sustainability
Our contribution to adjusting to climate change, here in the Kaunertal
Nature, up close and personal
For 20 years now, the Kaunertal has been part of the Nature Park Kaunergrat. As one of Tyrol's most captivating alpine valleys, its ecosystems, cultural diversity, and regional value are well worth preserving and protecting. That is why we work closely with the Kaunergrat Nature Park and our local communities to bring environmental protection, regional development, and the development of tourism together.
It is our aim to keep the impressive natural and cultural landscape alive for future generations
Lived sustainability in the holiday region
Climate protection and an adjustment to climate change concerns us all. Listed below, you will find the specific measures we are implementing to reduce CO2 emissions and to adapt to climate change. There is, however, still much to do!
The Kaunertal nature park and glacier region is among those regions that have already implemented measures to reduce CO2 emissions and adapt to climate change - constantly reflecting on what can be improved, and recognising above all that raising awareness is a matter of many small, achievable steps. That this path is a promising one - and recognised as such on a global scale - has been confirmed by the Kaunertal's recent designation as a BEST TOURISM VILLAGE by the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), in recognition of it sustainable approach. Of the 170 destinations from 75 countries that applied worldwide, only 44 received the award. The Kaunertal is proud to be one of them.
Sustainable Development Goals - 17 United Nation Goals until 2030
In 2015 the UN established 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - a global roadmap towards a better world. These goals are directed at the 193 member states worldwide, and several of them serve as valuable guiding principles for the strategic development of the Kaunertal.
☼ Video about the Sustainable Development Goals
As a tourism association, we are committed to the following goals and are already making meaningful contributions towards them today.
Goal #8
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Drafting and implementing measures for the advancement of sustainable tourism, which generates new jobs and supports local culture and products in the Kaunertal nature park and glacier region.
At our tourist information office, you'll find a dedicated shop stocking a carefully selected range of products from the nature park region. Honey of the Dark Bee, herbal salt from Kauns, premium schnapps made by local farmers, and so much more - every guest has the opportunity to take a piece of the Kaunertal home with them. Through our marketing, we champion businesses that produce within the region - from food producers to local craftspeople like Kathrein Rodel. We also actively support events that keep local traditions and culture alive in the valley, from summer concerts and brass band festivals to traditional folk celebrations. And when it comes to implementing projects, working with regional suppliers is always our first choice.
☼ Tip for guests: The direct producers of the Kaunertal nature park offer foods of exceptional quality - and every purchase does more than just bring something special to your table. It also helps preserve the rich and diverse natural habitat that makes this region so unique.
Goal #13
Climate Action
Integrating climate protection measures into strategies and planning.
A total of 44 regions in Austria are addressing the impacts of climate change through the KLAR! programme - short for Klimawandel-Anpassungs-Modell Region (Climate Change Adaptation Model Region). The Kaunertal is one of them, recognising that adaptation is key to safeguarding the high quality of life in the Kaunertal for generations to come. Making our region climate-ready is a long-term process. With a first set of adaptation projects, our three communities of Kauns, Kaunerberg and Kaunertal are taking their first steps together and tackle the challenges of climate change with the following measures:
- Raising awareness of close-to-nature forestry
- Informing about the climate future of our alpine pastures
- Harvesting rainwater
- Installing drinking fountains
- Fruit for everyone
- Reviewing tourism offerings by season and weather conditions
- Running climate workshops in schools
Furthermore, the tourism association also offers a comprehensive tour guide 'Hiking in the Kaunertal - just my climate' (available as a book and web application), covering family-friendly walks, challenging ridge trails, and summit tours across a variety of alpine altitudes. A virtual tour filter provides personalised hiking recommendations based on weather and trail character - ensuring nothing stands in the way of a safe and relaxed time in the Kaunertal mountains. Scan the QR code to launch the web application, or visit ww.klimawandern-kaunertal.at (German) directly.
☼ Tip for guests: Transport is the single biggest contributor to your carbon footprint - but in the Kaunertal, leaving the car behind has never been easier. Our hiking and ski buses connect guests with the alpine pastures & slopes of the Kaunertal, so your car can stay parked for the duration of your stay.
Goal #7
Affordable and clean energy
Increasing the share of renewable energy and promoting energy efficiency.
The Quellalpin is our flagship project for sustainable energy - and proof that a small ecological footprint and a great recreational experience go hand in hand. The sustainable indoor pool features the characteristic materials of the nature park and glacier region, such as wood, granite, and hay, and is heated entirely by geothermal energy. The pool water is fed by gently treated, pristine spring water.
The Kaunertal Glacier also took a major step towards sustainability in December 2019 with the introduction of the innovative new Falginjochbahn. Replacing two drag lifts, the new cable car not only freed up valuable slope area, but also eliminated the need for excavation along the route entirely. Power and fibre optic connections run directly through the supporting cables, and the braking energy generated on the descent is fed back into the grid.
CLAR - Clean Alpine Region. A new project on the path towards becoming a climate-friendly tourism destination. Sustainable tourism in the Kaunertal can only work in the long run if both local residents and visitors feel genuinely at home. That is the core ambition of CLAR Kaunergrat. The path forward is clear: a resource-conscious, credible, and genuinely sustainable tourism strategy for the nature park and glacier region. A first project has already been implemented with the 'Raus aus Öl' (Get Off Oil) initiative, supporting local tourism businesses in phasing out oil heating systems.
☼ Tip for guests: Favour local activities and businesses that have taken steps to reduce their energy and resource consumption.
Goal #10
Reduced Inequalities
Fewer inequalities – furthering mountain mobility in all phases of life.
Our goal is simple: to make the Kaunertal experience accessible to as many people as possible. Not only the 70+ generation eventually reaches a point where the mountains feel less within reach - many nature lovers encounter limitations much earlier. And let's not forget the young parents who have swapped their via ferrata gear for a pram. Whatever your situation, the Kaunertal has room for you - with experiences and open spaces reaching altitudes well above 3,000 metres. Find everything you need to know about mountain accessibility, excursion destinations, and accomodation here.
☼ Tip for guests: The Kaunertal is a real paragon when it comes to accessibility. In winter, four cross-country ski trails in the valley area carry a special quality seal. From the district of Platz to Grasse, four cross-country routes are fully accessible. Adaptive cross-country sledges are also available, which can be tested on the red and blue trails under the guidance of trained instructors.
A glimpse into a unique natural and cultural landscape
