The chalk cliffs of Jasmund National Park on Rügen, the mighty sessile oaks of the Palatinate Forest Biosphere Reserve and the wild mountains of the Ammergau Alps Nature Park are all very special places. For 20 years, we have been working in partnership with the environmental associations BUND, NABU and VCD to protect such sensitive landscapes from car traffic, which is the aim of the Destination Nature initiative.
We are committed to creating offers that holidaymakers can use to explore nature using public transport rather than their private vehicles. Many of our Destination Nature areas have a guest card in their program that allows tourists to use local public transport free of charge, for instance. This is one way in which we promote sustainable tourism and protect biodiversity.
24
areas
belong to the cooperation of Destination Natur
Our Destination Nature areas are twenty-four of the most beautiful national parks, nature parks and biosphere reserves in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Alongside nature paradises such as the Ammergau Alps, the Eifel, the Harz and Saxon Switzerland, the Swabian Alb Biosphere Reserve is the latest area to become part of the Destination Nature cooperation. The UNESCO designated region attracts visitors with its many natural sights and special habitats for animals and plants. With the AlbCard, guests can not only travel on local buses and trains free of charge, but also have free admission to many of the region's attractions.
Destination Nature receives award from the Tourism Committee
In March 2023, the Tourism Committee of the German Bundestag presented its 2023 Award to Destination Nature. During ITB, the world's largest tourism exhibition, the partnership received the award from committee chair Jana Schimke in recognition of its long-standing commitment to sustainable mobility in tourism.
Destination Nature Award 2023
Regions that have distinguished themselves as models of linking sustainable tourism and environmentally friendly mobility are regularly honored with the Destination Nature Award.
In 2023, the award will go to the Saxon Switzerland National Park. The reserve is receiving the award for the Saxon Switzerland Mobility Guest Pass as well as for expanding its attractive mobility services, which pass holders can use at no extra charge. The Allgäu High Alps Nature Reserve also received an award for introducing a mobility option on its guest pass in Oberstdorf and the "EMMI mobil" on-demand service in Bad Hindelang.
The Swiss National Park is the first Destination Nature region outside Germany to receive a special award recognizing the mobility option on its guest pass and exemplary commitment to encouraging guests to arrive by rail.
