Travelers not only want to explore the sights of a city, they also want to enjoy clean streets, fresh air and well-kept parks. For many travelers, the cleanliness of a city is a decisive criterion that can have a significant impact on the travel experience. Europe offers some cities that set particularly high standards in terms of cleanliness. A recent study by Deutsche Medz compared 48 European cities based on several factors such as air and drinking water quality, proportion of green spaces and satisfaction with waste disposal. The analysis provides a comprehensive overview of which cities in Europe perform particularly well in terms of cleanliness.

Helsinki: A model for urban cleanliness and sustainability

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With an almost perfect drinking water quality score of 97 points out of 100 and a high level of satisfaction with waste disposal (89.9 points), Helsinki is the clear winner in the ranking. Clean streets, fresh air and spacious parks characterize the cityscape. The Finnish capital attaches great importance to environmental friendliness and sustainability, which is reflected in a well-developed recycling system and exemplary waste management. Visitors and residents appreciate the noticeably high quality of life.

Stockholm: Where urbanity meets environmental awareness

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Stockholm follows in second place, where the high proportion of green spaces (37.7 %) and the air quality of 5.4 points stand out in particular. Here, cleanliness is not just a standard, but part of the identity, which prides itself on preserving and appreciating the beauty of its city. The Swedish capital combines cleanliness with a high quality of life, which is also underlined by the goodquality of drinking water with 92 out of 100 points. If you're looking for a relaxed city break, you're in good hands here.

Reykjavík: Purity meets the raw beauty of nature

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Iceland's capital Reykjavík takes third place and impresses with the best air quality in the entire ranking with 3.9 points. The drinking water in Reykjavík is also second to none - with a score of 98.1 out of 100 points, it is the purest in Europe. Although the proportion of green spaces is somewhat lower (30.9 %), the well-maintained city parks still offer plenty of opportunities for relaxation.

Crystal-clear water: Oslo and Vienna as pioneers in water quality

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Oslo and Vienna are also among the cleanest cities in Europe and set standards in terms of quality of life. In Oslo, the high water quality impresses with an impressive 93.3 points, reflecting the residents' trust in the environment. In addition, the satisfaction of the population with waste disposal (80.4 points) shows that the city is successfully focusing on cleanliness and sustainability. Vienna, on the other hand, impresses with its well-maintained green spaces and nearly perfect drinking water quality of 95.1 points, which is not only refreshing but also characterizes the city's attitude to life.

Valencia: Mediterranean flair and high quality of life

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Valencia is the only city from southern Europe to make it into the top 10. With 41 % of green spaces and excellent maintenance (88.1 points), the Spanish metropolis offers a high quality of life, which is complemented by numerous events and outdoor activities. While the air quality is in the medium range at 8.7 points, the Mediterranean flair, clean parks and lively culture ensure that Valencia remains an attractive destination for city travelers looking for something special.

City breaks in clean cities

If you value cleanliness and fresh air on your next city break, you should consider the north of Europe. Helsinki, Stockholm and Reykjavik set global standards when it comes to air and drinking water quality. But Oslo, Vienna and Valencia also offer a high quality of life that will delight those seeking relaxation.

Here, you can find the complete list of the cleanest cities in Europe: German Medz

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