Experience Environment, Health and Nature Activities

An inspiring blend of nature experiences, environmental education, health topics, and sportive sessions
Environment, Health and Nature Activities

Course Overview

This Erasmus+ course invites educators and professionals to explore the deep connections between environment, health, and education through sportive or interactive outdoor experiences in the breathtaking natural landscapes of Bregenz and its surrounding area— a region uniquely situated between lake and mountains.
Combining environmental topics with physical activities and practical learning, this course provides fresh ideas and ready-to-use materials for classroom application, while also supporting personal wellbeing and sustainability awareness.


Course Highlights (depending on availability – program subject to change):

- The course offers a rich variety of outdoor activities like hiking in the Bregenzerwald Mountains or the Alps, along with an excursion to a site of ecological or environmental significance.
- Participants will engage in an upcycling and environmental project at a local recycling station or visit an organic farm, where they will gain insights into circular agriculture and receive practical tips for implementing a school garden.
- A hands-on fermentation workshop will highlight the connection between nutrition, gut health, and overall wellbeing.

The program also encourages participants to create digital media or local newspaper content — such as videos or photo stories — for use in school projects or on social media, supporting the development of digital skills. Throughout the week, there will be multiple opportunities for exchange and networking with colleagues from across Europe.

All content is designed to be classroom-ready.

These reports also serve to highlight and acknowledge the support of the European Union and to share insights from the course with a wider audience.

Please note that all outdoor activities will be adapted to the physical abilities of the participants. This ensures that everyone can take part comfortably and without feeling overwhelmed, regardless of their fitness level.

If you have any specific interests, we would be happy to incorporate them into the course.

Erasmus+ funding is available.

Benefits

This Erasmus+ course offers a unique opportunity for teachers and educators to combine professional development with personal wellbeing, outdoor experiences, and cross-cultural exchange.

Professional Relevance:
Participants gain ready-to-use content for subjects such as biology, geography, environmental education, health, and physical education. The activities are designed to be directly transferable to the classroom, with a strong focus on interdisciplinary and experiential learning.

Environmental Awareness & Sustainability:
The course deepens participants’ understanding of ecological systems, sustainable practices, and the importance of environmental education — empowering them to inspire the next generation of environmentally conscious citizens.

Health & Wellbeing:
Time spent in nature, movement-based sessions, and a focus on nutrition and gut health contribute to both physical and mental wellbeing. The course offers tools to promote a healthy lifestyle in and beyond the school setting.

Digital Competence:
Through the creation of videos, photos, and reports, participants strengthen their digital skills, learn creative ways to share educational content, and explore the use of media for communication and reflection.

European Exchange & Networking:
Teachers from across Europe come together to share ideas, experiences, and cultural perspectives. This builds long-lasting connections and fosters collaboration beyond the course.

Inclusive & Accessible:
All outdoor activities are tailored to different fitness levels, ensuring that everyone can participate fully and comfortably.

Erasmus+ Eligible:
The course is fully eligible for Erasmus+ funding, making it an accessible and cost-effective option for professional development abroad.

Arrival & Accommodation

Directions to Bregenz

Bregenz,located at the crossroads of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, boasts excellent connectivity with both public transportation and the motorway network. The airports in Altenrhein (CH), Friedrichshafen (D), and Memmingen(D) are all within a short drive of under an hour from Bregenz. Arriving in Bregenz, Austria, unveils a breathtaking panorama of the Swiss Alps and the serene expanse of Lake Constance. Conveniently connected to all neighbouring countries, the city welcomes Erasmus+ course participants to its picturesque streets.

See directions via Google Maps here.

 

By train: Bregenz has three train stations: Bregenz, Bregenz Riedenburg, and Bregenz Hafen. While Bregenz Riedenburg and Bregenz Hafen primarily handle regional traffic, the main station, Bregenz, is served by ICE and InterCity trains arriving from Vienna and terminating here, as well as EuroCity trains running between Zurich and Munich.

We highly recommend green travel options.

Startseite - ÖBB (oebb.at)

 

By plane: Bregenz is surrounded by several airports. If you arrive by plane, the closest international airports are Zurich airport (CH, 120 km from Bregenz) and Munich airport (D, 179 km). Regional airports even closer are Altenrhein (CH, 24 km), Friedrichshafen (D, 32 km) and Memmingen (D, 75 km). From Zurich airport you can conveniently take the train to Bregenz.

