Travel sustainably: sustainable group or incentive trip to Copenhagen & Malmö
In our blog ‘5 ways to travel sustainably in Europe’ Did we already tell you that Copenhagen – Denmark is one of Europe's most sustainable destinations? But it is not only Copenhagen that pursues an active sustainability policy. Scandinavia is generally known for its progressive outlook and innovative actions regarding climate improvement. As a result, Scandinavia has a great deal to offer as a destination for sustainable group and incentive travel. In this blog, we take you on a possible (sustainable) combined trip to two Scandinavian destinations: Copenhagen & Malmö!
Copenhagen – Denmark
Copenhagen, also known as the ‘greenest city’ in the world, certainly lives up to its name. From buses running on green energy and the bicycle as the main means of transport, to machines that refund a deposit when a can or plastic cup is handed in, and fully organic restaurants with a Michelin star!
An unforgettable (green) day of travel in Copenhagen
We would be happy to outline a potential itinerary for an incentive trip to Copenhagen, with sustainability as the overarching theme of the travel program.
Sustainable Sleeping
The city features a wide range of eco-certified hotels! Finding a sustainable place to stay in Copenhagen is actually easier than finding a non-sustainable one... So you're spoiled for choice! Do you prefer a historic, modernised hotel with historic character, a brand-new design hotel equipped with modern luxury, or Denmark's most sustainable hotel chain?!
‘Go Green with your Team’ activities
- Skiing on the roof of a power station.Race down the (snowless) ski slopes on the roof of the world's cleanest waste-to-energy plant. Beneath the slope, waste is collected and converted into electricity and heat for 60,000 households. Rather not ski? Then try the walking trail that runs alongside the plant's roof.
- Green Segway tour.Under the guidance of a local guide, interesting sustainable and green spots in the centre of Copenhagen are touched upon, such as bicycle bridges, solar installations, green roofs, harbour baths, green architecture, energy-efficient buildings and wind turbines.
- Hi darling.Don't be alarmed, but millions of bees live in beehives on roofs and in yards all across the city. Copenhagen actually boasts one of the largest beekeeping projects in Europe. The honey factory is a place where the vision of a rich urban nature and society come together. Visit the honey factory or factories and taste honey from different districts of Copenhagen on a guided tour.
Sustainable dining
The selection of sustainable dining options is also vast in Copenhagen! For example, dine among heads of cabbage and lettuce at Denmark's first rooftop farm and feel and taste the unique atmosphere of this restaurant. All the dishes are prepared to Michelin-star standard and consist of high-quality, organic ingredients. Or take a seat in a restaurant where, alongside amazing dishes made from local and seasonal produce, a way is offered to provide people who find it difficult to find a job with a workplace in the labour market. Social responsibility!
Journey from Copenhagen to Malmö
To give your group or incentive trip an extra dimension, it is wonderful to combine a visit to Copenhagen with Malmö. With a distance of only 30 kilometres between these two destinations, your travel party will find themselves in the neighbouring Scandinavian country of Sweden in no time at all! In addition, the journey itself is worth mentioning as you have to cross the spectacular Öresund Bridge – the bridge that connects Denmark and Sweden.
- By train {by trainStep aboard the Øresundståg (the train between Copenhagen and Malmö) and travel with your group to Sweden in 35 minutes. Travelling by train is one of the most sustainable modes of transport! You can read more about it in our blog “Sustainable travel by train”.
- By bus {by busThe Øresund Bridge can also be crossed by luxury private coach or (mini)buses. The journey by bus takes approximately 45 minutes. GO GREEN! Since 2020, Copenhagen has had electric buses for public transport in the city. How cool is it to use an e-bus as a means of transport during your group trip? Ask us about the possibilities!
- By boat {by boatPrefer to view the Öresund Bridge from the water? Then it is also a great option to travel by boat from Copenhagen to Malmö. You can take the ferry (3.5 hours), but it is much more unique to let your travel party make the crossing by private boat (3 hours) or super-fast RIB boats (45 minutes)!
Malmö – Sweden
Malmö is Sweden’s third-largest city and is situated in the very south of the country. Around 20 years ago, Malmö was still an industrial port city, but today it has grown into one of the world’s most innovative cities in the field of sustainability. For instance, the city is aiming to run entirely on green electricity by 2030; it boasts beautiful green oases and green event venues, and features neighbourhoods powered by biogas, wind and solar energy.
An unforgettable (green) day of travel in Malmö
We are happy to outline a potential itinerary for an incentive trip to Malmö, with sustainability as the common thread throughout the program.
Sustainable Sleeping
Do you think your travelling party should have breakfast at an eco-friendly hotel consisting of a spinach-wheatgrass smoothie instead of a lavish breakfast buffet? Then the modern accommodation in Malmö will surprise you with its freshly brewed coffee, local delicacies, vegan alternatives and homemade produce. And this variety doesn't mean ‘in abundance’, so as to prevent food waste. Combine such a delicious breakfast with the luxury comfort of the Scandinavian accommodation and enjoy a carefree stay!
‘Go Green with your Team’ Activities
- Visit the green roofs. Malmö features 9,500 m² of various types of innovative green roofs. Among other things, the installation of green roofs provides new spaces for plants and animals, a better local climate, an insulating effect and a cooling effect on the urban environment. Oh, and of course it also just looks very nice! During a guided tour you will learn all about the operation, installation and benefits of these special roofs.
- Cycle tour. Malmö is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world due to its wide, flat cycle paths and low volume of car traffic. Hop on a bike and experience the city through the eyes of a local during a relaxed cycling tour led by an enthusiastic guide. This way, you will discover the most beautiful (hidden) spots in Malmö!
- E-boat canal cruise. Experience Malmö from the water on an eco-friendly, electric boat tour along the canal that runs straight through the city! A private skipper will guide the group(s) along this route past sights such as: the city's oldest park, Malmöhus Castle and traditional fishermen's cottages. A delightful experience!
Sustainable dining
Just like in Copenhagen, eco-friendly restaurants are springing up all over Malmö. For example, choose a shared-dining experience at a vegan restaurant that the locals simply can't get enough of. Or treat your travelling companions to an unforgettable Michelin-starred dining experience with a ‘no food waste’ concept.
To engage and enthuse your target audience sustainably in advance!
As you can see, Scandinavia is exceptionally well suited for a sustainable group or incentive trip! We completely understand that you cannot wait to travel to Northern Europe with your employees or business associates. 😉 Therefore, start getting your target audience excited, informed and involved right now with a sustainable preparatory phase through our Stretch-method. We are creating a ‘green’ communication pathway, for instance by deploying our Digital tools and eco-friendly gifts. In this way, your organisation or message stays top of mind with your target audience for longer and we ensure even more impact!
Curious about the possibilities for your organisation? Then get Contact contact us, we are happy to help you plan your sustainable group trip!