Travel with a Clear Conscience

Whether electricity from regional hydropower or heat from the biomass plant in Toblach/Innichen – much of what feels so effortless at the Orso Grigio is actually the result of deliberate choices. Single-use products are avoided, unnecessary packaging is eliminated, cleaning is done without chlorine, and the kitchen focuses on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. You can even feel good about how you get here: guests can easily reach the hotel by train and free shuttle, charge their electric vehicles directly in front of the hotel, and enjoy complimentary use of all public transportation throughout the province thanks to the GuestPass. Furthermore: an electric car (part of a car-sharing program) is parked right at the hotel, bookable via the AlpsGo app – available not only to guests, but also to non-residents. Just one more step towards encouraging travelers to choose public transport as their preferred means to travel to the Orso Grigio.

The Orso Grigio is one of the first hotels in the region to have earned the renowned GSTC seal – internationally recognized certification from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council for holistic sustainable tourism. Certification is subject to a comprehensive catalog of criteria that evaluates ecological, social, cultural, and economic practices equally. It takes into account not only energy efficiency, waste management, and water conservation, but also fair labor practices, the preservation of regional identity, and commitment to the local community. The seal is awarded by independent auditors, valid for three years, and requires ongoing documentation and transparent improvement across all areas of sustainability.

“For us, this certification isn’t just a form of recognition – it is a starting point. We will continue on this path with the same passion that has defined our family for generations.”

The Zirmerhof’s kitchen draws directly from its own farm: meats, bacon, cured beef, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs – supplemented by carefully selected products from the surrounding region. The result is grounded, honest cuisine with unmistakable character and origin. Whether savored on location or a delicacy to be enjoyed at home, the taste of the Zirmerhof is inseparably tied to its own deep roots.

In the case of Parkhotel Holzner, sustainable travel already begins on the way there: guests traveling by train or plane are picked up by an electric hotel shuttle – even CO₂-compensated upon request. Once you have arrived, the RittenCard grants free use of all public transportation across South Tyrol, from local buses to the region’s historic gondola lift.

A biomass heating plant provides warmth using regional wood chips, while all electricity comes from hydropower generated in South Tyrol – clean, renewable, and emission-free. A total of 253 historic light fixtures have been converted to LED technology, reducing CO₂ emissions by over 11 tons annually – without sacrificing any of their old-world charm. Rainwater cisterns help preserve drinking water reserves, and water aerators reduce usage by 1,500 m³ per year – saving roughly 53,000 kWh of energy and nearly a ton of CO₂. In the laundry and cleaning facilities, biodegradable products and modern steam technologies are used in place of chemical processes. Even the smallest details reflect a bigger vision: plastic-free rooms, recycling stations, compostable straws – as well as a collaboration with the start-up Re-Cig, which transforms cigarette butts into new materials.

The 10,000 m² park surrounding the hotel is not only a space for guest relaxation, it is also a sanctuary for nature. Over 59 trees – some more than a century old – absorb around 25 tons of carbon and produce enough oxygen each day for nearly 300 people. In 2023, 41 nesting boxes and a custom-designed bat roost were added, transforming the grounds into an official refuge for birds and bats.

Since 2021, the Holzner has placed conscious culinary experiences at the center of its dining philosophy. Its “New Traditional Cuisine” focuses on plant-based, regional, and seasonal ingredients, supports organic farming, and avoids seafood altogether. Only products from small, nearby farms are used – fresh, high in quality, and with minimal transportation requirements. The same principle applies to beverages, with a strong emphasis on South Tyrolean origins; coffee is sourced from sustainable cultivation. The hotel was honored with South Tyrol’s Wine Culture Award for its commitment to local wine traditions.

With its “New Tradition” initiative, the Holzner has defined key areas that need to be addressed with a view to the future. This begins with sustainable transformation of the food it offers – for guests and staff alike. Further priorities include respectful use of resources, reinvigorating local supply chains, forward-thinking mobility, and a workplace culture rooted in purpose and appreciation.

Culinary pleasures become even greater when accompanied by the knowledge that each ingredient was cultivated with utmost care and respect for nature. The cuisine at the Alte Post is deeply rooted in the local region. Inside the cozy Hebelstube and out in the garden restaurant, only organic, seasonal, and locally grown products come to the plate, while many of the suppliers are long-standing partners and personal acquaintances – an all-encompassing philosophy you can clearly taste in every bite.

As a certified Slow Food Travel Partner, the Lerchenhof not only embraces the principles of “good, clean, and fair,” but also brings these traits to life for its guests: through bread baking, cheese making, visits to the estate’s own curing chamber, or the “Fascination of Bacon” seminar led by the owner of the castle in person. Everything served at the Lerchenhof comes either directly from the estate’s own farm or from other certified Slow Food partners in the region.

At Lerchenhof, sustainability also means sharing knowledge and fostering awareness. The estate is actively involved in environmental education at schools and kindergartens, encouraging understanding of natural cycles, and inspiring mindful action. This philosophy is clearly tangible to guests as well – through digital guest directories, transparent CO₂ reports, and informational materials that don’t preach, but do invite a closer look. At the same time, the estate sees itself as an active part of the region: supporting traditional craftsmanship, nurturing cultural diversity, and working deliberately to strengthen local structures.