Bad Hindelang: Looking for the UN title for Tourism Village 2025!

Bad Hindelang: Looking for the UN title for Tourism Village 2025!

The municipality of Bad Hindelang in the Allgäu High Alps has established itself as an outstanding example of sustainable tourism. It is nominated for the international competition “Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism”. This award is given to honor rural communities from around the world that demonstrate environmentally friendly and culturally enriching approaches. The nomination was initiated by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) and supported by the Competence Center for the Green Transformation of Tourism. Bad Hindelang is one of three German participants, alongside Meisenheim (Rhineland-Palatinate) and Schiltach (Baden-Württemberg), and now has the opportunity to present its sustainable concepts on the international stage.

In order to win the title “Best Tourism Village”, the locations are evaluated in nine subject areas. These include the use of natural resources, the involvement of the local population, the economic viability of tourism concepts and the alignment with the United Nations' sustainability goals. Mayor Dr. Sabine Rödel expressed her joy about the nomination and emphasized Bad Hindelang's commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.

Sustainability and eco model

With the living space concept “Our Bad Hindelang 2030”, Bad Hindelang is pursuing a vision for a future worth living in. As part of the “Hindelang Eco Model”, which has been successfully operated since 1988, nature conservation, sustainable agriculture and tourism development are combined. This model not only promotes natural management, but also ensures the protection of the cultural landscape and air quality. Bad Hindelang is also considered a climatic health resort in which air quality plays a central role.

All 60 mountain farmers of the “Hindelang – Nature & Culture” association work according to strict environmentally friendly guidelines. This includes avoiding chemical weed killers and synthetic mineral fertilizers. Around 90 percent of the animals' feed is produced in-house, which minimizes dependence on external sources. These environmentally friendly practices contribute to the regeneration of nature and the preservation of a species-rich cultural landscape.

Innovative mobility solutions

Another aspect of the sustainability strategy is the innovative mobility solution EMMI-MOBIL, which complements local public transport in the municipality and enables car-free holiday options. This is particularly attractive for visitors who want to enjoy the untouched nature of Bad Hindelang without having to rely on their own car. The municipality is setting an example for environmentally conscious travel and promoting the use of public transport.

As of 2021, over 800 villages from more than 100 countries have taken part in the competition. A total of 185 towns were awarded the title “Best Tourism Village”. The winners of the current competition will be announced in the third quarter of 2025. Bad Hindelang is excited about the result and hopes to be able to successfully present its strategies and concepts.

In summary, Bad Hindelang impressively shows how a model for sustainable tourism can be created through sustainable practices and the involvement of the community. The community is ready to demonstrate its competence in the areas of environmental protection and social responsibility and is optimistic about the future.

Mercury reports that...
Bad Hindelang provides information about the eco-model...