. Le Pavillon is close to the Eiffel Tower and easily accessible by public transport from all major train stations and the airport. It has central access to many of the city's attractions. The Musée d'Orsay, Montmartre, the Opera, the Louve or the Boulevard Hausmann can be reached without changing trains. For a different city experience, the nearest bicycle rental station is only 200 metres away.
Zermatt - The car-free pearl in the Swiss Alps
Zermatt is a car-free town - so it's only natural to travel there by train. Along the way, guests will be able to marvel at the picturesque landscapes. The railway runs through the deeply cut Vispertal Valley - to the left and right are Switzerland's highest mountains, including the Täschhorn, Dom and Weisshorn. In Visp and Brig there is a direct connection to the modern narrow-gauge railway of the Matterhorn-Gotthard-Bahn. If you wish, you can send your luggage ahead on the SBB, which makes getting on and off the train easier.
The CERVO Mountain Resort picks up its guests from the train station in Zermatt and transfers them to the hotel with an electric taxi. The CERVO, with its 54 rooms and suites spread over several buildings, is located directly on the piste. So, guests of the 4 and 5* resort can check out the snow conditions during breakfast in the Bazaar restaurant. A large network of hiking trails can also be explored directly from the CERVO.
On a holiday at the Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt, located just outside the village centre, a car is certainly not missed. The village centre is only a 5-minute walk away if needed. Guests of the family-run wellness hotel really appreciate the peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle. The Sunnegga/Rothorn skiing and hiking area can be easily reached by taking the lift to the valley station, which is located above the hotel. The Matterhorn Express or Gornergrat are easily reached by bus. Guests at the Bella Vista are well prepared for all kinds of activities, because every day begins with the well-known breakfast buffet full of homemade and local delicacies. Afterwards, guests can either enjoy active sports in the surrounding mountains or relax in the hotel's Alpine Spa.
Rittner Horn - Pure nature in South Tyrol
Bolzano is very well connected to the Central European train network. From the Bolzano Train Station you can reach the Rittner Cable Car in only about five minutes by foot. A ride on the modern Rittner cable car is a very special experience: during the ascent in the panoramic cabin, a magnificent view gradually reveals itself: The city of Bolzano at your feet, picturesque vineyards on the slopes and on the horizon the forest-covered Mendel Ridge on one side and the rugged Dolomite peaks on the other. The ride ends after a twelve-minute, 950 metre climb and guests arrive in Oberbozen on the Rittner High Plateau.
Those staying at the APIPURA Hotel Rinner change to the Rittner narrow-gauge railway just a few metres away. A slow train that looks back on a long history and awakens nostalgic feelings. The locals affectionately call it the "Rittner Bahnl". It passes manicured meadows, dark forests and the stunning panorama of South Tyrol's iconic mountain Schlern. The Rinner is only a few steps away from the stop. Here, guests experience a relaxing time-out that is all about being outdoors and experiencing nature. And all in the spirit of the bee, because the Rinner family is passionate about beekeeping. Sustainable beekeeping, a nature trail and the Api Wellness Beehive Air Treatment are the cornerstones of guest’s experiences at the hotel.
Another place for relaxing and unwinding on the Ritten High Plateau is the ADLER Lodge Ritten. The resort's modern wooden chalets and suites are arranged around a natural pond and offer a beautiful view of the Dolomites. The adventure park Bergwelt with its cycling and hiking trails is right on the doorstep. Guests of the ADLER Lodge are picked up by the hotel at the Rittner train station.
Matrei in East Tyrol - Holiday in the middle of the outdoors
For the Outside, the topic of mobility is a particularly important component of sustainable travel. Therefore, the hotel in Matrei, East Tyrol, supports its guests in making their holiday eco-friendly and in harmony with nature. For example, comprehensive information on how to reach the hotel with public transport, to local offers or tips for the most beautiful hiking and cycling routes that start right at their doorstep. The regional mobility information page of the East Tyrol Tourism Association is linked directly on the hotel website. Coming from the north, the Outside is easy to reach via Kitzbühel main station. From there, guests can make their way to the hotel either by direct bus or shuttle service. With their guest card, tourists can use most public transport in the district free of charge and thus explore the side valleys of the Hohe Tauern National Park in an easy and environmentally friendly way. In winter, the ski bus stops regularly in front of the Outside and takes all piste and cross-country skiing fans to the ski area in 3 minutes. Guests' e-bikes are charged with electricity at the hotel free of charge.
Cormons - Hiking and indulgence in Friuli
La Subida is located on the border of Italy and Slovenia, about 25 km from Monfalcone and the Gulf of Trieste. The property with pool and its famous trattoria was built with great attention to detail in the style of a rustic estate. The nearest train station is in the small town of Cormons. The team at La Subida will happily pick up guests directly from the station. Cormons is the main town of the Collio wine-growing area. From the highest hilltops of the charming landscape, you can see the peaks of the nearby Julian Alps and, further in the distance, the Dolomites, a mountain range of the southern Kalkapen. The nature reserve "Laghetti rossi" is home to a colourful world of water birds. The hilly landscape is best discovered on foot or by e-bike. On the tours, the doors of wineries, cheese dairies and other producers are open, warmly welcoming passing guests and serving homemade and regional food and drinks.
Korçula - Swimming, hiking and cycling on the Croatian Adriatic Sea
The Dreamers' Club Aparthotel is located on the island of Korçula off the coast of southern Dalmatia. Many travellers choose to fly to Split or Dubrovnic, but both cities can also be reached by train and by Flixbus. The crossing by catamaran from Dubrovnik or Split directly to Korçula Town is an exceptional start to your holiday. From here, the six studios of the Eco Aparthotel in Lumbarda are only a 10-minute bus ride away.
Alternatively, there is also a public bus that goes from Dubrovnik to the island. Once guests have arrived on site, it is very easy to get around car-free. Either with the bicycles that can be rented directly at the hotel, by boat, taxi, bus or on foot. From the Dreamers Club, there are many beautiful cycle paths to follow along the coast or through the surrounding vineyards. But there are also plenty of reasons to simply stay at the property: the beach and the turquoise blue sea of the Adriatic are only 50 metres away and the garden is a great place to relax on the sun loungers or with a drink and tapas.
Discovering Europe by train or by bike offers exciting travel options that are an experience in themselves. It's also stress-free, environmentally friendly and often cheaper than travelling by car. The Interrail Ticket is a travel deal that offers many options for multiple stops and transnational sections in one ticket. For more information on the Green Pearls® partners, click here.