8 Of The 10 'Greenest Countries In The World' Are On One Ecologically Enlightened, Incredible Continent

Rising sea levels may keep making terrifying headlines, but the human desire to explore the world is not going anywhere. For those trying to balance climate concerns with a sense of adventure, visiting Europe might offer a happy solution. A recent global sustainability ranking by consultancy firm and data analysts, SG Analytics, placed eight European countries among the top 10 greenest in the world. The countries that have ranked in the top 10 also have the best integrated environmental, social, and governance solutions. With the climate crisis looming large, travelers hoping to reduce their carbon footprint will find innovative policies across Scandinavia, as well as in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.

Those exploring vibrant cities or the dramatic natural landscapes in these countries do not need to experience the same pangs of guilt that long-haul travel often brings in the modern era. What's more, Iceland aside, they are all connected by trains, making an Interrail Pass a smart way to experience a variety of cultures while keeping emissions low. For those whose inner adventurer will not be content until they have taken to the world's only glacier zipline located in Iceland, more sustainable routes to the country exist, such as a ferry from Denmark. These eight countries demonstrate that when there is the political will to meaningfully cut emissions, those nations can still be in a position to show off what the continent has to offer, without massively damaging the prospects of future generations. 

Whether the next trip booked is to the global sauna capital situated between two lakes in Finland or the breathtaking solo travel destination ranked as the best in the world, there is plenty of fun to be had in these eight climate-conscious countries. According to SG Analytics, they earned their place on the list by taking a "holistic approach" to sustainability, in which they combine education, legislation, and technology to bolster their environmental credentials. 

The impact of these efforts is often visible to travelers exploring these eco-friendly nations. In Denmark, for instance, Copenhagen is designed around cyclists, making renting a bike through an app like Donkey Republic the most natural way to get around the capital. In Austria, classical music fans tracing the footsteps of Beethoven or Mozart by train may spot the country's KlimaTicket campaign, which offers unlimited public transport for an affordable annual fee.

Swedish and Swiss cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg, Geneva, and Zurich have drawn praise for their sustainable urban planning, with walkable streets and green spaces perfect for a snack in the sunshine of either luxury chocolate or fermented fish. Tourists heading to Oslo or through the Norwegian fjords need not rely on public transport alone to keep emissions down. Hailing a taxi or an Uber often means stepping into an electric vehicle, with nearly 90 percent of new cars sold there in 2024 running on electric power. In much of Europe, travel and climate responsibility are no longer in conflict, as they sadly still are in many other parts of the world.