Conscious Places in Switzerland

Whether in hotels, restaurants or other tourist attractions, sustainability is an emerging topic in Swiss tourism. Take a look at our selection.

#1 Schloss Wartegg

This welcoming castle hotel on Lake Constance assumed a leading role in environmental protection issues back in 1998 already when commitments to all things green were not yet in vogue. The current owners also hold environmentally responsible operations and nature-inspired cuisine very close to their hearts. Banish everyday cares with a walk in the extensive park and enjoy being gently coaxed awake by early-morning  birdsong. wartegg.ch

Overview at castle and lake Constanze
Located directly on Lake Constance: The Schlosshotel Wartegg

#2 Tamina Therme

The thermal water bubbles up out of a natural spring at a temperature of 36.5 degrees Celsius into the various indoor and outdoor pools, generating a surplus of useful heat. With its recently extended sauna landscape, Tamina Therme is a member of the “Cause We Care” myclimate programme. The proceeds go to support various sustainable projects. taminatherme.ch

Jacuzzi in the Tamina Therme
The 36.5 degree warm water comes directly from the spring into the Tamina Therme.

#3 Excellence river cruises

Avoidance of plastic, modern water technology, reduced emissions – the eleven “Excellence” ships operated by this Swiss provider of river cruises more than meet environmental protection requirements. Managing Director Stephan Frei knows that travelling with a clear conscience simply makes the experience more enjoyable. The new “Excellence Empress” scheduled to be launched in June will deliver further reductions in emissions. mittelthurgau.ch

Cruise ship on the river
Travelling is better with a clear conscience.

#4 Swiss Youth Hostels

Swiss Youth Hostels have long been involved in promoting sustainable tourism. That philosophy includes the careful use of resources during the construction and operation of the approximately 50 youth hostels. In addition, they are firmly committed to social and ethical factors such as fair wages and respect for the concerns of local residents and the region. youthhostel.ch

Window of a youth hostel with woman and child
Sustainability is an integral part of the Swiss Youth Hostels.

#5 Jakobs Esszimmer

Sustainability in practice and avoidance of food waste are now part and parcel of the modern values embraced within the catering industry. At the small Hotel Jakob in the Old Town of Rapperswil, Markus Burkhard cooks local, seasonal fare like no other first-class chef. Thanks to own arable land and carefully selected suppliers, “farm to table” is no idle slogan in his restaurant, but a daily reality. jakob-rapperswil.ch

Cook Markus Burkhard
Markus Burkhard's ingredients are not only local and seasonal, but also a real treat.

#6 Tschuggen Hotel Group

The Tschuggen Hotel Group, to which the Tschuggen Grand Hotel in Arosa and the Carlton St. Moritz belong, has been climate-neutral since early 2020, earning itself a pioneer role in active climate protection in the top-tier Swiss hotel industry. The hotels have been consistently re-equipped to meet modern standards of sustainability and emissions are offset by conservation projects. tschuggenhotelgroup.ch