 

By bus:

The German long-distance bus provider FlixBus offers Bregenz as a destination

Bus nachBregenz - Bus ticket günstig buchen (flixbus.at)

 

Getting around in Bregenz:

Bregenz is connected to the regional bus system and has its own city bus network

VMOBIL - Die Mobilitätsplattform für Vorarlberg

TIER e-scooters are provided to get around in the city.

Register tot he TIER app and use the discount code VMOBIL2024 to get an extra free 10-minute ride.

Accomodation:

In Bregenz you can easily find the right accommodation for your Erasmus+ week that will suit your expectations and your budget. There are various hotels, inns, vacation apartments and houses, B&Bs and private rooms for rent, as well as campgrounds or a youth hostel. From elegant lakeside hotels boasting stunning views to quaint guesthouses nestled in the historic Old Town, there's a perfect retreat awaiting every course participant.

Find your accommodation in Bregenz |Bregenz Tourism (visitbregenz.com)

 

For more information about Bregenz and Vorarlberg visit:

BregenzAktivitäten & Sightseeing | Bregenz Tourismus (visitbregenz.com)

BodenseeVorarlberg Tourismus | Urlaub am Bodensee, Vorarlberg (bodensee-vorarlberg.com)

Urlaub inVorarlberg I Österreich - Vielfalt zu jeder Jahreszeit

Embrace the warm hospitality and natural splendor of Bregenz, and let your Alpine adventure begin.

Methodology & Objectives

Methodology
This course is built on an experiential, hands-on approach that encourages learning through direct interaction with nature and practical activities. It combines field-based exploration, workshops, collaborative group work, guided reflection, and digital documentation. By actively engaging in diverse outdoor environments — from mountains to lakeshores — participants experience first-hand the connection between environmental education, health, and sustainable living.

Participants learn by doing: whether it's collecting and analyzing biodiversity data, visiting ecological sites, or experimenting with fermentation, every activity is designed to be immersive, interactive, and rooted in real-world relevance. The course also integrates digital storytelling and media creation, empowering educators to communicate their learning creatively and bring innovative tools back to the classroom.

Objectives

  • To strengthen educators' knowledge of environmental issues and sustainability practices
  • To promote outdoor learning and nature-based education as tools for student engagement and wellbeing
  • To explore the relationship between health, nutrition, and environmental awareness
  • To provide practical, classroom-ready activities for various school subjects
  • To enhance digital competence through creative media work and content sharing
  • To foster intercultural exchange and professional networking within the Erasmus+ community
  • To support the development of inclusive, adaptable teaching practices that are sensitive to different learning needs and physical abilities

By the end of the course, participants will have expanded both their professional toolkit and personal insight, returning home inspired and equipped to implement engaging, sustainability-focused education.

Cost and Erasmus+ Funding

The cost of the seven-day course is €620, which includes course fees, free coffee, complimentary cultural activities in the area throughout the week, and a certificate of attendance. Additional organizational costs may apply if registration is through an intermediary company. The company also offers an optional cultural package designed to enhance the connections between participants.

Free Cultural Activities included in your course

On Monday and Saturday of your Erasmus+ week, we are pleased to offer complimentary cultural activities centered around the course venue. You will have the opportunity to take part in a city tour that provides captivating insights into the people, traditions, and culture of Vorarlberg.

Additionally, we will arrange an excursion to a nearby attraction, landmark or mountain area, tailored to the season and weather conditions. Detailed information about these activities will be provided during the welcome event on Sunday evening. We look forward to sharing these enriching experiences with you!

Special Packages (Add-Ons)

No items found.
This Course requires a B1 level of English proficiency.

Bregenz and Lake Constance Region
Vorarlberg, Austria

Bregenz, also known as Breagaz in Vorarlberg's dialect, is the capital of Vorarlberg, Austria's westernmost federal state. The city has approximately 27,000 residents, with a total population of about 60,000 in its agglomeration. When combined with Lindau, the population extends to around 120,000. Bregenz has a port on Lake Constance and is a significant railway hub.

More Information
Panorama Hafenfront Bregenz ©Christine Setz, visitbregenz

Secure Your Spot Now!

Join many educators from across Europe and elevate your teaching with hands-on training, expert-led workshops, and unforgettable cultural experiences. Our Erasmus+ courses are designed to inspire, connect, and empower teachers like you.

Get in Touch with EdEU

Got a question? Contact us directly.

Thank you! We've received your submission.
Oops! Something went wrong. Please try again later.