Slovenia's capital has not only been named the #1 European Green Capital, but it is also the only capital in Europe to have appeared six times in the Sustainable Destination Top 100 list. Ljubljana, with its medieval old town and magnificent 20th-century architecture, is a historic yet energetic city with a booming university population that brings young and forward-thinking energy. It is also one of Europe's tiniest cities. Despite this, Ljubljana has more than 500 square meters of dedicated green space and 200 kilometers of bike routes. A bicycle sharing plan is available to both inhabitants and tourists; it's definitely worth a ride through the gorgeous Tivoli Park and the city as a whole.

The Bee Path is also a must-see for eco-conscious visitors. This is a route of over 4,500 beehives that runs across the city, serving as both a conservation effort and a celebration of Ljubljana's urban beekeeping history. Ljubljana center has been car-free since 2008; it provides free access to a bike-share program for up to an hour at a time; and it has constructed more than 542 square meters of green areas, including the Bee Trail, which has 4,500 hives located across the city. Ljubljana is a bike-friendly city with over 200 kilometers of cycling routes and the highest percentage of home garbage separation in the EU at 70%.

Slovenia is the leading country and pioneer in green tourism in Europe and is internationally recognized for its dedication to sustainable tourism. It is the European Commission's most-awarded destination for its sustainable tourist offer, which includes sites such as Bohinj, Soca Valley, Lasko, and Idrija.

Location: Slovenia

Helsinki, located on the Gulf of Finland, is a lovely capital made up of approximately 300 islands in the Helsinki Archipelago. It is well-known for its sea-facing setting, many urban green areas, and six adjacent national parks, including the breathtaking Pallas-Yllästunturi. Walking, cycling, and public transportation account for over 80% of all travels in Helsinki, and the city has some of Europe's purest water and cleanest air. It's also a thriving seaport; travelers may arrive in Helsinki through the Baltic Sea from a plethora of other green places, including Sweden, Estonia, and St. Petersburg, opening up a plethora of flightless adventure possibilities.

As you may have observed, nature is very important in Helsinki: urban gardening is helping to develop Helsinki's reputation as a green city. There are many gardens surrounding and, in the city, where gardeners grow loads of chard, carrots, dill, mint and other tasty veggies to offer the culinary scene, such as the famous carnival "Restaurant Day". The city gives gardening bags or boxes in the spirit of environmental responsibility. It's no coincidence that Finland has been named "the happiest country in the world" for the second year in a row... So, if you want a responsible and excellent vacation, go to Helsinki!

Location: Finland

Lahti is a gateway to the biggest lakeland in Europe, the Finnish Lakeland. Finland boasts approximately 188,000 lakes and the purest water in the world. Lahti is only an hour north of Helsinki, with its international airport and harbors, and 2.5 hours by rail from St Petersburg. Lahti, as European Green Capital 2021, is a leader in climate action and a pioneer in sustainable and smart solutions. You may sustainably explore clean and diversified environment in the Lahti area. From Lahti, a river connects the small lake Vesijärvi to the clean Lake Päijänne, Finland's second largest lake, which provides drinking water to the whole Helsinki region.

Forest covers 74% of the city area, while bodies of water cover 11%. The best tap water in the world, naturally filtered and cleansed by the Salpausselkä ridges, is a daily privilege for the residents of Lahti. Lakeland Finland vacations are all about reconnecting with nature. The great differences between the four seasons - long summer days or the gloom and serenity of winter - make each visit unique. Every visit must include a traditional Finnish sauna, swimming in open clear lakes, unhurried hikes in the forest, and evenings in a secluded lakeside cottage. The Lahti area is one of Finland's most popular cottage vacation spots.

Location: Finland

Bern outperforms all other European green capitals in terms of quality of life for its residents, ranking first in Europe ahead of Copenhagen and Vienna. Its water and air quality are also among the greatest in Europe, and it provides its residents and visitors with a plethora of green areas, parks, and gardens in which to unwind and reconnect with nature. Bern is also the capital of the canton of Bern, Switzerland's second-most populated canton. The official language is German, although the major spoken language is Bernese German, a local variety of the Alemannic Swiss German dialect. Bern's medieval old town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

Bern, the capital city of Switzerland, is an important city in the country, which is one of the most developed in the world. The majority of Swiss chocolates are among the best-selling items in the world. Furthermore, because numerous international organizations and their offices are located here, the capital city of Switzerland hosts hundreds of significant conferences, meetings, and fair organizations each year.

