Markus Ebling Interview

"I don’t chase the next viral destination—real travel means discovering beauty without destroying it."

1. How did Reisen & Natur begin—what was the spark?

I actually started on Instagram back in 2017, just as a hobby to share my photos. That was the original spirit of Instagram at the time. Over the years, I noticed that people genuinely appreciated my pictures. About three years ago, I decided to give it a professional try. I wanted to see if, as someone a little older, I could achieve what so many others were achieving. That curiosity and challenge became the real starting point.

2. What does “sustainable travel” mean to you on a personal level?

For me, sustainable travel means traveling consciously in every sense. I avoid long-haul flights whenever possible and take international flights only once every few years, if at all. I drive an electric car, use local infrastructure, shop locally, and make sure that the partners I work with also support sustainability initiatives. Ideally, even the accommodations I choose should be role models in this regard.

It’s important to understand that sustainability is an ongoing process—it can’t be defined in absolute terms. But I strongly believe that certain forms of travel, like standard cruises or excessive luxury trips, are inherently unsustainable, and I wouldn’t recommend them to my community.

3. What's one moment from your travels that changed your perspective?

I can’t point to one single life-changing moment. Instead, there are countless small moments that continually shift my perspective. Every time I step out of everyday life—whether it’s meeting new people, exploring unfamiliar places, or simply being open to new experiences—I gain a fresh outlook. Each journey broadens my understanding of the world in its own way.

4. How do you keep your content authentic when working with brands?

Authenticity comes naturally to me because I truly love photography and traveling. I show the world as I see it—whether it’s a charming small town or a well-known capital like Prague or Geneva. Every place has its own unique appeal, and I try to highlight that.

I focus on the positive and beautiful aspects of travel because my goal is to inspire. Of course, there are always negative sides, but pointing them out isn’t my mission. I want people to discover the world with enthusiasm and positivity. That’s why I stay authentic—because it’s simply part of who I am.

5. Which platform—blog, YouTube, or Instagram—feels most “you”?

Instagram is still my main platform. It’s where I feel most at home, and I enjoy sharing my photos there. That said, I also like experimenting with video on YouTube. While I haven’t built a big following there yet, I treat it as a kind of archive for my travel videos.

Looking ahead, I’d love to put more focus on my blog. I want to share my knowledge and experiences in greater depth, and maybe even create some digital products. There’s so much I still want to express beyond just photos.

6. Any hidden European gem you'd recommend to mindful travelers?

This is always a tricky question! Honestly, I hesitate to reveal specific places because the last thing I want is for them to become overcrowded “Instagram hotspots.” I believe everyone should set out and discover the world’s beauty for themselves—it doesn’t always need to be spectacular or famous.

That’s why I put together a short guide on my blog, featuring ten lesser-known destinations I recommend. Still, I prefer not to single out one spot here. A ranger once showed me a breathtaking place in the Bad Tölz region but asked me not to reveal it, fearing that too many visitors would destroy its charm. That request stayed with me. Traveling responsibly means treating places with care and respect.

7. If travel were a flavor, what would yours be—and why?

That’s such an interesting question! I’ve honestly never thought of travel in terms of flavor. But I’d say there isn’t just one—it’s a whole range. Every journey has its own taste, shaped by the region, traditions, culture, or even the season you’re traveling in. Whether it’s natural landscapes, urban adventures, or cultural encounters, each trip offers a new flavor. Just like the world of cuisine, the world of travel is beautifully diverse.

Bio:

Markus Ebeling was born on May 9, 1975, in Dessau, Germany. An engineer in landscaping and environment by profession, Markus has been an entrepreneur since completing his studies, running diverse businesses ranging from an event agency to even a gummy bear store. Passionate about travel and photography, he began sharing his journeys on Instagram in 2018 and has pursued it professionally over the last few years. Today, he inspires audiences with his authentic storytelling, stunning visuals, and strong advocacy for sustainable travel.

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Interviewed by: Impu Rao

Edited by: Shantanu Singh