Did Corona ruin your travel plans for this summer? With 16 national parks, 46 inscribed UNESCO World Heritage sites and already summery temperatures, our homeland is anything but a second-choice travel destination.

This article will inspire you to plan an eco-friendly yoga holiday in Germany, where you don't have to sacrifice adventure or relaxation. This way, you not only support local tourism but also avoid the stress of a long journey. From chalk cliffs, through deep forests and wide beaches, to health resorts, high peaks and crystal-clear lakes – our homeland has an incredible diversity of landscapes to offer.

It seems we've forgotten how to appreciate the unique beauty of our own country. Because let's be honest, when was the last time you went hiking in the Harz Mountains or chose a Baltic Sea beach holiday over a trip to an exotic country?

Even though the last few months have been nerve-wracking and we feel restricted, nature is enjoying this period of recovery without air pollution and mass tourism. All the more reason to pay even more attention to sustainability when traveling in the future.

How can I travel sustainably?

When traveling, a sustainable lifestyle is a bit more difficult to implement than in everyday life because we don't have full control and are less familiar with our holiday destination. Nevertheless, there are a few basic principles that will help you be sustainable while on the go:

1. Reduce your CO2 emissions

The current situation already makes a decision for you, because we can't fly to exotic countries at the moment anyway, or rather, air travel is only slowly getting back on track.

Instead, you now have the opportunity to switch to more environmentally friendly transport options such as trains or buses. For greater flexibility, you can also rent an electric car or a hybrid, or opt for a bicycle tour.

2. Support eco-friendly accommodations and local businesses

Invest some time in your search for sustainable tourism companies that take their environmental responsibility seriously and buy from local suppliers whenever possible.

3. Treat yourself to rest and slow down

We are part of nature. Traveling in an environmentally friendly way means not only respecting the environment, but also ourselves. Take your time, don't plan every free hour, and pay attention to what your body needs. A vacation doesn't have to be productive, but restorative.

4. Become part of your environment

If you feel refreshed and want to be active on your holiday, there are numerous environmental projects where you can volunteer. You can find projects, for example, on the Bergwaldprojekt website .

By interacting with nature, you create a connection between yourself and your environment. This connection grounds you and sharpens your awareness of the interconnectedness of all life. And along the way, you also learn a lot about our local ecosystem. Which landscape has always fascinated you?

Discover the best-kept secrets of your homeland

Germany offers an incredible diversity of landscapes. If you're looking for places to practice yoga outdoors , you'll definitely find what you're looking for between the "Amazon of the North" (the Peene River), lakes as large as the sea, breathtaking panoramas, and enchanted forests.

A paradise for hydrophiles

It babbles, it rushes, and sometimes it's completely still – water soothes our souls. The Peene River, the Spreewald forest, and numerous lakes like Lake Steinhude are perfect for a paddling trip or SUP yoga.

If you prefer the sound of waves, there are numerous coastal towns and islands along the North and Baltic Seas that offer long sandy beaches where you can practice your asanas undisturbed at sunrise.

Between tranquil valleys and breathtaking heights

Do you prefer mountains to flat terrain? Then pack your hiking boots and explore the beautiful mountain ranges of central and southern Germany. Discover, for example, the fascinating rock formations of Saxon Switzerland, which once inspired poets and artists to create their works.

In the Bavarian Berchtesgaden National Park you can breathe fresh mountain air and find unique places of silence where you can meditate undisturbed.

On the trail of the forest spirits

Whether on a walk to the sacred Externsteine ​​in the Teutoburg Forest, on a hike through the Black Forest or on a spiritual pilgrimage along the Palatinate Way of St. James – Germany offers beautiful places for forest bathing.

Incidentally, in places like Bad Salzuflen and Bad Harzburg, particularly mineral-rich springs bubble up from the depths, which is why you can bathe in natural brine thermal baths there.

You are spoiled for choice when it comes to deciding on a region – now all you need is the right accommodation.

Find the perfect green accommodation

Once you've decided on your travel destination, all you need is sustainable accommodation. You can recognize eco-friendly hotels by their use of renewable energy, healthy and often organic cuisine, and sustainable furnishings. Let these particularly green accommodations inspire you:

The Glück in Sicht Baltic Sea Lodges are detached eco-lodges surrounded by nature. The best part: there's a private sauna. At the Seemühle treehouse hotel, you'll feel like you're floating above the ground, suspended among the treetops. This nature cottage in the Black Forest is all about 'back to basics'. Without electricity or excessive luxury, this accommodation is perfect for true nature lovers. The Kunterbunt Hof on the Baltic Sea offers visitors a unique glamping experience on a working farm with a view of the starry sky. At the organic hotel in the Tyrolean Inner Valley, you can relax with Ayurvedic treatments and in the panoramic spa. Have you always wanted to meditate in a real monastery? At St. Hildegard Abbey, this dream becomes a reality.

Start your search on a booking portal for sustainable accommodations and browse for places to travel sustainably . If yoga is to be the central part of your vacation, there are numerous retreats throughout Germany that you can attend.

10 sustainable yoga retreats in Germany

You don't always have to travel to the other side of the world to find your inner peace. For the past few years, there have been more and more yoga retreats right here at home. Here are our ten favorites for this summer:

The Wish Retreat in the Eifel region

Following the motto 'Anything is possible, nothing is mandatory', you can participate in the activities offered at this retreat depending on your mood.

Seven-day Ayurveda retreat in South Tyrol

Nurture your health with yoga and holistic medicine.

Sacred Feminine Healing Retreat on the Baltic Sea island of Fehmarn

Connect with your Yin energy, let things happen, and receive the wisdom of your surroundings.

Chakra Yoga Retreat on Hiddensee

Get to know your energy centers better and experience the tranquility of the car-free island of Hiddensee.

5 Elements Retreat with yoga, sound and music in the Black Forest

Find relaxation amidst asanas and music. Bonus: You can also experience the retreat in Spanish and improve your language skills.

Lightness, Yoga and Dance Retreat

Dance yourself free, relax with a Balinese full body massage and find your retreat in a tipi tent in the middle of nature.

Soul Painting Summer Retreat in the Ore Mountains

A combination of yoga, meditation and painting awakens your creative powers.

Go with the Flow Mountain Retreat in Chiemgau

The flowing practice of yoga is like a dance. Follow the beat of your heart and find your own rhythm.

Iyengar yoga and windsurfing on Rügen

Find your inner balance and balance on the water, and enjoy the fresh sea air.

Silent Retreat: 10-Day Vipassana in Vogtland

Escape the outside world and find inner peace. The retreat is funded entirely by donations from previous participants and therefore has no fees.

Travel sustainably, locally and naturally Ready for your next adventure?

Whether you're a forest dweller, a sun worshipper, or a mountaineer – a yoga holiday at home is no less adventurous than a retreat in an exotic, faraway place. And certainly more sustainable. This is an invitation to rekindle your connection to your homeland and appreciate it more.

Pack your suitcase and get ready for your sustainable summer experience.

...and don't forget your LUVIYO.