A more sustainable tourism
In order to take a step forward to decrease our carbon emissions and pursue a more sustainable lifestyle,
there is a different way of travelling which creates experiences, values and do not contribute heavily to
global emissions. This way is biking.
In 2017, the aviation sector accounted for 3.8% of total European CO2 emissions. As it is very easy to book
a flight for the chosen destination of your vacation, it is also very easy to forget how our choices and
actions have an influence on the environment.
A study by Wynes and Nicholas (2017) reveals that among the actions with the most powerful capacity to decrease our emissions, choosing not to fly has a big potential. According to myclimate.org a roundtrip flight from Copenhagen to Berlin emits 0.260t of CO2, which is around half of the emissions that an individual should emit in order to decrease the worse impacts of climate change.
EuroVelo: making it easier to bike in Europe
EuroVelo, the network of long-distance cycling routes crossing Europe, includes a route ( EuroVelo 7 ) which
connects Europe from North Cape in Norway to Malta, in the South of Europe. This cycling way includes
690 km of bike path from Copenhagen to Berlin, making it easier to move by bike between the two cities.
Making a bike trip of many days requires a bit of planning beforehand and good equipment to make sure
that you are able to cope with drawbacks along the way, but the landscapes during and the satisfaction at
the end of the journey will pay back all the effort made. The way is mostly flat and there are many lakes in
which it is possible to step in and take a bath in a summer sunny day, refreshing yourself after some
kilometers of biking.
Bike travelling: tips and advantages
When travelling by bike you will decrease your carbon footprint, not contributing to emissions in the
atmosphere from your way of moving, and you will decrease air and noise pollution as well.
Doing a long-distance bike trip is not just a sustainable way of moving around, but it is also a good way to discover places and nature in a different way, being closer and more proximate to the small cities you will pass through.
Bike travelling is also socially sustainable, as it generates income to the cities in between and not only to
capital cities, for example when stopping for lunch in a traditional restaurant or when sleeping in a
medieval-inspired guesthouse.
However, if you wish to have an inexpensive journey, it is possible to plan it
with camping equipment: bringing your camping stove and a tent will make your trip cheaper and much
more in contact with nature. In Denmark you can find many shelters where you can sleep for free, some
equipped with toilets and fireplace.
Experience your destination with Green Bike Tours!
Once you have reached Berlin or Copenhagen, you can enjoy the city with our Green Bike Tours that will
show you the most interesting spots of your destination. Choose among the different tours we offer and
join us for a healthy and a more environmentally friendly way of discovering the city! Visit www.greenbiketours.org
Beatrice Carnelos, Green Guide