Cycling is more popular than driving within Copenhagen. Now tourists are being incentivized to join … [+]
With a population that embraces cycling and enjoys a close relationship to nature, Copenhagen has long been considered one of Europe’s happiest, greenest cities.
Denmark’s capital city features multiple swimming locations at the heart of its harbors, a ski slope atop a power station, a thriving organic food scene, and a rapidly electrifying transit system. More than two-thirds of city hotels hold an eco-certificate.
Now, city bosses want to build on that sustainable base and invite tourists to participate in the green lifestyle of Copenhagen.
A new pilot project, CopenPay, will reward actions such as cycling around the city, joining in cleanup projects, or volunteering in green projects with a variety of rewards and experiences.
These include museum tours, kayak rentals, free coffee, or even a vegetarian lunch made from locally-sourced food. Essentially, green actions become a currency to enjoy cultural experiences in Copenhagen.
With many European cities suffering from overtourism and actively introducing measures to restrict tourism, it’s refreshing to see a city focus on attracting a different kind of tourist that’s more in line with the values of the local population.
Mikkel Aarø-Hansen, CEO at Wonderful Copenhagen, said that tourism must change from being an environmental burden “into a force for positive change.” He said that an important step in such a transformation is “to change how we move around a destination, what we consume, and how we interact with the locals.”
The project is unlikely to lead to major change in itself, but Aarø-Hansen explained there is a large gap between visitors’ desires to act sustainably and their actual behavior. He said that CopenPay “is a small, experimental step towards creating a new mindset among travelers.”
During the pilot project this summer, there are a total of 24 cultural venues, culinary experiences, and urban activities running special offers for visitors making more sustainable choices.
While there are several free coffees and ice creams available for taking public transit, the most eye-catching experiences are ideal for visitors keen to immerse themselves in Danish design and culture while seeing a bit of the city.
For example, visitors arriving at the National Gallery of Denmark with plastic waste can join a workshop to turn it into a piece of art. Although held in the children’s area, the workshop is open to all.
Visitors who help tend the beautiful gardens at the Karen Blixen Museum get to learn more about the famous Danish author and storyteller with free admission to her former home turned museum.
At Cisternerne, the city’s former water reservoirs turned atmospheric underground art hall, visitors get a free introductory tour just for arriving on foot or by bike. As with some CopenPay offers, the introductions are only held at specific times, so some planning is required to get the most out of the initiative.
Other highlights include free kayak rental in exchange for collecting waste, and a free vegetarian lunch in exchange for volunteering at an urban farm.
Many of the activities that are part of CopenPay are only available over the summer, so act quickly if you want to join in the pilot project. Some also require advance registration. Check the CopenPay website for full details.
