What Tübingen, Germany can teach us about sustainability

Hohentübingen Castle is well worth a visit for its history and great views. Photo / Otto Buchegge

When you think of destinations leading the charge in veganism and sustainability, one may not think of the saussage-and-cheese-loving Germany.

Yet, the charming university town of Tübingen has a reputation for being green that could put many progressive cities to shame.

Tübingen is located in the southwest region of Swabia, which is known as one of the sunniest places in Germany and the most frugal. Similar to Oxford or Cambridge, Tübingen is full of young students (approximately 27,000) who are passionate, innovative and liberal. It’s these qualities that have primed it over decades to become a sustainable cornerstone.

Talking to BBC Travel, Jenny Bröder, a staff member at Tübingen’s University, said veganism is a popular choice amongst students.

“In Tübingen, there are self-governed housing initiatives, where cooking and grocery shopping is organised collectively and is mostly vegan,” she said.

According to Bröder, residents of these houses tend to be politically active and help create an awareness of environmental and social issues. Not only do they organise cultural events to raise awareness of these issues, the food you’ll find there will probably be sustainably minded too.

The town’s sustainability streak isn’t just seen amongst young students. Tübingen’s District Council has included ‘green’ politicians since the late 1970s and the city regularly has new policies and regulations to become more environmentally friendly.

Cars have been banned in the main street and along with large cycle lanes and high parking fees, many people prefer to cycle around. Buses are free on Saturdays and for students, they are also free on Sundays and after 7 pm on week days.

How to get there

Fittingly, you can only take a bus or train into the city. The closes airport is Stuttgart Echterdingen is the closest airport and from there, the easiest way to Tübingen an hourly bus service. Alternatively, if you are arriving from Frankfurt, the S-Bahn train is your best bet.

How to get around

Even if you have a car, Tübingen's strict ticket officers, terrible traffic system and countless restrictions mean you're better off parking up and exploring the city by bicycle, bus or on foot.

Best things to see

After roaming around the city centre's cobblestone streets, candy-coloured houses, and Marktplatz (Market Square) in Old Town, find your way to river Neckar where students often go punting during the summer.

Lace-up your good sneakers and climb up the hill to Hohentübingen Castle, which offers a stunning look at 1030's architecture and a few of the city from on high. Not to let a good building go to waste, it now houses several university faculties, including the laboratory where Friedrich Miescher discovered DNA in 1869.

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On the way down, stop by the on-site Ancient Culture Museum to see some of the world's oldest artworks of humankind including a small Ice Age figure carved from mammoth bones.

Best places to eat

To eat where locals do, head for Neckarmüller restaurant, which sits on the edge of the river. But be warned, it’s a popular spot so bookings may be essential. For something plant-based, hunt down Veggie Box, a vegan restaurant near the Old Botanical Garden or Vegi Bar and Café to try their famous falafel wraps and platters.