It is famously bordered by the Aare, a large Swiss Plateau River. Looking for more reasons to visit Bern this year? Bern was named one of the greatest Christmas markets in Europe, as well as one of the best in Switzerland. It is also one of the most secure locations in Europe. There are several reasons to visit Bern this year.

Location: Switzerland

Grenoble is one of France's top locations for nature and sustainable tourism, including hiking, climbing, skiing, bicycling, culinary and wellness vacations. Slow travel, public transportation, and cycling are encouraged, as is local organic production of seasonal fruits and vegetables. For these reasons, it has been designated as one of the official European Green Capitals 2022. Grenoble is a naturalist's dream, surrounded by mountains and gorgeous woods, secluded valleys and natural plains. The French city has been lauded for its creative approach to climate management, which includes a strong commitment to systemic change and an innovative participatory approach to municipal administration.

Green areas abound in Grenoble's city center, including the Pompidou and Champs Elysées parks, the Parc des Dauphins pleasure gardens, and the Botanical Garden. There is a sizable "Greeter" population who adores its city and will gladly accompany guests. The emergence of soft mobility is without a doubt one of the greatest instances of transition. The public transportation system was one of the first in the world to be totally accessible to those with limited mobility, commencing a change of public space in the 1970s in order to build a city suited for all. Today, thanks to a network of 5 tram lines, nearly 50 bus lines in the Grenoble area, 21 park-and-ride facilities, the SMMAG creates transport solutions that support users towards simplified, carbon-free and more ecological mobility.

Location: France

For many years, Sweden's capital has been regarded as one of the greenest in Europe. The European Commission has now designated Stockholm as the European Green Capital. With some of Europe's highest air and water quality, and more than 80% of the population travelling to work by public transportation, bike, or foot, the city stands out as a destination that combines both city break and nature holiday.

Djurgarden Park, a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city, Marabouparken and its collection of sculptures and exhibitions of contemporary art, the Royal National City Park considered Stockholm's green lung, and the Kungstradgarden Park established in 1400 in the heart of the capital, open all year but most recommended from March to early May when the cherry trees are in bloom, are among the many parks and gardens. Stockholm's mission is to be completely fossil fuel free by 2050, and the city council wants everyone to contribute to that environmental goal.

Clean tech firms collaborate with municipal planners to achieve a common aim of environmental betterment. Schools have embraced a nature-based learning concept, taking classrooms outside to teach youngsters to appreciate plants and animals. In 1994, a public memorial was created to remind people of their shared responsibility for the environment. Book your flights as well as your accommodation, tours and activities in Stockholm and discover one of the best green capitals in Europe. Are you travelling in winter? Be sure to visit Stockholm Christmas Market.

Location: Sweden

Copenhagen, Denmark's capital, is regarded as one of Europe's greenest cities by independent private groups as well as the European Commission, which granted it the European Green Capital title. However, it lags far behind Ljubljana in terms of the number of green areas available to the people (up to three times greater per inhabitant) in Ljubljana than in Copenhagen. Renewable energy contributes to the energy supply for over 100 district heating networks in Denmark, including Copenhagen. Copenhagen derives considerably over half of its energy from renewable sources, mostly wind energy, with minor contributions from biomass (including waste-to-energy systems and biogas generation) and solar (solar PV, solar thermal).

On especially windy days, energy from wind farms and other renewable energy sources meets the majority of Copenhagen's electrical demands. As of 2017, Copenhagen International School has the world's biggest solar façade designed for a building. The school also boasts a number of energy-saving technology and passive building characteristics. Copenhagen is ranked second among places with the happiest people in the world, after only Bern in Switzerland. During your visit to Copenhagen, you will be spoiled for choice among the city's many parks, botanical gardens, and landscaped and flower-filled cemeteries. Don't miss a quick journey to "The Deer Park" in Dyrehaven, distant from city lights and traffic noise.

Location: Denmark

The European Commission bestowed to it the designation of "European Green Capital". Nijmegen, like Braga and Bern, is dedicated to being energy neutral and climate resilient. Nijmegen, recently named one of the greatest sustainable tourism destinations in the world by the prominent media "The Times", works aggressively on two axes of sustainability: local development and ecological. Nijmegen residents are working on a variety of initiatives for their city, including the preservation and expansion of local jobs, as well as the construction of green and blue infrastructure and biodiversity projects.

