In many holiday destinations, tourists have access to so-called Visitor Passes or Guest Tickets, with which they often receive attractive discounts for swimming pools, amusement parks, museums, bicycle hire providers, ferries, or cable cars, in addition to unrestricted use of local transport.
Most people have less time pressure on holiday and therefore do not use their private car. Visits to popular tourist and cultural attractions with public transport avoid the unnecessary hassle of searching for a parking space. In addition to the savings on public transport, overnight guests do not have to deal with the respective ticketing system, which can undoubtedly relieve and lower the inhibition threshold for public transport. For some regions, visitor passes also offer an opportunity to direct the flow of visitors and draw attention to lesser-known attractions, thereby supporting local providers.
Bicycles can also be taken on most public transport, extending the radius of holidaymakers and opening up new, sustainable activities, such as cycling and hiking tours.
Some hotels send the visitor pass by post in advance so that guests can use it to travel to their holiday destination. At best, guests can do without their car and travel sustainably by train to their holiday destination. More and more visitor passes are being digitalized and thus made even more sustainable. The types of visitor passes are as varied as the regions where they can be used—time to get an overview of the benefits.
Mobility on site in the Dolomites around the Paradiso Pure.Living
Paradiso Pure.Living is the first vegetarian-vegan and sustainable hotel in the Dolomites. It is located in South Tyrol on the famous Alpe di Siusi in the heart of the Dolomites at 2,000 meters and is surrounded by the UNESCO-protected Alpine Nature Park. The entire region offers the South Tyrol Mobilcard visitor pass, which is included in the price of an overnight stay at Paradiso Pure.Living. The visitor pass allows holidaymakers to explore the Alpe di Siusi Dolomites region and the entire South Tyrol region. It offers access to all public transport, such as trains and buses, with an all-in-one ticket.
Car-free time at the ADLER Lodge RITTEN, South Tyrol
The ADLER Lodge RITTEN is taking things further with its Green Mobility Service. With the free Ritten Card and accompanying services from the hotel, guests can also take a break from their car while on holiday. The Ritten Card includes free use of all public transport in the surrounding area. It also consists of a transfer service from the lodge and hiring outdoor equipment and e-bikes.
In the middle of a clearing surrounded by dense forest, the sustainable hotel, with its natural suites and chalets made of untreated wood, offers a stunning panorama of the Dolomites. A short path through idyllic nature separates the lodge from the small Rappersbichl forest stop. From there, visitors can take the historic Renon narrow-gauge railway to popular destinations in the surrounding area. The ultra-modern Renon cable car takes just 12 minutes from Soprabolzano to the centre of the provincial capital of Bolzano. It is also included with the Card.
“Laxn” with the RittenCard at the Hotel Weihrerhof
Relaxation at the Weihrerhof is called “Laxn” and includes a stress-free journey. As at the ADLER Lodge RITTEN, guests at the Weihrerhof also receive the RittenCard on arrival, but it can also be sent in advance so that guests can quickly get to the Rittner Berg using public transport. The hotel takes care of your luggage.
The Weihrerhof in Oberbozen is a small, family-run gem on Lake Wolfsgrubner, one of the cleanest bathing lakes in Italy. In the hotel, nature has been brought indoors: The scent of hay, the feel of timber, lake views, and sunny windows. The RittenCard is also ideal for exploring the surrounding area, as it includes free use of South Tyrolean public transport and admission to around 80 museums, castles, and other attractions throughout South Tyrol, along with numerous other benefits. Discounts on leisure activities in summer and winter, such as ski school, ski hire, horse riding, archery, llama trekking, and Nordic walking, round out the offer.
Sustainable travelling in Freiburg – A Regional Ticket is included at the Green City Hotel Vauban.
Freiburg is not only considered one of the most sustainable cities in Germany, in 2022 the city was also ranked 3rd in the top 10 cities of the “Best in Travel City Destinations in the World 2022” by Lonely Planet. The charismatic, environmentally conscious Black Forest metropolis is always worth a visit with its cobblestone streets, beautiful facades, the old university, and the cathedral.
The inclusive Green City Hotel Vauban has established itself in this environment. In addition to peace and relaxation, the hotel offers a unique concept of aesthetic architecture, regionality, sustainability, and active inclusion. Hotel guests receive a complimentary regional ticket for their entire stay upon check-in. This entitles them to free travel on local public transport and includes 2nd class travel on all Deutsche Bahn trains. On request, the regional ticket can be sent to you before you arrive for a processing fee of one euro per person.
Relaxed Traveling in the Black Forest – Hotel SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA
The Hotel SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA is located in the spa town of Bad Herrenalb in the northern Black Forest. As a wellness and health hotel with an integrated Selfness Centre, it forms the “health hub” with an adjoining clinic. For the hotel, a relaxing and healthy stay also means leaving the car behind and setting off on a hike or excursion by bus or train free of charge without worrying about parking. The Hotel SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA is, therefore, one of the KONUS Black Forest Guest Card hosts. It is valid as a free travel ticket on local public transport, 2nd class ticket, and trams and buses in Freiburg and Karlsruhe. ICE, IC, EC, and ECE connections and mountain railways are excluded. Environmental protection and energy efficiency go hand in hand in the Black Forest.
