By now, we all know the importance of traveling green – or sustainable – if we are to reduce our CO2 footprint and make a positive change in the world. But how does that look like exactly? I’ve asked Laura Hall, Author of Time Out Copenhagen, about the most sustainable places and- venues in Copenhagen – and how YOU as a traveller can embrace a green(er) behavior.
Ready for a sustainable walk through Copenhagen? Let’s go!
How can you adopt a more green approach when exploring Copenhagen?
Exploring beyond the centre of Copenhagen is a good idea, and it’s easy to do by bike, metro, bus or even by foot. Visit Amager Strand, go to Valby Park in the summer and look for red squirrels, go to the beach at Svanemøllen. Sustainability isn’t just about recycling, it’s about spreading the money you spend as a tourist beyond the obvious places, so tourism benefits everyone.
Rent a bike! It goes without saying, this is the best way to experience a new city – especially Copenhagen. Naviki.org is a good place to look for longer cycle routes.
Another good thing to do is to take on a ‘simple life’ approach: in summer, swim in the free floating swimming pools, have a picnic in Assistens Kirkegård and have a drink on Dronning Louises Bro (the bridge connecting the inner city with Nørrebro). Taking it slow can be a more sustainable approach as well. You spend less, you use less energy and you appreciate what you have!
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“Sustainability isn’t just about recycling, it’s about spreading the money you spend as a tourist beyond the obvious places, so tourism benefits everyone”
How about accommodation: where should you stay?
First of all, you can check if your hotel is Green Key certified – most of Copenhagen’s hotels are. Support hotels that use local produce, e.g. in their restaurants and who support the local community in general.
Editor’s note: Guldsmeden Hotels has a green profile and cater to sustainability in everything they do, plus their organic breakfast buffet is delicious! And Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers, close to the airport, is perhaps the most eco-friendly hotel in the city.
Green breathing spaces in Copenhagen – where to find them?
It shouldn’t be hard in a city like Copenhagen! Some of the more well-known places are: Rosenborg Gardens, Amager Strand Park, the Lakes, the Botanical Gardens.
Editor’s note: also make sure to pay a visit to the Royal Library Garden, Refshaleøen (where you’ll also find the little outdoor paradise of La Banchina who serves a great breakfast plate with a view!) and Kastellet – one of the best-kept historical fortifications in Northern Europe.
Any other tips for travellers who wish to indulge in the greener parts of Copenhagen?
I’d suggest taking an architecture tour at Danish Architecture Center about sustainable living – or simply make a bike ride to 8Tallet (designed by famous Danish architect Bjarke Ingels), Camp Adventure or CopenHill to look at modern solutions for sustainable living and city planning.
Another fun idea is to eat with the locals at Absalon – it’s a good place for community building, and finding out about how people live their lives here – if a lifestyle change is what you’re looking for!
7 sustainable restaurants in Copenhagen:
- Amass
- Gro Spiseri
- Minimer
- La Banchina
- Vanvid
- Alouette
- Noma
Do you have any green tips to Copenhagen that you want to share? Drop a line in the comments section or send an email to info@thecopenhagentraveler.com – we’ll make sure to share it on social media!
Read all our other Copenhagen posts by clicking HERE.
