Have you been to the world’s greenest city?

Where in the world can you swim in a busy urban harbour, ski down the roof of a green-energy power station, drive a solar-powered boat, stay in an eco-friendly hotel and dine on organic food on every street corner? The answer is Copenhagen, the world’s greenest major city.

Denmark’s capital has long put sustainability at the top of its agenda, as have many of its inhabitants. Denmark itself aims to be the world’s first country entirely independent of fossil fuels by 2050.

A significant city landmark is Copenhill, which turns waste into energy to supply tens of thousands of homes and businesses. Amazingly, it is covered by a year-round artificial ski and snowboard slope, one of the longest in the world and an exciting novelty for both residents and visitors. Hikers are welcome in a new green space up top.

All buses are changing from diesel to electric, while more and more road surfaces are devoted to cycling. After all, this is a city where the bicycle rules, with even members of parliament pedalling to work daily.

You can rent an electric bike at low cost, perhaps traversing the harbour on one of the two recently constructed cycle bridges.

Prefer to travel by water? Hire a GoBoat to explore the canals. Taking up to eight people, the boats have electric, solar-powered engines and are made from wood from sustainable sources – as are the jetties. What’s more, an organic picnic can be supplied for you to enjoy on board.

You are unlikely to fall off, but don’t worry if you do – the waterways of Copenhagen are pure enough for swimming.

The city already has more than its fair share of parks and green spaces, and a 70-acre nature reserve is planned in the industrial North Harbour area. Much of this district, and Refshaleøen across the harbour’s mouth, have already been regenerated with sustainable design, such as grass roofs that both filter rainwater and insulate their buildings.

Copenhagen’s Global Fashion Summit – held in mid-May – is recognised as a global leader in promoting the industry’s sustainability, putting the focus on climate change and managing scarce resources.

More than two-thirds of the city’s hotels hold an eco-certificate. The Scandic group is among those with a carbon-neutral target and each hotel has an environmental manager to ensure industry-leading standards of sustainable design, energy and food. Crowne Plaza and Nordic Choice Hotels are other hotel companies with strong environmental credentials.

Recycling is taken seriously in this city, with vending-style machines returning a deposit when you insert a can or plastic cup.

It’s when dining and drinking that visitors are most likely to be struck by Copenhagen’s sustainable philosophy. Even many of the pizzas, burgers, hotdogs and craft beers are made from organic ingredients.

At the top end of the scale, Geranium is the only all-organic restaurant anywhere to earn three Michelin stars.

Pop up to Gro Spiseri in Osterbro and you’ll find a lush rooftop farm groaning with leafy goodies, some of which are served in the adjacent greenhouse eatery.

Even at the new Reffen street food market in Refshaleoen, vendors are required to use compostable packaging and offer free-range produce wherever possible.

Denmark is well known as one of the happiest places on Earth, and Copenhagen, one of the best cities to live in. Embrace the green scene and you’ll soon realise why.

The land of everyday wonder

Danes consistently rank among the world's happiest people, and it’s not hard to see why. From the cosiness concept of hygge to a true appreciation of nature, they’ve perfected the art of putting heart and soul into everyday life. Experience it for yourself on a trip to its buzzing capital of Copenhagen and you’re bound to bring that sense of wonder back home with you. 

Find out more about the spectacular city of Copenhagen at visitcopenhagen.com