Traveling “green” through Europe? With Constanze Frech to Turku and Konstantin Michalek to Valencia

Green travel – a term that is gaining in importance in times of climate change and increasing environmental destruction. But what does it really mean to travel “green”? It involves much more than just reducing CO2 emissions. Green travel stands for an attitude in which respect for nature and a sustainable lifestyle form the basis for travel decisions. Whether by choosing environmental-friendly means of transportation, supporting local and sustainable projects, or consciously avoiding mass and long-distance travel, it opens up the opportunity to experience the world while contributing to its preservation.

At a time when air travel accounts for the majority of CO2 emissions in the tourism sector, more and more travelers are looking for alternatives – and Europe offers a wealth of options. By train, bike, ferry or car sharing, you can reduce your ecological footprint and experience a more relaxed, conscious way of traveling. 

Since 2021, Erasmus+ has supported green travel either with a top up or with an increased travel allowance for students and staff members.”

Off to the Blended Intensive Program (BIP) in Turku

Constanze Frech, lecturer in Renewable Energies at the UAS Technikum, made her way from Vienna to Turku University of Applied Sciences on the Erasmus+ Staff Training Mobility:

Train Vienna – Hamburg

My journey to the BIP in Turku is imminent. I am not planning to fly, but to travel from Austria to Finland by train and ferry. Although this takes more time, it causes only a quarter of the CO2 emissions that a flight would cause. As an experienced long-distance train traveler, I pack three pieces of luggage: a suitcase for my stay in Turku, a rucksack with all my electronic devices and the things I want to have to hand during the trip and a handbag with my other valuables.

My journey begins on the very weekend that was announced throughout Austria as the weekend of catastrophic weather. ÖBB had issued a travel weather warning and advised against non-essential travel. Nevertheless, I set off and left Vienna a few minutes late. Once we reached Schärding, it stopped raining and from Passau onwards it was completely dry. After one planned and one unplanned change, I arrived in Hamburg before the originally planned time.

Hamburg

I stow my luggage in a locker and make my way to meet a friend. After dinner together, we even pop into the pub where I spent many evenings playing pub quizzes during my Erasmus semester and I reminisce. Then it’s time to go back to Hamburg Central Station. Before boarding the night train, I brush my teeth in one of the sanitary facilities at the station.

Night train Hamburg – Stockholm

The train is ready early and I have time to make up my bed and change before departure.  The night is very pleasant. I’ve booked a ladies’ compartment and my fellow passengers are as quiet as mice, so I can sleep well. In the morning, I realize that my train is now quite late. Nevertheless, I’m in good spirits and go for breakfast in the dining car.

Stockholm

I arrive in Stockholm around 12:30, 2.5 hours late but still in a good mood. I spend the day with friends in Stockholm. However, the city also has a lot to offer for solo travelers, which is a great way to pass the time until the departure of the evening ferry. In the evening, I make my way by foot to the Viking Ferries ferry terminal, which is quite centrally located in Stockholm.

Ferry Stockholm – Turku

The ferry has a lot to offer, from restaurants to bars and spas, and is used by many Swedes and Finns as a party weekend excursion. The atmosphere is exuberant. I move into my double cabin (which I use alone) and make myself comfortable. It’s small, but has everything you need and a private bathroom with toilet. The ferry has no noticeable high waves and the engine is barely audible. We leave sparkling Stockholm on time. Instead of taking advantage of the entertainment options on board, I sleep soundly all night.

Turku

The next day I arrive in Turku refreshed and motivated. There is a direct bus from the port to the center of Turku.

A successful BIP Week can begin.

Constanze’s tips and tricks for green (long-distance) travel

Planning is everything.

In times of Erasmus+, friends are dispersed all over the continent. Why not use a stopover to refresh friendships from the exchange semester over a quick coffee? You can start a long journey in a positive mood if you see the long train journey not as a necessary evil, but as part of your trip, where there are exciting things to discover and enjoy.  Before critical connections (night trains, ferries etc.), it is advisable to plan enough buffer time to avoid missing them. Unlike flying, you can make much better use of longer stopovers when traveling by train, as you are usually very centrally located in the city and don’t have to go through tedious check-outs and check-ins.

Pack properly.

If you are traveling for one or more nights, it makes sense to pack an extra piece of hand luggage with all the essentials (toiletries and a change of clothes) so that you don’t have to open and rummage through your main luggage on the train.

For long train journeys, it is also advisable to take a cushion and a thin blanket with you.

Pure adventure: From Vienna to Valencia – by train, boat and bike to the final destination!

Konstantin Michalek, a Master student in Innovation and Technology Management, started his semester abroad at the Universitat Politècnica de València with an adventurous journey. His itinerary:

Vienna – Zurich by train

Zurich – Genoa by bike

Genoa – Barcelona by boat

Barcelona – Valencia by bike

He summarized his journey in a short video:

Picture Gallery: