Eco-friendly guide: Copenhagen
Sustainable Dining in Copenhagen
Copenhagen has earned its reputation as a global hub for culinary excellence, and fortunately, many of the city's top restaurants are also committed to sustainability. After scouring the city's dining scene, I've rounded up some of my top picks for eco-friendly restaurants in Copenhagen:
First on the list is Restaurant Tèrra, a fine dining establishment that specializes in innovative cuisine with a sustainability focus. With a zero-food-waste policy, they maximize every ingredient and transform scraps into creative by-products. It's no surprise that they earned a coveted green Michelin star in September 2021. Though the price point is high, the exceptional dining experience is well worth it.
Price level: High.Next up is Restaurant Ark, a hidden gem that truly embodies the concept of sustainability. From food to furniture, sustainability is woven into every aspect of their operations. They have an impressive zero-food-waste policy, co-own a mushroom farm in Denmark, and even make lamps from seaweed and paper waste. Like Tèrra, they've also earned a green Michelin star, making them a must-visit for eco-conscious foodies.
Price level: High.
For those looking for a unique and socially-engaging dining experience, Gro Spiseri is a must-visit. Located above the city, this concept restaurant has only one table, which can seat up to 25 people. The restaurant is part of a community-supported agricultural project, complete with a rooftop farm right outside the restaurant. They serve a menu based on organic productions from local growers, producers, and hunters, making for a truly unique and locally-sourced dining experience.
Price level: Medium.
Bæst is another top pick for eco-friendly dining in Copenhagen. They have their own farm, where chefs and farmers work together to care for and harvest the best vegetables for their dishes. Additionally, they have their own dairy and butchery upstairs, where they make handmade cheese and charcuterie. The commitment to locally grown and made ingredients makes for a truly unique dining experience, and the price point is moderate.
Price level: Medium.
Of course, there are many other sustainable restaurants in Copenhagen that are worth mentioning. These are simply the ones that I found to be the most interesting and noteworthy. If you know of another eco-friendly restaurant in Copenhagen that you think deserves a shout-out, please let me know!
Eco-friendly hotels in Copenhagen
When it comes to choosing a sustainable hotel in Copenhagen, you'll be pleased to know that there are many eco-certified options available. Let's take a closer look at some of the best ones:
Manon Les Suites: If you're looking for a luxurious and tropical stay in the heart of Copenhagen, Manon Les Suites is the place to be. Despite the hotel's lush Bali-inspired decor, they take sustainability seriously with their "repair, not replace" policy, eco-friendly bedding, and focus on sustainable supplies over single-use plastics. No wonder they've earned their Green Key certificate!
Price level: High.
Hotel Ottillia: This stylish and upscale hotel is all about sustainability, sourcing 100% eco-certified wind energy for all their electricity needs. They've earned their Green Key certificate, and their goal is to reduce total energy consumption by 5-7% by 2025. With their commitment to sustainability, I’m rooting for them to achieve it!
Price level: Medium/high.
Comwell Copenhagen Portside: his hotel chain has won the "Most Sustainable Hotel Chain in Denmark" award for four consecutive years, and it's no surprise why. They take sustainability seriously, even studying the footprint of their restaurant napkins on the environment. As a frequent Comwell guest, I can personally attest to their exceptional service and attention to sustainable practices.
Price level: Medium.
Tivoli Hotel: Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and extensive entertainment options for kids, Tivoli Hotel also prioritizes sustainability. They focus on waste sorting, using large containers to reduce plastic waste, and increasing their use of organic produce while reducing food waste. Their efforts have eliminated the use of 1,350,000 million containers annually according to their data.
Price level: Medium
With so many eco-certified hotels in Copenhagen, making a sustainable choice has never been easier. Whether you're looking for luxury or family-friendly accommodations, you can rest assured that these hotels are doing their part for the planet.
Sustainable transportation in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is a city that offers a plethora of sustainable transportation options. One of the most popular ways to get around is by bike. With various companies offering bike rentals through an app, it's easy to find a bike almost anywhere in the city. Plus, not only is cycling a sustainable way to travel, but it's also a great way to see the sights and get some exercise.
Another eco-friendly transportation option is electric taxis. As electric cars have become more popular, many taxis in Copenhagen have made the switch to electric vehicles. While taking a taxi may be more expensive than other options, you can feel good knowing that you're not contributing to air pollution.
For a more budget-friendly option, many downtown Copenhagen buses run on electricity, making it an affordable and sustainable way to get around the city. Whether you choose to cycle, take an electric taxi, or hop on an electric bus, there are plenty of sustainable transportation options available in Copenhagen.
Sustainable activities in Copenhagen
Did you know that in Copenhagen, you can rent a kayak for free if you agree to collect waste while kayaking? This unique initiative is run by GreenKayak, an environmental NGO that encourages volunteers to fight against pollution while enjoying the waters. Their effort has resulted in the collection of over 80,000 kg of ocean waste.
If kayaking isn't your thing, you can always opt for a boat ride with GoBoat. These boats are fitted with solar-powered electric motors, making for a peaceful and eco-friendly ride. Additionally, they provide small fish nets to help clear the water of any waste you may come across.
I know that there is so much more to explore in Copenhagen when it comes to eco-friendly choices, and thank god for that! But see this as inspiration and not as an exhaustive list. If you would be interested in more eco-friendly tips for staying in Copenhagen, please let me know, and I will do a follow up!
Thanks for reading! Make sure to join me on the eco adventure and sign up with your email down below.
Remember to wander the world, but tread lightly.
Best regards, Laura.
