Situated on the island of Zealand and Amager, Copenhagen is renowned for being one of the most environmentally friendly cities in the world. Since the opening of the Oresund Bridge, the city has undergone a lot of changes, with the Swedish city of Malmo and Copenhagen having closer ties.
As an ecotourist there are plenty of reasons to visit the capital of Denmark, with a pleasant stay awaiting thanks to the beauty of the area and the friendly people.
Getting around on your Copenhagen city tour
When it comes to getting around whilst protecting the environment, then this is definitely the place to be. Copenhagen has several different forms of eco-friendly transportation options, so I have picked a couple that are worth considering during your stay.
The Copenhagen Metro is a simple and affordable way of getting about the city. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the metro is environmentally friendly and clean. There are a variety of different ticket options, which include a 72-hour adult pass that allows you to travel anywhere in the city for around DKK 190 (about ?20)
Not everyone on holiday is in a hurry though and for those who would prefer a more scenic alternative when getting around, then why not try out the Copenhagen Rickshaw service. This environmentally mode of transportation is based upon the same type of transport adopted by many in Asia and is another example of the cities commitment to being self-sustaining.
Copenhagen city tours for the ecotourist
To get a good feel for your environment, it’s always nice to begin a holiday with a tour and one good option is the Inside Copenhagen tour. This scenic walking tour lasts around 3-4 hours and takes in some of the more interesting sites in Copenhagen, such as the Islands Brygge and the Christianshavns canal.
An essential part of any trip to Copenhagen will include a visit to Christiania, so why not take the Christiania Tour. Also known as the free-town, this almost mythical town is self sustaining with every resident playing a role in the future of their society.
Built upon an unused military barrack, the site has some unusual works of architecture and a very surreal feel. One of the most fascinating aspects of this tour is that everyone has a unique experience; the tour is said to be unscripted, with every guide sharing their own individual experiences. While taking the tour make sure you keep an eye out for Fredens Ark (The Ark of Peace), as this is thought to be one of the largest timber-constructed houses in Europe. If you’re thinking about making your own way there, take public transport as it’s almost impossible to park and very busy.
Other things to see for the green traveller
Located in Langelinie is the statue of The Little Mermaid, based upon the famous tale, this four foot tall statue is one of the most iconic sites in the city. The statue itself has been through the wars with numerous attempts to deface and destroy it. However, this has just worked to further increase its popularity. Do be careful not to expect to much though, the statue is worth visiting mostly due to its important role in the city’s history and not due to its size or appearance. If you go expecting to see something grandiose, you may be a little disappointed.
If you are visiting Copenhagen for the architecture it’s difficult to decide where to start. This city is full of beautiful examples and there are plenty to be seen in the area of Frederiksstaden. Built around 300 years ago, the highlights of this area are the Amalienborg Palace and the Marble Church.
The palace is said to be often used by the royal family as a winter residence and is quite distinctive, with four stunning buildings in a circle. However, the best view of the palace is to be had from the large dome of the the Marble Church which stand opposite. There are various tours of the place available and if you really want to appreciate the whole area, make sure you take your camera and allow yourself a good amount of time.
Accommodation for the Ecotourist
Accommodation can be quite expensive in Copenhagen, so you may want to shop around before booking. However, there are some more affordable options for those looking to conserve their funds. One such example is the Generator Hostel; this hostel provides rooms with breakfast from as little as ?30 per night, up to around ?70 per night for a private en-suite room. Located in the centre of the city, the hostel has all the usual amenities, as well as some very good reviews, so is well worth considering.
Where to eat on your Copenhagen city tour
There are many good places to eat in Copenhagen and the Biom Organic restaurant is a great place to start. The restaurant only uses organic produce and has a wide a variety of meals on the traditional Danish menu, including vegetarian options. The restaurant is in the Fredericiagade district of Copenhagen, so it’s slightly of the beaten track and worth checking out on Google maps if you’re going it alone.
Copenhagen is a beautiful city full of stunning architecture, nice restaurants and a relaxed atmosphere. The city is a testament to self-sustainability and is one of the top ten most eco-friendly in the world. The city is committed to improving its carbon footprint and is a great and recommended destination for any ecotourist.
Photo credit – @dino