Sustainable Travel in Copenhagen: How to Visit Responsibly

In recent years, climate change and environmental issues have negatively impacted the places we usually travel to, and governments worldwide have had to make drastic changes. Luckily, Copenhagen is on track to become the world’s first carbon-neutral capital city by 2025. 
In 2024, the Danish government launched CopenPay, a one-month pilot program that rewarded both Copenhageners and tourists who make environmentally friendly choices such as cycling, using public transportation, volunteering at urban farms, or partaking in canals and park clean-ups. Rewards included free lunch, coffee, kayak tours, and museum admission.
Whilst the pilot program is still in review, we recommend that tourists become more aware of the environment they are visiting and choose to make sustainable choices whilst in the Danish capital, such as opting for a walking tour of Copenhagen rather than a hop-on-hop-off bus.
This article will explore five ways to act sustainably whilst on holiday in Copenhagen. 

Do A Walking Tour 

Walking creates less air pollution and fewer emissions that are warming the atmosphere. Choosing a walking tour over the city’s hop-on-hop-off bus doesn’t mean you won’t see everything the Danish capital has to offer. 
There are a plethora of free walking tours to choose from, so you can wander alongside a knowledgeable guide as you explore The Latin Quarter, Gray Brother’s Square, Stork Fountain, Kongens Nytorv, Norreport Station, Torvehallerne, the red light district of Vesterbro, and more.

Rent A Bike 

Whilst Copenhagen is well connected via the metro, bus, and train network, many locals prefer to travel around the city on their bikes. In fact, every day, 49% of Copenhageners commute to their work or education place on a bike. 
Not only is cycling the easiest, fastest, and cheapest way to explore the Danish capital, but it is also great for the environment as vehicles produce carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide, and methane. In addition, bikes do less damage to road surfaces than cars, so it is also sustaining the streets.
There are plenty of ways to rent a bike in Copenhagen, including:

• Bike rental shops. Bike rental shops such as Rosenborg Cykler and beCopenhagen allow you to rent standard bikes, city bikes, children’s bikes, bikes with children’s seats, electric bikes, cargo bikes, and helmets. Many bike rental shops also offer guided tours. 
• Hotels. Many hotels across the city offer bike rental, either for free or for an extra fee. 
• Donkey Republic. You can find a bike 24/7 at hundreds of locations across the city using the Donkey Republic app. 

  

Please note that the city’s bike lanes can be hectic during the morning rush hour (7am to 9am) and afternoon rush hour (3pm to 5pm), when the locals are heading to and from work and school. 

Stay In An Eco-Certified Hotel 

Eco certifications are awarded to hotels that meet sustainability criteria that aim to reduce the venue’s carbon footprint. The evaluation focuses on energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and sustainable sourcing.
There are a number of eco-certified hotels in Copenhagen, offering something for all budgets. These include the 5-starred Guldsmeden Manon Les Suites, the historical Admiral Hotel, the family-owned Absalon Hotel, and more. 

Reuse Your Water Bottle 

When exploring the Danish capital by foot or bike, staying hydrated is essential, especially in the summer. Instead of buying a plastic water bottle from a shop and binning it once you’ve drunk it all, consider bringing a reusable water bottle or refilling the first plastic bottle you bought. 
There are more than 60 public drinking fountains across Copenhagen that allow both locals and tourists to stay hydrated for free. In addition, Danish tap water undergoes strict daily quality controls, making it perfectly safe to drink. 

Eat Locally 

Eating food grown and produced locally reduces the distance from farm to table, which lowers the carbon footprint associated with food distribution.
Not only did Denmark pioneer the New Nordic movement, which focuses on local, seasonal, and sustainably-grown food, but Copenhagen has several restaurants recognised by Michelin for its sustainability efforts.
In 2020, Michelin awarded nine Copenhagen restaurants with its new sustainability emblem, an accolade given to restaurants that are taking positive steps towards sustainable gastronomy. These restaurants include Aamanns 1921, Kong Hans Kaelder, The Pescatarian, Radio, and Tigermom.

Ready To Visit Copenhagen Responsibly?

There is no doubt that Copenhagen is an attractive city to visit, with the number of hotel nights setting a record in the first half of 2024. 
However, we must support the Danish government and their ambitious climate policies by making small changes such as taking part in walking tours, renting a bike to explore the city, staying in an eco-certified hotel, reusing our water bottles, and eating local produce.