Travel Green, Get Freebies: Copenhagen’s Eco-Tourism Scheme Returns!
Copenhagen is back with its innovative CopenPay initiative — a clever scheme that lets tourists earn free perks simply by being sustainable. Think free coffees, discounted museum tickets, even boat rides, all in exchange for doing your bit for the planet.
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After a successful trial last summer, CopenPay has returned for 2025, bigger and greener than before. Running until 17 August, the scheme now includes 90 attractions — from the National Museum and Kronborg Castle to the National Gallery of Denmark — all offering rewards to eco-conscious travellers.
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So how do you cash in? By opting for electric cars or public transport, cycling instead of driving, choosing plant-based meals, or even extending your stay in the city (four nights or more gets you points). Some experiences go further: during last year’s pilot, visitors who picked up litter from canals got a free boat ride; those who arrived at a morning swim session on foot were handed a free coffee; and volunteers at an urban farm were treated to lunch.
The response? Pretty positive. The city saw a 29% rise in bike rentals, and most participants welcomed the idea — though a few admitted they weren’t keen to collect litter on a weekend city break.
Led by the tourism board Wonderful Copenhagen, the programme is a feel-good alternative to the tourist taxes and entry fees seen in other European cities like Venice and Barcelona. Rather than punishing bad behaviour, Copenhagen is taking the carrot over stick approach — rewarding travellers who lighten their footprint.
Of course, CopenPay isn’t going to fix aviation emissions or cruise ship pollution overnight, but it’s a fresh step toward what some are calling “regenerative tourism” — travel that gives back. And with plans to share the data internationally, Copenhagen might just inspire other cities to follow suit.
Because really, who wouldn’t pick up a few pieces of litter for a scoop of free ice cream?
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