It is usually suggested as an excellent city to settle in, build a start-up, or a professional or personal life project. It is also classified as the finest location to visit in the Netherlands. Nijmegen, with one of the highest qualities of life in Europe, is quickly becoming a must-see destination in Europe. Nijmegen is one of Europe's greatest green cities, focusing on renewable energy, soft mobility, and environmental conservation. It is today regarded the greatest location to visit in the Netherlands, the city to settle, set up a start-up, or a professional or personal life endeavor. Nijmegen, with one of the highest qualities of life in Europe, is quickly becoming a must-see destination in Europe.

Location: Netherlands

Tallinn, Estonia's capital city, will become Europe's 13th Green Capital in January 2023, with the objective of being a model city for sustainable government. Tallinn, one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is distinguished by the diversity of its landscapes and populations, which are home to uncommon plant and animal species. Tallinn pleased the international judges with a comprehensive approach to sustainable governance and interconnected strategic goals that mirror the aims of the European Green Deal and the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.

Tallinn's goal is to provide carbon-neutral, free public transportation by 2035. To achieve this aim, the city is investing in new tram lines and electric buses, as well as rethinking city design to incorporate an additional 40 kilometers of bike lanes. Tallinn's existing cycle routes and highways will be made safer by progressively constructing a network of safe elevated cycle tracks physically segregated from city center pavements. The goal is to make Tallinn a 15-minute city, which means that major amenities such as employment, stores, entertainment, and education should be within 15 minutes on foot or by bicycle from any section of the city. Tallinn's trams already run entirely on renewable energy.

Klint Park is another green corridor that connects three Tallinn neighborhoods. This nine-kilometer-long unique park area will be turned into a cohesive and integrated leisure space for everybody. The cliff features a variety of ecosystems, including some endangered plant and bird species. The goal is to create an atmosphere in which people may relax while interacting with nature as little as possible.

Location: Estonia

Oslo's status as a green city stems from more than just its numerous parks and neighboring woods. Urban planners, lawmakers, and various enterprises all work hard to lower Oslo's carbon footprint and secure a sustainable future for everybody. The European Commission acknowledged and honored their efforts by naming Oslo the European Green Capital for 2019. Oslo is one of Europe's fastest expanding cities, and it has experienced several significant development projects over the previous few decades. Many of them have made sustainability a guiding theme.

The new Oslo neighborhood Vulkan, located on a former industrial site near the Akerselva River, is a model for environmentally sustainable city development. The developers' desire to establish an energy-efficient community has resulted in a local energy center with geothermal wells, buildings with substantial solar water heating systems, and hotels that recycle energy from coolers and elevators.

Oslo's developers have also taken care to protect the city's landscape and animals, as well as to repurpose old structures in novel and creative ways. Tjuvholmen's shoreline area was built with artificial reefs to ensure the safety of the local aquatic animals. What was formerly a heavily traveled bridge in Srenga, another new neighborhood in Oslo, has been transformed into a park area in the style of New York's Highline - a historic structure repurposed in a hypermodern zone. The new Munch Museum, the new Deichman Library, and the new National Museum in Oslo are all designed in an ecologically responsible manner with measures that reduce their carbon footprints.

Location: Norway

Berlin is located in the country's northeast, on the banks of the Spree River. The city is located on the European plain, a flat and fertile tract of land that stretches all the way to Russia. This has an impact on the temperature of the area, bringing cold winters and warm summers with plenty of rain to keep the flora lush and the river flowing. Surprisingly for a city of 3.7 million people, Berlin is a relatively green metropolis, with beautiful parks, gardens, and woods covering more than a third of the metropolitan area.

Berlin is a shining star of city breaks, not just as a cultural and retail destination, but also as a fantastic location for environment enthusiasts. Because it is generally level and has safe bike lanes, it is ideal for slow journeys such as cycling. The city also has gorgeous parks that are rated among the greatest on the continent, as well as lakes, rivers, and river beaches. As a result, kayakers and paddle boarders will like it as well. Visitors may swim in the waters of Wannsee, Schlachtensee, or Müggelsee, and explore green oasis such as the "Island of Youth", a tiny island near Kreuzberg. There is so much to see and do in Berlin that you could live here all your life and still find new surprises. From historical sights to cutting edge architecture and culture, this city has it all.

