Copenhagen’s CopenPay: Your Guide to Sustainable Travel Rewards

Fellow travelers! If you’re planning a trip to Denmark and love the idea of combining sightseeing with sustainable actions, you need to know about Copenhagen’s innovative CopenPay initiative. Launched in 2024 as a pilot program, CopenPay has quickly become a game-changer for eco-conscious tourism. In 2025, it expanded dramatically—tripling in size, running twice as long, and involving over 100 attractions across the city.

This program rewards visitors for making green choices, turning your vacation into a positive force for the environment. Whether you’re arriving by train, biking around town, or joining a harbor cleanup, you can earn free perks like meals, tours, and rentals. Let’s dive into the details, including how it ties into your travel plans and visa considerations for Denmark.

What is CopenPay and Why Does It Matter?

CopenPay is a trust-based rewards program organized by Wonderful Copenhagen, in partnership with local attractions and the Municipality of Copenhagen. Its core purpose is to nudge tourists toward more sustainable behaviors without making it feel like a chore. Instead of paying with money, you “pay” with thoughtful actions that reduce your environmental footprint—think cycling instead of driving, opting for plant-based meals, or even collecting litter during your explorations.

The initiative aligns perfectly with Denmark’s reputation as a leader in sustainability. Copenhagen aims to be the world’s most sustainable urban destination, and CopenPay helps achieve that by encouraging visitors to adopt habits like using public transport, supporting biodiversity, and minimizing waste. In its second run in 2025, the program not only boosted participation but also inspired real change: a whopping 70% of participants left the city motivated to tweak their daily routines back home, such as cycling more or sorting waste better. With 25,000 people joining in 2025 (up from 5,000 in 2024), it’s clear this isn’t just a gimmick—it’s sparking a global movement, with cities in Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, and even places like Chicago and Sydney exploring their own versions.

How to Participate: Simple, Trust-Based Steps

One of the coolest things about CopenPay is its simplicity—it’s built on Denmark’s high-trust culture, so no complicated apps or verifications for most activities. Here’s how you can get involved in three main ways:

1. Actions During Your Stay: Engage in eco-friendly activities around Copenhagen. Examples include:

   1. Biking or using public transport instead of cars or taxis.
   2. Participating in cleanups, like picking up plastic from the harbor or helping in urban gardens.
   3. Choosing plant-based or surplus food meals to reduce food waste.
   4. Raising awareness about sustainable travel (e.g., sharing your actions on social media).

   Proof might be as easy as showing a photo of your cleanup haul or a public transport ticket.

2. Sustainable Arrival: Get rewarded just for how you get to Copenhagen! In 2025, a big new feature was rewarding train arrivals (or electric car trips, with options for flights offset by sustainable aviation fuel purchases). Show your train ticket for instant perks—perfect if you’re coming from nearby European cities like Berlin or Stockholm.

3. Longer Stays: Book at least four nights in the city, and you’ll qualify for bonuses. This encourages slower, more immersive travel, reducing the carbon impact of short-haul flights.

To join, head to the official CopenPay website (copenpay.com) for full details on partners and requirements. The program ran from June 17 to August 17 in 2025, lasting nine weeks—twice as long as the 2024 pilot. Even though the 2025 season just wrapped up (as of September 16, 2025), keep an eye out for future iterations, as its success suggests it’ll return bigger and better.

Rewards: Freebies and Discounts Galore

The real fun is in the rewards! Over 100 attractions participated in 2025, offering everything from free experiences to discounts. Here are some highlights:

• Free Bike Rentals: From partners like Donkey Republic—ideal for exploring Copenhagen’s bike-friendly streets.
• Guided Tours: Complimentary visits to iconic spots like Carlsberg Brewery, the Cisternerne (underground art reservoirs), Kronborg Castle (Shakespeare’s Hamlet inspiration), and the Danish Architecture Center.
• Meals and Snacks: Enjoy a free vegetarian or surplus food lunch at places like Copenhagen’s central station or a special dinner from JunkFood, a charity linked to the Michelin-starred Alchemist restaurant.
• Wellness and Culture: Free yoga sessions at Crowne Plaza Copenhagen, discounted museum entries (e.g., The National Museum), or even boat tours.
• Other Perks: Free excursions, coffee, or ice cream for actions like harbor cleanups.

Bike rentals alone surged 59% during the program compared to the previous year, showing how these incentives really get people moving sustainably. Participant satisfaction was sky-high at 98%, with nearly everyone recommending it to others.

Impact and Why It’s a Win for Travelers

Beyond the free stuff, CopenPay’s real value is in its nudge toward better habits. The 2025 run proved its effectiveness: 70% of tourists reported inspiration to make lasting changes, and the program highlighted Copenhagen’s commitment to green living. For travelers, it’s a budget-friendly way to experience more while feeling good about your impact—plus, it fits seamlessly into Denmark’s vibe of hygge (coziness) meets environmental responsibility.

If you’re worried about crowds, note that while participation grew, the city’s infrastructure handles it well. And with global interest, similar programs might pop up elsewhere soon.

Visa and Travel Tips for Denmark

Denmark is part of the Schengen Area, so if you’re from the EU/EEA, no visa needed for short stays. For non-EU visitors (like from the US, Canada, or Australia), you can enter visa-free for up to 90 days in 180 days—just ensure your passport is valid for three months beyond your departure. Always check the latest requirements on the official Danish immigration site, as rules can change.

For sustainable travel aligning with CopenPay, consider trains from Europe (e.g., via Eurail) to qualify for rewards. Flights to Copenhagen Airport (CPH) are efficient, but offset emissions if possible. Once there, the city’s public transport (metro, buses, trains) is top-notch and eco-friendly—download the DOT app for tickets.

Pro Tip: Plan your trip around summer for CopenPay (if it returns in 2026), but Copenhagen shines year-round with its canals, design scene, and Nordic cuisine. Pack reusable items like water bottles to amp up your green game.

Have you tried CopenPay or a similar program? Share your thoughts in the comment section—We’d love to hear! Safe and sustainable travels! 🌍🚲