Travelers heading to Copenhagen this summer will soon find that the Danish capital is rewarding eco-friendly choices with a unique incentive program. Launching on July 15 and running through August 11, the CopenPay initiative invites visitors to exchange sustainable actions for exciting perks at some of the city’s most beloved attractions.
Organized by Wonderful Copenhagen, the city’s tourism organization, CopenPay offers a new kind of currency—green actions. By biking, using public transportation, or engaging in other environmentally conscious activities, travelers can enjoy free goodies at various locations, including complimentary ice cream at the National Museum of Denmark and free coffee at the Museum of Copenhagen.
Mikkel Aarø-Hansen, CEO of Wonderful Copenhagen, emphasized the importance of sustainable travel, stating, “It is a core task for us to make traveling sustainable. And we will only succeed if we bridge the gap between the visitors’ desire to act sustainably and their actual behavior. We want visitors to make conscious, green choices and hopefully end up with even better experiences during their stay.”
This pilot program showcases Copenhagen’s commitment to sustainability, a distinction recognized when Denmark was named TPG’s most sustainable destination in 2022. It’s a timely launch, as new nonstop flights from American Airlines and Scandinavian Airlines have made accessing the city easier than ever, connecting travelers from Philadelphia International Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
How to Participate in CopenPay
To take full advantage of the CopenPay program, visitors and locals alike need to engage in specific environmentally friendly activities to earn rewards. Actions qualify for perks include:
- Riding public transport
- Walking or biking to attractions
- Volunteering in urban gardens
- Participating in cleanup efforts, from parks to beaches
Proving Your Eco-Friendly Actions
Showing proof of your green actions can be as simple as presenting train tickets, sharing photos of your biking adventures, or documenting your participation in a cleanup. However, Wonderful Copenhagen has built the program on a foundation of trust, promoting an honor system for participants.
What Perks Await?
Travelers can look forward to a wide array of perks at various attractions. Highlights include:
- A complimentary vegetarian lunch for volunteers at the urban garden Oens Have
- Free wine and petanque ball rental at Skurets Vinsalg for those arriving on foot or by bike
- A free kayak rental while collecting waste on the water with GreenKayak
- Complimentary admission to the Karen Blixen Museum for garden stewards
- A free cup of coffee at the Museum of Copenhagen with an entry ticket if you arrive on foot, bike, or metro
- A complementary ice cream at the National Museum of Denmark when arriving by bike or metro
For a complete list of participating attractions and their corresponding rewards, you can find more information online.
Copenhagen’s innovative approach to sustainability not only enhances the visitor experience but also encourages a culture of responsibility and environmental awareness.
Note: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and have not been reviewed or endorsed by any financial institutions, airlines, or hotel chains.
