Denmark
November 9, 2025
Imagine strolling along Copenhagen’s famous Nyhavn canal on a sunny afternoon. The colorful houses are glowing, the scent of fresh coffee is in the air… and you’re about to pay for a boat ride, not with your credit card, but with a bag of litter you just picked up.
Welcome to CopenPay – the city’s innovative program that turns sustainable actions into currency. In Copenhagen, you can literally clean up and cash in.
What Is CopenPay?
CopenPay is part of Copenhagen’s mission to be one of the world’s greenest capitals. Instead of simply talking about sustainability, the city has found a playful way to reward eco-friendly behavior. Visitors and locals can perform small acts of environmental kindness – like picking up trash, cycling instead of driving, or volunteering – and get rewarded with free or discounted experiences.
It’s a win-win: the city becomes cleaner and greener, and you get to enjoy more of Copenhagen without spending a krone.
How It Works
- Check the CopenPay map – Find out which attractions, cafés, and businesses are participating.
- Do something green – This could be collecting litter from the harbor, showing proof of cycling or public transport, or even planting wildflowers.
- Show your proof – A photo of your cleanup, a bus ticket, or just your word (trust is big in Denmark) can be enough.
- Redeem your reward – Enjoy a free coffee, discounted lunch, a boat ride, or museum entry.
Real Examples of Trash-to-Treasure
Boat Rides for Rubbish – Spend half an hour collecting litter along the canal, and you could be rewarded with a free electric boat or kayak rental.
Lunch for Litter – Certain restaurants offer discounted meals to visitors who’ve done a cleanup. Imagine eating a fresh smørrebrød knowing you helped keep the streets clean.
Culture for Compost – Arrive at Kronborg Castle by train and plant a flower seed, and you might just get free entry to the home of Hamlet.
Biking for Beer – Prove you arrived on two wheels, and some bars will thank you with a cold local brew.
Why Copenhagen Is Doing This
Research shows that while many travelers say they want to travel sustainably, only a small percentage actually change their behavior. CopenPay closes that gap by making green choices rewarding – instantly. It’s not about punishing bad habits; it’s about making good habits more fun.
Plus, it’s very Copenhagen. This is a city where locals swim in clean harbors, bike to work year-round, and treat recycling as second nature. Paying with trash isn’t a gimmick here – it’s a natural extension of how the city lives.
🌍 Copenhagen’s Green Leadership
This program is more than just a fun initiative — it’s part of Copenhagen’s ambitious goal of becoming the world’s first carbon-neutral capital by 2025 (Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance). While other cities talk about sustainability, Copenhagen builds it into daily life: cycling superhighways, clean harbors safe for swimming, and now even paying with trash.
💡 Travel Hack Meets Green Action
For travelers, CopenPay isn’t just about saving a few kroner. It’s a way to connect with the city’s culture and values. Picking up a bag of litter before enjoying a free canal ride feels different — it makes you part of Copenhagen’s green story. And if you’re a budget-savvy visitor, it means your eco-friendly habits might just fund an extra coffee, a smørrebrød, or even a ticket to a cultural gem.
It also pairs perfectly with other Nordic experiences: cozy up with some hygge, explore Danish castles, or dive into the region’s surprising green innovations shaping the future.
Your Next Trip Could Be Cheaper (and Cleaner)
So next time you visit Copenhagen, don’t just bring your wallet – bring your good intentions. Whether it’s fishing a few bottles out of the canal or walking instead of taking a taxi, your actions can earn you coffee, beer, or even a day out on the water.
👉 Want to try paying with trash on your Copenhagen visit? We can arrange a tailor-made green adventure – complete with canal cleanups, eco-friendly sightseeing, and a few delicious rewards along the way.
