Frequently ranked one of the most sustainable cities in the world, Copenhagen is a forerunner in its sensible approach to climate change keeping the city clean by providing a sustainable bike infrastructure, using green energy for public transport, clean air and focusing on energy efficient buildings.

This development also shows in the local tourism industry, making Copenhagen the perfect destination for a green getaway and sustainable travelling. Where else in the world can you swim in an urban harbour, take a tour through the canals and ski down an incineration plant in the middle of the city?

Sustainable accommodation

You can find several green hotels directly located in the city centre to make as little impact when travelling as possible and promote sustainable tourism. In fact, two thirds of the hotels here hold an eco-certificate! The H27 Hotel is just a few minutes walks away from attractions such as the Tivoli Gardens, the city hall and several renowned museums. The rooms are equipped with sustainable products made from recyclable and biodegradable materials, the breakfast served here comes from local and organic vendors and is served without any single-use items and you can easily rent a bike here.

 Another eco-friendly hotel is the Axel Guldsmeden that combines comfort, quality and sustainability. The hotel received the Green Globe and Green Key certification due to its efforts in using renewable energy and water conservation as well as the interiors consisting completely of sustainable products only, while the beds are equipped with fair-trade and organic cotton sheets and the food served in the hotel is almost 100% organic.

Green restaurants

Many of the restaurants in Danish food scene offer delicious meals made from seasonal, local and/or organic produces and cater to all tastes and budgets. Some even take it to a different level with unique ideas like rooftop farming, a zero waste philosophy or an all vegan menu.

Gro Spiseri unites dining and urban farming in Denmark’s first rooftop farm. This small establishment is truly unique. Here, you can have dinner in the comfortable greenhouse, leaving the hustle and bustle of the city behind you while watching the sunset and enjoying your food ‘family style’ on shared plates. The organic food served here depends on the season and is delivered by local farmers, producers and hunters.

Another green oasis right in the heart of Copenhagen is Ark. The 100% vegan menus all have a story and combine local and seasonal produces with global influences and tastes. Standing up to vegan stereotypes, the restaurant poses a positive approach to the movement and give it a modern take. The dining experience takes place surrounded by Danish sustainable design and is accompanied by Nordic-inspired house cocktails, organic wines and beers.

Green Bike Tours

It’s no secret that Copenhagen is one of the most bicycle friendly cities in the world! Green Bike Tours offers both non-profit private and public tours that focus on the green and sustainable side of the city and give you the ultimate bike experience!

Bike across the capital’s best bicycle lanes – not to mention bike bridges! – and discover the neighborhoods of Vesterbro, Østerbro, Nørrebro and Islands Brygge. The 3-hours long tour will take you through urban gardens, luscious green areas and beautifully hidden gems while you learn more about your own climate footprint and actions the city is taking against climate change.

Sailing with GoBoat

Ready for an intimate tour through Copenhagen’s canals? GoBoat’s boots can be rented for 1-3 hours and can only carry small groups of 8 people per boat, so you can make your personal trip to either Frederiksholm’s canal and Christianshavn’s canal or alongside the Opera, Amalienborg, Christiania or Sydhavn, for example.

And not only can you spend quality with your loved ones on boat but get to taste the freedom of sailing yourself but GoBoats also only sail on solar, wind and water energy and only have a soft hum, keeping the canals clean and quiet while you can enjoy your trip with a good conscience.

Copenhill (Amager Bakke)

Is it an incineration plant? A ski slope? A hill in the midst of Christinashavn? In fact, all of that! The Copenhill is one of the city’s most innovative and unique attractions. The recreational area for hiking and skiing opened in 2019 and is Copenhagen’s first ski destination where you can either rent equipment or bring your own.

The Copenhill amazes with its modern architecture and is the peak of uniting a fun recreational area with urban waste management and energy production. The plant is part of Copenhagen’s plan to reduce its carbon footprint and become the world’s first carbon neutral city.