Famous heart-shaped road at vineyards near Maribor, Slovenia
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For environmentally conscious travelers looking for a sustainable holiday, more than 400 European cities are actively involved in green development. Of these cities, Maribor, Slovenia has been named the Best Green Capital for 2025 by the travel company Europe’s best destinations. Joining Maribor in the top ten are other eco-friendly havens such as Stockholm, Bern, Ponta Delgada and Vienna, each offering a unique mix of nature, culture, wellness, shopping, art and architecture. This year’s top-ranked cities were chosen by a panel of 57,804 travelers from 139 countries, highlighting destinations leading the way in zero carbon emissions, abundant green spaces and innovative cultural and nature events.
1. Maribor, Slovenia
Maribor, top Green Capital 2025
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A shining example of sustainable urban living, this charming city combines slow-paced tourism with an abundance of green spaces at its heart, with a local gastronomy that emphasizes seasonal ingredients and the oldest wine grape in Europe (over 400 years old). The nature surrounding Maribor includes the Pohorje Rainforest, the Lovrenc Lakes and the picturesque Mali Sumik Waterfalls. Many restaurants in the city strive to serve 100% local produce, while the city center boasts an extensive urban park and serene botanical gardens.
2. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen
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Known for its clean air and pristine waters, Copenhagen is one of the greenest destinations in Europe. The Danish capital is a pioneer in the pursuit of carbon neutrality, with an ambitious goal to be completely carbon neutral by 2025. Impressively, the city has already reduced its CO2 emissions by 75% over the past twenty years. A good example of Copenhagen’s innovative approach to sustainability is CopenHill, a ski slope made from recycled plastic, which is open all year round, even in summer. Copenhagen’s beautiful natural areas include two beautiful beaches, Amager Beach and Bellevue Strand, while the city’s vast green spaces cover more than a quarter of the urban landscape.
3. Riga, Latvia
Riga
Gagliardi photography
Super green Riga has an impressive 47% of the city covered in green spaces and a tree cover that exceeds that of many European capitals. This vibrant Latvian capital is committed to improving green infrastructure, reducing air pollution and increasing tree canopy to create a healthier environment for residents and visitors alike. Riga wants to plant a thousand new trees by 2025. The robust public transport network makes it easy to navigate the city while embracing a slow mobility lifestyle.
4. Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal
Ponta-Delgada, Azores
Sara Spies
Ponta Delgada, the vibrant capital of São Miguel, is celebrated as the green heart of the Azores, an archipelago known for its commitment to sustainable tourism. This enchanting location seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, offering a delectable gastronomic scene alongside breathtaking natural beauty. Ponta Delgada is an ideal starting point for exploring the Azores, a paradise for hiking enthusiasts, nature lovers and those looking for sustainable adventures. Unmissable is Sete Cidades, a huge volcanic crater five kilometers in diameter, a preserved gem that invites you to explore its unique terrain and lush vistas.
5. Warsaw, Poland
Warsaw
Pani Garmyder
Warsaw is on this list partly because of its 80 parks and botanical gardens. Whether you enjoy cycling, jogging or simply relaxing with a good book in lush green surroundings, Warsaw offers an abundance of options for outdoor enthusiasts. For music lovers, a visit to the Saxon Garden in the heart of the city is a must. This oasis of peace was once the favorite place of the young composer Fryderyk Chopin and invites you to take a break and relax. Plant lovers will enjoy the beautiful specimens at the University of Warsaw Botanical Garden, a serene escape into the world of flora. For birdwatchers, a cruise along the Vistula River, Poland’s largest river, offers a unique opportunity to observe the diverse flora and fauna that thrive in this vibrant ecosystem.
6. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam
European best destinations
Amsterdam has more trees than inhabitants and more bicycles. Amsterdam has an estimated 881,000 bicycles, which is more than one bicycle per person. The city is known as bicycle-friendly: 63% of Amsterdam residents use their bicycle every day. Over the years, Amsterdam has prioritized the development of green spaces as a means to promote social connections and improve the quality of life for its residents. These green oases not only promote healthy outdoor activities, but also encourage residents to reconnect with nature by growing their own fruits and vegetables, supporting local pollinator populations. Looking ahead to 2050, the city aims to ensure that every resident has access to a park within a 10-minute walk of home and to a nature reserve within 15 minutes.
7. Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm old town city skyline
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While ecological issues take center stage in Stockholm today, just sixty years ago, the waters of this vibrant city were too polluted for swimming. Today, Stockholm stands as a testament to the power of transformation and commitment to sustainability. Every year, the city’s authorities sign a contract to achieve climate neutrality, reinforcing their commitment to becoming a toxic-free and fossil-free destination. Stockholm goes one step further by tackling noise pollution and aims to be one of the quietest cities in Europe.
8. Vienna, Austria
Gloriette Pavilion and Neptune Fountain in Schonbrunn Park, Vienna, Austria
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Vienna is celebrated as the green city with the highest quality of life in Europe. It is remarkable that the city has been declared the most liveable city in the world by the United Nations Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) for three consecutive years. With more than half a million trees and nearly 1,000 parks spread across the city, some of the most iconic are Schönbrunn Palace and Stadtpark, home to the famous statue of classical music composer Johann Strauss. With 73% of residents using public transport and 44% choosing to walk, it’s no wonder that Vienna is both a serene and green oasis, making it a pleasure to live in and visit.
9. Bern, Switzerland
Bern
Eva Bocek
This enchanting Swiss city is known for its commitment to eco-friendly practices and green living. Visitors are encouraged to take an e-bike tour of Bern and explore the scenic landscapes of the Emmental Valley. Also must-sees are the Botanical Garden and the protected Elfenau Park, a lush oasis, perfect for recharging in the middle of nature. Bern is also a paradise for vegans, with an impressive variety of plant-based eateries to suit all tastes.
10. Oslo, Norway
Oslo city view and typical Nordic house
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Whether you are visiting to see the famous Edvard Munch painting The scream or to wander the beautiful Vigeland Sculpture Park, home to more than 200 impressive sculptures, Oslo offers a vibrant cultural experience amid its lush surroundings. Wherever you stay, you will wake up in a green space within a 10-minute walk. In addition to aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030, Oslo has one of the highest percentages of electric vehicles in the world and an efficient and green public transport system, including buses, trams, metro lines and ferries that run on electricity. that comes from renewable sources. The city also promotes cycling with an extensive network of cycle paths.