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Sustainable Travel: A Luxury Eco-Weekend In Copenhagen
Copenhagen is a city at the forefront of sustainability in Europe, but this doesn't mean you have to forgo your indulgences. The city offers the perfect backdrop for a guilt-free yet indulgent luxury weekend with some of the top restaurants in the world as well as stunning luxury hotels with a conscience.
If you want to avoid flying, the most eco-conscious way to reach Copenhagen is by train. Obviously, this requires more time, but the journey itself becomes part of the break and you could add in a stopover in another city. Options from the UK typically involve a Eurostar service to Brussels or Paris, followed by onward connections through Germany to Copenhagen. You can travel in comfort with Eurostar Premier class, which includes access to lounges, priority boarding, spacious seating, a menu curated by top chefs, and complimentary amenities like Wi-Fi and at-seat power sockets.
In the future, traveling around Europe by train should become a lot easier and less time-consuming with the launch of Nox in 2027. This new sleeper train service aims to connect over 100 cities with affordable overnight train routes, including Copenhagen. This Berlin-based startup will offer private one or two-bed cabins, aiming to compete with short-haul flights.
Copenhagen boasts plenty of luxury hotels committed to sustainability to choose from. While in the past, you may have associated eco-friendly with compromising on comfort or style, this is certainly not the case here.
Manon Les Suites hotel pool Copenhagen Guldsmeden hotels
Guldsmeden Manon Les Suites: Stepping into Manon Les Suites is like finding a Bali-inspired oasis in the heart of Copenhagen. You may well have already seen the stunning indoor jungle pool while scrolling social media. While you may not equate Copenhagen with a relaxing swim and lounging by the pool, this hotel offers the option to feel like you are in a tropical location when you need some rest between sightseeing. You won't have to compromise on comfort either with the hotel's well equipped suites which come with an array of amentities from robes to deliciously scented body oil and eco friendly tooth kits.
Manon Les Suites hotel, Deluxe suite, Copenhagen Guldsmeden Hotels
As part of the Guldsmeden hotel family, it holds a "Gold Ø-label" for its organic food, uses sustainable energy, and prioritizes practices like repairing rather than replacing items. The lush plant installations are central to the hotel's atmosphere with the hotel having its own in-house 'plant nursery' where they try to revive and rehabilitate struggling plants instead of replacing them. Food waste monitoring is used to measure food waste at all stages – breakfast, lunch, dinner, and production. The kitchen is equipped with bins placed on integrated scales, and the staff is trained to separate waste accurately.
Hotel Ottilia: Housed in the historic Carlsberg Brewery buildings, Hotel Ottilia offers a unique blend of Danish heritage and sustainable luxury. Part of the eco-certified Brøchner Hotels group, it provides a stylish and comfortable base for exploring the city. Culinary Delights: Michelin-Starred Innovative Dining
Copenhagen's culinary scene is a global leader in sustainable dining, with Denmark having 17 Green Michelin Stars, awarded to restaurants for their sustainable practices. Norway, Sweden, Iceland, and Finland have 19 Green stars combined.
The dome dining area at The Alchemist Photo Sųren Gammelmark @gammelmarkphoto
The Alchemist: Named as one of the top restaurants in the world, The Alchemist offers a truly unique and unforgettable dining experience. The Alchemist offers a "holistic cuisine" experience that unfolds across several distinct spaces within the restaurant. Holistic cuisine uses elements from gastronomy, theatre and art, as well as science, technology and design, to create a multi-sensory experience.
Dishes such as Plastic Fantastic are designed to shock and encourage debate on environmental issues. The course was inspired by the large garbage patches found in centre of oceans where a natural vortex collects the garbage. A play on classic fish and chips even with the vinegar, the dish consists of an edible plastic 'vortex' made from algae and collagen from fish skin. Underneath are tempura-battered cod cheeks, with a tartar sauce based on pickles from this summer.
Dish at The Alchemist restaurant, Copenhagen. Michele Robson
Under chef Rasmus Munk, you can expect up to 50 small dishes over 4-6 hours, some of which are designed to be challenging to the diner. While not exclusively plant-based, the restaurants's commitment to sustainability is profound, focusing on ethical sourcing, minimizing waste, and exploring the impact of food systems. The restaurant aims to raise awareness about climate change, as well as environmental and animal welfare issues. Unusually, they also take pride in highlighting invasive species such as moon jellyfish, king crab and sea urchins by featuring them on the menu.
If you plan to go, make sure you book when they release tickets three months in advance. With a waiting list of over a million people, advance reservations are essential!
Restaurant Ark: Holding a prestigious Michelin Green Star, Ark is a pioneer in vegan fine dining. Their multi-course tasting menus are a testament to the possibilities of plant-based cuisine, focusing on local and foraged ingredients. Prepare for an evening of innovative dishes that challenge perceptions and delight the senses.
Vaekst restaurant with its greenhouse theme. Cocofoco by Chris Tonnesen
Vaekst: In the middle of Copenhagen's old Latin quarter, sits Vaekst, a restaurant that brings the outside inside. Centered on a greenhouse that spans the restaurants two floors, the space is filled with plants and lighting that mimic a Danish evening., Vækst is plant-forward with dishes based on fresh Nordic vegetables and herbs, but you can still enjoy a great steak, seafood, and fresh fish too. They use 100% green energy, make sure they are aware of the environmental impact of all their ingredients and are focused on reducing food waste. Getting around
Copenhagen Airport has a train station located directly beneath Terminal 3 with the journey to Copenhagen Central Station taking about 15 minutes by train
Most of the centre of Copenhagen is walkable, but you can also enjoy Copenhagen's legendary cycling culture. Many hotels offer complimentary bikes, or you can easily rent one to make the most of the city's extensive network of dedicated bike lanes. Just be careful to watch for bikes when crossing the road as you may not be used to seeing so many.
Cars are actively discouraged with an import tax of up to 150% on cars. However, you can get electric taxis and ride-share cars such as Bolt within the city if you need to. Exploring the city
Harbour Baths and Canal Tours: Enjoy the city's clean harbor with a dip in a designated swimming area like e Islands Brygge, or take an electric-powered canal tour to see the city and the Little Mermaid from a different perspective. You can also enjoy the city's waterways with GreenKayak rentals, collecting litter as you paddle.
Visit Copenhagen: Daniel Rasmussen
Sustainable Shopping: Copenhagen has an array of unique boutique shops, with many focused on their environmental impact. From ethical fashion brands like Organic Basics and Ecouture, specializing in consciously produced garments, to vintage and second-hand shops offering unique finds, you can indulge in retail therapy with a clean conscience. Visit "Res-Res" for forward-thinking sustainable items for the whole family, or "Wauw" for unique, handcrafted ceramic pieces.
CopenPay Program: Take advantage of Copenhagen's innovative "CopenPay" initiative. This program rewards visitors for making sustainable choices like cycling, using public transport, taking part in clean-up efforts, or staying longer in the city. You can earn perks like free bike rentals, museum discounts, or even free meals.
Visit Copenhagen: Rasmus Hjortshøj – COAST - @coaststudio
Ski in town: Visit Copenhill, a power plant with a rooftop ski slope.
Copenhagen will surprise you with everything from skiing in the city to an Instagram worthy tropical pool alongside world-beating cuisine. With the focus on sustainability you can enjoy all the comforts of a luxury holiday with a clear conscience.
