Copenhagen's new initiative, CopenPay, promises free meals and cultural experiences for eco-friendly tourists from July 15 to August 11—proving that being green can also be richly rewarding.

Launching as a pilot program, CopenPay aims to reward tourists who engage in environmentally-friendly activities like cycling, litter picking, and volunteering at urban farms. Running from July 15 to August 11, the initiative offers tempting perks such as free vegetarian lunches, kayak rentals, and guided museum tours—all in the name of sustainability. With Copenhagen already famed for its eco-conscious citizens and more bikes than people, the scheme seeks to turn responsible tourism into a delightful and enriching experience. If successful, CopenPay could become a permanent fixture, signaling that in Copenhagen, green is indeed the new gold.

Visitors eager to take part in CopenPay can earn rewards in several fun ways. Simple acts like showing a public transport ticket or snapping a photo while performing eco-friendly activities (no need to go full superhero) are enough to claim perks. The system primarily operates on trust, emphasizing the integrity of tourists—so just be your honest, tree-hugging self!

Among the rewards on offer, a free vegetarian lunch at a local café can be particularly satisfying after a day of cycling through Copenhagen’s extensive network of bike lanes—because nothing says 'I've earned this' like a hearty meal after trying not to get run over by a swarm of cyclists. Additionally, kayak rentals and guided museum tours present unique and engaging ways to experience the city’s culture and natural beauty, perfect for when you need to give your legs a break from all that virtuous pedaling.

Cycling, not only a key contributor to the city’s environmental efforts, is also deeply ingrained in Copenhagen’s lifestyle. With 382 kilometers of bike lanes and a statistic-worthy 62% of citizens commuting by bicycle, it’s no surprise the city has more bikes than people—750,000 bicycles to its 602,000 human residents.

Tourists participating in the CopenPay trial can enjoy a wide range of activities that emphasize sustainability. Whether it’s volunteering at an urban farm or collecting litter during a stroll (think of it as a treasure hunt for the planet), every eco-friendly action contributes to a cleaner, greener Copenhagen.

Beyond traditional attractions, the CopenHill ski slope provides an exciting twist on earning eco rewards. Guests can earn an additional 20 minutes of slope time, making eco-friendly activities an even more exhilarating pursuit. Similarly, something as simple as sipping a free cup of coffee at a rooftop bar becomes an act of environmental stewardship.

CopenPay isn’t just about the activities; it’s also about making Copenhagen more accessible. Denmark's high cost of living can be daunting for visitors, but with rewards like free vegetarian lunches, kayak rentals, and guided museum tours, CopenPay helps to offset expenses, making sustainable tourism more affordable and attractive. Plus, who wouldn't want to earn a free meal just for being eco-friendly? It's a win-win!

With 24 attractions already signed up for the trial run, tourists have a bounty of options to explore while contributing positively to the environment. From cultural institutions to outdoor experiences, these venues highlight the diverse ways visitors can integrate sustainability into their travel itineraries. And who knew that saving the planet could come with perks? It's like being an eco-friendly superhero, minus the cape.

The tourism board underscores the initiative's broader goals: to enable tourists not only to see more of Copenhagen but to do so responsibly. By incentivizing eco-friendly behaviors, CopenPay transforms tourism from an environmental burden into a vehicle for positive change. Plus, think of all the bragging rights you'll earn back home by saying you got a free vegetarian lunch for picking up litter—eco-warrior status unlocked!

If the trial proves successful, the CopenPay initiative could become a year-round program, further embedding sustainability into the fabric of Copenhagen’s tourism industry. This would mark a significant step forward, showing how cities worldwide can balance visitor engagement with environmental responsibility. And who knows, maybe next time you visit Copenhagen, your reward for picking up litter will be a kayak rental or just a good story to tell over dinner!

For now, summer visitors have a unique opportunity to see Copenhagen through a green lens, enjoying both the city’s vibrant culture and its commitment to sustainability. With endless bikes and a plethora of eco-friendly activities, tourists might find themselves returning home with not just souvenirs but also a newfound appreciation for green living.