All in one Card at the Lifestylehotel SAND in Timmendorfer Strand
The Sustainable Lifestyle Hotel SAND on Timmendorfer Strand is also committed to a carefree holiday on the Baltic coast of Schleswig-Holstein and in Holstein, Switzerland. Guests receive a free Baltic Sea Card when they check-in. This ensures free beach access to 22 holiday resorts and seaside resorts. Still, holidaymakers also benefit from many exclusive discounts and benefits, for example, at the Lübeck Marzipan Store, the Trappenkamp Adventure Forest, and over 40 other leisure attractions. The SAND provides the perfect holiday with a successful mix of pure naturalness and a hip lifestyle, plus a relaxed atmosphere and close proximity to the beach.
Free Activities around the Summit Lodges Pfunds with the Guest Card
In the middle of the Tyrolean Oberland lies the Austrian village of Pfunds, in the centre of which you will find the Summit Lodges. Here, guests can enjoy a relaxing break between Swiss stone pine forests and Alpine pastures with authentic farmhouses. Included in the price of the lodges is the SummerCard Tiroler Oberland, which makes it even easier to explore the many attractions around Pfunds. In addition to discounts and reductions for excursion destinations, local transport throughout the region is also free. Access to bathing lakes and swimming pools is also included, court hire for various tennis and beach volleyball courts and participation in guided mountain bike and e-bike tours in the Tyrolean Oberland.
Experience the Lake Constance Region around the Naturresort Gerbehof
Surrounded by meadows, forests, and orchards, Naturresort Gerbehof invites you to switch off and recharge your body and mind. For the 100% organic certified and climate-positive resort, this also means that guests will receive the Echt Bodensee Card starting this year upon their arrival. The family-run hotel with an adjoining guest house and holiday apartments is an ideal starting point for exploring the Lake Constance region, the Allgäu, and the Vorarlberg mountains. The guest card includes free use of public transport in the “Bodo” transport network and a range of benefits at more than 200 cultural and leisure facilities. This saves time, money, and nerves and protects the environment.
Vis a Vis with kings with the SchwangauCard and the Hotel Das Rübezahl
The family-run boutique Hotel Das Rübezahl is located in Schwangau near Füssen in the land of mountains, castles, and lakes – opposite the famous Neuschwanstein Royal Castle. As part of their stay, guests are given the SchwangauCard free of charge, which offers free use of all public transport. Of course, the SchwangauCard also offers discounts for the Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles, the Tegelberg cable car, Forggensee boat trips, and the Schwangau Kristall-Therme spa. The hotel also has five e-charging stations and an e-Porsche that can be borrowed if a car is needed.
Pure Hospitality at the Hotel Klosterbräu, Seefeld, Tyrol
More than 200 years of family history meets modern ideas and warm hospitality at the Hotel Klosterbräu in the Tyrolean Alps. Guests receive the “PlateauCard” on arrival. The visitor’s card is valid as a ticket for all public bus connections in the region (as far as Telfs and Mittenwald) for your stay. It also includes the train journey between Seefeld and Scharnitz and the Wildmoosbus. Visitors can also choose from various free or discounted experiences, from traditional cookery courses to tracking in the wild. This is also a great way to try the many activities in and around the hotel.
Car-free in Zermatt – Hotel Bella Vista
The family-run Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt epitomizes relaxation in the heart of the Swiss Alps. The eco-friendly hotel, with its 21 guest rooms and views of the Matterhorn, is located just a five-minute walk above the village centre of Zermatt. The Swiss village is car-free, meaning only carriages and electric vehicles are used. Therefore, a convenient electric vehicle is used to transport guests from Zermatt railway station. The valley station for the Sunnega/Rothorn skiing and hiking area is within walking distance of the hotel. The Wolli Card is available for younger guests. This is a free club card for children of guests staying at least one night in Zermatt. Children up to nine can travel for free on the railway, remain in their parent’s room for free, and use the mountain railways in the Zermatt – Matterhorn region free of charge.
Experience the Karwendel and the Biohotel Grafenast with the SILVER CARD
The green and sustainable Biohotel Grafenast is 1,330 meters above sea level with a spectacular view over the Tyrolean Inn Valley. All rooms were built according to strict sustainable and ecological criteria. It is a quiet yet energizing place to relax and recharge your batteries. Included free of charge in the room price is the Karwendel Region Silver Card, which offers many benefits and experiences throughout the area. In addition to unrestricted use of the regional bus routes in the Silver Region, families will be particularly pleased with the free admission to more than 30 attractions such as landmarks, museums and galleries, nature experiences, and leisure facilities, as well as free admission to all outdoor pools in the region.
By bus and train across the Canary Island of Gran Canaria to the Boutique Hotel Casa León Royal Retreat.
The boutique hotel Casa León Royal Retreat is a place of relaxation for anyone who wants to experience the Canary Island of Gran Canaria sustainably and authentically. The small, sustainable hotel with 25 rooms is located on a 10,000 m² estate in the island’s centre, surrounded by native plants. To consistently realize the sustainability concept, the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle to the beach and nearby golf courses several times daily.
Public transport is also recommended here for all guests who would like to explore the island further. The public transport network is highly well-developed and connects the island almost seamlessly. The buses on Gran Canaria are air-conditioned, comfortable, and on time. Although there is no classic visitor pass, the team at Casa Léon recommends that tourists use the so-called TransGC ticket, which can be topped up with credit, saving you the hassle of buying individual bus tickets.
Edited by: Anne Keam
