Berlin has launched a new initiative rewarding tourists who engage in sustainable behaviours with free attraction tickets, following a model similar to Copenhagen's CopenPay. From 14 May to 14 June 2026, Visit Berlin and the Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises are piloting “BerlinPay”, a month-long campaign dedicated to promoting sustainable water tourism.
Under the scheme, tourists who water trees, arrive by bicycle, or collect litter can earn benefits such as complimentary drinks and vouchers for boat tours on the Spree river. Approximately 5,000 activities are included in the BerlinPay programme, with 40 Berlin-based businesses and organisations participating. These include guided river clean-up tours and environmental activities at Berlin’s lakeside beaches.
Among the participants, the Hosek Contemporary art gallery will offer free concerts every Wednesday to visitors arriving by climate-friendly means. Additionally, participants of Visit Berlin’s “Close to the Water” scheme will be invited to exclusive late-night swimming events at Hotel Oderberger.
Sabine Wendt, CEO of Visit Berlin, expressed enthusiasm about the pilot project: “We are delighted to have secured more than 40 partners for the pilot project, all of whom are participating in the initiative with great enthusiasm. BerlinPay demonstrates in an innovative way that businesses and organisations are willing to take responsibility for our city. Through this initiative, we invite Berliners and their guests to experience Berlin in a more mindful way – particularly by and on the water.”
The sustainable tourism model is inspired by the CopenPay scheme introduced in Copenhagen in 2024. Under CopenPay, tourists who demonstrate “climate-friendly actions” are rewarded with free drinks, meals, and activities. In 2025, the programme expanded to triple its size, featuring 90 participating attractions across Copenhagen and running for nine weeks from 17 June to 17 August. Rewards included free coffees, ice cream, bike rental, organic meals, and boat tours, typically earned through litter picking or arriving by eco-conscious transport.
