Why Copenhagen is the Leading Sustainable Event Destination for Your Next Event

When did I realise just how different Copenhagen is from other cities? A moment so simple I could have missed it: coats left by locals on open racks at the Danish Architecture Center – no ticketing, no locks, just trust.

This is a city so safe and relaxed that rumour has it, they even park babies outside cafés in prams, though November’s chill meant we couldn’t confirm. Strolling through the cobbled streets feels almost meditative, the friendliness of the locals matched by a sense of calm and order.

Even the canals tell the same story: we saw a man dive into the icy November waters, leaving his clothes on the bank with no fear of them vanishing. He emerged minutes later, casually changing – nude but utterly unbothered. It’s hard not to marvel at the quiet confidence of Copenhageners. This city is a masterclass in trust, balance and a refreshing approach to urban living.

Though visiting for leisure, I wouldn’t be much of an event planner if I didn’t view the city through a MICE lens, making time to explore key hotels, venues and experiences along the way. Here are the highlights:

• Eco Friendly Transport
  Copenhagen’s compact layout is a dream for walkers, though the abundance of bike lanes and affordable rental options makes cycling effortless and a great way to get delegates travelling in a sustainable way. For convenience the Copenhagen Card is the ultimate hack, helping you exploring the city’s top venues and attractions.
• Stay: Axel Guldsmeden Hotel
  A stay here feels like a hug from Copenhagen itself: warm, unpretentious and utterly green. This Green Key and Green Globe-accredited hotel takes sustainability seriously, with initiatives like a no-fly policy for food and biofuel from waste. The 212 rooms include penthouse suites with rooftop terraces and hot tubs – perfect for unwinding after city explorations, even on a chilly November night. From energy-efficient conference rooms to zero-waste catering options, you can create a completely sustainable event in Copenhagen, ensuring that every detail supports your CSR objectives.
• See the City by Boat
  Whether it’s a summer Go Boat adventure or a winter ride on Strømma’s covered electric sightseeing boats, the canals offer a unique perspective of the city. Smart urban planning means your starting point is Gammel Strand, not tourist-packed Nyhavn, part of the city’s strategy to balance tourism.
• Nyhavn
  Talking of Nyhavn; Instagram-famous and undeniably touristy it is, but also irresistible. Its colourful historic port is lined with bars and restaurants, perfect for soaking up the vibe with a drink in hand.
• Craft Beer Culture
  Denmark does beer, and it does it well. From the history-rich Home of Carlsberg to guided walking tours with tastings, there’s something for everyone. Visit in November to sip on Tuborg’s Julebryg, a Christmas classic with caramel, liquorice and blackcurrant notes. Despite its seasonal availability, it’s the country’s fourth most popular beer and I like to think we helped prop-up those sales numbers whilst there.
• Sustainable Dining and Catering
  Michelin-star meals are optional when Copenhagen’s street food scene shines so brightly. Gasoline Grill lives up to the hype with burgers worth queuing for. For bakeries, Rug at Villa Copenhagen stands out, a venue that combines five-star hotel luxury with sustainable Danish design (check out their event space, The Square that can host up to 1200 people). Craving the classic open-faced sandwiches? Hallernes Smørrebrød in Torvehallerne is your go-to for traditional flavours like shrimp and egg or potato and bacon. Copenhagen’s food scene isn’t just about great taste; it’s about sustainability, too. Many restaurants and hotels prioritise locally-sourced ingredients, sustainable practices and zero-waste initiatives. Whether you’re hosting a catered event or grabbing lunch between meetings, you can be sure that the city’s dining options are as eco-conscious as they are delicious.
• Late-Night Scene
  Kodbyen, the Meatpacking District, buzzes with energy after dark. War Pigs serves up slow-cooked Tex-Mex meats with giant pitchers of beer canteen-style. Post-dinner, head to Aben for brews straight from steel tanks suspended above you, drinking beer in its purest, freshest form.
• Green Spaces for Events
  Copenhagen seamlessly blends urban spaces with nature, providing unique venues for outdoor events and activities. Stroll through the city’s many parks, including the Botanical Gardens and the lush winter garden at the Glyptotek or the harbourside Black Diamond Library with it’s stunning canal views, perfect for serene escapes with cultural flair for networking or relaxed group gatherings. Plus, many venues incorporate natural elements into their design, creating a calming and inspiring atmosphere for any event. For design lovers, the Danish Architecture Centre is a must, with exhibitions and a four-story spiral slide that’s as fun as it sounds – and where the open cloakroom first stole my heart to Copenhagen.
• Event Planning with Sustainability in Mind
  Copenhagen is a city that actively supports event planners seeking to minimise their environmental impact. From venues with strong green credentials to a transport system designed to reduce emissions, every aspect of hosting an event here aligns with sustainable practices. You can confidently plan your next event knowing that your choice of destination is in line with global sustainability goals.

Copenhagen doesn’t just invite you to visit; it asks you to live a little differently. And after just a few days here, you might never want to live any other way. And isn’t that just what a great event destination should do; challenge perspectives, spark creativity and leave a lasting impression? Copenhagen is the perfect example of a sustainable event destination, blending eco-conscious initiatives with a modern, vibrant atmosphere that leaves an indelible mark. Whether you’re planning a corporate retreat, conference or incentive trip, this city offers a unique combination of sustainability, innovation and charm that will inspire both you and your attendees.