Location: Germany

Budapest is one of Europe's greatest green capitals, with many parks, its wonderful Danube River, and about 75% of its inhabitants walking, biking, or taking public transportation to work. It is not surprising, then, that Budapest has been named one of the five most forward-thinking green cities by National Geographic. Visit Margaret Island, the capital's largest park. The ideal location for active activity or simply being close to nature. Allow yourself to be captivated by the fragrances of its rose garden. Margaret Island holds one of the greatest Summer Festivals, the Margaret Island Open-Air Stage, in the summer.

Budapest is a worldwide metropolis with a strong presence in trade, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and entertainment. It is Hungary's financial center and the region's second richest capital and metropolis after Bucharest. The center section of Budapest along the Danube River is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with numerous famous classical architecture monuments, including the Hungarian Parliament and the Buda Castle. The city also contains about 80 geothermal springs, the world's biggest thermal water cave system, the world's second largest synagogue, and the world's third largest Parliament building. Budapest receives over 12 million foreign tourists every year, making it a popular European destination.

Location: Hungary

Vienna is a great city with a very high standard of living. Parks, public green spaces, the use of renewable energy, air quality, public transportation, and marketplaces providing regional products were the most essential factors for rating over 100 cities. The spectacular flowerbeds, rose gardens, lawns, and tree-lined walks are at the heart of Vienna's parks, which are well loved by the city's residents. There are 990 municipal parks in the capital city! Clearing your mind, meeting friends, strolling, running, or simply resting on a bench in the sun - these green islands in the midst of metropolitan activity are the ideal location to unwind and take in the city's fresh air.

Surprisingly, Vienna boasts 800 farms within its city borders, where cucumbers, for example, are picked in greater quantities than in the rest of Austria's provinces combined. Aubergines, parsley, tomatoes, and chili peppers are all examples of this. Lawns, parks, vineyards, forests, fields, and gardens: green areas represent about half of Vienna's total area, due to the Vienna Woods and the Danube marshes. Hietzing, by the way, is the greenest district, with green spaces accounting for around 70% of the entire area. The city has 162 public transportation routes that serve about 966 million passengers each year. The Viennese are particularly environmentally conscious when it comes to mobility: 73% take public transport to work, 44% walk, 13% ride their bike, and only 33% drive.

Location: Austria

Madrid, Spain's capital, boasts 300,000 trees and 6400 hectares of green space, making it the world's second most sustainable metropolis behind Tokyo. What factors have contributed to Madrid's status as one of the world's most sustainable cities? Many communities throughout the world who embrace it are unaware that the country they are embracing as an example for green living was founded on the notion of aristocracy. There is one tree for every twenty people. The cause is historical in nature.

Madrid is one of Europe's top green cities, with more than 80% of its inhabitants taking public transportation, cycling, or walking to work. Retiro Park, located in Madrid, is one of the most beautiful city parks in Europe, as well as one of the most romantic. Retiro Park, the capital's green lung, attracts lovers and families who enjoy a boat ride on the park's calm lake. Do you desire nature? During your trip, don't miss out on visiting Atocha Station, which is regarded one of Europe's most beautiful stations, and appears more like a botanical garden than a railway station.

Madrid is also one of Europe's best Erasmus destinations and one of the sunniest Christmas locations. Do you want to avoid the crowds? Discover Spain's greatest hidden treasures and most beautiful beaches, as well as sustainable tourist locations such as the Ebro Delta, which has been recognized by the European Commission for its dedication to sustainable tourism.

Location: Spain

According to the HUGSI index for 2020, which maps urban vegetation, Prague has the 13th biggest share of parks, woods, and other greenery among cities in the world and the ninth largest in Europe. The poll included 155 cities from 60 nations. According to the index, each Prague resident has 179.8 square meters of green space. Grassy and forested regions represent 56 percent of the city's land area, with trees covering 28 percent, grass covering 27 percent, and water covering 1 percent. On a scale of zero to one, the overall health of the vegetation was 0.74.

Despite not yet been named European Green Capital by the European Commission, Prague featured on numerous lists of Europe's greenest cities. Consider that the air there is three times cleaner than in Brussels or Madrid. Perhaps this is due to the fact that more than 75% of its population goes to work by bicycle, foot, or public transportation. Prague is also frequently named among the European cities with the highest quality of life. Visit the most magnificent parks and gardens in Prague, such as "Riegrovy Sady Park" and "Stromovka Park," during your trip. Do you want to go to the tropics? Discover the Botanicka Zahrada's various tropical flora. Do you want to try your hand at some magic? Visit Prague during the Christmas season; its Christmas market is regarded as one of the most beautiful in Europe.

Location: Czech Republic