Copenhagen Offers Free Perks to Visitors Engaging in Eco-Friendly Activities

Denmark, composed almost entirely of islands, is celebrated as one of the most sustainable and socially responsible nations globally, noted for its innovative strategies in renewable energy and climate adaptation. It boasts the world’s cleanest waste-to-energy power plant, CopenHill, featuring a ski slope atop its eco-conscious structure made from recycled steel, concrete, and aluminum. Additionally, GreenKayak, a nonprofit organization, provides free kayak rentals to those willing to pick up trash from the Copenhagen canals during their paddling—just two examples of its green initiatives. Thus, it’s no surprise that Denmark’s largest city is now encouraging visitors to make more eco-friendly travel choices.

Launched today, Copenhagen’s latest sustainable travel initiative, CopenPay, rewards visitors this summer who opt to take the train, walk, or bike—the city is notably bike-friendly, with four times as many bikes as cars—alongside other eco-friendly endeavors like volunteering for cleanup projects. For instance, cycling to CopenHill will grant you extra ski time.

Here’s how it functions: Travelers can accumulate credits for activities such as volunteering to clean the canals via GreenKayak, contributing time to urban farming at Øens Have, and using public transport or biking. Currently, CopenPay operates mostly on an honor system, but you’ll need to provide proof, such as a train ticket or a photo of yourself biking or participating in cleanup efforts, to access the rewards (each participating establishment has its own CopenPay redemption rules). In exchange, participating businesses throughout Copenhagen offer various complimentary perks, including museum tours at the underground art venue Cisternerne, free meals at trendy sustainable spots like Øens Have and Bane Gaarden, a free drink at Level Six, or coffee at Kanalhuset. Even the Karen Blixen Museum is waiving entry fees for those who help care for the garden. And there’s much more!

By piloting this initiative during Copenhagen’s peak season, from July 15 to August 11, 2024, and with aspirations to continue it while encouraging other global cities to adopt similar practices, Denmark aims to be a leader in a growing tourism movement that seeks to bridge the gap between the desire for sustainability and actual implementation. Research indicates that tourists are keen to travel more responsibly, yet few countries are stepping up to facilitate this shift.

“Transforming eco-friendly actions into currency for cultural experiences provides tourists with a unique chance to discover Copenhagen while benefiting both the environment and the local community. This initiative perfectly aligns with our values and goals of promoting sustainable solutions in the city,” stated Sophie Hæstorp Andersen, Lord Mayor of Copenhagen.

Denmark has garnered multiple sustainability awards, with its picturesque wind-swept islands, Bornholm and Samsø, previously recognized by the European Union as the most sustainable islands. Through CopenPay, environmentally conscious Danes are inviting visitors to share in their way of life. And who doesn’t appreciate a freebie—along with the satisfaction of knowing you’ve helped the planet?