If you like to visit cities with plenty of green spaces, Kraków is for you. A European Green Capital finalist in 2023, Kraków offers over 207 m2 of green space for each of its residents and the UNESCO listed Old Town is largely pedestrianised and lovely to wander around. In fact, it’s a great place to get around for everyone, as evidenced by it being named as runner up in the 2012 Access City Awards. If you fancy a slightly longer walk, check out Planty Park, a green belt of over 200 000 m2 that surrounds the Old Town and replaced the mediaeval fortifications that used to be there. If you’re hungry for more nature, you can access meadows, forests and nature reserves just a short tram ride from the centre.
Brno is a breath of fresh air and a green oasis. From the city’s many parks and gardens, each with a unique character and interesting things to do, to a deer park just outside the city and reachable by public transport, there’s so many places to connect with nature. For example, the Open Gardens is an educational space with a unique passive house with a green roof and an educational trail. If you prefer your relaxation to be a bit more active, we recommend you climb Špilberk and visit the 13th century castle on top or head over to Brno reservoir - a great place for sport and relaxation. You can also pay a visit to the Botanic Garden and learn more about plants.
Graz is the capital of Styria, also known as the 'Green Heart' of Austria due to its large green areas. Thanks to this, there are plenty of opportunities to get outside into nature and enjoy the healing effects of greenery, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to places to hike, bike or ski. Graz has a slew of awards that prove its green and cultural credentials: it’s a 2025 European Green Capital finalist, European Capital of Culture 2003 and the Historic Centre and Schloss Eggenberg are UNESCO listed. If you want to truly immerse yourself in nature, you can volunteer on an organic farm through the WWOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms) movement.
Velenje was designed in the 1950s as a garden city, so greenery has been part of its DNA since day one. It’s continued its commitment to the environment and is a 2024 European Green Leaf winner thanks to the city’s plan for new employment opportunities in the green sector. It’s also one of the pilot cities in the Climate-Neutral Cities Mission funded by the European Commission. While you’re there, take a walk along the Promenada, one of the central axes of the city, which is being renovated to prioritise greenery and space for people or visit popular-with-locals Velenje beach, where you’ll find clean water for swimming, just a short stroll from the town.
Located on the northern boundary of the Alps, Salzburg is an ideal jumping off point for outdoor activities that get you closer to nature, such as hiking or mountain biking. In Salzburg, thanks to the wealth of winter activities like ice skating, cross-country skiing and snowshoe hiking, there’s no reason to stay indoors when it’s cold. Dress warm and connect with nature all year round! Its UNESCO World Heritage Listed city centre is also a charming place to stroll around or you could pay a visit to the gardens of Schloss Hellbrunn, free to visit and the home of the pavilion from the Sound of Music.
Forested Liechtenstein, located entirely in the Alps, is perfect for outdoor adventurers and Triesen makes a great base. Discover the nature trail that takes you 100 metres up from the Rhine Valley to the early mediaeval chapel of St Mamerta, located above Triesen. Or, if you really want to stretch your legs, why not try the 75 km Liechtenstein Trail? Where else could you walk around an entire country in a weekend? Or, if you prefer to get around on 2-wheels, there are plenty of well-signed posted routes that make Liechtenstein a dream for mountain bikers.
Galway, perched on the wild west coast of Ireland (also known as ‘The Emerald Isle’ because it’s so green), was crowned European Green Leaf city in 2017 for its commitment to sustainability. If you want to get out and explore the countryside and visit some of Ireland’s famous sites, Galway is an ideal base for spots such as the Cliffs of Moher or the hills of Connemara. Or why not walk some of the Wild Atlantic Way, one of the world’s longest coastal routes (2 600 km), which follows the Irish coast from the Inishowen Peninsula in the north, past Galway and down to Kinsale in the south. Or visit one of Ireland’s over 650 km2 of national parks, forest areas and reserves.
